SAT 9/3
In 1994, Spragga Benz was a short-haired, handsome, young dancehall star whose string of Jamaican hits landed him a deal with Capitol Records. He'd started out as a DJ (or "selector," as they're called in Jamaica), then unexpectedly became a singer ("deejay") after Buju Banton dared him to lay down the vocals on a couple of B-sides. Scrubbed and polished, Spragga was poised to become the poster child for crossover success.
Alas, he was a wee bit ahead of the times; the mainstream couldn't handle the dancehall until it was spoon-fed some sweet Shaggy tunes and, years later, warmed to Sean Paul. Disillusioned with Capitol's unfulfilled promises, Spragga went back to Jamaica, where he has released mostly singles, popped up in a couple of movies (most notably Shottas), and collaborated with everyone from KRS-One to Kevin Lyttle to a couple of Fugees. The new Spragga has long dreadlocks, a nappy beard, and a look that says, "I dare you." Can you handle him now? Find out when he performs at Club TKO (1900 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) on Saturday. Doors open at 10 p.m., and tickets cost $25. Call 561-547-0025, or visit www.tropicalheatmusic.com. -- Deirdra Funcheon
Delray Rocks!
Flaunt it at Delux
THU 9/1
If there's one thing that has long puzzled Palm Beach County's indie-rock scene (besides where to find a decent record store), it's why all the good club nights are down south. Crush, Bling, and Blacklisted are all in Fort Lauderdale; Poplife and Revolver are in Miami; but Palm Beach? Well, the drought has finally ended, as Flaunt takes over Thursday nights at Delux Lounge (16 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach), featuring DJs Heather and Michael throwin' down anything from new wave, post-punk, and electroclash to funk, soul, and hip-hop. The idea, Flaunt organizer Shanon Sapienza says, is to bring a more rock-oriented crowd to the more traditional dance club. The night lasts from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. On your way out, you can register to win a $100 gift certificate for the Puma stores in the Aventura and Sawgrass malls. Admission costs $5 for 21 and up. Call 561-279-4792. -- Jason Budjinski
Art Lovers' Walkabout
Good luck with parking!
SAT 9/3
The 18th-annual Las Olas Labor Day Weekend Art Fair (along Las Olas Boulevard, from SE 6th to SE 11th avenues) is expected to draw 70,000 locals. With almost 200 art booths lining the street, Broward County's already-clogged shopping drag will become an even-more-clogged shopping drag with an artsy overtone.
All works -- ranging from classical to contemporary -- will be available for purchase, with prices from $25 to $10,000. Painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelry designers, and glass artists will discuss their work or take commissions for special projects. The free show takes place Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.artfestival.com, or call 954-472-3755. -- Chris Negelein
A Bazaar Labor Day
MON 9/5
Local craftsmakers are setting up shop at Flamingo Gardens (3750 S. Flamingo Rd., Davie) for a Labor Day Bazaar. That means admission is half price ($7.50 adults, $4 children), so you have more of that hard-earned cash to spend on jewelry, art, photography, and antique items. Take it slow, because tomorrow, it's back to work. The bazaar starts at 9:30 a.m. Call 954-473-2955. -- Terra Sullivan
