Learn how to operate Florida's tricky voting machines during the Bank of America "Fiesta Puerto Rico Sunday" at the Las Olas Riverfront (300 SW First Ave., Fort Lauderdale). Or negotiate the spirit world with the help of a Weston woman with purported links to angels, archangels, and otherworldly beings. "It's the same way you speak over the phone, only it's not AT&T connect," says April Colón-Pagán, who claims to channel healing messages from the beyond.
Fiesta Puerto Rico commemorates the 52nd anniversary of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico with proud puertorriqueños showcasing their culture through folk dancing, arts and crafts, and the traditional-modern music blends of the David Rodriguez and Los Pleneros de Borinquen Show. The Monte Carlos Trio performs boleros, merengues, and waltzes, and Salsa Knight Dance Studios provides free instruction as bacalaitos (fish fritters) and alcapurrias (meat fritters) sizzle in oil. "They're all fried, all delicious, and you can dance off the calories," Hallandale Beach resident Maria Noboa says.
Admission is free. Call 954-527-0627. The salsa concert, "Puerto Rican Power," at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale) Saturday at 7 p.m., serves as a fiesta prelude with themed drinks and dancing. Tickets to that cost $15 to $35. Call 954-462-0222 or 800-564-9539. --Michelle Sheldone
Crash the Party
DJ Soozin has her cake
THU 7/22
You're wondering what to get DJ Soozin for a birthday present. May we suggest a chaise longue? A ticket to Jamaica? A Valium? The workaholic is pursuing her master's degree full-time, spends her days as a financial aid counselor, and produces a webcast (on www.pulseradio.net, Sundays from 8 to 10 p.m.) and a radio show (on 88.5 FM, Wednesdays from 9 to 11 p.m.). On top of that, she manages to hold a residency at Lush (3074 NE 33rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale). On "Ignite Thursdays," Sooz gets behind the turntables and spins the whole spectrum of house music. No snob, she lays down Madonna right next to Dubtribe Sound System. This week, perhaps the other DJs on hand -- MJ12 and Dave Kerns -- can persuade her to take a break. It's her birthday. You may not know Soozin personally, but Lush also features something you're probably intimate with: boozin'. Call 954-568-6950, or visit www.lushsouthflorida.com. --Deirdra Funcheon
Serious Oral
ePoets take the mic
SUN 7/25
ePoetry isn't a web concept, like eBooks or eCommerce. It's in-person, open-mic erotic verse, and it goes down two Sundays each month. Since poets already tend to have active pie holes, July's theme, "Oral Sex," seems fitting. If you're seeking an accessory theme, keep in mind that July is also "National Hot Dog Month." Really, it is. Come early if you want to read; only the first ten poets who sign up get on-stage. Deviation from the theme is cool and nothing is off-limits, ePoetry curator Randolph Dukes says. Why only twice a month? Says the website's FAQs, "Anything more... might cause addiction." The event takes place at 8 p.m. at Himmarshee Side Bar (210 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale). Visit www.feel-epoetry.com, or call 754-366-7799. --Dave Amber
Reloaded
FRI 7/23
If all you saw in The Matrix were fight scenes and special effects, you missed the greater ontological metaphor. Perhaps the Tubten Kunga Buddhist Education Center (665 SE Tenth St., Ste. 202, Deerfield Beach) can enhance your cinematic myopia with tonight's discussion "What's Really Going on Here?" Show up at 7:30 p.m. to learn how the film relates to the Buddhist world view. Cost: a $10 donation. Call 954-421-6224. -- Jason Budjinski
