Brunch. An excuse to catch a buzz in the middle of the day. Toss in some scenery and live entertainment and quaffing mimosas at noon reaches a whole new level! The SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch kicks off spring with the Omar Mesa Trio appearing outside the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale). Four other acts perform along the New River as local vendors sell artwork, crafts, and fresh produce. Bring your own picnic or sample crepes, African fare, and libations. The event is free and goes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit www.fortlauderdale.gov\festivals. -- Michele D. Omenson
East Meets West
... at the ragin' Asian fest
TUE 3/23
The Bangladesh Association of Florida, attempting to lure more than 6,000 patrons who have attended annual Boca Raton-based festivals in years past, hosts its 11th Asian Food Fair and Cultural Show at Delray Beach's Old School Square (51 N. Swinton Ave.) -- with a Trinidadian twist. Because many Trinidadians have roots in East India, the Trinidadian owners of an Indian clothing store are staging a fashion show. Goat roti may or may not be among the featured cuisines, but 52 booths will showcase the food, costumes, and crafts of Pakistan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and other Far Eastern nations. Look for Bangladeshi fishermen's and Egyptian Goddesses' sword dances. The West Palm Beach-based nonprofit Bangladesh Association assists Bangladeshis and others in need. The fundraising event lasts from 11:30 a.m. till sunset. Admission costs $5. Call 561-351-5019. -- Michelle Sheldone
Crunk's Not Dead
Watch out for Biggie's ghost
SAT 4/3
A few fashion sluts wearing Von Dutch and dancing to "Hey Ya!" don't make for a legitimate hip-hop night. Where, then, can you find the real deal? On Friday and Saturday nights, Club 84 (1000 State Rd. 84, Fort Lauderdale) hosts events with underground hip-hop stations 89.1 and 89.5. Both Master P. and Juvenile performed here last month, with both shows sliding coolly under the mainstream radar. The club has a sweet VIP section -- for meets-and-greets with artists and for whenever Puffy drops by. Hennessy, Remy, Hypnotic, and Belvedere are available by the bottle at the five bars (including one tiki bar). Check it out... and maybe you'll finally understand the meaning of crunk. Doors don't open till 11 p.m. Call 954-525-7883, or visit www.club84.net. -- Deirdra Funcheon
