"I do a bit of singing and a bit of speaking," explains Sun-Sentinel columnist and television talk-show host Stephen Goldstein. "I call it 'spinging.' About a year ago, I started waking up after a night's sleep with whole songs almost written -- music and lyrics -- in my head. I had to follow that energy."
His cabaret-style piano music and good-natured jabs at the establishment form the basis of An Evening of Satirical Cabaret with Stephen Goldstein at Cinema Paradiso (503 SE Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale). In his one-man show, Goldstein lounges through 15 "satiric serenades," espousing the elements of sarcasm, humor, and politics. Check out timeless classics such as "I Don't Want to Have a Clone," "I Once Bought Some Shares of Enron," "Damn Afghanistan," and "Screw You." "When social criticism gets heavy, people are turned off," Goldstein insists. "Each night, TV talk shows make things worse; they pit conservatives against liberals, but nobody learns anything, and nothing changes. I think the world, or at least South Florida, is ready for my serenades. Laughter is the best medicine." Show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets cost $15. Call 954-525-FILM. -- Audra Schroeder
FRI 8/15
A Dashing Character
Eric Aronson wants YOU to change your life
"Aronson realized his life had spun out of control one night when he was serving his sentence in prison..." So begins the press release inviting would-be self-helpers to attend Eric Aronson's seminar. Labeled "Most Likely Not to Succeed" in high school, he became a stockbroker before being sent to prison for selling fraudulent shares in his company -- he even managed to bankrupt an Ohio town. At Borders (1801 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach) from 7 to 9 p.m., he discusses his new book, Dash, and reveals how you too can turn your life around. Even if you're an ex-con who fleeced the unwary to cover his own debts. Admission is free. Call 561-689-4112. -- Dan Sweeney