Culture Klatch

First, the obligatory reference to the old glory days of South Beach. Sandra Bernhard totally hung out here in the ’90s, and — obligatory related reference to Ingrid Casares — totally dated Ingrid Casares! OK, got that out of the way. Everyone involved has moved on from that era, but still, ribald comedian Bernhard makes a habit of returning to her old South Florida stomping grounds. Most recently, that was for a 2007 “Evening With” stand at the Colony Theater, which, with its variety-style mix of music and comedy, hinted at her current entertainment m.o. As part of a new slate of programming at Prelude by Barton G., Bernhard takes over the Arsht Center’s in-house restaurant (1300 Biscayne Blvd., in the Ziff Ballet Opera House) at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. She does so, however, with a full band. Bernhard first proved she had pipes when she scored a bona fide club chart hit in 1994, a cover of Sylvester’s disco classic “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real).” Since then, she’s opted for more serious fare along the jazz/blues/torch-song spectrum — usually. Her most recent album, 2009’s Whatever It Takes, saw her pulling a Paul Simon and getting in touch with African sounds and issues. Still, her between-song commentary and comedy riffage could be, err, colorful, so be warned of choking hazards if you opt for the $110 dinner-show ticket. For the windpipe-timid, there’s also the show-only option, for $55. Call 305-357-7900, or visit preludebybartong.com or arshtcenter.org.
Fri., Jan. 28, 8 p.m., 2011