With Bling, Alexander is pulling a Puffy-style about-face, imploring a "dress to impress" approach rather than the normal thrift-store fashion backdrop. The recently renovated Lush Sushi Lounge offers the most ideal faade to indulge in such sophistication this side of Lincoln Road. "Bling is not about dancing and getting piss drunk," the promoter insists. "It's about relaxing, chatting with your friends, and listening to the best music the indie scene has to offer." While once-territorial hipsters from Miami and Fort Lauderdale have had beefs in the past, it seems scene politics have finally been set aside. To emphasize the truce and Bling's comforting vibe, Alexander's upcoming guest DJ roster is a who's who of Miami players, like Poplife's Ray Milian and Aramis Lorie, who'll drop downtempo lounge and indie fare. But a culture with couture in mind? "The dress-up thing is just for flare," Alexander says, "making the night that much more exciting. It totally sets the mood." Sushi, sake, and sounds from artists like Thievery Corporation and Prefuse 73. We'll be the first to dust off our Armani.
Bling is every Tuesday from 10 p.m. till 2 a.m. at Lush Sushi Lounge, 3074 NE 33rd Ave. (just southwest of Oakland Park Boulevard and A1A), Fort Lauderdale. It features resident DJs IMA and Shaun Minus, plus weekly guests; two-for-one cocktails until midnight; and sushi and sake. Admission is $5 for the casually attired, free if you dress up. For age 18-and-up women, 21-and-up men. Call 954-568-6950.