Thursday July 4
Independence Day
The Fourth of July is a day for all Americans to celebrate our independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain that just so happened to fall on July 4, 1776. In South Florida, “official” firework displays and celebrations take place on virtually every city’s beach, held by the city itself. Fort Lauderdale Beach, Miami Beach, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and West Palm Beach all host waterfront celebrations. As the events are family-friendly, they usually wrap up around 9 or 9:30, leaving you with ample time to take a cab to the drive to celebrate your independence in a way that we as Americans are more accustomed to: bar-hopping. Beginning at sunset in various cities in the tri-county area. Check your city’s official site for more details.
Lady Bunny Live
Drag personality Lady Bunny is more than just a pretty face. The comedian, singer/songwriter, DJ, MC and actress has a diverse resume, but perhaps her biggest feat was creating Wigstock – a festival of drag and music taking place on Labor Day in New York for nearly 20 years. Lady Bunny’s official site says it best: “With her glitzy outfits, sky-high wigs, and false eyelashes long enough to embarrass even Tammy Faye Bakker, multi-talented drag artiste Lady Bunny would turn heads even if looking glamorous was her only talent. But this isn’t just another man in a dress.” Amen. See her perform live exclusively at Village Pub. 10 p.m. Village Pub. 2283 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, 33305.
Caspa The Friendly Ghost
If you’re into dubstep, you most likely know who Caspa is. If you don’t, you should. The hugely successful dubstep producer’s new track “War,” was featured in a trailer for Kick-Ass 2, echoing a Prodigy-esque vibe. The London-born producer’s career was actually somewhat of a fluke, following a failed basketball career due to a shoulder injury. If you’re looking for a “wub-wub” kind of Independence Day, Caspa’s got you covered. 10 p.m. Grand Central. 697 N Miami Ave, Miami, 33136.
Friday July 5
Florida Supercon 2013
Florida Supercon is South Florida’s answer to Comic-Con, an annual convention held to celebrate all things nerdy. Imagine an environment where comic book, sci-fi, anime and video game fans can all come together to proudly celebrate and enjoy interests that others may find childlike or even embarrassing. A nerd convention wouldn’t be a nerd convention without special guests, and Florida Supercon is no exception. This year, they’ve announced George Takei, Kevin Smith, Laurie Holden, Dana Snyder and more. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Miami Airport Convention Center. 711 NW 72nd Ave, Miami, 33126.
100k Watts of Bass
If you missed Caspa due to Fourth of July shenanigans, don’t fret – another Grade A dubstep artist is heading your way: Excision. The Canadian dubstep producer is known for his insane live shows, but this year he’s literally turned up the dial. His 2013 video stage, titled “Executioner,” is just as it sounds, pairing aggressively mechanical theatrics with a 100,000 watt bass system. 100,000 watts. Patrons are strongly advised to wear ear plugs as this show is the definition of loud. Excision will be performing with electro group Krewella. 9 p.m. Revolution Live. 100 SW 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, 33312.
Solange Knowles: Breaking Away from the Family Name
Solange has officially stepped out of her sister Beyonce’s shadow. Critically-acclaimed music and a soulful, yet unique voice puts Solange Knowles in a league of her own. Her 2012 single, “Losing You,” was the ultimate sleeper hit, garnering the singer-songwriter a completely new fan base (more “hip” publications such as Pitchfork and NME praised her 2012 EP, “True”), effectively separating her from her sister, ala Ashlee Simpson’s “Autobiography.” While touring she is working on a full-length album to follow up on her 2012 EP, “True.” 8:30 p.m. Adrienne Arsht Center. 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, 33132.
Saturday July 6
Redeye Opening
Celebrating its 8th year, red eye showcases artists that are on the brink of greatness. According to artserve’s website (the event’s organizer), “The event has become the 954’s underground art tour de force, a multimedia summer phenomenon highlighting street art, comic art and social commentary in the form of visual and performance pieces, sandwiched with music, interactive installations, fashion, food trucks, short film premiers and a live graffiti challenge.” July 6 is the opening night of the exhibit. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Artserve. 1350 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 33304.
Kidd Madonny’s Super Party
If you missed Kidd Madonny’s set for Stonewall Pride, you have the opportunity to catch him again. As part of his “Volume Events,” Madonny’s party (appropriately titled “Super Party”) will take place at Exit 66 this time. Packed with a “Superman: Man of Steel” theme, the four-hour party will include 3-D special effects, dancers and supreme dance beats from Madonny himself. Sexy hero and villain attire are recommended but not required. 10 p.m. Exit 66. 219 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 33316.
Sharon Needles: Red, White & Ru
Sharon Needles is really the queen of drag. Her recent album release, “PG-13,” is a collection of horror and Halloween-inspired dance tracks, featuring collaborations with Amanda Lepore, Alaska and Ru Paul herself. When we spoke to Sharon about her upcoming performance and what people can expect, she said, “People are going to see Sharon Needles…basically embarrassing the shit out of herself. What I lack in talent, I make up for in theatrics.” 10 p.m. The Manor. 2345 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, 33305.
Sunday July 7
Food, Drinks and Jazz
Sometimes a jazz-filled, relaxing night is just what the doctor ordered. At BB King’s Blues Club in West Palm Beach, there’s a new artist playing every night, live, for your entertainment. A full kitchen, bar, and dress code make this a swanky Sunday option. This Sunday, Franklin Richard and Rosco Martinez will be performing. 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. BB King’s Blues Club. 550 S Rosemary Ave, West Palm Beach, 33401.
Monday July 8
Songwriter’s Showcase
Once a month (every 2nd Monday of the month), the Broward Center for the Performing Arts hosts a songwriter’s showcase. In the intimate setting of the Abdo New River Room (at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts), local, national and international singer/songwriters come together to perform various numbers. There’s even an open mic session from 7:30 to 9, if you’re feeling brave. Showcase founder Chrystal Hartigan asks patrons to “Harken back to the days of 1960’s Greenwich Village coffeehouses,” fusing together old and new for a nostalgic experience like no other. 7:30 p.m. Broward Center for the Performing Arts. 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, 33312.
Tuesday July 9
Beyonce: The Mrs. Carter Tour
Beyonce Knowles’s alter ego, Sasha Fierce, is now Mrs. Carter. She’s evolved: she’s classier (appearing as royalty in promotional photos for the tour) and of course, a mother. The tour name is a reference to her marriage to Shawn Carter (Jay-Z), announced following her Super Bowl halftime show, in which she reunited with Destiny’s Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Following the birth of daughter Blue Ivy, an HBO documentary and a halftime show, it’s a miracle Knowles has the energy to undergo a tour. A new album from the singer is expected to come out sometime this year. 8 p.m. BB&T Center. 1 Panther Pkwy, Sunrise, 33323.
Wednesday July 10
The Notorious Bettie Page
In “The Notorious Bettie Page,” you see the famed pinup model’s life unfold before your very eyes through a series of flashbacks. You’ll see her childhood in Tennessee, a brief marriage, a gang rape and her eventual move to New York in 1949. There she take enters the real brunt of her career, eventually becoming a self-proclaimed “Pin-Up Queen of the Universe.” See her history with Irving and Paula Klaw, John Willie, Bunny Yeager, various relationships with men and more. The special screening of the 2005 film is part of the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art’s summer film series. 3 p.m. Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale. 1 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 33301.
