- Florida Renaissance Festival
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by Joanie Cox
Wednesday 10: Lauren Conrad
While it’s shocking that the book isn’t available in one long text message, Sweet Little Lies is the second trendy tome from The Hills’ Lauren Conrad. The actress will autograph her latest work or her previous one, L.A. Candy, but that’s it. And don’t even think about trying to get a photo with her. You can snap shots of LC in the autograph line but once you reach the signing table, cameras are as off limits as a reunion with Kristin Cavallari and “Speidi.”
Location: Books and Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Receive one free ticket to enter the book-signing line with the purchase of Sweet Little Lies ($18) at a Books and Books store.
Contact: 305-442-4408 or Booksandbooks.com
Saturday 13: Willie Nelson
Seeing Willie Nelson pick his guitar under the stars could be the coolest thing to ever take place in West Boca. On Jan. 28, Nelson canceled a North Carolina concert an hour after a few band and crew members were arrested for allegedly possessing moonshine and marijuana. Hopefully, the Ambassador to Weedville won’t have to pull the plug on this show.
Location: Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 12551 Glades Road, Boca Raton
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $25-$59.50
Contact: 561-488-8069 or Willienelson.com
Saturday 13: Auteur Explosion XIV: Amore Cultura
Put a twist on Valentine’s weekend with this series of hip-hop-inspired art exhibits, films and live music by South Florida artists. The main attraction of the night will be the documentary P.A.T.H. by Dan Perez. The film examines a month-long lesson in what defines hip-hop. Emcees Brimstone127 and the Brass King will perform along with spoken-word group Chaos Theory.
Location: Cinema Paradiso, 503 S.E. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale
Time: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Cost: $5
Contact: 954-525-3456 or Fliff.com
Saturday 13-March 14: Florida Renaissance Festival
Hear ye, hear ye! Renfest is back for its 18th year in South Florida. The 16th century fun will kick off Saturday with “Days and Knights of Wine and Roses,” the first of five themed weekends at the festival. Others include the “Medieval Menagerie” pets’ weekend Feb. 20-21; the ever-popular “Pillage of the Village” pirates theme Feb. 27-28; “Bodacious Bodices” wenches’ weekend March 6-7; and the “Kiss the Blarney Stone” Celtic weekend March 13-14. More than 100 costumed performers will roam through the shire as you take in a day of jousting, Shakespearean humor and 12 stages of entertainment that include the mud show and Irish band the Rogues. Rip into a turkey leg and party like it’s 1599.
Location: Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach
Time: 10 a.m.-sunset Saturdays and Sundays, and Monday, Feb. 15
Cost: $20
Contact: 954-776-1642 or Ren-fest.com
(UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. CALL THE NUMBER BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION.) Sunday 14: One Love for Haiti
An estimated 212,000 people lost their lives and more than a million remain homeless in Haiti following the recent earthquake. Show some much needed love for the devastated nation at this Valentine’s Day concert that will feature performances by Wyclef’s R&B singing sister, Melky Jean; Jimmy Jean-Louis, who lent his voice to the “We Are the World” remake; reggae band Inner Circle; and Barry White impersonator Cornelius MD. All proceeds from this event will go toward rebuilding Haiti.
Location: BankUnited Center, 1245 Dauer Drive, Coral Gables
Time: 6-10 p.m.
Cost: $35
Contact: 305-284-8686 or Bankunitedcenter.com
- Nouvelle Vague
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Tuesday 16: Nouvelle Vague
French lounge-pop act Nouvelle Vague has done sophisticated, swingin’ remakes of the Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun” and the Dead Kennedys’ “Too Drunk To Fuck.” Blame it on the bossa nova or the band’s ability to take tunes by the Smiths, Blondie, the Sex Pistols and Billy Idol and morph them into a playlist suitable for a ritzy cocktail party. Miami acoustic act Liset Alea will open tonight’s show.
Location: Manuel Artime Theater Miami, 900 S.W. First St., Miami
Time: 8 p.m.
Cost: $22
Contact: 305-575-5057 or Manuelartimetheater.com
