This Week's Day by Day Picks

 Thursday 6/24

Reports of the death of Coconut Grove have been greatly exaggerated -- at least to some people, namely local retailers. That's why the store owners on Main Highway and Fuller Street have decided to organize a Progressive Evening in Coconut Grove from 7:00 to 10:00 tonight. The public is invited to stroll the streets and pop into unique boutiques peddling jewelry, housewares, flowers, fashions, books, and more. Edibles will be served, a fashion show and dance performance will take place, and a magician and tarot card reader will offer their services. No need to worry about your car: The Parking Fairy will be rolling around the Grove making sure everyone's meter is full of change. Admission is free. Call 305-461-2341. (NK)

Friday 6/25

Hey dude, you got a cigarette? You might want to try that line on one of the many boat dealers at the South Florida Boat Show, opening its three-day spree today at the Miami Beach Convention Center (1901 Convention Center Dr.). If you're lucky, the dealer will unveil a smoking turbo-powered beauty that will induce you to drool. Of course you'll be deluding yourself to think you can actually cart the thing away with you, but the boat show promises the best prices of the year on 2004 models. That's because this event takes place just before next year's models are released. Also featured will be boat engines, fishing tackle, diving gear, and just about anything boat-related. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. today and 11:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost eight dollars. Call 954-946-6164. (JCR)

Saturday 6/26

Be honest, you can't take your eyes off of yourself. When you pass by parked cars, you seek a hint of your image in shiny windows. You strike at least three poses when you wash your hands. Each hair flip expresses a different look, and your pout ... your pout leaves you speechless. It's time to show yourself off to experts in the beauty world. That's right, you need to model. Enter the Elite Model Look 2004 contest, where your cheekbones, eye sockets, and that cute little mole will be scrutinized by modeling agents. Today's event at Aventura Mall (19501 Biscayne Blvd.) could lead to a big-time modeling contract. You just may have the look. Registration begins at noon at the mall's Center Court. Admission is free. Call 305-674-9500. (JCR)

Sunday 6/27

Attention all losers who forgot to attend the open house at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (3251 S. Miami Ave., Coconut Grove) last month. Don't despair -- you'll have other opportunities to get a gander at James Deering's Italianate villa built from 1914 to 1917, which now belongs to the county and, in a way, to all of us. Beginning this month and running through September, the attraction will hold a series of Free Sundays on the final Sunday of the month. The house and gardens will be open from 9:00 to 5:00 p.m., so you can spend the entire day there and no one will think you're a freak. Call 305-250-9133. (NK)

Monday 6/28

We bet former Eagles frontman Don Henley actually has a Deadhead sticker on his Cadillac. The postpsychedelic, prepunk purveyor of soft rock with a California easygoing vibe reeks of the over-the-hill yuppies who worship him. Henley is on the road, touring with his latest release, Inside Job. He'll likely be throwing in the old feel-good ditties of the Eagles, such as "Lying Eyes" and "Witchy Woman. " Doors open at 7:00 p.m. at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Tickets range from $51 to $71. Call 561-962-4109. (JCR)

So you live in Coral Gables and you want to paint your house hot pink? As you well know, the city code enforcement agents will be bugging you like flies on you-know-what. If you've got something to say about the draconian codes of the city and seek to change them, today's a chance to get a word in. Coral Gables' Charter Review Committee will be hosting a public meeting this month to get input from citizens about how Coral Gables functions. The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at Coral Gables City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way. Admission is free. Call 305-460-5219. (JCR)

Tuesday 6/29

They first met in the summer of 2000 near a beach in Sáo Paulo, Brazil, and they haven't been the same since. It was "love at first listen," say Brazilian powerhouse guitarist/singer/songwriter João Bosco and Cuban pianist extraordinaire Gonzalo Rubalcaba, who played jointly then at the Ilhabela Summer Festival. They subsequently decided to pool their talents and go on the road to make great music together. The two have toured all over the world, and now before performing at the prestigious Montreux and Montreal jazz festivals, they'll descend upon our shores for what is sure to be an extraordinary evening. Bosco has been creating Brazilian pop standards since the 1970s. Havana native Rubalcaba is a multiple Grammy Award winner, influenced by greats such as Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell as well as his own father, Guillermo Rubalcaba. Showtime is 8:00 p.m. at the Manuel Artime Theater, 900 SW First St. Tickets cost $25 and $30. Call 305-672-5202. (NK)

Wednesday 6/30