Travel around Miami

The small stage in the serene Hermitage Gardens is taken over by jazz for three long summer evenings. Organisers promise some foreign stars and the best of Russian jazz. Russian jazz has a long history, mainly underground in the Soviet era but still always very popular. Various bars around the stage allow you to sit with a beer and some kebabs on the old park benches. See just across the road for the local version of Scotland Yard, Petrovka 38.

Nancy Griffith has long been popular with Irish audiences and the Texan singer-songwriter has made many trips across the water over the course of her 20-year career. Her folksy style appeals to those whose listening material has to tell a story – a common factor in Irish folk songs. Griffith’s material comes from her observations of life and her pairing with the Blue Moon Orchestra in 1986 has spawned such classics as ‘Hometown Streets’, ‘Trouble in the Streets’ and ‘It’s a Hard Life Wherever You Go’. This is a two-night visit to Dublin’s Olympia Theatre and support will be announced nearer the date.

It’s Sunday nights which are the draw at this dinner club. Beth Lapides’ ‘Uncabaret’ has starred such Hollywood luminaries as Roseanne, Janeane Garofalo and Julia Sweeney, and provides a night of crude, foul-mouthed and very, very funny stand-up comedy. Luna Park also has three bars, two stages – one large, the other more intimate – and good American food. Located in West Hollywood’s club/bar district, this club is home to a variety of live performers – from rock to reggae – the rest of the week. Cover $3-$20, valet parking $3.50 weekdays, $5 weekends.

Billed as the liveliest art show in town, ‘Salon 99′ is Pallas Studios’ second go at producing this unique show. The time-conscious title and style of the exhibition are a take on fin-de-siècle Parisian art salons. Decorated with a deep-red, patterned wallpaper, the exhibition space is crammed with work from over 40 artists. With almost every square inch occupied, Salon 99 contradicts the minimalist presentation stylistics of the contemporary gallery – many purists would feel ‘Salon 99′ is an installation in itself. To keep things even more interesting, viewing is by appointment only.

This exhibition brings three prominent museums together, as LACMA, UCLA Fowler and the California African-American museums take a wide-ranging look at the music of Africa and the African diaspora. LACMA focuses on individual instruments and their history in each culture, with over 150 instruments showcased. UCLA Fowler bases its exhibition on 12 African performance ensembles, while the California African-American Museum concentrates on the African diaspora, featuring music from the Caribbean, New Orleans and Brazil. You can fly to each of these destinations on Qantas.

Although it only opened a year ago, this bar is on the corner of the increasingly hip Place St Géry, guaranteeing it a constant flow of business. Tastefully furnished, the bar is ideal for either a subdued coffee during off-peak hours or for knocking back beers in the evening. Its only drawback is that it has a reputation for slow table service, with the result that its best to place orders at the bar. It also serves a range of snacks, such as salads, soups, pittas and New-York-style bagels.

Row is a sure sign that the Eixample district is waking up, getting dressed and going out dancing. This very popular club is installed in Eduard Samsó’s 1980s designer bar, the Nick Havanna. These days, this super trendy spot is run by experienced clubber, Joan Arnau, and features big name dance, house and techno DJs such as Roger Sanchez, Richard Dorfmeister, Terry Francis (who will be in house on August 11) John Acquaviva (performing August 12), to name a few.

Sure it’s a stadium – though an intimate one – and sure, the top tickets are over a thousand bucks a pop. But we’re talking about a legend here and the legend herself is talking about these being her last performances. With the gay community snatching up tickets faster than a lizard drinking, the recently added second date has been a godsend. Settle back and become at one with the universe while you listen to one of the purest voices that ever caressed a song.

This restaurant not only showcases the tastier recipes of Crete, but also the island’s relaxed and frolicsome vibe. With lovingly prepared and reasonably priced dishes, plaster plates available for the throwing, the owner on hand to give dance lessons and famous Greek musicians often dropping by, it can all feel as if there’s a sandy beach just outside the door… A main course costs G25-G35 (£7.50-£10.50).