In light of recent events, it was very difficult to write my column this week. First of all, it seemed inappropriate to crack jokes while others are grieving for loved ones. And second of all, so many events were cancelled that I had a hard time coming up with a list of things that would be going on. In fact, some of these events may be canceled or postponed after I finish writing this, so make sure you call the venues before you decide to make the trip.

Despite the tragedies, however, I do think it is important that we try to go on with our lives. We shouldn’t feel guilty about going to a movie or listening to a band play this weekend. We can’t dwell upon the negative forever, and I’m sure that those who died would have wanted their loved ones to keep living and stay strong.

1. Broward Coastal Clean-up -– Cleaning up area coastlines may not exactly be considered entertainment, but you’ll feel great about yourself if you pitch in. From 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday, you can do your part to help the environment by clearing away debris from Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Fort Lauderdale, Dania, John U. Lloyd State Park, Hollywood and Hallandale at this annual event.

2. Majic Night Classic Car Show and Oldies Concert -- It'll be like Grease Lightning in downtown Hollywood for the Majic Night Classic Car Show on Friday night. Put on your black leather jackets, Daddy-Os (or pink leather jackets for all you Pink Ladies), and enjoy live music from the Flamingos and other do-wop performers.

3. Eric Burdon -– It was 1964 when the Animals joined groups like the Rolling Stones and the Beatles in the British Invasion, bringing their energetic, bluesy rock ‘n’ roll to the United States. Songs like "House of the Rising Sun," "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" and "Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood" had an earthiness that appealed to America’s youth. Although the group disbanded a few years later, Eric Burdon, one of the band’s original members is still performing and writing autobiographies about his experiences in the band. Burdon will be at the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale this Sunday.

4. Rebecca St. James -– When I was 16, I was doing a lot of babysitting and struggling through math class. When Rebecca St. James was 16, she was already an international Christian pop star. Now 23, Rebecca has four albums to her name: her self-titled debut, God, Pray and Transform. She’ll be bringing her soothing, easy-going songs to the Florida Christian School in Miami this Friday. (Sold Out)

5. Collectible Toy Cars and Diecast Show -– People love to collect stuff. Baseball cards, coins, stamps, beanie babies and comic books are some of the best known obsessions, but little toy cars are also coveted by scores of collectors. At this show, you’ll find Nascars, Hotwheels, Matchboxes, Yesteryears and more. At the American Legion Hall in Pompano Beach this Sunday. (If you’re really a fan, you can get in an hour early for an additional $3 a person.)

6. Dee Snider -– There seems to be a longing these days to return to the time when big hair, glam rock bands were king. Twisted Sister was one of those bands, and as Twisted Sister’s lead singer, Dee Snider was one of the glammest of ‘em all. He’ll be rockin’ at the Metal Factory in Fort Lauderdale Friday night, along with Intense, Liquidstone and Door 3.

NEW FILMS Opening this week...

Hardball -– Rating: 3 stars. With Keanu Reeves. This movie about a gambler who is forced to coach an inner city baseball team is full of all the usual cliches: coach bonds with boys over pizza, finds a love interest in the youths’ teacher, and clashes an opposing coach in swanky uniforms. But somehow, it all works in this movie that has humor, tragedy and bitter life lessons.

Get movie reviews and show times.

DINING OUT This week’s featured review!

Bistro 17/ Fort Lauderdale -– Rating: 3.5 stars. Restaurateurs Oliver Saucy and Darrel Broek obviously know their market as well as their food. At their newest venue the menu reads like the latest Cenus offering a medley of Asian, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Creole and Southern-style foods.

Find a restaurant! You can search by location, cuisine, price, or even if it’s got a view of the water. Use our advanced search to find the perfect place to dine.

KIDS STUFF

All About Wizards Day -– Tell your kids to grab their broomsticks, wands and pet owls and head to the Broward Mall in Plantation for a day of Harry Potter fun. There will be magic, a Harry Potter trivia contest, a potions class, sorting ceremony and free gifts. Maybe you’ll even win points for Gryffindor!

FREE STUFF Find something for nothing!

Have a good weekend.

Lauren

P.S. If you have any comments or suggestions on how to make the Weekender better, feel free to e-mail me at lheist@sun-sentinel.com. Thanks!!!