November is a big month. We’ve got huge life-changing events, like the election of a Florida Senate member and the long-awaited release of “GTA VI” — but between long gaming sessions and awkward conversations at your family’s Thanksgiving dinner, you might need to get out of the house and live a little.
After spending $80 to $100-plus on the most anticipated game of the century, give your wallet a rest and enjoy some music for free. Whether it’s jammin’ reggae, swing dancing, roller disco, Radiohead tributes or synthy post-punk delights, Miami-Dade and Broward counties have something sweet for you.
Rae Sada B2B Ape Drums
If you’ve ever partied in ZeyZey‘s disco room, you know it gets steamy, but Brooklyn-based Rae Sada and Major Lazer member Ape Drums are really gonna “Make it Hot” when they go b2b this month. Both selectors bring a spicy blend of bass-heavy house, funky world sounds and Caribbean-laced rhythms. Shake your money maker without spending any, as long as you’re at least 21 years old and you RSVP to arrive before 10 p.m. 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 5, at ZeyZey, 353 NE 61st St., Miami, 305-456-2671, zeyzeymiami.com.
Optic Sink
Las Rosas is turning the stage into a Memphis-to-Miami cultural exchange program as Tennessee trio Optic Sink brings its synth-glow, post-punk style to the 305. It’s a little bit ‘80s feeling, a little bit indie sleaze revival, whatever era feels closer to your heart. Local rockers Cypher, Ember and The Boy Who Wore Jade provide support, so you’re definitely in good hands. 9 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Las Rosas, 2898 NW 7th Ave., Miami, instagram.com.
Radiohead Tribute with Hearing Damage
No, you’re not going to go deaf if you come to this show in Pompano Beach, but we do recommend earplugs whenever enjoying live music. Hearing Damage is just the name of the band that will play a bunch of beloved Radiohead songs in tribute to the saddest and most paranoid band of influential electronic-rock pioneers. It’s actually a reference to a Thom Yorke song from 2009. Anyway, they sound great and they do all the hits — the latter never being a guarantee at a real Radiohead concert. 8 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14, at Revelry, 227 S. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, 954-295-6662, eventbrite.com.
JamRock Cruise After-Party
Welcome to the Jamrock, or rather, the Jamrock Cruise 2026 Official Post Party featuring irie sets from some of the talent straight off the boat. It’s going to be a night of dancehall and reggae music from Madout, Spex, Bambino, MixmasterJ, Nikki Z, Souljah1, Robbo Ranx, Seani B and Dynamq, and everyone’s invited, so roll up and wind up. 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., Monday, Nov. 16, at Blackbird Ordinary, 729 SW 1st Ave., Miami, 305-671-3307, eventbrite.com.
Abstract Citizen
Jazz is expression, jazz is movement, jazz is life — and jazz is free when Abstract Citizen takes the stage at the Miami Beach Bandshell. The local quartet is led by guitarist Aaron Lebos, whose compositions you may have enjoyed as performed by the Nu Deco Ensemble. His sweet, scattered melodies are rounded out by bassist Marty Quinn, vocalist Vania Junco and drummer Lucas Apostoleris. Black Nimbus will open the night along with on-site visual artists and tasty treats. 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-672-5202, miamibeachbandshell.com.
Tunes ‘N Trucks
Do you yearn to toss your lovely locks to the rowdy sounds of a ’70s guitar anthem? Do you wanna throw your devil horns in the air and strike a power pose with some finger food in one hand and a cold beer in the other? That’s the kind of energy Tunes ‘N Trucks is all about! Bring your own lawn chair, pop a squat on the grass and feast upon food truck delights and a special performance from The Rock Show, a tribute band that plays all the best in ’60s, ’70s and ’80s rock classics. Pets and music lovers of all ages are welcome. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 20, at Sunrise Amphitheater, 10770 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, 954-741-2580, sunrisefl.gov.
Hollywood Real Jazz Festival
Looking for even more jazz realness? The city of Hollywood teamed with the Rhythm Foundation to bring two days of jazz heavyweights to Young Circle, and it’s free to everyone. Double bassist Ron Carter, who boasts more than 2,000 recording sessions and the title of most recorded jazz bassist in history, headlines the performances. The lineup also features smoky vocalist Kandaze Springs, vibraphone master Warren Wolf and many more. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 20, and 1 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21, at Hollywood ArtsPark at Young Circle, 1 Young Circle, Hollywood, hollywoodartsparklive.com.
Double bassist Ron Carter, who boasts more than 2,000 recording sessions and the title of most recorded jazz bassist in history.
Wallcast Concert: Denève: Prokofiev’s Violin
Classical music just sounds better when you’re sitting under the stars, and thanks to the New World Symphony, you can enjoy the brilliant and bittersweet emotionality of Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev’s violin concertos en plein air. The talented James Ehnes will perform these two magnificent pieces, written at the start and finish of the composer’s 19-year exile from his motherland. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21, at Soundscape Park, 400 17th St., Miami Beach, 800-597-3331, eventbrite.com.
Swing & Rockabilly Dance Night with The Mighty Flea Circus
It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing, so grab your best girl and come ready for a night of rockabilly madness. Checkerboard pants and bowling shirts are definitely welcome as The Mighty Flea Circus performs vintage vibes in hues of blues, surf rock and classic walking bassline jive. The year ain’t nothing but a number, and we’re going mid-century with this one, daddy-o. 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21, at Revelry, 227 S. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, 954-295-6662, eventbrite.com.
Thanksgiving Roller Disco
Alright, one dinner with the family is enough. It’s time to break out the wheels and skate on out of here.
The Rhythm Foundation hosts this roller disco that invites everyone to bust a move, whether they can skate backwards or need to hold someone’s hand. Skate rentals will be available, and skates are free for Miami Beach residents or $10 for everyone else. Lotusoph and Angie Antonela will provide the disco jams, and all ages are welcome. 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 17, at the Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-672-5202, miamibeachbandshell.com.