Armed only with unshakable confidence, big dreams and a wad of cash, I hit the blackjack tables at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Twenty minutes later, armed only with a credit card, I swapped my seat at the card table for a bar stool at the Hard Rock Café and ordered a Southern Rock, a blend of Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur, Smirnoff Vodka, sweet and sour mix and Sierra Mist.

I sucked down a second Southern Rock, and then my buddy Jack gave me a plan to win back the money I lost. It involved a crowbar and the bartender's willingness to drive the getaway car, but she insisted that someone would eventually notice Prince's guitar had gone missing from the wall. I asked her if I had a better chance with Eddie Van Halen's jumpsuit or a framed, 40-year-old Woodstock poster. She handed me a dinner menu and suggested that I switch drinks and get something to eat.

Although I was eyeballing the X-Rated Hpnotist (CIROC vodka, Midori Melon Liqueur, X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, Hpnotiq, cranberry juice, sweet and sour mix and Sierra Mist), I opted for a Diet Coke and an order of chicken fingers.

The kitchen closes at midnight during the week and at 1 a.m. on the weekends. The bar stays open an hour later, but get here earlier Monday through Friday for a half-price happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m.

''Everybody should believe in something; I believe I'll have another drink'' is the anonymous quote inscribed on the drink menu, and it fits the folks at this nightspot. The Hard Rock Café is positioned at the far end of the beeping and flashing slots, and those coming in from the casino are there to celebrate poker prowess or commiserate with friends about that last bad hand. Usually, neither group is interested in having one drink and calling it a night. Families and other non-gambling types observe the action like flies on the wall.

Aside from the rock 'n' roll memorabilia, you'll see hi-def flat screens tuned to music videos and an elevated stage outfitted with professional-grade lighting and a monster sound system. Up-and-coming bands kick off tours here and also often choose this venue for CD release parties. Call 954-315-9112 for more information.

Once the Hard Rock locks its doors, the party continues at Wet Willie's, which opened three weeks ago in front of the Improv. Already crowds are packing that corner of Seminole Paradise. Wet Willie's specializes in frozen drinks that are wolves in sheep's clothing: They taste fruity and harmless but pack a Mike Tyson punch. DJ Charismatic spins from 9 p.m.-4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, and if you're impressed with his style, check out his schedule at www.DjCharismatic.com.

Take a break from the card sharks Monday, and head to Revolution (200 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale). Acclaimed music video director Kevin Layne is focusing his lens on local guitar guru Jimi Ruccolo and, if you're in the audience, maybe even you. For those who appreciate soulful six-string shredding, Jimi is a good bet.

UPCOMING

Trevor Hall, Cypress and the Jacob Jeffries Band play Saturday at the Culture Room. Tickets are $12; doors open at 8 p.m.

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