September is usually just a transition from cruising through school zones to driving the speed limit. But that doesn't mean things have to slow down.

On Tuesday Cantina Beach at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is throwing a fiesta in celebration of the true Mexican Independence Day, when Father Hidalgo rang a church bell and rallied his fellow Mexicans to fight for freedom from Spanish rule. Apparently Cinco de Mayo is just one big hangover, er, precursor to this important day in Mexican history. Here and now, the celebration means tequila -- lots of it -- thanks to the resort's Tequilier who will be happy to pour a shot or 10 from South Florida's largest selection. There will be specially priced beers and cocktails and food stations featuring $10 pork carnitas as well as the restaurant's signature tableside guacamole and assorted gourmet Mexican fare. Not in the mood to sit and do a full dinner? Sip cocktails, nibble on tapas and chill to live music until the TV broadcast of the live countdown led by President Calderon from Mexico City. There is no cover and valet parking prices will be reduced. Viva Mexico indeed. For reservations, call 305-365-4286.

Making like a virtual World Showcase at Epcot, we move on to Russia and head to Caviar Kaspia at the Webster on South Beach, where the new Sunday brunch features gospel diva Maryel Epps, who always wakes up a slumbering crowd with her powerful voice. Brunch and singing begin at 12:30 p.m. and go until 2:30.

Over at the newish Casale restaurant next door to Sardinia in the buzzing Sunset Harbor/Purdy area -- trendy neighborhood acronym: SuHaPu? SuHaDy? -- there's a cool scene on the restaurant's rooftop patio, complete with couches, bar, full menu and excellent loungey soundtrack. No cover, no promoters -- yet. Hurry!

Prices are slashed for this year's Pridelines Youth Services benefit -- the Ice Gala -- on Sept. 19 at the hip yet poorly named So Cool eVenue, 2632 NW 21st Ave. featuring, thus far, the only Ice Lounge in SoFlo with 1,000 square feet of frosty fun. For $75 general admission and $100 VIP, you get cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, casino gaming, a silent auction, DJ, drag shows and a performance by gender illusionist Trinity. Party goes from 8 p.m. until midnight. For tickets, call 305-571-9601 or go to www.pridelines.org.

Another worthy cause is September Concert, an organization born in 2002 on the first anniversary of 9/11 with the objective to promote peace through music. The Newport Beachside Hotel will host live music from 2 p.m.-3 a.m. Friday. Among the bands and artists slated to play: Cleveland Jones, Karla Vega, Angela Liano, Dreaming in Stereo, Ex-Norwegian, Pretty Faces, Shawn Snyder and others. Concert is free. For more information, call 305-749-2110.

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