» AMERICAN AIRLINES ARENA. This waterfront complex that's home to the Miami Heat professional basketball team also hosts concerts, from rock to classical, along with other performing-arts events. 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, PHONE: 786/777-1000.

» GUSMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. If you have the opportunity to attend a concert, ballet, or touring stage production here, do so. The 1,739-seat downtown landmark, originally a movie palace, is a stunningly beautiful and fanciful hall, with twinkling stars and rolling clouds on the ceiling and Roman-style statues guarding the wings. The Gusman's showcase event is the annual Miami Film Festival. 174 E. Flagler St., Miami, PHONE: 305/372-0925.

» MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AUDITORIUM. Good sight lines, acceptable acoustics, and 2,498 comfortable seats satisfy patrons despite the auditorium's outdated design. Opera, concerts, and touring musicals are usually on the schedule, as well as the city's annual Christmas pageant, an imaginative mix of traditional and tropical elements. 2901 W. Flagler St., Miami, PHONE: 305/545-3395.

» GUSMAN CONCERT HALL. Not to be confused with the ornate Gusman center, this modern, spacious 600-seat facility on the University of Miami campus is the site of concerts by UM School of Music student groups as well as guest artists. 1314 Miller Dr., Coral Gables, PHONE: 305/284-6477.

» COLONY THEATER. Once a commercial movie theater, the Colony has become a 465-seat city-owned performing arts center featuring dance, drama, music, and experimental cinema. 1040 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach, PHONE: 305/674-1026.

» JACKIE GLEASON THEATER OF THE PERFORMING ARTS. With 2,700 seats, this is the premier auditorium on Miami Beach and the site from which the rotund comedian broadcast his popular TV shows in the 1960s. Named for Gleason after his death, it offers an assortment of professional, community, and student productions, including the popular Broadway Series of avant-garde fare, familiar shows, and headliners. Performing artists such as David Copperfield, the Stomp troupe, and Liza Minnelli perform here when they're in town, and the hall is the site of many classical and pop concerts, especially by Latin-American artists. 1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, PHONE: 305/673-7300.

» OCEANFRONT AUDITORIUM. Its glory days are now over, but this spot just a few feet from the South Beach surf is still used for occasional lectures, antiques shows, and community theater performances. Attending an event here offers a quaint if musty reminder of an earlier era. Check the local newspapers for events. Ocean Dr. at 12th St., Miami Beach.