After eight years of work, a $13M 37-unit project has broke ground in Sailboat Bend.  This community is sponsored by Artspace, a nonprofit company out of Minnesota that helps place artists with housing and community to help them grow in.  This is the first project in Florida and the Westside School on the property will be converted to a Historical Headquarters for the property.  The construction will start soon and is slated to be complete within a year.  The Lofts are surrounded by more than 200 townhouses as part of Lennar’s Village at Sailboat Bend.  Those interested have to answer questions about their portfolio, business plan, and willingness to share within the community.  Personal income cannot be more than $34,000 a year and winners will be granted a one to three bedroom loft rental for $500 to $1,000 a month.  For further information go to www.artspacesailboatbend.org. 

Local Theatre Buzz

Aperitifs at ArtServe 

The Edge Theatre presents Aperitifs, three great gay plays by two superb gay playwrights.  The plays performed are:  Edward Albee’s Zoo Story and Fam and Yam, and Robert Patrick’s One of Those People and star Jerry Jensen and Nick Velkov and is Directed by Jim Tommaney.  It runs July 7^th thru the 9^th, 14^th thru the 16^th at ArtServe, which is located at 1300 East Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale.  Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 for Students and Senior.  Call 786*355-0976 for reservations. 

Mass Appeal at Sol Theatre

This is a humorous and bittersweet journey of friendship between two seemingly opposite men teaches them both about courage, commitment, personal ideals, and the infinite varieties of love.  If you saw their last The Mystery of Irma Vep you will be pleased to know that Jim Gibbons plays Father Tim Farley.  For more information go to www.soltheatre.com and the Sol Theatre Project is located at 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale.

Click Here to read Stephen's review.

Beehive Found at Stage Door Theatre thru July 30th 

Beehive, the 60’s musical sensation, will be at The Stage Door Theatre May 26^th thru June 25^th with big hair and bigger hits. 

The Stage Door Theatre is located on 26^th right across from Wilton Station in the Old Florida Seafood House Plaza.  For times and tickets, call 954*344-7765.

Click Here to read Stephen's review. 

Calling All Actors

Sol Theatre Presents Julie Johnson 

The Sol Theatre Project is casting for their next production, Julie Johnson by Wendy Hammond.  They need two awesomely talented teens to play the kids of Julie Johnson, a Hoboken, NJ housewife who has decided to leave her abusive husband and enrich her life through education and self-fulfillment.  They also need a middle-aged male.  The kids are street smart and are often foul-mouthed on their journey to enlightenment. 

For more information call Robert at The Sol Theatre Project at 954-525-6555 or email him at sol_theatre@bellsouth.net for an audition appointment.  The play will go into rehearsal immediately and will depend upon schedules.  The show will preview July 28^th so all lines must be learned immediately and a 100% commitment. 

Things on Display

Stonewall has Pride:  Party or Protest

Do you know how the myriad of Gay Pride celebrations across the nation started, or when the first Gay Pride in South Florida took place? Do you know why there are two Pride celebrations in Ft. Lauderdale each year?  The answers can be found in an insightful new exhibit, PRIDE: Party or Protest? opening on Saturday, June 17, 2006 at the Stonewall Library and Archives, 1717 North Andrews Ave, in Ft. Lauderdale. Hours are 11am to 9pm Monday through Friday; Saturday Noon to 3pm.  

United & Proud Exhibit

The 2006 United & Proud Exhibit will opened June 7^th at the Gallery Six in the Broward County Main Library on 100 South Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale.  United & Proud will feature over 50 artists and will include: paintings, watercolors, photography, mixed media, and three-dimensional works.  South Florida’s Lambda Chorale’s Tropic Harmony performed.  For more information, call 954*530-2723 or to find out more about ArtsUnited go to www.artsunitedonline.org. 

Queens & Kings, Until July 17^th 

June is Gay Pride Month.  Art Center South Florida is hosting an exhibit of gay iconography through:  photographs, paintings, and a variety of different mediums.  This will be on exhibit through July 17^th at the Miami Beach City Hall Public Gallery, 4^th Floor, at 1700 Convention Center Drive.  For further information call 305*674-8278 or 305*538-7887. 

ARTe ABSTRACTo, May 27^th thru June 29^th 

Art Expression Gallery is hosting an ARTe ABSTRACTo exhibit and there will be an opening reception at 7pm Saturday, May 27^th at the gallery that is located at 1212 NE Fourth Ave, Ft. Lauderdale.  For further information call 954*527-7770.   

Titanic:  The Artifact Exhibit, Until October

This exhibit chronicles the journey of RMS Titanic from its design and construction through its fateful maiden voyage and sinking, to the scientific recovery efforts.   

The Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium is located on 3280 South Miami Avenue, Miami.  You can contact them at 305*646-4200 or www.miamisci.org. 

Hat and Cane Goes For $139K 

An unidentified buyer purchased a bamboo cane and bowler hat for a record setting $139,250 from Bonhams & Butterfields auction house in Los Angeles last week.  Why so much?  They were one of several sets that belonged to the beloved film icon Charlie Chaplin.   

Coming to Town

Please note: we have organized this by date of appearance. New additions this week are highlighted in Bold Red.

There’s a Redneck Woman Coming! June 29^th 

Gretchen Wilson’s dramatic rise to stardom is well known to fans of her signature country-rock blend.  Come and see her perform her breakthrough single “Redneck Woman” in her Redneck Revolution Tour at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL.  Tickets are now on sale, go to www.ticketmaster.com or call 954*523-3309 or go to the Hard Rock Live Box Office which is open from noon to 7pm daily. For more info on Gretchen, visit her fan club website, www.gwfans.com

Who’s Your First Idol?

Kelly Clarkson will be live, onstage Friday, June 30^th at the Sound Advice Amphitheatre.  As part of her Addicted Tour, her Special Guest will be Rooney.  The Amphitheatre is located at 601-7 Sansbury’s Way, West Palm Beach.  Tickets are $25-$75 and can be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com www.livenation.com, or by phone at:  561*966-3309, 954*523-3309, or 305*358-5885.  To get more Kelly info, go to www.kellyclarkson.com. 

Jersey Boys are Back!

Yes, we all survived the BIG HAIR of the 80’s.  If you know that “You Give Love a Bad Name” and feel like you are “Living on a Prayer”—yes Virginia, there is a Bon Jovi!  All four members (John Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Tico Torres, and David Bryan) will be onstage at Hard Rock Live July 10^th  at 8pm.  Tickets are now on sale.   

For further information, call 954*523-3309, www.ticketmaster.com, or stop by the Hard Rock Live Box Office—they are open from noon to 7pm daily.

KC’s Boogie Blast, Sunday, July 9^th 

If you loved the 70’s, prepare yourself…they are doing a “Boogie Blast” featuring KC & the Sunshine Band, Gloria Gaynor, and Sister Sledge.  This will be the ultimate dance party so brush off your platforms and get out your pic to tease your fro.  This will take place Sunday, July 9^th at the Sound Advice Amphitheatre and you can purchase tickets at www.ticketmaster.com. 

The Queen of Miami, July 15 

The undisputed Queen of Miami, Gloria Estefan, along with her band the Miami Sound Machine, will be at the American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, Saturday, July 15^th at 10pm.  Tickets are $30-$85 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com. 

Hide Your Fur, July 24^th 

Pink will be performing her latest songs at Revolution, 200 W Broward Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale Monday, July 24.  Tickets are $25 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com. 

Mimi Does Miami, Aug 5^th 

Mariah Carey will be launching The Adventures of Mimi, her first US tour since 2003, Saturday, August 5^th at the American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami.  Tickets range from $19.50 to $129.50 and go on sale Friday, June 2^nd.  Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or 305*358-5885. 

Calling All Azzmastahs, Friday, August 11^th 

The one and only Margaret Cho will be in concert Friday, August 11^th at 8:30pm at the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, FL.  LISP, the greatest gay rapper in the world, will be her Special Guest.  Tickets go on sale THIS FRIDAY [June 2^nd] at 10am so call the Ticket Office at 321*242-2219 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Melissa Etheridge Live Saturday, August 19^th  8pm 

New Greatest Hits CD “The Road Less Traveled” in stores now!

Tickets available at Ticketmaster locations or you can charge by phone:  305-358-5885 / 954-523-3309 / 561-966-3309 or www.ticketmaster.com. 

Mizner Park Amphitheater is in Boca Raton and this is a Fantasma Productions Concert Event.  For further information go to www.fantasma.com or www.melissaetheridge.com

Mary J. Blige, Aug 25^th 

Mary J Blige will be in concert Friday, August 25^th at the Bank Atlantic Center at 2555 Panther Parkway in Sunrise.  Her special guest will be Jaheim and will be singing all her greats—hopefully my favorite song Ain’t Gonna Cry from Waiting to Exhale, and anyone that knows me, knows how MUCH I love that song!  For futher Information go to www.ticketmaster.com. 

Her Hips Don’t Lie, Sep 16^th 

Shakira and Wyclef have added a second show 7:30pm on September 16^th at the American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami.  Tickets are $19.50-$87 and you can get them through www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 786*777-1250. For more info about Shakira: www.shakiraheaven.com

The Chicks Will be in Town, Oct 7^th 

I’m Verklemnpt, October 28^th

Yes, the legendary Barbara Streisand will be performing Saturday, October 28^th at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sawgrass and will be having special guest Il Divo perform with her. Tickets are priced starting at $100 to $750 and VIP packages up to $1,800.  Much of the proceeds go to charities, one of which being The Streisand Foundation, which expects to raise millions from this tour.  Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com.    

Music News

Jess is Epic This Week in NY 

Jessica Simpson is now the cover model for all eleven Reuters signs in Times Square this weekend and will be shooting her video for her single, “A Public Affair” which will feature guest appearances by Christina Applegate, Eva Longoria, Andy Dick, and Ryan Seacrest.  Expect the former Newlywed everywhere.  The song is now available online and the video will be directed by Brett Ratner who just did X-Men:  The Last Stand so stay tuned!

India Arie Gives Her Testimony 

After a four-year hiatus our soulful goddess India Arie now gives us Testimony:  Vol. 1, Live & Relationship which is basically a self-healing endeavor where she relives and works through such topics as break ups, breakdowns, and a gamut of other topics with heartfelt harmonies.  I will still never forget seeing her years ago on Saturday Night Live and being angry at my roommate the next day because she went out and bought Acoustic Soul while I had to work a double.  Let me just say for the record, she helped me accept myself unconditionally even though I am not a girl from a video.   

Time for The Gay Games 

As you may well know, the Gay Games will be held in Chicago this July from the 15^th-22^nd.  In an attempt to aid whomever may go to support our people, I will be posting weekly things of interest you may or may not know about The Games or events going on in and around Chicago.  

This week, I want to show you that there is a wonderful museum, The Museum of Contemporary Art with such exhibits as Wolfgang Tillman’s exhibit which is contains subjects normally overlooked and moments in everyday life.  While you are there, check out Catherine Opie’s Chicago exhibit as well.  Catherine photographs key elements of major American cities and created a collection featuring Chicago in different lights, vies of Lake Michigan, and the unique architecture the city provides. 

Museum of the Week

Smithsonian Museums Reopen

After six years of renovations, two of the Smithsonian’s pre-eminent museums will reopen July 1st.  The American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery now has a wider exhibition space and new entrances for unique interpretations of United States history.

Try Bathing Jeff in SoHo 

While in NY’s trendy SoHo district check out Patrick Corbin’s Bathing Jeff, Part 1 which is a powerful piece about the death of his friend and dancer, Jeff Wadlington from AIDS in 1994.  This chronicles, through poetry and dance, the lives of his fellow Paul Taylor dancers as they all gather in New Mexico with his partner and family during his last days.  This is important since this year marks the 25^th anniversary of the first evidence of AIDS and is Gay Pride Month.  Mr. Corbin himself sits at the side of the stage and reads from his own personal journals of this time and describes helping wash Mr. Wadlington’s body just after death—the center of this piece.  

Godspeed At South Street Seaport 

A replica of the famed Godspeed pulled into New York’s South Street Seaport Monday as part of the 400^th anniversary commemoration of the nation’s first permanent English settlement in Jamestown, VA.  This 88 foot, three mast square rigger is a new replica of the original that carried 39 settlers and crew of 13 for four months to Virginia in 1607.  This new Godspeed is visiting cities that were among the nation’s earliest settlements and will be open for public tours until July 6^th at Pier 16, all for free.  After New York, it will go on to Boston, Newport, RI and then return to Jamestown.

Can You Put Your Sunglasses on Silent Please? 

Is it just me or are your sunglasses ringing?  Zeal Optics just came out with Confidant, which combines a sunglass frame with a small removable Bluetooth unit that can synchronize wirelessly with a Bluetooth cell phone up to 30 feet away.  The Confidant has little buttons on one arm to answer and end calls and control the volume.  Just snap on the tiny microphone/earphone and suddenly your talking through your sunglasses.  I wonder if they come in Christian Dior?

Our beloved creator of such imaginative and innovate shows, Aaron Spelling passed last Friday in Los Angeles after a stroke he had on June 18^th.  He was the creator of such shows as Charlie’s Angels, Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, and one of my favorites, The Love Boat.  Mr. Spelling helped shape the roles and change stereotypes of people within the world all the while entertaining us and making us feel good about humanity.  He gave us Dynasty, Fantasy Island, and Hotel, something that we homosexuals loved—shoulder pads and money.   However, his life and dreams will live on, not only in syndication but also in his daughter Tori—an heiress with nothing to do but be NoTorius. 

25 Years of Memories  

The Broward Center will be hosting the 25^th anniversary tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats for seven performances from August 2^nd through the 6^th.  Tickets are $20-$58 and can be purchased at either 954*462-0222 or www.ticketmaster.com or www.browardcenter.org.   

Local and International Summer Festivals

Naples 

Saturday and Sunday July 1^st & 2^nd is the Fourth of July Arts Festival with more than 200 artists, fine art, crafts, and live music all along Fifth Avenue.  For more information call 239*435-3742 or visit them on the web at www.paradisecoast.com/events. 

Pensacola 

This Thursday, June 29^th is the Evenings in Olde Seville Square in Pensacola with big band, jazz, rock-n-roll concerts.  Bring your blanket or lawnchair and sit back, relax, and enjoy the shows.  For more information call 850*438-6505 or visit them on the web at www.visitpensacola.com. 

After some rearrangement and sponsorship guarantees, Berlin’s Love Parade will kick off on July 15^th in Berlin.  Euro Club Kids of all sizes shapes and colors will be on hand partying the day and night away.  World Class DJs such as Tiesto and Paul Van Dyk will be spinning all the hottest mixes your ears can handle and with 40 DJ floats alone, your eyes will get pleasure too.  The parade and for those that make it through the parade will fill the Victory Column with trance fueled electronic music.  Free for all in the area so pack your bags and definitely bring your camera!  For more information go to www.loveparade.net.    

Serbia & Montenegro 

Exit Music Festival, which started out as a political statement, now is one of Europe’s hottest music festival and will be held inside a Napoleonic fortress in Danube and will feature sets from:  Morrissey, Pet Shop Boys, The Cardigans, and Kelis.  Also, spinning will be:  Derrick May, Layo and Bushwacka, and Steve Lawler while Suzanne Vega and Junkie XL will be performing on the Fusion stage.  The Petrovardadin Fortress holds 18 performance areas so there’s room for diversity.  You can camp out from July 4^th thru the 10^th for $19 and the $86 tickets are good for all four days of the festival.  For more information go to www.eng.exitfest.org. 

Book News

David LaChapelle’s Artists and Prostitutes

Be careful rushing out to buy David LaChapelle’s newest limited-edition book, Artists and Prostitutes, because it not only weighs a lot, but costs $1,750!  Taschen printed only 2,500 copies of this book that contains such A-list celebrities photos as: Madonna, Leonardo DiCaprio, Eminem, and Uma Thurman but also transsexuals snorting diamonds through $100 bills, scantily clad models brandishing chain saws in spiky high heels, the Pamela Anderson nudes he shot for Playboy, and famed plastic surgery junkie Jocelyn Wildenstein as an Egyptian Queen.  LaChapelle started out as an underage busboy at Studio 54 which helped him meet such artists as Andy Warhol and Robert Mapplethorpe, and with witnessing such things as Bianca Jagger riding a white horse across the dance floor—can we only begin to understand him.

Vandalism Not Successful 

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam was closed due to the fact that a vandal threw a substance intended to destroy the Celebration of the Peace of Münster [1648], which was part of the Masterpieces of the 17^th Century exhibit.  The painting, done by Bartholomeus van der Helst, was only damaged on the varnish layer and is now in the restoration workshop of the museum.  The museum security said the unidentified man was a known vandal whose identification has circulated around town but was not recognized when the 69-year-old German entered but now has finally been arrested.  Another van der Helst was attacked with a knife in 1989 and in 1990 Rembrandt’s Nightwatch [1642] was sprayed with hydrochloric acid, but once again, only the varnish lay was affected.