Local Fundraising for the Arts

Miami Gay Men’s Choir Party 

This Sunday, August 20^th the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus is hosting their Annual Benefit Party from 7pm to 11pm at OLA on Ocean which is at 425 Ocean Drive in Miami Beach.  There will be an Open Bar from 7pm to 8pm so make sure you get there early, enjoy the complimentary Hors d’oeuvres and make many bids on their items for Silent Auction.  Tickets are $25 per person and are available online at www.miamigaychorus.org or by phone at 305*604-8787. 

Naked Grape Goes Italian for the Summer 

This Saturday, August 19^th at 7pm is the kick off of The Naked Grape’s Summer Italian Wine Tasting at their location at 2039 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.  For those that did not know, the Italians know better than any wine producing country how to make wine that’s both refreshing and perfect for summer cuisine.  So, come out and join them and their Wine Host and Italian Expert Christopher Covolo.  You may purchase $10 tickets in advance at 954*563-5631 or stopping in or $15 at the door if available.  Also, for advance tickets, parties of 5 or more reserved, you receive one free admission!  So, basically, all 6 of you can go out for the price of 5! 

Dinner and Wine Anyone? 

Next Tuesday, August 22^nd, in partnership with The Naked Grape, Johnny V’s on Las Olas will be featuring wines from an outstanding Chilean producer—Vina Montes.  Vina Montes continues to win awards for quality and value year after year and will be featuring their Alpha Series, which as won Top Scoring and Best Value from Wine Spectator.  There will be a dinner that will feature a cocktail reception followed by a special Four Course meal prepared by Chefs Johnny Vinczencz and Dwayne Adams.  Johnny V’s Restaurant and Lounge is located at 625 East Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale and Reservations are required.  You can contact them at 954*761-7920 for more information, wines and entrees served, and reservation requirements.  

Moscow’s Hermitage Missing $5M  

Moscow’s prized museum The Hermitage is missing about $5M worth of artifacts and the prime suspect, besides employee theft, is the curator’s husband, Nikolai Zavadsky, who acknowledged that he and his late wife stole some items.  He insisted that his wife had smuggled items of lesser value since 1987 that included such items as:  spoons, sugar bowls, and small icons that they later pawned.  Ever since the 1991 collapse of The Soviet Union it has been a very difficult task keeping track of items, record keeping, and monitoring those in outlaying areas of the country.  There are about 50 to 100 thefts reported each year in Russian museums and there is an increase in Inside Jobs where there is heightened security.   Russian President Vladimier Putin has ordered top officials to conduct a nationwide inventory of 50 million artworks at Russian museums by September 1^st.  What is funny about the whole situation is that what sparked this, a famous late architect’s drawings turned up at auction at Christie’s—where they later cancelled the sales. 

Local Theatre Buzz

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

The Rough Riders Like Some Hanky Panky, August 19th and 20th

This weekend, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Amaturo Theater, The Rough Riders of South Florida will be holding their latest review of Hanky Panky.  Come out and meet Paige Turner, successor to the throne of the Chicken Ranch as she looks at her life since Miss Mona’s untimely departure and ponders the days to come and what will be.  There are two performances on Saturday, one at 2pm and the other at 8pm and Sundays will be at 7pm.  Tickets are available at www.browardcenter.org or by phone at 954*462-0222.

Help Save Julie Johnson! 

What happens when an uneducated housewife and mother of two reaches the end of he rope with both a bad marriage and personal shortcomings?  Find out now at the Sol Theatre Project which is located at 1140 North Flagler Drive, which is down the street from Bill’s Filling Station and just north of Sunrise Blvd.  For questions, times, and prices call them at 954-525-6555 or email them at sol_theatre@bellsouth.net. 

Julie Johnson is proudly sponsored by New Moon Café where, with every ticket purchased, you get a free drink!  Th play opens Friday, August 11^th, and runs through Sunday September 3^rd. 

25 Questions for a Jewish Mother, through August 5th 

Judy Gold, Emmy Winning Comedian describes her experiences as a gay mother of two sons [big stretch—both her and her wife have two kids] and as the daughter of a quintessential Jewish mother.  The show opens Thursday, July 27^th and runs through August 5^th.  Performances are at the Kravis Center Rinker Playhouse at 701 Okeechobee Blvd, in West Palm Beach and for tickets or further information, call 561-832-7469. 

25 Years of Memories, through August 6th

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.   

The Last Hairdresser, through Aug 20^th  

The Last Hairdresser a Rising Action Theatre Company production by David Goldyn, Artistic Director will premier Friday July 15^th at Boom nightclub in Wilton Manors.  David’s previous production, Southern Baptist Sissies was amazing and intricate that made you laugh until it hurt.  Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30pm.  Tickets are $25 with group rates available and are available at Gaymart, right next to Boom.  For further information, call 954*567-8550.  To read my review of The Last hairdresser Click Here.

Beehive Found at Stage Door Theatre Held Over through September 17th!!!

It was brought to my attention that all of the costumes for Beehive were done by the one and only Maria from Zoo 14 on Wilton Drive.  A local fashion legend in our community, she has helped dress many figures—both male and female into one-of-a-kind creations.  This play is a definite Fashion Must-See to reminisce about and era that brought about social change, creativity, and freedom. 

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. 

Ella, through September 3rd

This is a musical about Jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald who invites her favorite musicians to play with her in 1966. This takes place at the Florida Stage which is located at 262 South Ocean Blvd, Manalapan.  Call 561*585-3433 or go to www.floridastage.org  for more information. 

Irma Vep in Coral Gables, through Sep 3^rd

The Mystery of Irma Vep a wonderfully crafted play with only two actors playing over 20 parts will be appearing at The Actor’s Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables July 12^th thru September 3^rd.  The Theatre is located at 280 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables and tickets can be purchased online at www.actorsplayhouse.org  or for further information call them at 305*444-9293. 

For Three Days You Can Light My Candle

Tickets are now on sale for Rent which will be at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts September 14^th thru 17^th.  Tickets are available at the theater Box Office and at www.ticketmaster.com .  You can also check out other shows at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com  or at www.browardcenter.org . 

Things on Display

Oye Vey! 

I have just heard about a new gallery that is in Fort Lauderdale in which is hosting Judaica a show in which all the artisans are Jewish themselves or whose works explore Jewish life and culture through paintings, sculpture, or mixed-media pieces.  There are sculptures by Myriam Franck and paintings by Holocaust survivor Alain Kleinmann which will intrigue and delight those who are interested.  The show is at the Saba Gallery which is located at 1015 East Las Olas Blvd and you can visit them on the web at www.sabagallery.com or call them at 954*467-5745.

Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale 

All this month (August), at the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale, there is free admission for all visitors.  This does not happen every day so take advantage of it! For more information call them at 954*525-5500. 

Possessed:  Art of Haiti through August 19th

The Coral Springs Museum of Art is hosting a show called Possessed:  Art of Haiti that features such Haitian artists as Lionel Saint Elio whoc comes from Port-au-Prince and cobbles colanders, bike spoke and bottle caps into angels or branches.  The late Georges Liautaud fashioned burnished brass and recycled oil drums into mermaids.  Also on display are a wide variety of Voodoo flags and countless sculptures.  These works feature the craftsmanship of transferring commonplace metals and fabrics into art all while keeping with Haiti’s rich tradition of folklore and worship.  This show will be on until August 19^th at the Coral Springs Museum of Art that is located at 2855 Coral Springs Drive.  Call 954*340-5000 for further information or check them out on the web at www.csmart.org. 

Fausto Vinueza at ArtServe 

There are over 80 original works in oil, charcoals, ink, pencil, and watercolors to mark the 100^th birthday of the late Ecuadorian artist Fausto Vinueza.  Even though he was originally from Ecuador, he became a resident of Pompano Beach for more than 15 years.  ArtServe is located at 1350 East Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.  Call 954*462-9191 for more information. 

Metro Pictures: Part 2 through September 17th

You may be wondering if this show has to deal with the Metro Golden Mayer Production Company…no.  Metro Pictures “refers to snapshots of the city” and that the works “define, interpret and/or reject the city.”  This show is wide open to interpretation and includes stuff like a set of musical vests that “only when two participants wear them…do the sculptures emit sound.”  The exhibit is on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art until September 17^th.  The Museum is located at 770 NE 125^th Street in North Miami.  You can either call 305*893-6211 or visit them on the web at www.mocanomi.org for further information.

West Palm Summer Sculpture Show 

Eaton Fine Art will be featuring works by Alexander Calder, Dale Hihuly/Dennis Oppenheim, Patrick Ireland, Mark di Suvero, and many others in their North and South Galleries.  This exhibit runs all summer long from 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday.  The Eaton Fine Art Gallery is located at 435 Gardenia Street, West Palm Beach.  Call 561*833-4766 for further information or contact them at www.eatonart.net. 

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. 

Coming to Town

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

Melissa Etheridge Live Saturday, August 19^th   

With the success of her new Greatest Hits CD “The Road Less Traveled” which is in stores now, come out to Mizner Park this Saturday, to enjoy the lovely rocker we’ve grown to love and adore.  We have all followed her through her coming out at the 1990 Coming Out Festival in front of the world, appearing on the Ellen show as the wise and knowledgeable Lesbian who gives her her toaster, to the Cancer fighter.  I shaved my head within the same month as she had to, and feel you.  I will sleep while you drive.  Tickets available at Ticketmaster locations or you can charge by Phone:  305*358-5885 / 954*523-3309 / 561*966-3309.  www.ticketmaster.com and be sure to check out other information at www.melissaetheridge.com. 

Mary J. Blige, Friday, August 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, Saturday, September 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, Saturday, October 7^th 

John Mayer & Sheryl Crow, Wednesday, October 11^th 

Tickets are now on sale for John Mayer and Sheryl Crow who will be live in concert October 11^th at the Sound Advice Amphitheatre.  Go to www.livenation.com, www.ticketmaster.com , or you can call 561*966-3309 for more information.  If you are truly a fan, you can also go to www.johnmayer.com and/or www.sherylcrow.com as well.

Danke Schoen October 15th and 16th

The legendary Wayne Newton will be performing at the Hard Rock Live Seminole Hotel & Casino October 15^th & 16^th and tickets are now on sale.  You can get tickets through the Hard Rock Live Box Office from noon to 7pm daily or at www.ticketmaster.com. 

I’m Verklemnpt, Saturday, 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.    

Nestor Paz 

Local South Beach artist Nestor Paz shows work that is amazing and detailed with a hint of Dali and Picasso.  Some of the works have already been sold, but many more are still available and affordable. Use the link below to check out Nestor's work and acquire a piece for your collection while he's still affordable. 

You can check out his work at www.nestorpaz.com . 

Strange Fruit 

This Friday, August 18^th, Strange Fruit will be shown at the Stonewall Library & Archives and is brought to you by BlackOut Fest.  The movie will show at 7pm and is a dramatic thriller that centers on the investigation of a hate-crime murder committed against a young black gay man in the backwoods of Louisiana.  An openly gay New York Attorney who is openly gay and childhood friend of the victim is called back to Louisiana to help solve the gruesome homicide.  Expect cover-ups, complex webs of circumstances that not only jeopardize his career but also put his life in danger.  However, he must eventually face the personal demons that he thought he had left behind.   The Stonewall Library & Archives is located at 1717 North Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.  There is a suggested donation of $5.00. 

Shakespeare Festival, Until August 27^th 

Right now, from Thursdays through Sundays, The New Theatre in Coral Gables is hosting a Shakespeare Festival with such plays as The Winter’s Tale and Much Ado About Nothing in a rotating repertory through August 27^th at their theatre at 4120 Laguna Street.  Call 305*443-5909 for more information and performance times.  

Metal Neckwear is Back 

Well guys, just to let you know, the latest fashion accessory trend right now is metal charms on necklaces.  There is a wide variety of styles and textures that can create your own personal style and with such necklaces to highlight them with rope, hemp, leather, or even the newest neoprene—yes, wetsuit material.  Well, the latest craze, and we can all retire out Pookah Shell necklaces from two years ago, is metal encased jewels, stones, and whatever strikes your fancy—but masculine.  There is a wide variety of places that you can see what I mean and check out their stock, there’s:  Items 2 Envy, Tiffany & Co., Movado, Swatch Bijoux, and H&M makes a Divided Blue Collection which is worthwhile to check out.  The best locally to check out would be at Bottoms & Tops where they are carrying the Cruzazul Designer Jewelry, where have a selection of exactly what I am talking about. But for the biggest selection in town check out Argenti Designer Jewelers in the Riverfront complex. They carry they carry two of the hottest brands Stēl and Triton lines. So, take the top button off that shirt and put on a necklace that says you are a man with taste—this is not one for the Abercrombie boys. 

Turn-About for the Team 

For the first time ever, last weeks’ models chose the designer and furthermore, were given a list of Icons that their designers would have to mimic, and chose them too!  Yes, this was a complete shocker for the designers, for the first time someone else choosing?  Well, for the most part, even through the mass scramble of models picking pictures of such women as Cher, Madonna, Jackie O, and Twiggy.  The ten designers had to design an outfit for their icon and modernize it—all the while still staying within the taste of that icon.  Would Katherine Hepburn wear this if she were alive today? 

Well, even though there was a massive almost Cat Fight for the pictures, it almost seemed like the models were given the most appropriate icon for that designer.  My favorite outfits this week were:  Kayne (Pageant Queen) doing Marilyn Monroe, Laura (NY Architect & Mother of 5) with Katherine Hepburn, Uli (Germany via SoBe) with Diana Ross, and Jeff (Mr. Tattoos) with Madonna’s funky boots.  One of my ultimate favorites actually won—Michael (ATL) with Pam Greer and those hot pants!  Two sad notes:  it was not wonder Bradley lost, especially after saying I don’t know anything about Cher, and, once again, My Michael (Mr. Barbie) was the other one on the chopping block for his Jackie O canvas/burlap/Oatmeal linen Channel-esque suit with a draw string?!?!?  I love you Michael, but you are really going to have to step up and wow us—I mean them.  Carry on. 

GLBT Book Discussion Group Returns 

This September the GLBT Book Discussion group returns to the Stonewall Library & Archives with their first book being Stonewall:  The Riots That Sparked the Gay Revolution by David Carter who’s history of the pivotal event is documented.  The group will return on September 14^th at 7:30pm with Jesse Monteagudo as the lead and future groups will be held on the second Tuesday of every month.  October’s book will be voted on at this meeting and is free and open to the public.  The Stonewall Library & Archives is located at 1717 North Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale and you can call them at 954*763-8565 for further information. Click the TLA logo to order this book.

Click the TLA Logo to Order Going Down in La-La Land

Andy Zeffer Makes Page Six 

Former local author Andy Zeffer, who most know just moved back to New York City two months ago, wrote a fabulous anonymous tell-all about his life in the infamous Los Angeles.  Well, buzz around this book has reached the glamorous levels of New York Post’s Page Six in which part of the book discusses an encounter with the Titanic star Leonardo DiCaprio!  You can also read my review of Andy’s book here, you will enjoy it—trust me!

Car of 2005’s Sexiest Man Alive Goes for $61,600 

For those who remember reading my column a month ago, you might remember an article I did about the how Matthew McConaughey was auctioning off his 1971 Corvette Stingray convertible, for hurricane relief, through eBay for The Oprah’s Angel Network.  Well, the angels have spoken, and the Stingray has sold on eBay for $61,600 and will benefit many charities started from both the Hurricane Rita and Katrina, which hit parts of Texas, where Matthew is from.  The website reported that 72 bids had been received. 

Christina Takes Us to the 1930’s 

Released this week is Christina Aguilera’s latest achievement—Back to Basics.  This is the third album for the 25-year-old Mickey Mouse Club alum and is a double CD and works hard to dispel the rumors that she was just a Mickey Mouse nimphette.  The two CDs are distinctly different in the fact that the first is produced by DJ Premier and is a clup-orientated sample-driven backup for Christina’s voice which the second one is produced by Linda Perry that will make you swear that you are in a 1930’s speakeasy with traditional instrumentals as well as a 1940’s ballroom and 1950’s jazz lounge.  Look for such songs as I’m OK, Makes Me Wanna Pray, and Here to Stay in which she claws her way at those who trashed her for her past.  Sounds interesting to me, and especially after watching her latest video …

She IS The Talk of the Town 

Beverly (Bev) McClellan and Billy, the amazing vocalists who perform Saturdays at New Moon Café will be on hand to talk, sing, drink, and take you on a journey.  At first glance you see what Avirl Lavine sings about in “Skater Boy”—but don’t let looks fool ya—she can sing like Melissa Etheridge.  After listening to her CD Talk of the Town, I’m a fan!  Carol from New Moon says, “…catch these guys for free while you can, chances are they will be up on a national stage soon!”

Rubin Museum 

At the Rubin Museum of Art they are currently hosting a show called What Is It?  Himalayan Art which will give you lectures, films, and exhibitions devoted to the aspects of living in the Himalayas and what their culture is really like.  They have Tibetan and Nepalan art that you can experience, with such other things that are spiritually stimulating.  The Rubin Museum is located at 150 West 17^th Street in Chelsea.  You can call them at 212*620-5000 or visit them on the web at www.rmanyc.org. 

The Unknown Weegee 

Running now at The International Center for Photography is Arthur “Weegee” Fellig’s work through August 27^th.  From the 1930’s through the 50’s, Weegee was one of the best known news photographers in the country specializing in capturing the sensational side of urban life: disaster, crime, and nightlife. There are 95 pictures and gives a good sense of his range and calls particular attention to his awareness to social problems related to class and race.  The International Center of Photography is located at 1133 Avenue of the Americas at 43^rd Street.  You can call them at 212*857-0000 or visit them on the web at www.icp.org. 

Get Closer to Dance 

Through August 12^th at the Joyce, you can catch the latest show of Pilobolus, which are three incredible programs from one amazing dance company.  Pilobolus dancers transport audiences with their physicality and illusion, unique partnering, and awe-inspiring athleticism.   Tickets are $42 and Showtimes are Monday through Friday at 8pm with two shows at 2pm and 8pm on Saturdays.  The Joyce is located at 175 8^th Ave at 19^th Street and you can get tickets at JoyceCharge at 212*242-0800 or www.joyce.org. 

I am always on the lookout for the latest things to improve houses, increase value, and am a firm believer of making a house your home.  Sometimes, I might give some information as far as what designer or product is the latest craze (i.e.: cork) or what fabric is of the future (i.e.: corn/ingeo) but I definitely believe that in order to make your home yours it shouldn’t be filled with items you do not like.  What’s the point?  There are plenty of things out there to design with, use as accent pieces and so forth, but the important thing is that it has to be you?  That’s why I like this section, I can give you the ideas that might spark something, and you don’t have to leave your computer.  Well, here’s the latest and greatest thing that I’ve come across for accents:  www.nytstore.com has amazing prints, that you can frame and call your own.  Within the official store site for The New York Times, you will be able to purchase amazing photographs, fine art that was featured within the NYTimes, keepsakes, and historic pages.  This is also perfect for people, like myself, that are interested in history, historical figures, and architecture. 

Another person to be on the lookout for, if architectural aerial shots of such cities as: Chicago, New York, and Boston, then Taiji Matsue is the one for you.  Taiji Matsue shoots such photos with precise angles that make them themselves crisp and amazing.  The New York Collection is shot from the Empire State Building, the Chicago Collection is from the Sears Tower, Paris is from the Eiffel Tower, and so forth.  Sometimes, to get an even greater level of crispness to the photos, he uses the negatives with an enlarger designed for an electron microscope that will give a level of sharpness impossible to achieve with traditional photographic equipment.  If you would like to view them online, check out the Cohen Amador Gallery at www.cohenamador.com or, if you happen to be in NY any time before August 25^th, visit them at 41 East 57^th Street in Manhattan or call them at 212*759-6740.