On Display

Fire and Ice 

At the Leche-Vitrines Art Alliance you can catch their latest show entitled, Fire and Ice.  The show, is a one-man exhibit of Miami artist Keith Smith that contains more than 30 new pieces from his collection.  The Leche-Vitrines Gallery is located at 3038 N Federal Highway, Times Square Design Plaza, in Fort Lauderdale.  For more information and directions, call them at 954-563-2993. 

GUILLERMO TRUJILLO (Panamanian, 1927 - ), El Gran Chaman, 2007, acrylic on canvas, 48 x 36 inches. Courtesy of artist

Guillermo Trujillo 

Currently, at The Boca Raton Museum of Art in Mizner Park, you can find Panamanian  Master Guillermo Trujillo’s work on display.  Guillermo, born in 1927 in Horconcitos, has been a leading artist of their Modern Movement.  He always strives for a harmony between humans and nature and works towards a universal vision.  His work is on display until November 4^th.  For more information, go to www.bocamuseum.org. 

Sylvester Q at Storks 

Currently, at Stork’s Bakery & Café in Wilton Manors the ArtsUnited Artist of the Month is photographer SylvesterQ.  This exhibit is at the 2505 NE 15^th Avenue location and will be up until September 29^th and is free and open to the public.  SylvesterQ has been featured in the prestigious Leslie Lohman Art Foundation, a variety of magazines, and catalogs and recently has been displayed at many charitable events for such organizations as:  The Pet Project, Stonewall Library and Archives, Shadowland, and Bound South.  For more information about him, go to www.SylvesterQ.com. 

Glen Mitchell at Stonewall  

The ArtsUnited Artist of the Month for the Stonewall Library and Archives this month is Glen Mitchell.  Glenn, a longtime South Florida resident, has been featured in many exhibits locally and around the world and has received high acclaim for his sensual portraits and provocative male nudes.  Some of his black and whites have been used in Fit Together, Male Nude Now, Naked, Male Nude Index, Male Nude Next, and The Romantic Male Nude.  Glen has a background in modeling, dance, and the arts and uses the camera to create sensual images of the human form.  The Stonewall Library and Archives is located at 1717 North Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale and the show will be on display until September 29^th.  For more information about Glenn, go to www.glenmitchell.com or his blog site www.miamiglen.com. 

Tamayo at MAM, Through September 16^th

Rufino Tamayo, a Mexican artist has his first posthumous show entitled A Modern Icon Reinterpreted in nearly 30 years.  This retrospective brings together approximately 100 of the best canvases made by Tamayo over a long a productive career that spanned seven decades.  The largest section profiles the most notable period of Tamayo’s career, the 1940’s and 1950’s where he discovered and developed a new form of abstract figuration that made him one of the most recognized and respected modern painters.  This seeks not only to present a careful collection of his work but also to offer a contemporary reinterpretation of this artist.  For more information about this show go to http://www.miamiartmuseum.org/exhibitions-current-tamayo.asp. 

Let The Right On In 

Do you enjoy suspense and tales of vampires?  Well, check out the Swedish Best Seller Let The Right One In by John Ajvide Lindquist.  In his debut novel, John uses both the Vampire legend and overall social conditions of today to weave a terror book that is thought provoking as well as a social commentary on today—did I forget to mention a gay love story is at the heart of it?  Beware, even though it is alluring and fascinating, there is a lot of graphic violence!

Bamboo Rayon

This week amongst my travels I came across some of the most fascinating information that I just had to share.  Throughout Asia, they are constantly on the lookout for renewable resources and they have now perfected another Art of Nature into function and fashion.  Introducing Bamboo Rayon!  Bamboo is processed down and made into a Rayon material that is then woven and is literally amazing.  Strong, soft, and machine washable, this newest fabric is going to be taking over the market within a year.  Since this is a resource that can be found in rural parts of these countries, many low-income people will definitely benefit from increased jobs, markets, and will not harm the cultures and heritages of these people.  For those who do not know, bamboo grows soo quickly that it has been said that you can hear the cracking, which is the stalks growing, growing at such a fast rate that it is completely replaceable within three months!  The fibers are amazing in the fact that they are: strong, absorbent—yet resist mold growth, becomes sparkly when dyed, easily mixable with cotton, highly elastic, and stands abrasion.  Floor mats, towels, and sheets made from bamboo rayon are soft and durable, and are perfect for tropical climates. 

For a complete look at the possibilities of Bamboo Rayon, go to http://www.swicofil.com/products/015bamboo.html. 

Bamboo Rayon

This week amongst my travels I came across some of the most fascinating information that I just had to share.  Throughout Asia, they are constantly on the lookout for renewable resources and they have now perfected another Art of Nature into function and fashion.  Introducing Bamboo Rayon!  Bamboo is processed down and made into a Rayon material that is then woven and is literally amazing.  Strong, soft, and machine washable, this newest fabric is going to be taking over the market within a year.  Since this is a resource that can be found in rural parts of these countries, many low-income people will definitely benefit from increased jobs, markets, and will not harm the cultures and heritages of these people.  For those who do not know, bamboo grows soo quickly that it has been said that you can hear the cracking, which is the stalks growing, growing at such a fast rate that it is completely replaceable within three months!  The fibers are amazing in the fact that they are: strong, absorbent—yet resist mold growth, becomes sparkly when dyed, easily mixable with cotton, highly elastic, and stands abrasion.  Floor mats, towels, and sheets made from bamboo rayon are soft and durable, and are perfect for tropical climates. 

For a complete look at the possibilities of Bamboo Rayon, go to http://www.swicofil.com/products/015bamboo.html. 

Red Bull Gives You Wings

Red Bull, famous for it’s slogan Red Bull Gives You Wings and known for it’s creative-inspired Flutog competitions for homemade flying machines, now gives us The Red Bull Air Race.  Taking off on Saturday, September 22^nd, the competition will features some of the world’s most talented pilots against eachother in a race based on speed, precision, and skill.  This will also feature a dynamic new discipline within flying, called, Air Racing the objective is to navigate a challenging race course in the sky and near the ground (water).  Flying at speeds nearing 400kph, the maneuvers are difficult and require immense skill that only a certain number of pilots in the world possess.  What’s also the best part of this?  The crowd is right there!  They experience all the action close-up!  For more information and tickets and directions, go to www.redbullrace.com. 

Take Off At Naked Grape 

Why not do a Flight Night at Wilton Manor’s very own Naked Grape Wine Co?  In creating a new tradition, NG’s very own Michael will be donning flight attendant gear on Tuesday, September 18^th, and will be offering wine flights—personal tastings.  For those who may not know, Wine Flights are fun and interesting and offer you the opportunity to sample two ounce pours of three different wines.  The wines, selected by region or country, may also be of a different style of varietal.  The best part—you and you alone determine which of the three is the best!  Presented all at once, they are yours to drink at will.  Michael will be making new selections weekly, and the flights will offer you three different pours for one price.  The first flight leaves the gate at 6pm so don’t miss it!  The Naked Grape Wine Co. is located at 2039 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.  For more information call them at 954-563-5631. 

Wine for Hope 

If you happen to be a Wino Onlino then why not check out www.WineForHope.com.  At this site, they literally help out by donating 20% of all sales to their charity called Academy of Friends, which helps fight AIDS.  The O’Brien Cellars, owned and operated by Bart and Barb O’Brien, want you to choose quality, embrace value, exude style, as well as invest wisely and to pour with pride.  They are currently recruiting other Napa Valley wineries to join their charitable program and you can join their Wine Club for Hope which also helps The Academy of Friends.

Galanga Wine Festival 

Wilton Manor’s very own Galanga Restaurant is celebrating their Five wonderful years by offering 50% off bottles of your favorite wines.  This will take place on each and every Monday until further notice so get in there and get yourself a bottle!  Galanga is located at 2389 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.  Call 954-202-0000 for reservations and directions. 

Local Theatre Gigs

Two Boys in Bed 

The local Sol Theatre Company is proud to host Two Boys in Bed Together on a Cold Winters Night.  This is the story of two guys, Daryl and Peter who meet up and see if they are compatible if what they really want is something else.  Featuring the likes of Angel Perez and newcomer John Santos, The Sol Theatre will be steaming this season!  Previews begin on Friday, September 14^th, so call 954-801-9207.  The Theatre is located at 1140 N Flagler Drive (around the corner from Bill’s Filling Station) and you can go to www.SolTheatre.com for more information. 

Romeo & Juliet, October 10^th through 13^th 

Rising Action Theatre Has Some Men, Opening September 28^th 

Locally owned and recently housed Rising Action Theatre will have a Grand Opening on September 28^th for their latest production entitled Some Men.  This will be their first production their own space at 840 East Oakland Park Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.  The space, which can accommodate 100 seats, is the brainchild of troupe leader David Goldyn.  Some Men tells the story of a gay wedding  and will run through November 9^th.  For tickets or more information, contact them at 800-595-4849. 

South Park Meets Desperate Housewives 

The Great American Trailer Park Musical features a cast of saucy characters that spoof the lives and loves of Florida’s most “exclusive” trailer park community—Armadillo Acres.  With an appealing and sparkling score this musical runs the gamut from Country balladry to Pop, R&B, and Rock & Roll.  Some of the characters include:  Pippi who is a saucy stripper with a heart of gold, loony Duke, Norbert the toll booth collector, as well as Jeannie the agoraphobic.  The show begins on February 21^st and runs through February 24^th, 2008 and tickets are available online at http://www.browardcenter.org. 

Awesome ‘80s Prom 

Anyone that is a fan of John Water’s The Breakfast Club and Pretty In Pink movies will get a kick out of the latest musical creation hitting New York and Chicago, The Awesome ‘80s Prom.  This is an interactive play that features such ‘80s archetypes as the:  Slutty Cheerleader, pensive Nerd, Captain of the Football team… and how they are all vying for the titles of Prom Royalty.  Best part…the audience chooses!  I have been told that if you play your cards right you just might be able to slow dance with the Captain of the Football team!  (I personally enjoyed the Soccer team myself…)  For more information about this show go to www.awesome80sprom.com. 

Boys Night Out at Melting Pot, Wednesday, September 19^th

On Wednesday, September 19^th, The Melting Pot of Fort Lauderdale will be holding their monthly Boys Night Out.  For only $25, you will receive a three-course fondue dinner, fashion show by Dillard's, door prizes, and gift bags with products from Clinique and Paul Mitchell, coupons from Michael Leigh Salon and much more!  Reservations are required and the price does not include tax and gratuity.  This happens every month on the third Wednesday.  The Melting Pot is located at 1135 N Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale and can be contacted at 954-568-1581.  Dip into something different! 

Open Mic Poetry 

On Sunday, September 16^th, Starbucks North Miami will be the scene of another Openin Mic Poetry Night.  The festivities will kick off at 7pm and all forms of poetry is welcome to attend.  The Starbucks North Miami is located at 750 NE 125^th Street (corner of US1 and 125^th) and can be reached at 305-893-8063.  For more information go to http://www.myspace.com/stagetherapy_starbucks. 

Absolute Garbage

This summer marked the return of Garbage with the late July release of Absolute Garbage.  This album which features the new song Tell Me Where It Hurts is listed on Butch Vig’s List of Music You Should Hear on Amazon.com.   Butch, the Drummer for Garbage, has a listing of songs that are “List of Songs for a Rainy Day.”  I don’t know if this is a warning or an attraction, but there is an Explicit Lyrics warning label on the album!  The video for Tell Me Where It Hurts is fierce and glamorous if you like the color red, British Mod 60’s, and fettishy boots!  Check it out!

The Last Note 

Legendary Opera Icon Luciano Pavarotti has passed, leaving a large void to be—if ever, filled.  With headlines such as Italy In Turmoil and Grief for Pavarotti (La Repubblica) and The World in Mourning for The Maestro (Ansa) it looks like there is great love for the Tenor.  After winning the hearts of Opera lovers everywhere in the 1960’s he and fellow singers formed The Three Tenors (with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras) in the 1990’s that brought an estimated 800 million people to The Opera.  Sadly, his last public appearance was when he reprised his Puccini role in Nessun Dorma in the open air and at the opening of last year’s Winter Olympics in Turin.  

Stomp, September 25^th through 30^th   

The international sensation Stomp has just gone on sale this past week.  For anyone that has never seen any of their shows or caught any of their countless specials on HBO/Showtime, you will have no idea what I am talking about.  Imagine this, people making music out of anything and everything.  This show will have people using 55-gallon drums as stilts, hubcaps and metal garbage can lids as cymbals, and my favorite, large straw Janitor brooms as both snare drums and sticks, this is a show not to be missed!  For tickets go to www.carnivalcenter.org or www.broadwayacrossamerica.com   

Must Have…or Not? 

Do you ever travel on Holiday?  Say, for months at a time?  Well, have I got the thing for you!  I remember, as a little Fagling, looking at the television shows like I Love Lucy and such of the era, and wish Why can’t I have a traveling trunk?  Well, my dreams have become reality (so to speak) with the help of designer Andreé Putman’s Oceano Trunk.  With this one piece of luggage you have access to storing sooo many things, hanging things ups, storing valuables, drawers and compartments for toiletries and jewelry such as straight razors and cufflinks, it truly embodies the spirit of cruises of the 1920’s and 1930’s when the best way to get to Europe was by ship.  Don’t forget work—it even has a mini-desk with a removable padded pouf!  Check it out at:  http://contessanally.blogspot.com/2007/05/salone-del-mobile-2007_5045.html. 

Matthew Barney 

Mrs. & Mr. Lopez, November 2^nd & 3^rd  

Isn’t it wonderful when one person is a star and the other is a star (but not SOOO big) and the big one helps out the little one?  Well, after marrying, then acting, and singing, dynamic Latin duo Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony will be on tour together!  Jennifer has a new album coming out and the foirst song below. On November 2^nd and 3^rd, the couple will take the stage at The American Airlines Arena at 8pm and sing her—I mean their songs.  Tickets can be found at www.ticketmaster.com. 

Jennifer Lopez Do It Well Official Video Premiere

Marc Anthony - You Sang To Me

Queer Riot 

Edison Farrow of South Beach Social Group is proud to announce the arrival of a night of comedy now called Queer Riot on Saturday, October 13^th.  This show will have funnyman Bruce Vilanch, the hysterical Judy Tenuta, and Drag sensation The Lady Bunny taking The Guzman Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets will be onsale starting September 8^th at www.ticketmaster.com at 10am.  For more information about Lady Bunny, go to www.ladybunny.net or Judy Tenuta at www.judytenuta.com.   

Judy Tenuta "Ladies Of The Night"

La India at Discotekka, September 14^th

Grammy Nominated and Latin Grammy Award Nominated singing sensation La India will be at Miami’s very own Discotekka.  Known as The Princess of Salsa, she will be performing live and for tickets, VIP Tickets, and Meet & Greet Tickets, call 305-917-5014.  Discotekka is located at 950 NE 2^nd Avenue in Miami.

Dave Matthews Band, September 14^th & 15^th   

Tickets are now on sale for the September 14^th and 15^th dates for Dave Matthews Band.  They will take the state at The Sound Advice Amphitheatre with Special Guest stars The Wailers.  For tickets and times go to www.livenation.com or call them at 561-966-3309 or go to www.ticketmaster.com.  In stores now is their latest album The Best of What’s Around and form more information about The Dave Matthews Band, go to www.davematthewsband.com or www.warehouse.davematthewsband..com. 

Albita, October 4^th 

For those of you that missed the amazing live two-hour performance of Cuban sensation Albita at Score on South Beach last Tuesday, you can now catch her as she takes the Knight Center stage on Thursday, October 4^th.  Be forewarned—she no speak English!  (I met her!) You could have paid $20 and been within 50 feet of her—but I guess you can now pay $48- $70 and use binoculars!

Maná, Friday, October 12^th 

On Friday, October 12^th, Maná will take the stage at The American Airlines Arena in their Amar Es Combatir World Tour.  Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 305-358-5885. 

Celtic Woman, October 18^th 

On Thursday, October 18^th, one of my favorite female groups, Celtic Woman will take the American Airlines Arena stage for a One Night Only concert not to be missed.  Click here to read my review of their March 2006 visit to The Broward Center. Tickets are on sale at www.ticketmaster.com or the Box Office at 786-777-1250. 

Anúna, November 28^th 

The Parker Playhouse is proud to announce their latest production of the singing troupe Anúna in their latest show entitled Celtic Origins.  This show promises to be both magical, mystical, as well as emotional and will bridge the gap between Classical, Pop, and World Music.  Known as the original vocal group for Riverdance, Anúna have  performed ethereal harmonies with the likes of:  Sting, Elvis Costello, and The Chieftains.  For tickets or more information, go to www.parkerplayhouse.com or call them at 954-462-0222. 

She’s Baaaaack, October 7^th

If you missed the one and only Broadway Diva Patti LuPone a couple of months ago, you can join your friends who did go when she returns to the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts on October 7^th.  The one-woman show titled Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda has gotten rave reviews and is worth the acclaim.  After ending this summer as Momma Rose in the City Center’s Encores production of Gypsy, Patti will continue touring around the country.  For tickets and more information, go to www.carnivalcenter.org. 

Tori Amos, Wednesday, November 21^st

On Wednesday, November 21^st, famed singer and influencer of lives Tori Amos will take the Kravis Center’s Dreyfoos Hall stage at 8pm.  Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations and online at www.ticketmaster.com.  For more information about the concert go to www.fantasma.com, www.kravis.org, or www.toriamos.com.  If you get the chance, ask Daisy Deadpetals how she got her name!

The Neville Brothers 

The infamous group of the 80’s who gave us great hits such as Lady in Red will take the stage at Hard Rock Live on October 11^th.  They will be singing other favorites as well as tracks off their latest album Walkin’ in The Shadow of Life—which is in stores now! Tickets are now on sale at the Box Office or at www.hardrocklive.com  

Live, Sept 25^th 

Tickets are now on sale for the September 25^th appearance of famed rockers Live who will take the Mizner Park Amphitheater stage along with Collective Soul.  For tickets and more information go to www.ticketmaster.com or www.fantasma.com.  

Henry Rollins, September 25^th 

Ok, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a Slamming Heavy Metal Rocker fan by any means.  I will give them credit as a genre of music that plays an important role somewhere in society.  With that being said, one of my earliest crushes is coming to town, famed scream rocker now talk show host Henry Rollins will be at The Theatre on September 25^th in West Palm Beach.  This performance is called Provoked:  An Evening of quintessentially American Opinionated Editorializing Storytelling.  Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or call 561-833-7305 for more information. 

Twelve Girls Band, October 16^th 

On October 16^th, the Asian sensation sweeping the world, Twelve Girl Band, will take center stage at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts.  Recently named International Artist of the Year, they have crafted a unique niche in world music playing such songs as:  Coldplay, Enya, Dve Rbrubeck, as well as others on classic Chinese instruments!  For tickets and further information, go to www.browardcenter.org or call their Box Office at 954-462-0222.