On Display

Alter Ego At Art Center South Florida, Opening Reception Saturday, September 29^th  

Come out and help celebrate the artists and the exhibition entitled Alter Ego with a Special Opening Night Reception on Saturday, September 29^th.   The featured artists are:  Trisha Brookbank, Monica Hernandez, Eurydice, Barbara Rivera, Jen Stark, Agustina Woodgate, and David Zalben.  There will be a Public Reception beginning at 8pm at the ArtCenter/South Florida, which is located at 800 Lincoln Road at Meridian Avenue in Miami Beach.  For more information go to www.artcentersf.org and to RSVP call them at 305-674-8278 Ext. 10.  This exhibition will be on view through October 14^th. 

Shock Treatment 

At The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood you can catch their latest show entitled Shock Treatment.  This is a site-specific installation by Pepe Mar to be shown in the new Project Room as part of the Focus South Florida series.  This provides a new exhibition space for emerging regional talent.  This will run through October 14^th and for more information go to www.ArtandCutlureCenter.org or call them at 954-921-3274.  The Center is located at 1650 Harrison Street in Hollywood

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. 

Is Gray the New Black?

This Fall and Winter 2007, they have declared that Gray will dominate as The Must Item for Men’s Wear.  This is a discrete color, very gentlemanly, and an embraceable alternative to dressing in All Black.  With many different companies and Houses jumping onboard, you will definitely notices some changes this season.  Everyone from Tom Ford, Burberry, to Dolce & Gabanna are have wonderful items that will make you feel both warm and stylish.  For more information be sure to check out the following sites: www.zegna.com, www.burberry.com, www.TomFord.com, www.DolceandGabanna.com, and www.Belvest.com.   

Alek

You may not know her name but you know her story:  She was born in Africa, lived in a Sudanese Refugee Camp only to be discovered and become an International Supermodel.  Imagine you finally made it out of a hellish nightmare and are walking down the street when a stranger stops you and tells you you are Gorgeous!  Well, that just happened to Alek Wek when she was just nineteen in London.  Being born in Wau in the southern Sudan she only had a few years with her family before caught up in a ruthless Civil War that pitted everyone against everyone that nearly killed two million people.  She fled the war on foot and escaped to London only to be the biggest Non-European sensation and icon of women of color for generations to come.  For more information about Alek check out her website www.alekwek1933.com. 

Local Author Celebration at Barnes & Noble, Saturday, September 29^th 

On Saturday, September 29^th, the Barnes & Noble at 2051 North Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale will be the scene for meeting local authors. This all starts at 1pm so don’t be late!

On hand:

• Dr. Sharon Fried with Children are People Too,

• C. Mae Kreisel with Aggi Pursued,

• Charles Pero with The Maze,

• Neil Plakcy with Mahu,

• Mel Taylor with Encounter the Deadline,

• Arthur Rosenfeld with The Cutting Season,

• Elaine Viets with Dead-End Jobs Mysteries,

• Kathleen J. Waites, Ph.D. with Particular Friendships, a Convent Memoir,

• Gerald Sharpe with What Lies Beneath the Bed—Tommy’s Tales

The Habitat Re-Store

Are you remodeling and do not have much for a budget?  Have I got a great little secret for you!  Well, as you may have heard through the news and much celebrity attention, the organization called Habitat for Humanity, which helps build homes for low-income families, has a Re-Store located on Broward Blvd. near I95.  With this store, it takes all the supplies and donated material that was not used on the jobsite and turns around and sells it like a Thrift Store for the organization. It is basically a home improvement resale store that recycles usable goods to new users and benefits Habitat for Humanity of Broward County. 

On average, you can save as much as 80% off retail prices and the best part—they are open to the public!  They have:  headboards and footboards, wall units and cabinets, dressers and coffee tables, plumbing and carpentry supplies, tools, tiles, tables and chairs, wood and metal, lights and fixtures, blinds as well as shutters.  Their stock changes often so make sure you stop by often.  This place is ideal for those who love to refinish items, change existing objects, and create new things cheaply.

The Habitat Re-Store is located at 505 West Broward Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale and can be also found at 954-763-7771.  If you are looking to help out, they are always looking for volunteers and need:  Cashiers, Sales People, Stock Clerks, and Truck Drivers.  They are only open Monday through Saturday, from 10am to 6pm and Closed on Sundays and Holidays. 

Viscaya Museum and Gardens, September 30^th 

On Sunday, September 30^th, Viscaya Museum and Gardens will be open to the public for FREE.  Beginning at 9:30am and ending at 4:30pm, this famous estate is amazing just to walk around in.  For more information go to www.vizcayamuseum.org or call them at 305-250-9133. 

Box or Bottle—The Mark’s List Results are In! 

In our newest section titled The Beat we recently asked our readers in a poll about their thoughts on wine containers and their effect on the environment.  We asked, Understanding that bottles and corks are not environmentally friendly and increase fossil fuel consumption in production and transportation, would you voluntarily switch to a high end boxed wine?  The results are in, 50% said that they would switch to a boxed wine and 46% said No (4% did not respond to this question). 

Apparently, Europeans have already switched in record numbers to this latest development!  Will you?

Meet Lorraine Brocco, October 7^th 6pm 

On Sunday, October 7^th you can spend an An Evening of Wine with Lorraine Bracco at Frankie’s Pier 5 in Hallendale.  For only $126 (all inclusive) you can eat, drink fine wine and mingle with one of the greatest actresses of Mob Entertainment.  First, she played my favorite Mob Wife in Goodfellas and then later as the therapist to Tony Soprano on The Sopranos.  Call 954-424-2410 to reserve your tickets now, seating is limited.  Frankie’s Pier 5 Ristorant Italiano is located at 124 South Federal Highway in Hallendale Beach. 

Local Theatre Gigs

Eliza’s Back, December 18^th 

Starting December 18^th, Eliza Doolittle will take The Carnival Center for the Performing Arts center stage in her production of My Fair Lady.  This will run from December 18^th through December 23^rd and is part of Broadway Across America.  For tickets and more information, go to www.carnivalcenter.org or www.broadwayacrossamerica.com. 

Sweeney Todd, January 1^st 

Tickets are now on sale for the January 1^st performance of The Demon Barber of Fleet Street—Sweeney Todd.  This musical thriller will take you places you don’t want to go with catchy songs and amazing performances.  You can purchase tickets online at www.carnivalcenter.org or www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.  This show runs Janurary 1^st through January 6^th. 

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 

The New Yorker Festival 

Every year, The New Yorker throws a great festival in the fall that celebrates literacy and the arts.  The tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.com.  This year it will begin on October 5 and run though the 7^th and if you would like a complete listing of all the events, go to www.festival.newyorker.com. 

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. 

Emunah 

Imagine a Kosher Asian restaurant with Caribbean flair.  Strange huh?  Well, this isn’t the opening to a joke, but a Rabbi owns a restaurant in Oakland Park…literally.  At Emunah (with the Hebrew symbol for Olive and meaning Faith), you will experience a Kabbalistic Café and intricate teabar all in one place.  As a person that values ambiance for any establishment, this place would fit in perfectly in such funky places such as South Beach, SoHo, or Los Angeles.  Emunah is now owned by Rabbi Moishe Meir Lipszyc, who also runs the local synagogue along A1A in Oakland Park.  They are a complete Kosher kitchen and when given the choice decided to go with fish and dairy and have a wide variety of things for anyone—including people who are allergic to fish! 

As with any restaurant, I kindly informed my amazing waitress Annie, my fish allergy and she went above and beyond to ensure I would have a great experience.  To start off with, I chose an Organic Peach Blossom Tea that has been known to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and inhibit cancer.  I then had literally the best Summer Spring Rolls with papaya, mango, jicama, and cilantro. But the best part was a yogurt mint sauce that I wanted to roll around in!  To finish off, I had their Emunah Salad that has greens, mangos, avocados and cucumbers with a choice of Peanut-Ginger Vinaigrette, Citrus Vinaigrette (the best), or Ponzu Vinaigrette.   I wish I had room, because my new BFF told me to have the Decadent Chocolate Truffle Torte—which, if you’re a Chocoholic, is divine! 

Emunah is located at 3558 North Ocean Blvd in Fort Lauderdale, just north of Oakland Park Blvd.  For more information go to www.myemunah.com or call them at 954-561-6411 and be sure to ask for Annie or Dean.  Now, they are a Kosher kitchen, and there are a lot of Jewish Holidays coming up, so be sure to check before showing up!

The Inside Farm of Tokyo 

Within the city of Tokyo’s Otemachi district one person, Yasuyuki Nambu has started possibly the wave of the future for farming.  In a 27-story building, there are computers and people working crops and plants that would normally never be able to grow year round or at all in Japan.  Using a former bank vault, Nambu transformed the 1,000 sq m basement into a farm, growing rice, tomatoes, flowers, and herbs—all hydroponically.  See, after visiting some rural parts of Japan back in 2002 he discovered that many of the young people are leaving the farms for the cities and not giving them a new work force.  That is how Nambu came up with Pasona four years ago, and, with the help of some very specialized people, have an indoor farm.  The best part is that it is a controlled environment and computers control the humidity and heat, there’s artificial lights sources, and most of the plants sit in nutrient-rich baths of mineralized water, and since it is in a sealed environment, there’s little need for pesticides! The farm is called Pasona 2 and is open to the public and harvest plants regularly.  For more information about this project, go to www.pasona.co.jp/pasona_02. 

Is Britney Our New Anna?

After painfully watching the VMA’s with former It Girl Britney Spears semi-gyrating around and for the first time ever—being shown up by her Backup Dancers, I could not help but wonder—Is Britney Our New Anna?  For years we all joked about the Blonde Bombshell Anna Nicole Smith, and how she always seemed to be “On Something”—(wink/wink) but even though she was thin and got big and then BAM tight and hot, we still never stopped treating Anna Nicole like the running joke of the entertainment world.  Now, unlike most of you, I have watched the clip, over, and over, and over again, with the help of www.YouTube.com and TiVo, my roommates have literally watched it over 100 times.  Did you even notice the 20+ table pole dancers?  What I find disturbing is how we have vilified her for her parental skills, yet scoff at her body onstage when 50% of the country would kill for her body, especially after having two kids! Maybe this might make her into Our Next Anna—or she could go the route of Ashlee Simpson and do a jig and disappear only to reinvent herself (with a new nose) and land on the London Stage production of Chicago.  We shall see but either way, I still love the song and you—whatever direction you take in life. 

Hillary Duff Has Dignity

Just this week, after watching the latest video for Hillary Duff’s Stranger at a local video bar/restaurant, I will admit, the leading man in the video captivated me.  I then watched her other video for Play With Fire and started to take notice.  Why have I overlooked The Duff when I was previously full-focused on The Lohan?  Did their battles blur me?  Where is Lindsay now? After having a battle within my head, I picked up Hillary’s latest and gave it a spin.  To my astonishment, I am really happy with my purchase. 

The title song, Dignity is all about the rich and infamous people within the Hollywood/LA scene that have in fact, lost their dignity.  In Danger she discloses how she can see the problems and literally see the danger in the eyes of her partner—can’t wait for the video.  With Gypsy Woman it gives the Gwen Stefani/No Doubt feel I love about them and works for her and Never Stop has a definite 80’s Retro-Bubble Gum Rock sound that will make you do “The Carlton.”  The best part of actually purchasing this CD (vice downloading it) is that it is an enhanced CD with Special Features!  Go out and get it.  I’m still addicted to Stranger though!

Stomp, September 25^th through 30^th 

Tickets for the international sensation Stomp are on sale.  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   

Rhythm Foundation Meet and Greet Party, Friday, September 28^th 7pm 

On Friday, September 28^th, The Rhythm Foundation will be having a 20^th Season Launch Party with a Meet and Greet Party at the Catalina Hotel and Beach Club.  This party is free and has Open Bar from 7-8pm.  DJ Pauer will be spinning music from the upcoming season featuring:  Caetano Veloso, Youssou N’Dour, Buika, Macaco, and more!  There will be member raffles and other prizes.  The Catalina Hotel is located at 1732 –1756 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach and parking can be found in the Municipal lots on 17^th Street.  For more information about Rhythm Foundation or the party, go to www.rhythmfoundation.com or call 305-672-5202. 

James Blood Ulmer, Saturday, October 20^th 

On Saturday, October 20^th, for one night only, you can catch the Jazz & Blues Legend James Blood Ulmer at The Colony Theatre.  Hailed by The Village Voice as “…the missing link between Jimi Hendrix and Wes Montgomery on one hand, between P-Funk and Mississippi Fred McDowell on the other.”  James, along with his electrifying trio that includes Mark Peterson and Aubrey Dayle, will open Tigertail’s season with this rare performance.  Having played with pioneering Jazz great Ornette Coleman, The Bonnaroo Music Festival, he will certainly mix it up with raw power of The Blues, R&B, and funk to create an indelible and unique sound.  To check out video clips and hear an NPR interview with James, go to http://tigertail.org/events_ulmer_p2.html.   The Colony Theatre is located at 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, Tickets start at $35 for General Admission, $25 for Seniors/Students with I.D., and $50 VIP ticket gets you the best seats and priority entrance.  To secure Online Tickets and more information at http://tigertail.org/home.html or by phone 305 545 8546. 

Kelly’s Back, November 29^th

I guess things have been smoothed out between American Idol Kelly Clarkson and her management team because now they have announced the November 29^th concert date.  Starting at 7:30pm you can catch Kelly in all her glory at the Mizner Park Amphitheater in Boca Raton.  She will feature Special Guest Jon McLaughlin and will be singing off her latest album My December as well as her other two albums to bring you to your feet and scream Never Again!!!!!  For more information go to www.kellyclarkson.com.   

Miami Symphony Orchestra, Friday, October 5^th 

On Friday, October 5^th, at 8pm, The Miami Symphony Orchestra will have their Grand Opening Gala Concert.  This will be the first performance of the year for the MSO and will be highlighted by Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.  This will all take place at the Knight Concert Hall of the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts.  Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased through www.miamisymphony.org, www.carnivalcenter.org or by phone at 305-275-5666.  The Carnival Center is located at 1300 Biscayne Blvd in Miami. 

Rhythm Nation, Friday, October 5^th  

On Friday, October 5^th, beginning at 8pm, The Rhythm Nation will present Federico Britos & Esperanza Spalding Trio.  This violin virtuoso is well versed in all forms of jazz as well as Cuban music, Tango, Bossa Nova, Candombre, and Classical music.  This will also feature Special Guests David Sanchez and others.  This will all take place at The Manuel Artime Theatre which is located at 900 SW 1^st Street in Miami and tickets are available at all Books & Books locations and is a featured part of their 25^th Anniversary celebration month! 

Tegan & Sara, November 13^th  

On November 13^th, the Lesbian twin duo Tegan & Sara will take to the stage at Fort Lauderdale’s very own The Culture Room. For those who do not know, The Culture Room is located in the plaza that is in the Southwest corner or Oakland Park Blvd and US1/Federal Highway that has Fernanda’s.  I definitely suggest going with a friend or three, and if you want, you can always email me! 

Havana Abierta, October 27^th

On Saturday, October 27^th, the Miami-Dade County Auditorium will be the setting of the return of Habana Abierta.  Tickets are now on sale for their 8pm performance and tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.com an start at $34.  For further information call 305-358-5885.

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. 

Queer Riot, October 13^th

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.   

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, October 11^th

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  

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.