On Display

Royo at Coral Springs Museum of Art 

If you go to The Coral Springs Museum of Art you can catch their latest exhibit, Royo’s Ingrávidos.  Royo, a Spanish painter, defines his own work not by classifying it in terms of Modern or Classic, he can claim that he has carved his own place in the art world, somewhere among the classics yet decidedly of our time.  Born in Valencia, he is inspired by European masters ushc as Renior and Goya and makes his work imaginative and takes a deeper look at the human form, only with this show, makes them free from the constraints of gravity.  With an ethereal quality, these forms are in a state of perpetual flight, floating outward almost to catch themselves—yet not angels.  The Coral Springs Museum of Art is located at 2855 Coral Springs Dr in Coral Springs and can be located at www.csmart.org or by phone at 954-340-5000. 

Urban Affairs

Currently, at The Chelsea Galleria they have a show entitled Urban Affairs.  This exhibit contains photographs of four Cuban-American Miami artists, George Sanchez, Joseph Tomargo, Tom Lopez, and Arturo Cuenca, all of which explores the impact of urban growth on cities and their inhabitants.  The Chelsea Galleria is located at 2441 NW Second Avenue in Miami.  For further information, go to www.ChelseaGalleria.com or call them at 305-576-2950.

Cheryl Turner At Stonewall

Stop by The Stonewall Library and Archives to check out the latest exhibit.  The ArtsUnited Artist of the Month is Cheryl Turner.  Cheryl has been in many shows around town and has a unique vision on femininity and romantic vision of the Lesbian Bar Culture.  With such works centering on this and a few gays, she gives an almost Art Deco feel to Lesbianism, homosexuality, and transvestitism.  Cheryl’s work will be on display until October 31^st and the Stonewall Library is located at 1717 North Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. 

Peter Aymonin at Storks 

Right now, at Stork’s Bakery and Café in Wilton Manors, you can catch the latest exhibit by Peter Aymonin.  A second generation Floridian, this Miami native was encouraged by his maternal grandmother to explore his artistic side.  He graduated from the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design where he studied Architecture, Ceramics, Glass, Industrial Design, Jewelry, Light Metals, Photography, and Sculpture.  His current show reflects his exploration into society’s view on love, politics, and religion as they exist today and the possibility of what they might become.  He says, In my photography, I aspire to reveal the essence of my subject through a particular moment captured in time.  Storks Bakery and Café is located at 2505 NE 15^th Ave in Wilton Manors.

Alter Ego At Art Center South Florida

Come out and help celebrate the artists and the exhibition entitled Alter Ego.   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. 

Vintage Gentleman’s Watches are Back

Call this The Age of Sophistication, but right now, the biggest rage among professional men is vintage watches.  Old watches with new bands are the Must Have Items of the I Have To Have It’s.  What we are talking about are watches that are from 1930 to the early 1980’s that are handcrafted, timeless, and range in price between $29,000 to $59,000.  The two most popular styles are Art Deco and Sportman/Diver watches.   Exotic skins only enhance the beauty of some of these wristwatches and there is a family, named Perrin who actually specialize in making the most appropriate fit to any timepiece.  The experts give some helpful suggestions when considering a timepiece like this:

·         Know or do some in-depth research about the company you are buying your watch from and the company that made the watch. 

·         Thoroughly inspect it before buying—just like a car, take it to an expert if you don’t know what to look for.

·         Think about wearing it often, not just on Special Occasions.  Remember, a watch is meant to be worn and shown off.  What use is it if it is tucked away in a drawer?

Van Gogh At The Morgan 

Presently, at The Morgan Library and Museum, they have 19 letters that Vincent Van Gogh wrote to friends and family.  Painted with Words:  Vincent Van Gogh’s Letters to Emile Bernard has personal correspondence from Van Gogh in the final years of his life.  Alongside them are the sketches and paintings they describe—drawn from a dozen museums around the world and the letters have been literally and unabashedly translated from the French.  When Van Gogh says f---ing, we say f----ing.—Curator Jennifer Tonkovich.  Also within the letters are also the pigments he planned on using on the paintings.  Sadly, he ended his life only two years later in July 1890 after shooting himself in the chest.  Did you know that he only sold one painting in his lifetime?  This exhibit will run through January 6^th at The Morgan Library and Museum, which is located at 226 Madison Avenue at 36^th Street.  For more information go to www.morganlibrary.org or call them at 212-685-0008. 

Cyrano de Bergerac Has an Alias! 

Margaret Cho 

Currently, at The Zipper Factory in New York City, the infamous and notorious Margaret Cho has an off-Broadway burlesque-style variety show entitled The Sensuous Woman.  She recently admitted that “…during one belly dance gig at a Middle Eastern restaurant, my bra came undone in the beginning and I had such good posture it stayed up the whole time.  My dancer friends were so impressed!”  The Zipper Factory is located at 336 W 37th St in New York and can be found at www.thezipperfactory.com or by phone at (212) 695-4600. 

Who’s Nina’s Daddy?

Fans of Bravo’s Project Runway know the Judges.  While Margaret Cho has referred to Michael Coors as a very bitchy orange, I, myself, has made references of distain to another Judge’s squishy face.  Well, at the end of last season, we discovered the softer and more gentle side to the Little Giant, Elle magazine’s Nina Garcia.  She has a current book out now titled, The Little Black Book of Style and in it not only doles out fashion advice, but also gives a little bit of family fashion history.  With one story describing how important fashion is to her father, it will make you wish it had pictures!

Bang Music Festival 2007, November 10^th & 11^th 

Tickets are now on sale for The Bang Music Festival 2007.  Taking place on November 10^th & 11^th, this will feature such groups as:  The Smashing Pumpkins, kanYe West, Riverboat Gamblers, The Bravery, Spoon, Explosions in the Sky, Automatic Loveletter and many more!  For a complete listing, tickets, or directions to the Bayfront Park Amphitheater in Miami, go to www.BangMusicFestival.com. 

Oktoberfest 2007, Saturday, October 6^th 

On Saturday, October 6^th, there will be the Third Annual Authentic Bavarian Oktoberfest.  There will be a Biergarten, Weingarten, Alpine Market, entertainment, and carnival rides.  There will be a $2 donation per adult and they are promising good spirits, good times, laughter, and goodwill.  The festivities begin at 10am and will last until 11pm and will be located at N Dixie Highway and NE 38^th Street in Oakland Park.  For more information got to www.oaklandparkmainstreet.com. 

Black & Blue Montreal

This Monday kicked off Montreal’s Black & Blue Festival that offers a weeklong slate of nonstop partying.  Do the colors mean anything?—you decide!  Headlining will be DJ Michael Kaiser.  For more information, go to www.bbcm.org. 

Local Theatre Gigs

525,600 Minutes… 

How do you measure a year?  Well, for those of you not familiar with this infamous song from a Tony Award winning show, Rent will be at The Carnival Center for the Performing Arts starting November 2^nd and running through November 4^th.  Tickets are on sale at www.carnivalcenter.org or www.broadwayacrossamerica.com or you can call 305-358-5885.  For more information about the show, go to www.siteforrent.com.  I prefer to Howl at the Moon….   Moooooooooo!

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. 

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

Rising Action Theatre Has Some Men

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. 

PF Changs 

A twelve foot stone War Horse is your introduction to PF Changs.  At this Asian Bistro you are treated like a VIP with strategically placed lighting that obscures that you wish to hide and highlight that you want noticed.  All waitstaff is decked out in black and dance the line between lights and shadows like useful apparitions.   

As your food arrives, you will notice that the lights softly illuminate your plate bringing the focus to your order.  Everything is precisely thought out and combinations are created just for The Awe Factor.  Just remember, you have nothing to fear, they won’t ostracize your for using a fork! 

Nefertiti 

Did you know that it was only thirty years ago that the musical Nefertiti opened in Chicago?  Well, the Windy City is about to get it again with the current release entitled, Nefertitit:  A Concert of Music and Dance.  This will present the Egyptian Queen’s story through movement, music, and dialogue.  For tickets or more information, go to www.deeplyrootedproductions.org. 

Melissa’s Awakening

Our favorite Rock Lesbian is back with another album, this one titled, The Awakening, which hit last week.  We have seen our Melissa go from an undisclosed Rocker Chick to Out Proud Lesbian on national television for National Coming Out Day, to a relationship with non-Lesbian Julie Cypher—which produced two kids with David Crosby, to marriage to wife Tammy Lynn Michaels, and finally, battling Breast Cancer and performing bald on TV.   We have been there for you, and will get this album.  Hands down, still favorite song, “You Can Sleep While I Drive.”

For more information, song preview and album info, go to www.melissaetheridge.com. 

The Grape Escape 4, Wednesday, October 24^th 

On Wednesday, October 24^th, The Mack Mixer will present its Fourth Annual Grape Escape Wine Tasting.  This will take place at The Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale and tickets are $40 in advance or $55 at the door.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Broward House.  For more information or to purchase tickets go to www.mackmixer.com.  The Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale is located at 1 East Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.  

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. 

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!

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.   

Sarah Silverman, October 28^th 

The ever offending and especially crude Sarah Silverman will take The Fillmore stage at The Jackie Gleason Theater on October 28^th.  If you are a fan of her show The Sara Silverman Project, her stand up Jesus Is Magic, or just her ranking on Brittany Spear’s parental skills (oops—is she a fortuneteller?) at the VMA’s this year, you will love her in person.  Think about it, who else but Sarah can have a One Night Stand with Black God and then turn around and try to give him the wrong number and think she can get away with it?  Tickets and more information is available at www.ticketmaster.com

Sweet Dreams, October 31^st 

For one night only, the legendary songbird Annie Lenox will take The Ziff Ballet Opera House stage of The Carnival Center for the Performing Arts on October 31^st at 7:30pm.  She will have Special Guest Carina Round and will be featuring not only her classics but songs off her latest album Songs of Mass Destruction.  Tickets are available at the Box Office or online at www.carnivalcenter.org or by phone at 305-949-6722. 

Queen of the Goth Children, October 23^rd

The undisputed Queen of the Goth Kids Amy Lee who is the lead singer of Evanescence will take center stage at The Bank United Center on October 23^rd at 7:30pm.  Let me just tell you, as a person that went to their last concert, the most amazing part of the entire show was her, alone on stage, with the piano.  This show should not be missed!  For tickets, go to www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 305-358-5885 or 954-523-3309.  For more information about Evanescence, go to www.evanescence.com or www.evfanclub.com.   

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. 

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.