Taste of the Islands, November 5^th at 7pm 

Join the city of Wilton Manors as they celebrate The Taste of the Islands on November 5^th.  This culinary experience is one not to be missed with many local restaurants and businesses supplying samples of their goods.  This will all take place at Hagen Park, which is located at 2020 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. 

Next Island City Art Walk, Friday, November 16^th, 7pm 

The Island City Art Walk is held on the 3rd Friday of each month, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., between October and April, along Wilton Drive, in the Wilton Manors Art and Entertainment District. The official participants include galleries, eclectic stores, cafes, boutiques and upscale restaurants, which host over 40 local artists. Come and enjoy an evening of fun in one of South Florida’s most eclectic neighborhoods. The Island City Art Walk is free to the public. Have an early dinner in Wilton Manors then take a stroll or ride the free Sun Trolley up and down “The Drive.” View the art, people watch, and make new friends. Wine and cheese and other treats will be served in many of the participating businesses.  For more information, go to www.islandcityartwalk.com.

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. 

Viernes Culturales Festival, Friday, October 26^th  

Celebrate a feast of arts, culture and shopping at the monthly street fair celebration of Little Havana’s arts, culture, heritage and unique merchants. 80 artists and artisans will be on display along Calle Ocho and other adjoining public spaces—which will be alive with street performers, sidewalk cafes, and salsa dancing at local restaurants.  The festivities begin at 7pm and starts at SW 8^th Street (Calle Ocho) between 14^th & 17^th Aves. in Miami.  For more information go to www.viernesculturales.org or call 305-644-9555

On Display

Image credit: Pablo Cano, Lucifer Red Diablo, 2007, mixed media. Photo by Jose Rodriguez

Viva Vaudeville

Currently, at The Museum of Contemporary Art in Miami, you can catch artist Pablo Cano’s 10^th Annual puppet show entitled, Viva Vaudeville.  This will apparently bring you and Pinocchio way back.  The show runs through December 29^th and the museum is located at 770 NE 125^th Street in North Miami.  For tickets and directions call them at 305-893-6211. 

Essential Gallery Network Design Day, Thursday, October 25^th  

This Thursday, October 25^th the popular monthly designer event held at Lèche-Vitrines Art Alliance continues with a twist.  Starting in October, Lèche-Vitrines has joined forces with 3 other nearby galleries to bring to you an entire day dedicated to Designers, Decorators, Realtors and Art Collectors.  From open to close Thursday, October 25^th each of the participating galleries, which are part of The Essential Gallery Network, shoppers can enjoy light refreshments, mingle with other art lovers—all while looking at amazing art and getting great deals.  Come prepared to go home with fabulous art.  Shoppers will receive personalized attention, be able to work on specific projects, ask questions, and also get a sneak peak of things the galleries have not had on display yet.

If you have not yet visited these great galleries, this is the time.  Stop by to say hello and show your support of these local businesses and support the artists by collecting original art.  Participating Galleries include:

James Schot Gallery and Photo Studio, 2800 N. Federal Hwy with hours 11am-7:30pm.  They can be found at 954.564.1112 or www.jamesschotgallerystudio.com. 

Silent Witness at Broward Library

The Broward County Main Library is proud to host their latest display entitled, Silent Witness which is a collection of photographs of people that have lost their lives to Domestic Violence last year in Broward County.  The show will run until October 31^st.  The Library is located at 100 South Andrews Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale and can be reached at 954-332-3445.

Rock Opera, Through November 10^th 

Currently, at The Florida Atlantic University’s Gallery, you can catch their latest show entitled, 2007 Biennial Art Faculty Exhibition, which is going on through November 10^th.  Rock Opera, a video installation by Diana Shpungin, is one of the highlighted pieces.  The Gallery is located at 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton and you can go to www.fau.edu/galleries or call them at 561-297-2966 for more information. 

One Voice, Through November 17^th 

Right now, at The Coral Springs Museum of Art, you can see their latest show entitled, One Voice, which is a collaborative exhibition of:  paintings, mixed media, performance photography, and video pieces by Scherer and Ouporov.  Drawing on Russian iconofy, figurative realism, and medieval manuscript illuminations as well as Russian Symbolist and Futurist poetry—this is a show not to be missed!  The Coral Springs Museum of Art is located at 2855 Coral Springs Drive in Coral Springs and can be found at www.csmart.org or by phone at 954-340-5000. 

Keith Clark in Lake Worth

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.

Local Theatre Gigs

Rhythm Nation’s Macaco; Sunday, October 28^th at 8pm 

On Sunday, October 28^th, The Rhythm Nation will be featuring their latest performance of Macaco.  Macaco comes from the musical cauldron of Barcelona that brought us Ojos de Brujo which is the intoxicating blend of: Rumba Catalan, Dub, Ska, Hip-Hop, and Funk which now brings us Macaco.  Before starting his own 8-piece band, Macaco contributed generously to the adventures of his musician friends, including Ojos de Brujo, Los de Abajo, Mano Negra, Chambao, Amparanoia, and more.  The new fusion sound of Spain is one of the most creative today, and Macaco is at the center of it.  Macaco will have Special Guests Art Official and will perform at Studio A that is located at 60 NE 11^th Street in downtown Miami.  Tickets are $20 in advance and are available at BASE or Books & Books Coral Gables or at 305-672-5202. 

The Bug Chasers, Thursday, October 25^th

Beginning Thursday, October 25^th, The Carnival Center for the Performing Arts is proud to produce the World Premier of The Bug Chasers.  This dance-theater meditation on sex, lies, and death-wish eroticism draws attention to the dream of the perfect body ruined by the realization of our own mortality.  For those who do not know, “Bug Chasers,” are young men who seek to become HIV positive and are just one of the Miami subcultures explored in this new, unsettling work.  Written by Octavio Campos, this has adult themes and is rather raw and graphic.  For tickets you can go to www.carnivalcenter.org and the show runs through Saturday, October 27^th. 

Judy’s Back, November 6^th through 11^th 

Starting November 6^th, famed funny woman and Lesbian mother Judy Gold is returning to the area with her one-woman show entitled, 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother.  This will be taking place at The Coral Springs Center for the Performing Arts and running through November 11^th.  For tickets or more information, go to www.coralspringscenterforthearts.com or call them at 954-344-5990. 

Urinetown, Through November 11^th 

Opening this week at The Actors Playhouse in Coral Gables, is Urinetown.  This three-time Tony Award winning Broadway musical revolves around a town suffering from a 20-year drought.  There are not any private toilets in this town and a corporation forces the citizen to pay to use the public amenities.  This leads our young hero into a revolution against the establishment.  The Actors Playhouse is located at The Miracle Theatre at 280 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables.  For more information about the play, tickets, or directions, go to www.actorsplayhouse.org or call them at 305-444-9293.

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. 

Rising Action Theatre Has Some Men

Locally owned and recently housed Rising Action Theatre will has a 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. 

Stork's 10th Anniversary, Saturday, October 27th

 

On Saturday, October 27th, the cafe that has served hundreds of thousands of thrilled coffee drinkers and diners throughout it's existence is having it's Tenth Anniversary Party starting at 1pm at their Wilton Manors location.  So, if you're a regular, occasional, or "never been there" customer, then this is the time to go! On hand will be the Stork and Dekaj families as well as their current staff. Stork's is a great place to relax with a cup of coffee and any of their delicious desserts and baked goods. If you want to impress friends, just serve any one of their many tasty desserts.  My favorite is the Pistachio White Chocolate Cheesecake. You might even want to include one of Jim's Barbie cakes on your next spread. Stork's Bakery and Cafe is located at 2505 NE 15th Ave in Wilton Manors.

Jimmie’s Chocolate Turns 60! 

360 Electrical Outlet

What good is an electrical outlet if you can’t use both plugs?  I know I have hard time plugging in more than one of my chargers in one socket at one time.  Well, some genius finally came up with the perfect solution—make the outlets rotate!  With a 360-degree turning outlet you can plug in such things as your cell phone charger and your MP3 plug, both of which could have monopolized the outlet before.  Voted Best New Product at The National Hardware Show, this is something you need.  To order or find locations that carry them, go to http://www.360electrical.com/   

Los Angeles’s Sock Puppet Show 

Currently, at LA’s Theatre Asylum, they are having a show of Harvey Finklestein’s Sock Puppet Show.  Apparently, if you haven’t seen a sock puppet pole dance then you haven’t experienced true theatre!  For more information go to www.brownpapertickets.com. 

Rachel Panay Says It’s Got To Be Love

Recording artist Rachel Panay has got a new single out that is now #15 on Billboard’s Dance Chart and is titled, It’s Got to Be Love.  Written and produced by Georgie Porgie, it is the very last song that is being placed on her upcoming album and is fierce.  For more information about Rachel and her upcoming appearance at Twist in South Beach on November 15^th, go to www.rachelpanay.com. 

World Music from India & Choral Music From Russia 

At The Carnival Center for the Performing Arts you can catch a World Music special from India entitled Musafir: Gypsies of Rajasthan on November 2^nd & 3^rd.  This concert takes you on a musical journey through the Thar Desert of Rajasthan in western India and southeastern Pakistan—the original home of the wandering gypsies. This show will feature choreography that is equal parts dance and acrobatics as well as an ensemble of Indian folk musicians and Hindustani classical artists on indigenous flutes, strings, cymbals, and drums of various shapes and sizes. Let the dancers and musicians of Musafir take you to a foreign land where you will feel the splendor and hear the heart of Rajasthan.  Tickets are $25.   

As part of an World Arts explosion, they are also featuring choral music from Russia in a November 8^th presentation entitled The Russian Patriarchate Choir of Moscow.  With an ensemble of 12 male voices that are richly majestic, eerie, and transcendental, this performance is one not to be missed.  Their concerts encompass two styles of immense creativity in Russian music:  Chants and Prayers from the early 16^th Century Orthodox Church and authentic close-harmony arrangements of Russian Folk songs.  They also include such favorites as works from both Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff.   

Tickets for both sets of performances are available online at www.carnivalcenter.org. 

Absolute 100 

Debuting this month is the latest concoction by our wonderful Swede friends over at Absolute.  They have created Absolute 100 which is born of pristine well water and Swedish Winter Wheat then distilled in a process that dates back to 1879 and the 100 denotes a higher proof and brings with it a more pronounced profile.  With slight notes of herbs and spices, citrus and floral notes, it has a long and warm finish that claims to linger like the memory of an old friend.  With a 100 marking, it’s smoothness also makes for a robust and distinctive mark for cocktails like the Triple Sec & Lemongrass –fueled Jme Kami, or Ashlee’s 21^st Drink which is made from Citron, Ruby Red Grapefruit juice, and Vanilla.   

With a sleek and chic black bottle, it will give a sinister grin to anyone ordering it and the envy of anyone ordering it for table service at a nightclub.  For more recipes go to www.absolutedrinks.com 

Wines Around the World- Mystery Tasting!, Friday, October 26^th at 8pm 

Beginning at 8pm on Friday, October 26^th, The Vine Wine Shop & Tasting Loft of Miami will be hosting Wines Around the World- Mystery Tasting!  Join them as they journey around the world with top picks from regions and wine producers known for their awesome, small production wines.  They cannot tell you the entire line up (that's the Mystery part...), but expect nothing less that great Reds and Whites ...and even maybe a little bubbly that won't break the bank!  Please note that due to their limited seating capacity, reservations are required. Their tasting events sell out quickly, so please be sure to make your reservations ASAP!  Tickets are only $20!  For directions or more information, check them out at www.vinewineshope.com  but please note:  reservations will not be taken via e-mail so please call them at 305-759-8463.

Skulls Out—Crosses In?

As I was making my way through the Galleria Mall this week in my weekly outing to see what is hot and what is not these days, I happened upon the latest addition to their clothing retail family—Guess.  Always on the lookout for signs and similarities, I happened to see something that made me scratch my head—Are skulls out and crosses in?  With the impending holiday season approaching, I couldn’t help but wonder if subliminally, is it chic to be Christian?  With belt buckles and necklaces with crosses galore, you can’t help but wonder, are they Right Wing Christians with and agenda?  One look at their advertising and you will giggle—um noooo. 

Dance & World Music is Driven By Rhythm, November 29^th through December 2^nd 

Beginning November 29^th, The Carnival Center for the Performing Arts will feature James Devine’s Tapeire — Driven by Rhythm.  It is said that James Devine is the fastest tap dancer in the world and he has now created a show that is an entirely new kind of Irish dance show that is raw, passionate, and funky and is geared towards a new generation of dance lovers.  Imagine Stomp with a Celtic Brogue and envision a dancer simultaneously tapping while being suspended in the air.  That is Tapeire.  All tickets are $25 and available online at www.carnivalcenter.org.  The show will run through December 2^nd so get your tickets now while they still last!

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. 

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.   

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. 

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. 

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!