Sleepless Nights, Saturday, November 3^rd 

Saturday, November 3^rd will be a night to remember!  Called Sleepless Nights this will be one adventurous night of daring and innovative entertainment at indoor and outdoor venues concentrated in four areas of Miami Beach:  North Beach, Collins Park, Lincoln Road, and Ocean Drive.  Beginning at 6pm and ending at 6am, The ArtCenter of South Florida will be hosting three site-specific installations for this event.  Martin Markeli, Muu Blanco, & Chus Garcia-Fraile are all participating artists. 

Silent Art Auction to Benefit Women In Distress of Broward County  

Are you an artist and want to help out a worthy local cause?  Well, then the idea is simple. If you wish to donate a piece for an auction benefiting Women in Distress, you will receive two complimentary tickets for the Banquet that it will be held. In addition, artists will be invited to bring any promotional materials to leave in a designated area.

In it's first year, the event raised over $5,000; with about 150 people in attendance and art work was donated by Guy Harvey, Romero Britto and other local South Florida artists. It also gives the artists contributing work an extra line on their biography; as well as the ability to create opportunities to establish contacts who may be interested in purchasing work.

This year’s event will include wine, appetizers by A Gourmet Affair and a chocolate fountain. If you do not want to donate work, but still wish to attend...advance tickets can be purchased from directly for $15.00.

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. 

On Display

Art & Wine with Gustav Klimt, Friday, November 2^nd

On Friday, November 2^nd, The ArtCenter of South Florida will be hosting an Art & Wine Night and will be featuring Gustav Klimt.  Gustav was one of the most talented Austrian artists mixing symbolism and art nouveaux to create a new visual language that would help free Austrian art from the conservative grip of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. As the first president of the Vienna Secession he was one of the most influential artistic leaders of his generation.  This will all take place at 7pm at 800 Lincoln Road Gallery.  Tickets are $20 and RSVP and pre-pay at 305-674-8278 Ext. 15 or stop on by. 

Dawn Rosenthal at Stonewall, Opening November 5^th

On Monday, November 5^th there will be an Opening Reception for Orlando native Dawn Rosenthal at The Stonewall Library and Archives.  Dawn will be November’s Artist of the Month and have her work on display through November 30^th.  The reception will begin at 6:30pm and the Archives are located at 1717 North Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.  Dawn, who was always creative, has interest in archeology and anthropology—which reflects in her work.  She is also intrigued by the symbols and ornamentation of lost civilizations and uses the human form to compare and contrast curves of muscles to those of scroll and decorations. 

Viva Vaudeville, through December 29^th

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. 

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. 

Between The Pages

Lance Bass is Out of Sync 

In the craze this summer of gay entertainers to publish their side of the story, the latest is former Boy Band member Lance Bass with Out of Sync.  After getting a phone call from Justin Timberlake he left his small-town home of Clinton, Mississippi to join an emerging musical group called NSYNC.  After many struggles, they ended up with Beatle-eque fame and following that led to earning the all-time record for most album sales in a single day (more than one million) with their album No Strings Attached.  Within the pages of Out of Sync, Lance discusses his childhood, growing up Christian, the dissolution of NSYNC, his four months in Russia training to be a Cosmonaut, and most importantly—talks about his gay life.  I cannot imagine trying to keep that secret from millions of people, especially while dating Rheiken!  This gives the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and revealing insights from his perspective who was known for being private.  

Alan Weisman Signing at Books & Books, Wednesday, October 31^st  8pm 

Author Alan Weisman will be at the Coral Gables Books & Books location on Wednesday, October 31^st at 8pm reading, discussing, and singing his latest book The World Without Us which is a far-reaching narrative that explains how our massive infrastructure would collapse and finally vanish without human presence.  Imagine how everyday items could become immortalized as fossils, copper pipes and wiring would be crushed into mere seams of reddish rock, and how some of our earliest buildings might be the only lasting architecture left.  Did you ever think of how plastic, bronze sculpture, ratio waves and some man-made molecules may be our lasting gifts to the universe?   

The World Without Us reveals how, just days after humans disappear, floods in New York’s subways would start eroding the city’s foundations, and how, as the world’s cities crumble, asphalt jungles would give way to real ones. It describes the distinct ways that organic and chemically treated farms would revert to wild, how billions more birds would flourish, and how cockroaches in unheated cities would perish without us. Drawing on the expertise of engineers, atmospheric scientists, art conservators, zoologists, oil refiners, marine biologists, astrophysicists, religious leaders from rabbis to the Dali Lama, and paleontologists---who describe a prehuman world inhabited by megafauna like giant sloths that stood taller than mammoths---Weisman illustrates what the planet might be like today, if not for us. 

If you cannot make this signing or any ones in the future, you can always call 305-442-4408 or email books296@aol.com to pre-pay for an autographed copy for you and just remember, signed books always make a great gift!

Local Theatre Gigs

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. 

Bucky’s Grill 

I have found one of the best places to pick up a fork at in Southern Florida.  That place is called Bucky’s Grill.  Located in the former Houston’s building at 1451 North Federal Highway, this place is not only beautiful, with dark wood, strategic lighting, and brick-face walls, but has some of the most amazing food I have ever sunk my teeth into.   

Let me just start off with the homemade cornbread (with actual bits of corn in it) and how you should not ask for more than one piece because your Entrees are going to fill you up to the point of explosion.  Personally, I had the Chimichurri Steak Salad and literally expected something with bits of steak chopped up in a large bowl consisting of mostly cheap vegetables.  You can only imagine my surprise when this mountain of salad came wrapped in one of the largest skirt steaks I have ever seen!  As a connoisseur of the skirt steak, I couldn’t finish it!  ME!  This had the best sauce and mixed baby lettuce salad with fresh greens I have ever had and if you like a Blue Cheese-esque crumbled Gargonzola—you will love this!  My companion had the simple Pulled Pork Sandwich and she could not stop moaning.  We shared a side of Barbeque Beans and Macaroni and Cheese casserole and almost had to keep smacking ourselves to keep from passing out.  The Sweet Tea was even perfect!  Just when we thought we could not possibly have anything else, we devoured a Peach Cobbler with the most amazing Vanilla Ice Cream ever made.  Maybe it’s just me, but I’m assuming they made the ice cream in the back it’s that good. 

I want to tell you that going there is an experience, and that everyone from the Hostess to the Server to the Manager on Duty are all professionals, appreciative, and great.  They are now only open for Dinner, starting at 4pm, so dress nice, be nice, and expect to be treated like a God.  For more information call them at 954-563-6868. 

Bob Dylan Art in Chemnitz, Germany 

Drawings by famed rocker Bob Dylan are now part of an exhibit at the Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz Museum in Chemnitz, Germany.  Titled, The Drawn Blank Series, there are over 170 colored versions of pictorial motifs by Dylan himself, which were produced between 1989 and 1992. 

Elizabeth Taylor Can Keep Her Van Gogh 

This week The Supreme Court refused to hear the a dispute between Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor and a Holocaust surviving family’s right to a Van Gogh painting taken when Margarete Mauthner left Germany in March 1939.  Having lost most of her livelihood and most of her property due to Nazi policies of economic coercion, Margarete’s family wants the View of the Asylum painting back.  Painted less than a year before his suicide, this was sold through two Jewish art dealers to a Jewish art collector and thereby does not entitle the family to recover the now worth millions piece of art purchased at a Sotheby’s auction back in 1963 for only $236,000.  The 9^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco deemed that the Federal Holocaust Victims Redress Act (which would return items taken by Nazis) is not valid since no trace of Nazi ownership is on record. 

Warhol’s Sexy 

Currently, at The Barbican Gallery in the UK, you can catch their latest exhibit of some of Andy Warhol’s most racy and downright rude pieces in an exhibit called Seduced Art and Sex from Antiquity to Now.  The show is running through January 27^th and for more information, go to www.barbican.org.uk. 

Are you an artist that needs to be seen?  Well, for those of you that may be interested, there will be and Art and Antiques event hosted in Dania Beach that is looking for artists who would like to be involved in their show.  Details are a bit vague at the moment, as the plans are still being developed.  They are looking for local artists who are interested in participating so that they can preview candidates’ work in advance. The event is planned to run the weekend of January 26th and 27th.  There will only be space for approximately 30 artists, and the outdoor art festival tents will be provided. Cost for the artists would be approximately $150.00. Just to let you know, your work will also be reviewed by a local gallery owner who is always looking for new and emerging artists.  If you are interested in participating, please send samples of your work to:

South Florida Artists Group
P.O. Box 51508
Lighthouse Point, FL 33074

Last year, approximately 3,000 people attended and this year Purvis Young, winner of Director’s Choice Art Miami 2006 and will be the headlining artist, and for those of you unfamiliar with the artist or his work check out http://www.purvis-young.com.

BearForce1

Just when you thought you had enough of the Boy Bands of the 1990’s, we finally have a band of our own!  This newest musical sensation out of Europe is a group of men now known as BearForce1.  This will be the first of it’s kind—a Bear Boy Band.  Be sure to check out their latest choreographed video online on YouTube and for more information about them, go to www.bearforce1.nl. 

Nosso Trio, Sunday, November 4^th 

On Sunday, November 4^th, The Rhythm Foundation will be featuring a concert of Nosso Trio at 4pm at The University of Miami’s Maurice Gusman Hall.  This show, direct from Brazil, has been called, “The Swinging Brazilian Jazz machine.”  Nelson Faria (guitar), Ney Concecao (contrabass) and Kiko Freitas (drums) are currently three of the most important Jazz musicians in Brazil that form this power trio.   They are best-known as Brazilian composer and singer Joao Bosco's band.  When not touring or recording with the legend, they perform as Nosso Trio.  Recognized virtuosos in their instruments, the three in-demand musicians are looked up to as interpreters and educators in the Brazilian and jazz music scenes. Tickets range from $15 - $30 and are on sale through www.festivalmiami.com or (305) 284-4940. 

Piano Music Center First Fridays Showcase, Friday November 2, 2007, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm 

On Friday, November 2^nd, The Piano Music Center will be hosting a FREE concert at their 6917 Red Road location and is a unique concert series featuring South Florida artists of various musical disciplines. This show will feature everything from Classical to Contemporary and Jazz.  For more information go to www.pianomusiccenter.com or call 305-663-4450. 
 

Ultimate Wine Tasting at The Best Cellar, Thursday, November 1^st 8pm 

On Thursday, November 1^st. Wilton Manors very own The Best Cellar will be hosting an Ultimate Wine Tasting  at their 2424 Wilton Drive location.  This is their 16^th tasting and will be featuring Great California Cabernets and Champagne.  Tickets are $20-but reimbursed with a wine purchase.  There will be in excess of $200 worth of great California Cabernets on hand so make your reservation today!   Stop by or call them at 954-630-8020. 

Jakmel Art Gallery Wine Tasting Club, Sunday November 4^th, 6pm 

On Sunday, November 4^th, the Jakmel Art Gallery will be having their Wine Tasting Club beginning at 6pm.  As part of their A Taste Around the World series, they will be taking on tasting journeys and discover wines from different countries.  Tickets are $7 at the door and only $50 for an annual membership.  This event, which takes place on the first Sunday of every month, will be held at 2301 Biscayne Blvd in Miami.  For directions, call them at 305-604-0029. 

Russian Stripping Dolls

Among all the magazines that I read and check out for my column every week, I came across something very strange and unusual from Russia—Stripping Dolls!  Called Matrioshka Strippers, they each come with a profile card that details what kind of music they strip to and their sex appeal rating.  Check out more about them at www.hawkin.com. 

Wholly Wheat Batman!

If you don’t have the luxury of living in Kansas and can just go across the street to the local wheat field and pick yourself a bunch and/or you are not crafty enough to pull off a centerpiece or endpiece of a bundle of wheat, then  Pottery Barn has the solution for you this holiday season!  These disposable decorating bundles are perfect, with the most amazing string knots that make them look more like a bouquet than a bundle of wheat.  For only $39 per bunch, you can bring in the season in a simple and classy item without killing yourself financially.   This will definitely take your decorating to the next level simply and relatively inexpensively.  To see these and more items for the season, why not drop by a store now or visit them at www.potterybarn.com. 

Suzanne Westenhoefer, Friday, November 9^th 7:30pm 

On Friday, November 9^th, famed funnywoman Suzanne Westenhoefer will take center stage at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30pm.  If you have never heard of her before, this seemingly sweet and Lands End-chic Stepford Wife is nothing like she seems—just ask her wife!  As she will tell stories about her life with her English teacher wife, you will begin to see the things that make up her routine, with everything from being bicoastal (Ohio and LA) to traveling with multitudes of pets (including a hostile cat), to the insanity of being able to shop 24 hours a day at Home Depot in Hollywood.  This will be hosted by the one and only Daisy Deadpetals and will have Special Guest Appearances from The Gay Men’s Chorus.  Also, don’t forget the After Party is at New Moon Bar in Wilton Manors.  For tickets or more information, go to www.pandoraultra.com or call Alison Burgos at 954-288-8691.  The Broward Center is located at 201 SW 5^th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale and for a listing of their upcoming events, go to www.browardcenter.org. 

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!

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! 

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!