On Display

Modern Masters at Las Olas, Nov 17^th thru Dec 3^rd  

New River Fine Art is proud to announce their recent collection of Modern Masters of the 20^th Century.  The extraordinary show will include works from:  Picasso, Matisse, Dali, Chagall, and Miro as well as a Renoir valued at just under half a million dollars.  

There will be an official Opening Party on Friday, November 17^th starting at 6pm and all pieces will be on display.  There will be special unveilings, enlightening presentations, live music, and wine and hors d’oeuvres.  New River Fine Art is located at 914 East Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.  For further information, you can contact Jule at jule@newriverfineart.com or at 954*524-2100. 

ArtFusion Has The Pink Panther 

South Florida artist, Lenore Diamond Robins, in conjunction with The Alzheimer’s Association of South Florida and ArtFusion Gallery of Miami’s Design District is currently hosting a fundraising project to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.  The Pink Panther is a three-dimensional representation in wood, acrylics, and liquid glass.  This piece is on display right now at the gallery, located at 1 NE 40^th Street in Miami.  The piece is not for sale, but ArtFusion is accepting donation bids for the duration for the current show that will run through the end of December.  Ms. Robins will donate it to the individual making the greatest donation to the Alzheimer’s Association and hopes that this event raises awareness to the devastation caused by this disease and will go to help more victims and their families.  Bidding began at $750 and is now up to $1,450 by Ms. Martha Dominguez of the Miami Heat.  You can contact the gallery at info@artfusiongallery.com or at 305*573-3730 for the current bid and specifics.  

Nestor Paz is at Items 2 Envy

Nestor Paz, local South Beach artist, has found a home at Items 2 Envy, the Wilton Manors store located on Wilton Drive.  Nestor, who has had shows before, with the latest being at South Beach’s hip Buck 15 Lounge located above Miss Yip's Cafe. So, stop by, check out Nestor’s work, and see what all the fuss is about. 

Tshun Comes to One Tea Lounge

This month, One Tea Lounge will be featuring Tshun’s {WAKTU}:  Art Perspective of Time.  There will be an Artist’s Reception on Friday, November 10^th from 7:30pm to 10pm.  One Tea Lounge is located at 2037 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.  Hours of operation are 1pm to 10pm Tuesday through Sunday.  You can call 954*563-2266 for further information. 

Fort Lauderdale Becomes UNCOMMON 

For those of you who love the local galleries and museums, here is the latest newcomer to the scene—The UNCOMMON Gallery.  Owned by Michael D. Colanero, they had their Fort Lauderdale Grand Opening last month, marking their move from their previous Pompano Beach location.  They were known for hosting a Gallery Night on the second Fridays of every month, and plans are underway for continuing that tradition.  Featured right now is an artist I love and adore, Harmony Jones.  She was the last featured artist at New Moon Café’s Wine & Art Night, and I interviewed her and got to know the artist behind the canvas.  The UNCOMMON Gallery is located at 2713 East Commercial Blvd in Fort Lauderdale and can be found at www.uncommonstock.net or at 954-336-4305.

Graphic Noise at Atlantic University, Thursday Nov 9^th thru Jan 27^th  

Next Thursday, November 9^th, Atlantic University is proud to host, Graphic Noise:  Art at 1,000 Decibels.  Graphic Noise is a big and bountiful exhibition of contemporary concert posters that is currently touring the country.  With nearly 500 posters by over 100 artists representing eight countries, this exhibition provides an exhilarating visual culmination of work from skilled screen printers, illustrators, and graphic designers. Graphic Noise is organized by the Museum of Design in Atlanta and will be at the Schmidt Center Gallery at Atlantic University located at 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton, FL.  .  There will be an Opening Reception Thursday, November 9^th at 7pm and the show will run through January 27^th, 2007.    

Robert Versteeg at Storks Wilton Manors!

Storks Bakery Wilton Manors and ArtsUnited are pleased to feature the paintings of artist Robert Versteeg as The Artist of the Month.  Robert Versteeg was born in the Netherlands, and his career stared when he was 17 as a choreographer and then used his human body as a paintbrush to create moving displays.  After living in New York and Maine, he finally moved to Florida in 2003 and is one of the group fitness trainers at Main Street Gym.  His work will be on display at Storks Wilton Manors until December 2^nd, so drop by and check out his work.

Alfred Phillips is Never Gone, Nov 4 thru Nov 27^th

ArtExpressions, local gallery on Wilton Drive, will be featuring artist Alfred Phillips collection Never Gone from Saturday, November 4^th thru Monday, November 27^th.  After having his studio destroyed from Hurricane Wilma, he unsuccessfully attempted to leave Southern Florida, but turned his misfortune to success.  All of the paintings have been done within the past twelve months with items depicted in the paintings contain items such as:  shattered glass, rusted metal, sharp angles, chaos, and degeneration.   There will be an Artist Gala Reception on Saturday, November 4^th at 7pm at the gallery located at 1212 NE 4^th Avenue/Wilton Drive in Fort Lauderdale.  For further information, you can go to www.artexpressions.tk or 954*527-7700.  Admission is free.   

Stonewall Artist of the Month, Steven Sylvester 

ArtsUnited is happy to announce the Artist of the Month for the Stonewall Library and Archives is Steven Sylvester.  Steven, who often played in mud puddles as a child hasn’t changed much as an adult—mud is still his medium of choice.  Playing with mud as an adult clay artist requires a balance between delicate finessing and outright mud wrestling with a creative result as the goal.  There will be an Opening Reception for him at 6:30 pm on Monday, November 6^th at the Stonewall Library and Archives, which is located at 1717 N Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale or by calling them at 954*763-8565. 

You can also go to www.artsunitedonline.org or www.stevensylvester.net for further information. 

Bodies Found in South Miami

The controversial and gruesome exhibit displaying the human body from the perspective of the bones and muscle tissue titled Bodies…The Exhibition, which I reported was in Tampa and then New York City, is now in the area at the Shops at Sunset Place.  Bodies will be on display until March 25^th and tickets cost between $16-$22.50.  The Shops at Sunset Place is located at 5701 Sunset Drive Suite 105 in South Miami.

For further information call 866*866-8265, 305*663-0873 or see them on the web at www.bodiestheexhibition.com. 

ArtErotica Comes to ArtExpressions Thru Nov 16^th

Now, through November 16^th, ArtExpressions will be hosting an exhibit titled, ArtErotica.  This show features works in various media by emerging and established artists that celebrate sexuality and the beauty of the human body.  This is all to promote a deeper, healthier, and more tolerant appreciation of human sexuality.  There is an opening reception this Saturday, October 14^th at 7pm with wine and cheese and a Meet and Greet of the artists, and is open to the public.  For further information go to www.artexpressions.tk or call them at 954*527-7700.  The gallery is located at 1212 NE 4^th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. 

Masters of Latin Art 

At the Boca Raton Museum of Art, now through November 26^th, they are featuring a collection called Masters of Latin America:  From the Joan and Milton Bagley Collection that contains more than 60 paintings and sculptures never before exhibited by many of the most important Latin American artists of the last century.  The Boca Raton Museum of Art is located at 501 Plaza Real in Mizner Park.  You can go to www.bocamuseum.org or call them at 561*392-2500 for further information. 

November 14 - 19, 2006
Carol Morsani Hall

If you don't want to see this show because it's "ONE OF THE LIVELIEST, FUNNIEST, BEST-PERFORMED MUSICALS IN YEARS!" (New York Post), then see it because the money helps pay for our grandmother's cosmetic surgery. Set on the glorious, glamorous Riviera, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS is a delicious comedy that follows two con artists as they take on the lifestyles of the rich and shameless – and end up with a lot more than they bargain for.

For more information, visit www.dirtyrottentour.com. Click Here to purchase tickets.

Asoka Bali, the well-known secret of Wilton Manors furniture and accoutrements, will give you 15% off when you mention you read about them on Mark's List.  They feature many wonderful and useful things for your home and things that can bring you inner Feng Shui into balance.  Here is an example of a bedroom scene, and just to let you know, the Gong is already 50% off!     

So stop in, talk to Christopher and Marie, and let them show you around and don’t forget to tell them I sent you!

Local Theatre Buzz

Brother Boy and Delta Will Be In Town 

Burning Blue, Nov 18^th thru Dec 23^rd 

The Rising Action Theatre Company, the ones that have brought us Southern Baptist Sissies and The Last Hairdresser will be performing Burning Blue at Cinema Paradiso from November 18^th through December 23^rd.  Burning Blue is the Award Winning play about a witch-hunt for gays in the military that has sold out houses in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and London.  As the story goes, two servicemen go into a gay disco in Hong Kong and it gets reported back and triggers an investigation into their personal lives.   

Cinema Paradiso is located at 503 SE 6^th Street in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.  Tickets are $30 and are available at 954*567-8550.  Tickets are also available, cash only, at GayMart in Alibi Plaza in Wilton Manors.  Warning (or Incentive):  The show contains nudity. 

BINGO Comes to Stage Door Theatre, Starting Nov 11^th 

Starting November 11^th, The Stage Door Theatre is presenting their latest musical, BINGO.  This is a splashy, zippy, outrageously funny new musical about three pals that have driven through a terrible storm in the name of their weekly obsession.  In between the number calling, strange rituals, and fierce competitions—love blossoms and long lost friends reunite!  If you would like more information or to purchase tickets online, go to www.stagedoortheatre.com or call them at 954*344-7765.  The Stage Door Theatre is located in 26^th Street Theatre in Wilton Manors.  Check out my last review of Hairspray.  

Unidentified Human Remains, Starts November 17^th 

©William Wegman (American born, 1943). Connector, 1994, Polaroid, 24 by 20 inches. Private collection

Right now, through January 28^th, the Norton Museum of Art is featuring William Wegman’s collection of photographs that are, for a lack of a better word, Funney/Strange (yes, I spelled funney, the way they spelled funney).  Within the collection are more than 200 works, among them the signature 24 X 20 Polaroids, early black and white altered photographs, paintings, drawings, collages, art books, videos, and film. 

They also have Before The Camera: Remaking Reality and the Make-Believe until January 7^th.   This is a collection comprising works from local and national collections that looks at the distinction between “taking” and “making” photographs.  Historically, photographers “took” them while artists “make” an artwork.  Within the past couple of decades, creativity has merged.  See what they have found.    

The Norton Museum of Art is located at 1451 South Olive Avenue in West Palm Beach.  You can find them at www.norton.org or at 561*832-5198.   

House of Deréon

This week, sisters Beyoncé and Solange Knowles rolled off their latest line of clothing for their company, House of Deréon.  Based out of Chelsea, they are now ready for the Spring, doing such things as advertising and Public Relations. Deréon was started last year by Beyoncé and their mother Tina Knowles.  For further information about them, go to www.dereon.com. 

New York News.

This week, The Ambassador Theatre was proud to be the host of a benefit for Safe Horizon, which assists victims of violent crimes.  The benefit featured more than 50 starry alumni on stage for the 10^th Anniversary performance of Chicago.  On hand were current and former cast members such as:  Brooke Shields and Ashlee Simpson, Linda Carter and Chita Rivera, Marilu Henner and Rita Wilson, and Usher and Melanie Griffith cheers lasted for hours.  The performance cost as much as $5,000 a ticket, raised about $1.2 million for the charity.  

Goya is Gonna 

Once Upon A Time In Miami, Sunday, November 19^th   

On Sunday, November 19^th, the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts will host Once Upon A Time In Miami that will feature the best movie music of Ennio Morricone and Nino Rota at 7:30pm.  This will feature the memorable themes from Romeo & Juliet, The Godfather, and The Mission.  Once Upon a Time in the West and many more that will be performed by the Florida Classical Orchestra with Conductor Stewart Robertson.  These music themes will transport you back to the world created by the most beloved movies and best Directors of all time.  Tickets are available online at www.carnivalcenter.org.

Carnival Center Presents AÏDA, Oct 28^th thru Nov 30^th

Nov. 15, 16 @ 8 p.m. Nov. 17, 18 @ 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
A dynamic and unique theater company dedicated to producing the classics for a new, young, and culturally diverse audience, The Classical Theatre of Harlem makes its Miami debut in Shakespeare's devastating tragedy about filial love and ingratitude, loyalty and betrayal, the downfall of an ancient king, and the moral and social collapse of the kingdom he once ruled. Click Here to purchase tickets

Cocktails Anyone?

While thumbing though my mound of newspapers this week and clicking through the endless emails from odd sources, I found two of the most perfect cocktails!  First up, the Miami-based Barton G has opened Below Zero Nitro Bar, where cocktails are infused with liquid nitrogen, which is colder than dry ice.  When the alcohol freezes, your drink gets progressively stronger as it melts.  The martinis feature Ciroc Snap Frost vodka, a nitrogenized vermouth swizzle stick, a frozen olive, and their signature frostbitten blue cheese pearls.  If that is not your taste, then definitely try their Pink Elephant, which combines Absolute Ruby Red vodka and ruby red grapefruit juice.  As of right now, they have only three nitro cocktails, but have no fear, more are in the works!  The Below Zero Nitro Bar at Barton G., is located at 1427 West Avenue in Miami Beach and can be found at www.bartong.com or at 305*672-8881. 

Second is possibly one of my favorite dreams…at the Algonquin Hotel, they serve their version of Martini on the Rocks—and rocks…they mean diamonds!  Their martinis are available in vodka, gin, coconut, and rum, and each glass contains a diamond.  Cost:  $1,000 to $10,000 and the Algonquin is located at 59 West 44^th Street in Times Square and at www.algonquinhotel.com.  Does anyone love me? 

Extravaganza Planned for a Naked Grape

Thursday, November 16^th, Wilton Manor’s very own Naked Grape Wine Co. will be hosting a Thanksgiving Wine Tasting Extravaganza II at their location at the new time from 6pm to 8pm.  This will be the last wine tasting of 2006 and will feature: eight delicious wines perfect for pairing with holiday meals, two incredible Champagnes, and to celebrate the release of the 2006 vintage of Beaujolai’s Noueau!  In addition to wines, they will also be serving turkey buffet to pair off the wines with.  Remember, next week is Thanksgiving, and the best gift to bring would be a perfect bottle of wine!  Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door (if available), and The Naked Grape Wine Co. is located at 2039 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors, FL.  You can drop by or call them at 954*563-5631 for reservations or further information.  

Gallery Rossano

North Miami Based Gallery Rossano is an amazing store/gallery of things for those who are on the lookout for the unique pieces that complete a room.  They feature such items as:  French Vases, lounge chairs, Italian lamps, dining room tables and chairs.  They have things from the Art Deco period, Venetian, Roman, and of course French, Gallery Rossano could be your next spot.  For further information you can go to www.galleryrossano.com or visit them at 819 NE 125^th Street in North Miami, FL.  They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 6pm.  They are also conveniently located across the street from the Modern Art Museum/MOCA. 

Be Tempted By The Four Tops 

On Friday, November 17^th, The Temptations and The Four Tops will be performing at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in conjunction with Starline Entertainment.  The show starts at 7pm so don’t be late!  Tickets are available at 954*462-0222 or at www.browardcenter.org. 

Mexico’s Ambassadors at Jackie Gleason 

On Saturday, November 18^th, The Gran Folklorico de Mexico will be performing at the Jackie Gleason Theatre at 8pm.  This is a worldwide traveling company of 35 singers, dancers, and musician who regularly perform in Europe, Canada, South America, and the United States.  Did you know each region of Mexico has their own traditional dances?  All of them correspond to their physical climate, traditions, and all have something unique from each other.  The General Director has won awards for preserving the authenticity and he integrates genuine folk artists and maintains a high artistic level of professionalism throughout the performance.  Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com and The Jackie Gleason Theatre is located at 1700 Washington Avenue in Miami Beach and is brought to you by International Artist Series, Inc. 

Evidence Found at Colony Theater 

Choreographer Ronald K. Brown is proud to announce his latest show called Evidence that will be performed at The Colony Theater in South Beach. For 20 years, his Brooklyn-based company has been exploring dance idioms from across Africa and mixing them with Cuban, Caribbean, and West African dance forms with a light touch.  This is to be a deep but down-to-earth spiritual show.  Performances are Friday and Saturday, November 17^th and 18^th at 8pm.  The Colony Theater is located at 1040 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach.  Tickets start at $22 and can be found at www.ticketmaster.com/venue/106597 or 305*237-3010.  

Pilbus, Dec 13^th 

On Wednesday, December 13^th, Plibus will be performing at The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.  While blending dance and acrobatics this astonishing troupe invites you into another dimension, redefining gravity and sprouting intricate geometric patterns as their bodies merge and split like moving sculptures.  Ticket range from $15 to $55.  The Kravis Center is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd in West Palm Beach and tickets can be purchased at www.kravis.org or at 800*572-8471.

Hollywood Art Walk, Saturday, November 18^th

This Saturday, November 18^th, there will be the Monthly Art Walk along the Gallery District of Hollywood on Harrison Street.  While walking around, check out Harmony Jones at The Goddess Store and Beyond Good & Evil at The Gallery of the Unknown Artist.  It is always a great show and fun crowd.  The Walk begins at 6pm and lasts until about 10pm. 

Divine Trash & Between Spirit & Stone, Sunday, November 19^th

On Sunday, November 19^th, Devine Trash and Between Spirit & Stone is proud to invite the public to a Pre-Holiday soirée in the gardens of Devine Trash and Sushi Square at 7244 Biscayne Blvd in Miami, near the Design District.  This event, sponsored by such companies as:  Mako Vodka, 7 Deadly Zins and 7 Heavenly Chards, will feature menu items from Sushi Square, DJ Gunner, and a fashion show by Rudht D’Oleo.   The event starts in the garden promptly at 3pm and there is no reservations required.  For any questions, feel free to call Donna at 305*409-6787.

Coming to Town

INXS, November 20th

I've got to let you know the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino's Hard Rock Live will host legendary band INXS Monday, November 20th. Doors open at 7 PM and teh show starts at 8. Click Here To Buy Tickets, visit the Hard Rock Live box office, or call: 954-523-3309 Broward, 305-358-5885 Dade, 561-966-3309 Palm Beach. You're one of my kind!

Andrea Bocelli, December 1^st 

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is proud to host living Opera legend Andrea Bocelli Friday, December 1^st.  Andrea will be performing at the Hard Rock Live venue and tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com or through the Hard Rock Live Box Office at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, FL.  For more information you can also go to www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com.  Also, Friday, November 17^th, Carlos Mencia, famous comedian for making fun of everyone in politics through his own nationality (“Beaners”), will be performing at 7pm and 11pm.  Tickets start at $100 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com. 

Shakira Dec 6, 7, and 9^th 

Shakira, who performed two sold-out September dates in Miami while on her Oral Fixation Tour, has added more dates to her South Florida appearances at the American Airline Arena.  She will be performing December 6^th, 7^th, and 9^th and tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

Kevin Nealon, Saturday, December 16^th 

On Saturday, December 16^th, former Saturday Night Live cast member and current cast member of Showtime’s hit series Weeds, will be live on stage at The Parker Playhouse of Fort Lauderdale.  As a former Anchor of “Weekend Update” and half of the “Hans and Franz” team that helped make him famous, funnyman Kevin Nealon is sure to entertain.  For tickets go to www.parkerplayhouse.com or call them at 954*462-0222.

Chris Botti, January 11^th 

Tickets are now on sale for Chris Botti, the amazing trumpeter will be live in concert at the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts.  Tickets are available at the Box Office, at 305*949-6722 or at www.ticketmaster.com.  For additional information about Chris Botti, you can also go to his Official Website, www.chrisbotti.com. 

John Mayer, January 26^th 

On January 26, 2007, John Mayer will be live in concert at the UM BankUnited Center at 8pm.  John will be playing selections off his latest album, Continuum.  Tickets are now on sale through www.ticketmaster.com or you can charge by phone at 954*523-3309, 561*966-3309, or 305*358-5885.  This is a Fantasma Productions Concert Event and for further information, go to www.fantasma.com or www.johnmayer.com.

Justin & Pink, Feb 24^th & 25^th 

As of Saturday, the Justin Timberlake and Pink In The Round Tour will be at the American Airlines Arena on Saturday, February 24^th and the Bank Atlantic Center on Sunday, February 25^th.  Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com or at www.aeglive.com.  For further information you can also call 954*523-3309 or 305*358-5885.  Don’t forget to also check out www.justintimberlakefanclub.com! 

Blythe Danner in Suddenly Last Summer

Blythe Danner is starring in Suddenly Last Summer at the Laura Pels Theatre in midtown Manhattan.  This revival of Tenessee William has Blythe Danner as the monstrous widow Violet Venable who is trying to get her beautiful young niece Catherine Holly lobotomized because she is telling a story about the death of Mrs. Venable’s son Sebastian (Gale Harold—aka Brian Kinny from QAF) who she does not want anyone to hear or believe.  The Laura Pels Theatre is located at 111 West 46^th Street in New York and is home to the Roundabout Theatre Company.  The play runs through January 21^st so get your tickets now. 

Americans in Paris:  1860-1900

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is proud to announce their latest exhibition, titled Americans in Paris:  1860-1900 that will educate us.  Long ago, the United States was a buyer rather than a seller of cultural information and France’s Modern movement was a major source within those years.  http://www.metmuseum.org/

Ellis Island

One thing while in New York that you should take advantage of is Ellis Island Immigration Museum.  Starting Saturday, November 18^th, on exhibit will be Shadow and Memory:  Ellis Island’s Unrestored Buildings that is a collection of photographs of Christopher Barnes.  As a descendent of Ellis Island immigrants, I wonder sometimes what it was like for them to be processed, to pray to enter this country, and what happens after they are accepted.  There are countless record books made public and tours throughout.  The Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty are part of The Museums of Lower Manhattan and National Parks Service. 

For further information, go to www.nps.gov/elis or call 212*363-3200.   There is no admission charge, but the Adult ferry ticket is $11.50 and you can purchase tickets at the booth Ferry Booth at Castle Clinton NM in Battery Park.