La Sorchetta

Little known aspect of tying ties…in Italy, they pride themselves on being able to tie their knots with two dimples.  Called La Sorchetta, it means “dimples” in Italian, and can easily reflect the ones on your face or…leave it to the Italians to be so creative!  Also, the White Collar Dress Shirt is back in style, not just by legalmen television newsmen everywhere, but also for guys with a sense of style.  J. Lindeberg has one for $165, Tailgate goes for $120, Gant is $90, and Tommy Hilfiger has one for $60.  So, with any price range, White Collar is back!. 

Rocker and Humanitarian Jon Bon Jovi has teamed up with fashion guru Kenneth Cole to introduce an exclusive collection of clothes that reflect both a sense of style and a sense of community.  All profits will be donated to help USA, which is a leading non-profit provider of homes, jobs, and services for America’s Homeless.  They are available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue, Kenneth Cole New York, and at www.kennethcole.com.  Did you know that there are an estimated 3.5 million homeless Americans?   

On Display

Precious Jewels at BBG

On Sunday, January 21^st, Better Bodies Gym will host a photo exhibit by SylvesterQ Photography of hard-bodied men and their jewels called Precious Jewels.  There will be an Opening Reception benefiting the Stonewall Library and Achieves on Sunday, January, 21^st from 7-9pm.    This exhibit explores the way MEN handle both the jewels they acquire and the ones they are born with!  After the reception, the show is accessible during normal gym hours which are 5am to 10pm Monday thru Friday, 8am to 9pm Saturdays, and 8am to 7pm on Sundays.  Better Bodies Gym is located at 1164 East Oakland Park Blvd near the corner of Dixie Highway and Oakland Pk. Blvd.  For further information call them at 954*561-7977. 

ArtBravo! At ArtServe Mon Jan 8^th thru Feb 2^nd

On Monday, January 8^th, begins another ArtBravo! event and is called The Best of ArtBravo!   I covered their last ArtBravo exhibit back in November 5^th, and look forward to their show again.  ArtServe is located at 1350 East Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.  For more information call them at 954*462-8190. 

George Hester At Stonewall 

The Stonewall Library and Archives are proud to announce their Artist of the Month, George Hester.  This pioneer will display original photography in a solo exhibit at The Stonewall Library and Archives from January 8^th through February 2^nd.  The show opens with a reception to meet the artist on Monday, January 8 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Admission to the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The Stonewall Library and Archives is located at 1717 North Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Storks Gets Ricki Stuart 

Coral Springs Museum of Art

Currently, at the Coral Springs Museum of Art is happy to present a photo exhibit by Robert Bagley, experimental paintings by Sally Cooper, and dimensional work by Tin Ly.  This is going on now through February 17^th.  The Coral Springs Museum of Art is located at 2855 Coral Springs Drive.  You can call them at 954*340-5000 or csmart.org. 

Marilyn in Boca 

Right now, in the Boca Raton Museum of Art you can catch their current exhibit, Life as Legend:  Marilyn Monroe.  This show contains more than 300 works by 80 different artists all centered on the film icon.  There are works by Eve Arnold, Richard Avedon, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Yasumasa Morimura, and the incorporable Andy Warhol.   The Boca Raton Museum of Art can be found at www.bocamuseum.org or at 501 Plaza Real in Mizner Park , Boca Raton, Florida or by phone at 561.392.2500.

We’ll Make a Lover Out of You, Thru Jan 21^st  

We’ll Make a Lover Out of You is curated by Francesco Locastro at The ArtCenter/South Florida. The Gallery is located at 800 Lincoln Road Mall in Miami Beach. 305*538-7887.   

Cradle of Christianity 

The Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale’s latest exhibit is Cradle of Christianity:  Jewish and Christian Treasures from the Holy Land.  This exhibit provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to learn about aspects of early Jewish life, the concurrent birth of Christianity, and how the two faiths influence each other by presenting archeological treasures excavated in Israel during the last century.  This exhibition will travel two only two other venues in the US has extraordinary biblical artifacts from the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.  You can go to www.moafl.com for more information and to purchase tickets, and the museum is located at One East Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.  For any questions, you can call them at 954*525-5500

Chihuly is Back! Until May 31^st 

Right now, at the Fairchild Gardens, you can get a second chance this year to see the amazing blown-glass objects mixed in with the natural flowers and botanicals in Chihuly at Fairchild Part II.  On Sunday, December 10^th, Dale Chihuly will be visiting the garden from 11am to noon for a book signing.  The Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables and you can go to www.fairchildgarden.org or call them at305*667-1651. 

Chicano Visions:  American Painters on the Verge

A nationally touring collection of more than 80 works, mostly oils and acrylics that date from 1963 to 2003 that depict life from the Mexican-American artists viewpoint.  Cheech Marin, known from the Cheech and Chong movies, donates most of his personal collection that illustrate urban life and the Latino culture.  The collection, which has been traveling for the past five years, can be found at the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale at 1 East Las Olas Blvd or for further information and gallery times, go to www.moafl.org or call them at 954*525-5500. 

Graphic Noise at Atlantic University through Jan 27^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.    

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. 

Funney / Strange

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. 

Rescuing Da Vinci, Thursday Jan 25^th 

On Thursday, January 25^th, the North Broward Preparatory Schools are proud to announce the guest author, Robert M. Edsel who wrote Rescuing Da Vinci.  This book is about how the Nazis plundered Europe of its art and is told through over 460 photographs that have rarely been published or even seen and you will experience a visual journey of the heroic search and rescue by a group of unknown Allied soldiers, known only as “The Monuments of Men.” 

There will be a reading, discussion, and book signing at The North Broward Preparatory Schools Lecture Hall at 7600 Lyons Road in Coconut Creek.  Admission is FREE but tickets will be needed to be reserved because seating is limited.  You can call Yvonne Procyk at 954*247-0011 at extension 309 for reservations and information.  You can also get more information at www.nbps.org or at the author’s personal website, www.rescuingdavinci.com. 

Photo Los Angels

Currently, at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, there is a show called photo Los Angels.  This is the 16^th International Los Angeles Photographic Art Exposition and will be going on until Sunday, January 21^st.  There was an Opening Night Reception on January, 18^th that was hosted by Graham Nash and benefited the Elton John AIDS Foundation.  For more information, go to www.artsfairsinc.com, call 323*937-4659,  or Elton Johns’ is www.ejaf.org. 

Warhol Estate is Now J. Crew 

As I had reported months ago, the famed estate of pop artist Andy Warhol on the very end of Long Island has finally been sold.  The new owner of the 5.6-acre estate is Millard Dexler, Chief Executive of J. Crew who not only gets the Montauk property, but a three-car garage, stable for four horses, one main house and five bungalows, and the best part—600 feet of oceanfront!  Sadly, the selling price has remained private and not disclosed.  Never mind 15 minutes of fame.  

An eerie Da Vinci mystery is currently unfolding in Florence where researchers have resumed the search for a lost Leonardo Da Vinci masterpiece thought to be hidden within a specific wall in a palace in Florence, Italy.  The team was given permission last week by Culture Minister Francesco Rutelli of the Tuscan city for the renewed exploration of the Palazzo Vecchio—which has been the seat of power of various Florence rulers, including the Medici family in the 16^th century!  The researchers believe that there is a cavity in a wall that has preserved an unfinished painted mural entitled Battle of Anghiari that has not been seen in over four centuries.

Local Theatre Buzz

Judy Comes to Stage Door, Stating Feb 23^rd

Joseph and the Coat Jan 20^th 

The Coral Springs Center for the Performing Arts is proud to present Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Saturday, January 20^th.  The Coral Springs Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2855 Coral Springs Drive in Coal Springs.  You can go to www.coralspringscenterforthearts.com or call them at 954*344-5990 for tickets or further information. 

Anastasia Jan 12^th thru Feb 4^th 

Starting January 12^th, the Tamarac Theatre of Performing Arts will present Marcelle Maurette’s Anastasia.  Tickets are $20 and are available via phone at 954*726-7898.  The Tamarac Theatre of Performing Arts is located at 7143 Pine Island Road in Tamarac. 

Kiss of the Spider Woman, Jan 13^th thru Feb 11^th

On Saturday, January 13^th, the Public Theatre of South Florida will present Kiss of the Spider Woman.  Tickets are $25 and will be at The Soref JCC which is located at 6501 West Sunrise Blvd in Plantation.  For tickets or further information call them at 954*537-3648. 

Spamalot, Jan 9-21^st 

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is proud to host the 2005 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical— Monty Python’s Spamalot.  Tickets are available at www.browardcenter.org or through their Box Office at 954*462-0222. 

I Want My Tee Shirt! Dec 30^th thru Feb 11^th 

The Caldwell Theatre Company is proud to announce that they will be performing Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias!  Yes, I want to find a way of getting printed up, I Smacked Ouiser Boudreaux! (Yes, I checked with IMDB.com).  The Caldwell Theatre Company is located at 7873 North Federal Highway in Boca Raton and you can call them at 877*245-7432 or at www.caldwelltheatre.com. 

BINGO Comes to Stage Door Theatre... Held over thru Jan 28^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.  

Art Walk

On Friday, January 19th, the city of Wilton Manors is hosting their second Art Walk.  The Walk will go all along Wilton Drive/NE 4^th Avenue, starting from Art Expressions Gallery to E Collección, Dalilah Rose Salon, One Tea Lounge, Naked Grape Wine Company, Zoo Two Clothing Company, To The Moon Marketplace, and Items 2 Envy, up to Petals Panache and White Glove Antiques, then What’s the Scoop, Rosie's Bar and Grill, Galanga and New Moon, and finally to Asoka Bali and The Broward Art Guild near Five Points at the end of 13^th Ave, across from Wilton Station’s Clock Tower.  Festivities begin at 7pm and go to about 10pm and there will be free trolley rides.  So, Ride the Trolley, Meet the Artists and Owners, and Enjoy the Refreshments along the way! For further information, contact WILTON MANORS ART WALK at 954 568-2567

Celine Ends Dec 15^th 

It has been announced the final curtain call for Celine Dion’s final show at Las Vegas’ Ceasars Palace and December 15^th marks the date.  Closing out an almost five-year run in Vegas, Grammy Award winning Celine started the splashy gig back in March 2003 for $100 million and was extended through 2007.  Next up…CHER!!!  

CD to Look Out For 

The actor famously known for playing Jesus, Jim Caviezel, will reprise the role of Jesus of Nazareth for a 25-hour, 20 CD dramatic reading of The New Testament.  The project is scheduled to begin recording and be released by October that will also include such actors as:  Richard Dreyfuss as Moses, Marisa Tomei as Mary Magdelene, Luke Perry as Judas, and Terance Stamp as God. Bernadette has come a long way from the Outback!  It is also in the works for a 60 hour/50 CD project for The Old Testament and Jason Alexander of Seinfeld wants in.  

Celtic Woman, Feb 19^th 

Tickets are now on sale for the phenomenon I saw last March at the Broward Center—Celtic Woman:  A New Journey.  This is a magical concert filled with songs that are enjoyable by everyone.  Promoting their CD of the same name with an accompanying DVD, they performed at Slane Castle in Ireland and has been featured on PBS.  This is the only South Florida performance, and will be at The Bank Atlantic Center in Sawgrass and tickets can be purchased at either www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 954*523-3309.  For more information about them, you can also go to www.celticwoman.com. 

Patti La Belle, Feb 28^th 

On February 28^th, the incomparable Patti La Belle will take the Sinatra Theatre stage for a one night only concert event not to be missed.  Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 954*523-3309. 

Bernadette Peters, Jan 24^th 

On Wednesday, January 24^th, the legendary Broadway and screen goddess Bernadette Peters will take the Broward Au-Rene Theatre.  Having been on such memorable movies as Young Frankenstein with Gene Wilder, she recently helped finish off television’s Will & Grace as Karen Walker’s sister.  The Broward Au-Rene Theatre is located at 201 SW 5^th Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale and tickets can be purchased at www.browardcenter.org or www.ticketmaster.com. 

Calling All Azzmastahs! Jan 19^th 

Thaïs, Jan 26-29^th 

Get your Tickets for Riverdance

Tickets are currently on sale for the Celtic sensation Riverdance.  This amazing cultural phenomenon will be at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts February 23-25.  As anyone who knows me can attest, I personally grew up on Celtic folk music, with my Ma being a bagpiper in her own bagpipe band and my Dad being their Drum Major, things were a little different for me.  As the years have passed, I have embraced it and love it, and especially after seeing this March’s performance of Celtic Women, I will be there opening night.  Riverdance will be at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and I located at 501 SW 2^nd Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.  You can go to www.browardcenter.org for tickets, www.broadwayacrossamerica.com or www.riverdance.com for additional information, or call their Box Office at 954*523-3309.

FTL Moda 

Next week kicks off the offical 2007 Fort Lauderdale Fashion Week.  Starting Thursday, January 25^th,  There will be an Opening Ceremony with Guest Star Maison Enrico Coveri, Studio 3, Mandolin Brothers Blues Band, and fashion shows at Huizenga Plaza on Las Olas.  Tickets are onsale now at www.ftlmoda.com or by calling 954*241-0788.  This is a charity event supporting the University of Miami Diabetes Research Institute and The Pet Project of Oakland Park.  There will be two days of international runways concluding on Sunday, January 28^th. 

South Beach Comedy Festival Jan 17^th thru 20^th 

The Second Annual South Beach Comedy Festival will be at three locations this month:  The Jackie Gleason Theatre, The Lincoln Theatre, and Colony Theatre and will feature the antics of:  Jon Stewart, Christopher Titus, Margaret Cho, Bill Maher, Andrew Dice Clay, and the raunchy and hysterical Lisa Lampinelli.  The Festival will be a these three locations, and for times and tickets, go to www.southbeachcomedyfestival.com.  If you feel you are funny, have a routine, or want to take the Comedy Stage, there will be an Open-Mic Talent Competition from 2-6pm at the Improv Comedy Club in Coconut Grove but check out the website above or call them at 305*441-8200 for further information.  The Improv is located at 3390 Mary Street in Coconut Grove.   

Madeira Makes a Comeback

No longer in obscurity and a culinary accoutrement, Madeira wine is on the brink of celebrity status.  We drink wine from almost every state, country, continent and grape yet long ago, they only drank one—Madeira.  This is a rich and fortified wine from the Portuguese island in the Atlantic it is named for. During the Revolutionary War and in the Colonial days, British blockades made it almost impossible to obtain other wines, it was our primary wine.  Sadly, after embargos were lifted, it drifted into obscurity.  Up until the Civil War, there were Madeira collectors, most of which were affluent citizens and proud of their collections.  The Rare Wine Company, founded by Mannie Berk, offers an impressive range of great wines, but find old Madeira is its reason for being founded.  Having collected wine from the prominent British wine house called Hedges & Butler, Mr. Berk received decades old aged cases of Madeira’s, over 400 to be exact.  These 19^th century wines are not available anywhere else.  Simply put, he just wants Americans to be more aware of their Madeira heritage.     

Revive and Relight

You sit there and wonder what to do with that old chandelier.  You wonder what you can do to dress up that room.  Why not paint it?  You can take that old chandelier and spray paint it a funky color—why not... it’s yours!  Why not make a velvet sleeve to cover the chain?  If you do not want to go so drastic with a hot pink lamp, why not metallic?  Gold and Silver or even Chrome makes a daring statement when daring is not in your décor.  You can also decorate that boring and drab piece you got from your grandmother with decorative candle sleeves—making it look like tapers and come in a wide range of colors.  A dozen only go for $30 at Grand Brass Lamp Parts (www.grandbrass.com)  Is it hanging too low?  Take out a link or two. By making simple changes, it may change the lighting patters of the entire room.  After visiting home for the Holiday Season, I was reminded what makes me love my eccentric mother—she decorates her chandelier.  This antique has Austrian Crystals but also purple Xmas lights, and, for any occasion, there might be an ornament (or ten) hanging from it—making it a hanging centerpiece.  The most important thing to remember, be yourself and decorate for you.  

Book Sale, Jan 19^th & 20^th

On Friday, January 19^th & Saturday, January 20^th, The Friends of the Oakland Park Library will host a book sale that will feature gently used non-fiction and fiction books.  This is not only an investment, but also a cheap way to tastefully decorate a room and conversation starters.  The Library is located at 1298 ME 37^th Street in Oakland Park and you can call them at 954*630-4365 for directions and further information. 

Latest Interview

Take a look at the local photographer Mike Smarro who not only is the pretty face of Wilton Manor’s own Main Street Gym & Spa, but also a really cool and interesting person.  I sat down with this shutterbug for a one-to-one and this is what I found out… Mike Smarro

Yvonne DeCarlo

This week marked the passing of legendary television icon and white-streaked Mom, Lily Munster and Moses’ wife in The Ten Commandments.  Yvonne DeCarlo played the sultry mother of the clan of misfit monsters on television in black and white, while the rest of the channels were in color as well as a host of other roles.  The 84-year-old actress died of natural causes this week in Los Angeles.  Did you know The Munsters only lasted two years? (1964-1966) Not only was Yvonne an actress but also an Opera singer, a beauty queen of the 40’s and 50’s, but also a Tony Award winner original score performer for Sondheim’s 1972 Follies.    

Coming to Town

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.

Red Hot Nights  

On Wednesday, January 31^st the Bank Atlantic Center will be hosting The Red Hot Chili Peppers and have special guest Gnarls Barkley.  For tickets you can go to www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 954*523-3309.  This is a Fantasma Production Concert event and can be found at www.fantasma.com and if you would like more information about the boys, go to www.redhotchilipeppers.com or www.gnarlesbarkley.com.  The Bank Atlantic Center is located at 1 Panther Parkway in Fort Lauderdale. 

Bring Us Hippie Chic 

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! 

The Rapture Project

At the Here Arts Center they are presently having a theatre display called, The Rapture Project.  This eccentric show has marionettes, an oompah band and is based after the Sicilian puppet theatre of the 19^th century.  This features clashes between Christians and Muslims, Susan Sontag floats through and gets into a fight with Beelzebub along with a former City Commissioner selling faulty armor for use in Iraq.  Music was composed and performed by saxophone playing Jessica Lurie and adds to the quirkiness of the play.  This runs until January 21^st at the Here Arts Center that is located at 145 Avenue of the Americas at Dominick Street in the South Village.  For further information, call them at 212*352-3101. 

The American Ballet Theatre has just announced its 2007 Spring Season for the Metropolitan Opera House this week and will feature:  Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadere, Manon, Cinderella, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, The Dream, and Othello.  For tickets, times, and any other questions, go to www.abt.org or call them at 212*362-6000

Bebe is back! 

Famed television and musical theatre actress Bebe Neuwirth—known more for her role as Frasier’s ex-wife Lilith, is currently taking center stage at The Ambassador Theatre along with Huey Lewis and Brenda Braxton.  Don’t miss the longest-running revival in Broadway history!  For tickets and further information, go to www.chicagothemusical.com, www.telecharge.com, or call them at 212*239-6200.  the Ambassador Theatre is located at 219 West 49^th Street.

David Hyde Pierce in Curtains

Also on Broadway, you might want to check out Fraiser’s brother Niles Crane, aka David Hyde Pierce in Curtains at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre at 302 West 45^th Street.  For tickets go to www.curtainsthemusical.com or 212*239-6200.  Previews begin February 27^th.  Angela Lansbury is at the Music Box Theatre in Deuce that is a new play by Terrence McNally which also stars Marian Seldes.  Shows starts April 16^th and the theatre is located at 239 West 45^th Street and can be contacted at 212*239-6200.

Vanessa Regrave is Thinking Magically

Tickets are on sale now for the legendary Vanessa Redgrave, some of which only know her as the maternal grandmother (to actual daughter Joley Richardson) on FX’s critically acclaimed and always controversial Nip/Tuck—but she comes from a long line of fine actresses which also include sister Lynn.  Vanessa will star in Joan Didion’s converted memoir The Year of Magical Thinking and will be at the Booth Theatre which is located at 222 West 45^th Street.  For tickets you can go to www.magicalthinkingonbroadway.com or call Telecharge at 800*432-7250. 

Dancing at the Joyce, Jan 16-28^th

Starting Tuesday, January 16^th, the Japanese Contemporary Dance Showcase will celebrate their 10^th Anniversary.  The program will feature Noism 07: Kim Itah and the Glorious Future as well as Leni Basso: Pappa Tarahumara.  Tickets are $30 or $23 for Joyce Members.  Also at the Joyce, they will feature the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and will perform:  Pointeoff, It’s Not About the Numbers, and Sweet Fields.  The Joyce Theatre is located at 175 Eighth Avenue at 19^th Street. You can purchase tickets for these events at www.joyce.org or through JoyceCharge 212*242-0800.