NY Jumps on Super-Skinny Ban

As I have been reporting over the past couple of months, Spain and Italy have managed to put a stop to their runways featuring the super-skinny models.  Both countries have said that there needs to be a regulation as far as the Body Mass Index is concerned and have put limits—and super-skinny is a no-no.  Well, New York had it’s Fashion Week and their City Councilwoman Gale Brewer introduced a resolution demanding sponsors of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to ban models with a BMI lower than 18.5 (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy.)  At the Miss Sixty show, food was available and actually encouraged.  Last month, the CDFA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) created a list of guidelines that included limiting the hours that young girls can work, providing nutritious snacks backstage, and educating women on the dangers of eating disorders. 

Psycho Bunny Neckwear

Designer Robert Godley created for Turnbull & Asser for about ten years then moved from London to the United States to work for Ralph Lauren.  Frustrated, Robert decided that he wanted to make irreverent Club Ties that he so desperately wanted to wear himself.  Well…out of necessity comes creativity and Psycho Bunny Neckwear was born!  He started out with neckties, with handmade English Silk, and feature patterns with tiny spades through Donnie Darko Rabbit Skulls, and that’s how they got the name.  These ties are conservative from a distance, fun up close and personal.  With ties that have not only Psycho Bunnies, but the Hang Loose Hawaiian hand sign, Hula Girls, the ties run about $110 but they also make a $3,600 Crocodile Bunny Belt!  The collection can be viewed and purchased online at www.neimanmarcus.com.   

Würkin Stiffs has magnetic collar stays

Don’t you just hate it when the drycleaner breaks your collar stays?  For those who live in Abercrombie & Fitch Land and only wear cargo shorts and sandals…this isn’t for you.  Within collared shirts, especially the nicer and dressier wear with tie shirts, there are little bars that help maintain the crispness of your collars.  Take a look…they’re there.  Some shirts have them sewn in and can’t be removed, yet others, have slits and you can take them out at will.  If you are like me and need a crisp line around your tie, then Würkin Stiffs has magnetic collar stays are for you!  At www.magneticcollarstays.com, for $19.95 you can purchase a set of metal magnetic collar stays that will make you look like you belong.  They come with tiny, super-strong magnets that not only hold your collar stiff and in place—but also allow you to adjust your collar’s spread angle to achieve personal desired look and style.

On Display

Bass Goes Vietnamese 

Reclining Quan Yen (XIX Century) Carved Jade 9.5"x 11" x 3.35" Courtesy of Princess Thi-Nga Foundation

At the Bass Museum of Art in Miami, they are featuring The Private Jade Collection of Her Imperial Highness Princess Thi-Nga of Vietnam.  Well, this contains approximately 80 sculptures from tht 19^th and early 20^th Centuries made from Jade—considered the most precious stone during Imperial Times.  Did you know that it symbolized the link between human beings and the spiritual world?  The Princess collection will be on display until April 29^th.  The Bass Museum of Art is located at 2121 Park Avenue in Miami Beach and can be found at www.bassmuseum.org or reached at 305*673-7530.  

Morikami Museum 

At the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens they are hosting a show entitled The Peacock’s Feather:  Male Accessories of Old Japan.  This collection contains miniature carved sculptures called netsuke that adorned the clothing of well-dressed Japanese genelemen in the 18^th and 19^th Centuries.  This is a collection of items that are intricately carved and some miniatures—some just an inch in length, of bone, ivory, and wood that would be attached to their kimonos and sashes.  This show also features tobacco and pipe cases that were ornate and part of the male accoutrements.  For further information go to www.morikami.org or call them at 561*495-0233.  The museum is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach.  While you are there why not check out the other collection they have on display, Traditional Japanese Ceramics.  I have a friend of the family that has literally gone to Japan and studied with Japanese Living National Treasures and have learned from them and has told us countless stories about them and the creations they make. 

Blue Morphos Gallery, Thru Feb 28^th 

Currently, at The Blue Morphos Gallery they are featuring Pure Vida.  This show is a compilation of paintings, prints, and sculptures by five Costa Rican fine artists.  The show will run until February 28^th, and the Blue Morphos Gallery is located at Via Testa and Royal Poinciana Way in Palm Beach.  For further information or directions, go to www.bluemorphosgallery.com or call them at 561*512-2467. 

Broward Art Guild Goes Black & White 

Opening Friday, February 9^th,  The Broward Art Guild will present and exhibition entitled Black & White and will feature an Opening Reception at 7pm.  The Broward Art Guild is located at 2430 NE 13^th Avenue in Wilton Manors.  The street is perpendicular to the Clock Tower of Wilton Station, and is at the end of the block.  Drop by, meet the artists, and have some fun.  This is a free party, so go!

Check out the recent collectable rage, Munny Dolls.  There will be more than 100 Munny dolls on display at The Bear and Bird Gallery for it’s inaugural art show.  This exhibit will feature custom-painted Munnys by 111 local and national artists.  The Reception will be at 7pm and is upstairs at Tate’s that is located at 4566 North University Drive in Lauderhill.  For further information call them at 954*748-0181.  The show will run through March 10^th and all the dolls are available for sale either in person or through their website and 10% of all profits will be donated to the Humane Society of Broward County. 

Angels in Hollywood 

Starting February 6^th, Hollywood’s own Gallery of the Unknown Artist is proud to feature Bubbaclick’s latest show, Heaven On Earth:  Photographs of Angels.  There will be an Opening Reception for Bubbaclicks on Satuday, February 10^th at 7pm.  Having seen what local photographer Bubbaclicks can do with a camera, having his other show that featured many tattooed men entitled Skin Deep before and literally have most of the models there…priceless. The Gallery of the Unknown Artist is located at 116 South 20^th Street in Hollywood, Florida.  For further information, go to www.gotua.com or call them at 954*921-5551 and tell Ceci that MarksList sent you.

The Power to Protect 

Artist Linda Stein’s latest endeavor, The Power to Protect:  The Sculpture of Linda Stein is currently at the Nathan D. Rosen Museum Gallery which is at the Rose Levis Jewish Community Center in Boca Raton.  Her work may appear impenetrable, but they are definitely unique.  This New York artist features hourglass sculptures with: industrial materials, fiber, wood, stone, and whatever was around her Ground Zero neighborhood.  This is a celebration of the warrior spirit through the female form through rugged depictions.  This show runs through February 18^th, and is located at 9801 Donna Klein Blvd in Boca Raton.  Call 561*852-3214 for directions and/or further information.  

Carlos Eduardo at Storks 

Wilton Manors own Storks Bakery and Café and ArtsUnited is proud to host local photographer Carlos Eduardo.  Being a local and a resident of Florida, he has fulfilled his creative desires through photography, primarily animals and amazing landscapes.  Through nature and wildlife photography Carlos has used many of these subjects in his works not only in the continental United States, but Alaska, and Europe.  He has been featured at the Stonewall Library and Archives as their featured Artist of the Month, various charity auctions, and most recently, the Wilton Manors own ArtWalk.  He likes to capture beauty in nature, architecture, and perspectives of human interaction from different angles.  For more information about Carlos go to www.carloseduardophotos.com and stop by Storks!

Harriet of Hollywood at Java Boys

Right now, at Wilton Manor’s own Java Boys, their featured Artist of the Month is Harriet of Hollywood. Her pictures show a wide and varied cross-section of the animal loving community. Java Boys is located in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. 

Frank Lloyd Wright

Currently, at Eaton Fine Art in West Palm Beach, they are hosting Objects of Design:  Decorative Arts and Elements of Frank Lloyd Wright.  What they want you to do is to take a look around you and consider how much, in what combinations, is the objects surrounding you is, infact—art?  This exhibit displays stained-glass windows, china, furniture, fabrics, sculpture, screens, photographs, stationery, drawings, and copper panels that make you consider the opportunities we have to surround ourselves with things of beauty.  Wrights philosophy was that a space should be experienced as a whole, without division between inside and outside or between the table and what’s on the table.  This exhibit runs through February 10^th, and Eaton Fine Art is located at 435 Gardenia Street in West Palm Beach.  For more information go to www.eatonart.net or call them at 561*833-4766. 

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.

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. 

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. 

Local Theatre Buzz

Bus Stop 

Starting Friday, February 9^th, the University Theatre at Florida Atlantic University is proud to host Bus Stop.  This tells William Inge’s romance of bus passengers who are stranded together by a Kansas snowstorm.  Florida Atlantic University is located at 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton and can be found at www.fauevents.com or reached at 800*564-9539.  Tickets are $20.

Angels in America, Feb 10^th & 11^th

On Saturday, February 10^th and Sunday, February 11^th, The Colony Theatre is proud to host Angels in America, Part One:  Millenium Approaches.  This Tony Kushner’s award-winning play exposes the corruption, homophobia, and racial policies that consumed the country during the spread of AIDS in the lat 1980’s.  Showtimes are at 2pm and 7:30pm.  For tickets, go to http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/106597 and The Colony Theatre is located at 1040 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach and can be reached at 305*237-3541.  Tickets are $15.

Manuscript, Thru Feb 18^th

Just Sit Right Back and Hear a Tale…

The Coral Springs Center for the Arts is proud to host Gilligan’s Island—The Musical.  Check out the famed Greg Brady aka Barry Williams as he portrays The Millionaire Thurston Howell III and the original Mary Ann aka. Dawn Wells as she plays his wife Lovie Howell.  All your favorite characters are brought to life in this stage production musical written by the one and only Sherwood Schwartz!  This features more than 20 original songs written by Wing’s lead guitarist Lawrence Jaber and performed with a live orchestra.  The Coral Springs Center for the Arts is located at 2855 Coral Springs Drive in Coral Springs and can be found at www.coralspringscenterforthearts.com or by phone at 954*344-5990. 

Alice Does Wonderland, Jan 26^th thru Feb 10^th

The amazing local Sol Theatre wants you to take a journey that is way wilder that the original Alice in Wonderland that feature Lewis Carroll’s famous characters, but with twists of pure, unadulterated mayhem—not to mention lots of sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll!   As the story goes, the young and nubile know it all Alice finds herself transported from the surreal “Wonderland Lounge” into a strange new world surrounded by characters ranging from the wacky to the weird on to the just plain psychotic.  She must discover the key to Wonderland if she is to find her way home and ultimately—herself.

Alice Does Wonderland runs until February 10^th at the Sol Theatre which is located at 1140 N Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale.  For tickets call Robert Hooker at 954*525-6555 or visit them at www.soltheatre.com.  This is a workshop is a benefit production for Sol Theatre Project and will include raffles, audience participation, contests, lap dances by favorite characters, and an onstage bar with service.  Bring your dollar bills and help keep the Sol shining well into 2007!

Judy Comes to Stage Door, Starting Feb 23^rd

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. 

I Want My Tee Shirt! 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. 

Bjork is Back 

Famed Icelandic singer, songwriter, composer, and Fashion Victim Bjork, has announced that she is putting the final touches on her long awaited album and will be out early this Spring.  This will be her first album since 2004, and, even tough still untitled, it will feature collaborations with hip-hop and R&B producer/rapper Timbaland, vocalist Antony Hegarty, as well as drummer Brian Chippendale.  When the album is completed, a tour will definitely be announced and plans to make an appearance at a major American music festival…which one will she be at?  For more information about Bjork, go to www.bjork.com. 

Puccini’s Manon Lescaut 

A woman like Manon can have more than one lover.—Puccini.  Imagine that…and she does!  The Florida Grand Opera is proud to host Puccini’s Manon Lescaut.  This tells the story of a troubled country girl who finds fame and fortune in Paris yet ends with her exile and death.  You think that her boarding a ship for a penal colony in Louisiana would be humiliating, but the heartbreaking conclusion still grips audiences worldwide even to this day.  This will take place at the Au-Rene Theatre at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts at 201 SW 5^th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, February 15^th and Saturday, February 17^th.  For tickets go to www.fgo.org or call the Box Office at 800*741-1010. 

L’Italiana in Algeri 

The Palm Beach Opera is proud to host Gioachino Rossini’s L’Italiana In Alegeri.  L’Italiana is the comic romp through the palaces of Algiers, the beautiful aviatrix Isabella cleverly and hilariously outwits the men vying for her affections.  What would an opera be without at lovesick Sultan?  This Rossini bubbles over with brilliance in a flourish of sheer delight.  This will take place February 23^rd through the 26^th at The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach.  This is sung in Italian with English Surtitles.  For Tickets and further information, go to www.pbopera.org or call them at 561*833-7888. 

Last week marked the premier of Bravo's newest artistic challenge-driven show entitled Top Design. With 12 designers vying for the title Top Design, this show is all about Interior Design and the creativity and challenges it faces.  Like with other Bravo challenge shows such as Project Runway and Top Chef, Top Design features celebrity designer Todd Oldham in more of a Tim Gunn role as Mentor vice Heidi Klum's Battle Axe Judge.   

There are twelve contenders with twelve different view points, experience, and credentials--how do you think they will get along?  You heard on this premier episode such gems as:  I HATE HIM!!!!--Well, I'm not in love with you either Baby Doll!  How do you argue with a Narcisist?  I TOLD you not to touch it!  Is this the top or bottom?  Well, as the show progressed they were broken into 6 teams and had to decorate a display area into a Sanctuary according to a Mystery Celebrity Client's 5 odd objects.  They were to figure out the person's tastes--which were lacking and design a room that would easily incorporate these things. 

They were given 30 minutes to confer with their partners and sketch, a budget of $50,000 while in the Pacific Design Center, and a Carpenter to help them.  They were to design their spaces--from ceiling to floor and from wall to wall. They were given only 2 days to complete this task and sadly, not only was one person to be eliminated, both teammembers were to be sent home.  

The judging took place in The White room and featured judges:  Jonathan Adler, Kelly Wearster, Margaret Russell Editor in Charge of Elle Décor Magazine and the prizes for the winner will be $100,000 contract, a spread and feature in Elle Decor magazine, and many other things.  My best Judge response was:  The room needed a bunch of Zoloft.  

What five items define you?

Ballet Gamonet, Sat and Sun 10^th & 11^th

The Balley Gamonet is proud to announce their latest creation, Program II which will feature D Symphonies, Jimmy Gamonet de los Heros, From a Distant Wind with Jerry Opdenaker, and Movilissimanoble.  This will all take place on Saturday, February 10^th and Sunday, February 11^th at The Bailey Concert Hall that is located at 3501 SW Davie Blvd in Davie.  To order tickets or further information, go to www.balletgamonet.org or call them at 305*259-9775. 

Lilac Garden, Feb 9-11^th

Starting Friday, February 11^th, The Miami City Ballet will present Lilac Garden.  This is A Company premier of a Antony Tudor choreographed production with music by Ernest Chausson.  This will be at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and tickets are available through www.miamicityballet.org or by phone at 877*929-7010. 

Wynwood Art District, Sat Feb 10^th

On Saturday, February 10^th, the Wynwood Art District will be holding it’s monthly Gallery Walk.  This Walk will feature more than 40 galleries, studios, alternative spaces, and collections throughout Wynwood.  There will be wine and refreshments available and this is free to the public.  Festivities begin at 7pm and are scheduled to run until 10pm and will take place between 20^th and 36^th street in Miami.  For further information, go to www.wynwoodartdistrict.com. 

Greek Festival, Feb 9^th thru 11^th 

Starting Friday, February 9^th and running through the 11^th, St. Demetrios Church is proud to host their 28^th Annual Ft. Lauderdale Greek Festival.  With the $5 admission, the proceeds will benefit the parish and Bryant Peney Scholarship Fund—who was a Ft. Lauderdale Police Officer who lost his life in the line of duty.  Festival times are from noon to 11pm on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 8pm on Sunday.  Parking will be at Sears at Sunrise and US1 for $1 and there will be a free shuttle back and forth.  There will be Greek dance lessons, live music by The Hellenic Band and performances by the St. Demetrios Greek Dance Troupes.  Get a taste of Greece with authentic cuisine that will include gyros, souvlaki, and baklava, frappe, Ouzo, and Greek wine, imported cheeses, olives, and fresh breads.  The St. Demetios Church is located at 815 NE 15^th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.  For further information, go to www.stdemetrios.org or call them at 954*761-FEST.    

Miami Beach Festival of the Arts, Feb 10^th & 11^th 

Decadence Decanted, Feb 22^nd thru 25^th 

Starting Thursday, February 22^nd, the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival will kick off in Miami Beach.  This Food & Wine Magazine featured event will celebrate sumptuous cuisine along with the world’s finest wines and spirits.  For further information or to purchase tickets go to www.sobewineandfoodfest.com or call 877*762-3933. 

Naked Grape Helps the Mental, Feb 15^th

On February 15^th, The Naked Grape Wine Co. will host a Wine Tasting from 7 to 9 PM. The proceeds from the event will go to support the many programs of the nonprofit Mental Health Association of Broward County.  This fund-raising event is open to the public; however, space is limited and RSVPs  are encouraged.  To purchase tickets, call the Naked Grape Wine Co. at 954-563-5631 or stop by the store in advance of the event. Organizers expect the event to sell out. For more information about the Mental Health Association, go online to http://www.mhabroward.org and The Naked Grape Wine Co. can be found online to http://www.nakedgrapewineco.com and at 2039 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.  Tickets are $20.00. 

Wine: Perfect Spa Treatment

A shop in TriBeCa has recently opened, Delluva, which features hand lotion, body oils, and exfoliators.  What’s so big about that?—It’s a wine shop!  This is the first vinotherapy wine spa on the East Coast and now a Mecca of relaxation with a hint of Merlot.  Vinotherapy started in Bordeaux where there was found a new use for the region’s storied vineyards.  The first bottled product was Caudalie in 1999 as a skin-care treatment derived from the byproducts of grapes and the winemaking process.  This line also aids with acne problems as well as moisturizing.  Also, there is Theravine, a South African wine extract-based skin-care product made from pinot noir and hermitage grapes.  The products contain antioxidants, phytoalexins, and esveratrol that keep glasses of wine cropping up in anti-aging and heart-health studies.  At New York’s Delluva Spa, they also cater to the men with Delluva Per Uomini that has a menu which euphemistically refers to manicures as hand grooming as well as a host of other treatmets.  In their relaxation rooms, you are served frozen grapes and chocolates, a sauvignon blanc shampoo and merlot shower gel, and the best part, you do no need at ID to get in!  Delluva Vineotherapy Day Spa is located at 152 Franklin Street in NY and can be found at www.delluvaspa.com. 

Swedish Horses

Do you like horses?  Do you have a Viking fantasy?  Did you grow up in St. Olaf?  Funny, but how many of you are laughing?  Did you know that horses have been an important Swedish folk art symbol?  With the popularity of traditional hand-painted wooden Dala horses, there is now a Stockholm-based design team that is there to help you out.  Bengt Lindber and Lotta Glave offer wrought iron candle holders perfect for walls and windowsills, with a classic homage to the Swedish horse and farm.  For more information about them, go to their website www.fjorn.com.  They also feature fine linens from Ekelund, master weavers since 1692. 

Home Tip:  Did you know that microwaving your kitchen sponge for two to four minutes will kill millions and almost all of the bacteria and sterilize it?  It is a fast, easy, and safe method of disinfecting it. Make sure before microwaving that the sponge is clean or you'll cook any food particles that are on it. And how do you get the sponge clean? Simply throw it in one of your dishwasher's silverware holders and clean it with your dishes. Keep two or three sponges going, one or two waiting in the dishwasher and one out in use.

At The Seminole Hard Rock Resort & Casino they are featuring Pablo Francisco who was a member of The Latin Kings of Comedy.  He will deliver a mouthful of classic bits including his very popular Little Tortilla Boy.  His show runs until Saturday night and will be at The Improv at Paradise Live and is located at 5700 Seminole Way in Hollywood.  For tickets or further information go to www.improvftl.com or call them at 954*981-5653. they are featuring Pablo Francisco who was a member of The Latin Kings of Comedy.  He will deliver a mouthful of classic bits including his very popular Little Tortilla Boy.  His show runs until Saturday night and will be at The Improv at Paradise Live and is located at 5700 Seminole Way in Hollywood.  For tickets or further information go to www.improvftl.com or call them at 954*981-5653.

Mary Wilson, Feb 12^th 

On Monday, February 12^th, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts will host Mary Wilson.  As a former member of The Supremes, Mary will perform to benefit the local organization Broward Partnership for the Homeless and will take the stage at 8pm.  The Broward Center is located at 201 SW Fifth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale and can be found at www.browardcenter.org or by calling the Box Office at 954*462-0222. 

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. 

Delirium, Apr 5-7^th 

There will only be three performances only for the Cirque du Soleil’s live music concert entitled Delirium.  This will be on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday April 5^th thru 7^th at The American Airlines Arena.  Tickets are available through www.livenation.com or by phone at 954*523-3309.  For clips visit www.cirquedusoleil.com. 

Anna Nicole

Thursday marked the end of an era for pop culture.  Famed blonde bombshell and temptress-turned Reality Show Vixen-turned diet pill spokes model, Anna Nicole Smith died in Hollywood’s Seminole Hard Rock & Casino.  Leaving behind  $400M she just won in court to her daughter, Danielynn, I can imagine the news that will be generated from this as relatives come crawling out the woodwork from Mexia, TX.  She will be missed. 

Conversations and Cosmopolitans

What have you told your mother about your life that you wish you had a cocktail in your hand?  Well, in Robert Rave has given us Conversations and Cosmopolitans:  How to Give Your Mother a Hangover that he cowrote with his mother, that tackles such issues as:  love, honesty, self-worth, body image, and being gay.  Originally, she had the mantra, What happens within the family stays within the family.  Two months later and many cosmos…we have this book. 

I Like Coffee, I Like Tea

Les Beans Coffee

What are the owners of The Boca Bean & Tea Co. supposed to do when they want to do something more?  Why not capitalize on the fact that they have been together, as Life Partners, and love coffee and The Girls?  Well, Desiree Ramos-Aponti and Patti Luci decided to stir things up and open the closet doors to bring us Les Beans—a completely “out” coffeehouse.  This strictly organic and fair trade business will feature such drinks as Mocha Lisa and Miami Hottie and other 21 drinks that are made with slow-roasted, shade-grown coffee, and even boast carrying Café Femenino—a coffee grown exclusively by female farmers in Peru!  Femenino also donates a portion of their profits to support services for women in their rural communities. Currently, they have an online store at http://www.lesbeanscoffee.com/ which offers free shipping, bulk rates, coffee service, and Beanwear.  They can be reached at 877*262-2384. The girls plan on opening a coffee shop in the downtown Lake Worth area later this year.  I’ll keep ya posted!

Photo Exhibit, Transfigurations

Currently, at the I Gallery, you can catch the very raw and riveting photo exhibit entitled Transfigurations.  This features both males and females in all states of Transformations from one gender to the next.  This show aims to illuminate who transgender people are, and what they have experienced from the world being one gender and going to the opposite and the courage they have found to be who they want to be despite daunting odds, ridicule, hate crimes, and murder.  This Jana Marcus  project can be found at 39 West 14^th Street in Suite 205 in New York.  For further information, go to www.jlmphotography.com.  Even if you cannot make it to this show, go to the website and view the slideshow…it’s amazing!

Broadway Stars

Tickets are currently on sale for A Moon for the Misbegotten which is starring Kevin Spacey.  This Eugene O’Neill performance is at The Brooks Atkinson Theatre at 256 West 47^th Street and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.  Also, check out Fraiser’s Dad aka John Mahoney in Prelude to a Kiss at The American Airlines Theatre.  Tickets are available via www.roundabouttheatre.org or at 212*719-1300 and performance begin February 16^th. 

Did You Pee Your Pants?

Scrapbooks

Currently, at The International Center of Photography they are hosting a show of Heri Cartier’s work entitled, Scrapbook:  Photographs 1932-1946.  See, during WWII, Cartier-Bresson was captured and held in a German prisoner of war camp. Presumed dead, MoMA began preparing a memorial exhibition but when Cartier-Bresson emerged, he joined the efforts to assemble this retrospective. He selected and personally printed 251 prints of his best work that have been reassembled for this occasion. The exhibition, organized by the Foundation Henri Cartier-Bresson, will have its sole American venue at ICP.  In 1946 while it was presumed that Henri was dead, they planned for but then he attended his “posthumous” show at The Museum of Modern Art.  This show reconstructs as best as possible, the original layout of the scrapbook.  This book details the work he shot in Spain, Italy, Mexico, Britain, and France with shots of crowds in Hyde Park in London at King George VI’s coronation, picnicking on the banks of Marne in France, whores in Valencia, Spain.  Boys mug at his camera while prostitutes swan, all the while their gazes equalize them with us.  The International Center of Photography is located at 113 Avenue of the Americas at 43^rd Street and can be found at www.icp.org or by calling them at 212*857-0000. 

Mary Rose

The author of Peter Pan, J.M. Barrie, had written other stores, such as a girl who might be a ghost!  This rarely seen 1920 play is being brought to life after 50 years and is a haunting lyrical tale of a woman’s disappearance and mysterious return to her family.  This is a limited-run engagement and opens on February 20 and closes on March 11.  The Vineyard Theatre is located at 108 East 15^th Street and can be reached at www.theatermania.com or 212*353-0303. 

Dance at The Joyce SoHo

This weekend come and join Artistic Director Ronald Brown as he conjures different lands and times while exploring the human spirit.  In Program A they sear for spiritual fulfillment from the individual community and includes the New York premier of Truth Don Die:  Upside Down which is one of Program B’s three signature works that showcases Brown’s mix of African traditions and contemporary dance.  This also features live music from Mohammed Camara.  For more information or tickets, go to www.joyce.org or call them at 212*242-0800.  The Joyce is located at 175 Eighth Avenue at 19^th Street in Chelsea.  

With the help of superior vocals by Jennifer Hudson and dreamy looks of Beyoncé Knowles, the musical turned hit movie may be back on Broadway!  Even though the Oscars had snubbed Dreamgirls for Best Movie, Broadway is ready to welcome back their hit with open arms.  There is a meeting planned this month to discuss plans for a revival and they are going to figure out how they can do this.  With the movie generating plenty of publicity and hype, Jennifer Hudson will probably reprise Effie, the role she played on screen.  The original musical debuted at the Imperial Theater in 1981 and garnered a Tony for Jennifer Holiday in 1984.  I definitely recommend seeing her performance from that on youtube.com!  Can we say tears?  Stay tuned for further details as they…materialize!

Shu

At the China Institute, they are featuring a collection of pieces called Shu:  Reinventing Books in Contemporary Chinese Art.  This is the second installation of a two-part show that glances back at the period of artistic expansion in the 1970’s and contraction—after the 1989 Tianamen Square protests.  Photographs by Uiu Zhijie line the walls of the Institute’s main staircase are featured along with Chinese classic books, letters, and manuscripts.  This collection features over 30 challenging works by more than 20 artists, many of whom have never before been seen in the United States and brings together a carefully selected group of art books created in the early 1980’s.  They want us to remember that without easy access to words…there can be no such thing as free expression.  The China Institute is located at 125 East 65^th Street and can be found at www.chinainstitute.org or by calling them at 212*744-8181.  

Frank’s Home

Opening January 30^th, is Richard Nelson’s new bio-play about the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright called Frank’s Home.  This will star Peter Weller as Wright and Harris Yulin as Louis Sullivan and is at Playwrights Horizons Mainstage which is at 416 West 42^nd Street in Clinton.  For more information call 212*719-4200.