Bright Ideas at Items2Envy

Right now, at Wilton Manor’s own Items2Envy Keith Myers is having a special sale on lights and lamps.  He will take 20% off all lamp sales, all sales final, and no layaways.  Items2Envy is located at 2219 Wilton Drive in the heart of Wilton Manors.  Tell him You light up my life and see if he goes for 25%! 

On Display

Snail Mail Chic 

Adam Morse always liked getting fun mail. Since the popularity of Frank Warren’s Post Secret (www.postsecret.com) where you have to send a post card and confess to something, with envelopecollective.com you can send him anything with an envelope.  The birth of this project was a class project at Oberlin College in Ohio, where Adam, now an amusement park ride designer, and artist and Web designer Garrett Miller, collaborated on a mail art project.  With all the current online and cell phone transmissions, it is easy to stay in touch however, “it means a little more when someone puts a stamp on it.”—Adam Morse.  The site now features over 1,000 images and is taking on a life of its own. 

Karen Myers At Stonewall  

Opening Monday, April 2^nd, The Stonewall Library and Archives is proud to host Karen Myers and her solo exhibition.  There will be an Opening Reception beginning at 6:30pm.  She will be featured from April 2^nd to the 28^th and the Stonewall Library is located at 1717 North Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.  For more information, you can go to her site, www.artnabox.com, at www.myspace.com/photosbykarenartnabox, or at www.cafepress.com/artnabox

Wolfsonian Goes Free on Fridays 

I don’t know if you know, but South Beach’s very own Wolfsonian is FREE on Fridays!  Located at 1001 Washington Avenue, they will not be charging admission between 6 & 9pm.  For further information and a listing of current exhibits, go to www.wolfsonian.org or call them at 305*535-2622. 

Georgia O'Keeffe: Circling Around Abstraction through May 6, 2007

Organized by the Norton Museum of Art, Georgia O'Keeffe:  Circling Around Abstraction is the first exhibition to highlight this renowned American painter's individual approach to the issue of abstraction, a stylistic strategy which in many ways preoccupied artists throughout the 20th century.

The exhibition brings together fifty-one of O'Keeffe's works to illuminate the various and evolving ways she used circular forms and motifs as the means whereby she organized, simplified, and even energized her compositions.

Both the exhibition and its catalogue, with every work illustrated in color, will enhance both popular appreciation and scholarly understanding of the artist's significant contribution to the development of American modernism.
 

Sculpture Key West

Currently, at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and The East and West Martellos in Key West, they are having a sculpture show entitled Sculpture Key West.  This show, which started in 1995, features more than 28 pieces around the park which debuted earlier and will run through April 14^th.  For more information go to www.sculpturekeywest.com. 

Currently, at The Miami Art Museum, they are showing, Andy Warhol:  Motion Pictures.  Picture this, 1963 New York, after painting such American icons as The Campbell Soup can, Andy Warhol purchased a 16mm camera and began an astonishing five-year period of filmmaking.  The Miami Art Museum presents a selection of these groundbreaking films—presented as Warhol intended.  The Miami Art Museum is located at 101 West Flagler Street in Miami and can be reached at www.miamiartmuseum.org or at 305*375-3000.  The show runs through April 1^st. 

Eden 

Artist Jean Hilary brings us Eden—a new media project that features large-format documentary photographs and videos that offer mysterious scenes from small towns across America.  This show runs through June 3^rd and is at The Boca Raton Museum of Art at 501 Plaza Real in Boca Raton.  For more information, go to www.bocamuseum.org or call them at 561*392-2500. 

Chained 

Do you like bondage?  What about chains and gems with hair and skin?  Well, artist Sara Stites has some art for you!  At the Buena Vista Building, you can catch her latest show entitled, Chained:  Drawings and Sculptures that will feature an animal-esque show of both small and large drawings as well as sculptures that fuse images of chains and gems with hair and skin.  Running through April 2^nd, this show is not to be missed.  For further information go to www.sarastites.com, or call 305*942-9771.  The Buena Vista building is located at 180 NE 39^th Street in Miami. 

Lowe Art Museum Gets Some Artic Spirit 

At the Lowe Art Museum at The University of Miami they are hosting a show entitled Artic Spirit:  Inuit Art that features 150 traditional and contemporary prints, drawings, wall hangings, carvings, masks, and decorative clothing from the circumpolar region comprised of Siberia, Alaska, Greenland, and the Canadian Artic.  The region has been inhabited by the Inuit people (or Eskimo) since 250 B.C. and will be on display until April 1^st.  The museum is located at 1301 Stanford Drive in Coral Gables and can be found at www.lowemuseum.org or by calling them at 305*284-3535.   

Nazi Exhibit, through Apr 4^th 

Currently, at The Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies at The University of Miami Libraries, they are hosting the traveling show Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 1933-1945.  This traveling Holocaust Memorial Museum will be on display until April 4^th and is at The Otto G. Richter Library which is located t 1300 Memorial Drive at the University’s Coral Gables campus.  For further information, call 305*284-3233. 

Bass Goes Vietnamese 

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.  

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.  

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. 

MoPod

For those who have everything…Firebox, a Japanese cell phone accessory company, has created the weirdest thing ever—MoPod.  MoPod is a clear dome that features adorable characters that light up and rotate whenever you receive a call, text, or e-mail.  The choices are:  devil, puppy, kitten, monster, penguin, or monkey and then attach it to your handbag, belt, or key chain and as soon as you get something, the character will spin around and flash—without any annoying ring tones.  They are available online at www.firebox.com.  

Site to See

As I reported earlier, The Hualapai Indian Reservation was constructing the first ever sky walk over their section of The Grand Canyon.  Well, last week marked the opening of glass floor walkway that overlooks the 4,000 foot chasm below.  Their opening ceremony took place on March 28^th, and is near Eagle Point in Arizona.  The tribe will include access to the deck in a variety of different tour packages ranging from $49.95 to $199 and the deck is able to hold up to 120 at a time to peer out at the vantage point more than twice as high as the world’s tallest buildings. 

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07085/772051-37.stm

Local Theatre Buzz

Jane Eyere, March 30 thru April 1

Starting Friday, March 30^th,  The Acting Company  will present Jane Eyre at The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.  Fresh from it’s acclaimed run in London’s West End, this is the American premier of a groundbreaking adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s extraordinary coming-of-age story about a timid and plain girl trapped in the attic.  Within her imagination lives a woman so passionate, wild, and full of longing that she must be guarded day and night for fear of the havoc she would wreck.  For tickets, times, and directions, go to www.kravis.org. 

The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe, March 30^th 

The Lion in Winter, Thru Apr 1^st

Through April 1^st, you can catch James Goldman’s The Lion in Winter, a historical drama about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine and the story of titans whose underlying love is sacrificed to selfish ambition in an orgy of dysfunctional family clashes.  This is a Caldwell Theatre Company production and is at The Boca Raton Professional Theatre located at 7873 N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton.  For more information go to www.caldwelltheatre.com or call 877*245-7432. 

The Odd Couple

Starting Friday, March 23^rd, at The Tamarac Theatre for Performing Arts will be The Odd Couple.  Come see the play that started the world-renown television series about two mix-matched divorced men living together when they are complete polar opposites.  The Tamarac Theatre is located at 7143 Pine Island Road in Tamarac and can be reached at 954*726-7898 for tickets or further information.

La Cage, Wed Mar 7 thru Apr 8^th 

Tickets are now on sale for the Actor’s Playhouse presentation of La Cage Aux Folles which will be at The Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables.  This long running Paris boulevard comedy, only later to be a highly original classic film, and now a major musical theatre hit revived on Broadway, La Cage Aux Folles has millions of fan around the world.  Tickets are available at www.actorsplayhouse.org or by calling their Box Office at 305*444-9293.  The Miracle Theatre is located at 280 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables.   

Judy Comes to Stage Door, Starting Feb 23^rd

Viernes Culturales Festival, Friday March 30

Starting Friday, March 30^th, Little Havana will have their monthly Viernes Culturales Festival (last Friday of every month.)  Beginning at 7pm this festival will feature a feast of the arts, culture, and shopping at their street fair celebration.  Eighty artists and artisans will be displaying their work along Calle Ocho and other adjoining public spaces which will be brought to life with street performers, sidewalk cafes, and salsa dancing at local restaurants.  For further information, go to www.viernesculturales.org. 

Juno Awards

On Sunday, April 1^st will be the 2007 Juno Awards.  This will be hosted by Internationally-renowned Canadian singer/songwriter and Juno Award winner Nelly Furtado.  For those with international stations and have CTV it will begin at 8pm.  For more information go to www.junoawards.ca. 

The Lord Is Coming 

Just kidding, I know it’s the week before Easter and all…but famed showman Michael Flatley will be at The Jackie Gleason Theater on Sunday, April 29^th at 3pm as The Lord of the Dance.  They will also be at The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on April 26^th through April 28^th.  The Jackie Gleason Theater is located at 1901 Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach and The Kravis Center is located at 701 Okechobee Blvd in West Palm Beach.  Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com or at www.kravis.org.    

Expressions Dance Company of Australia, Beginning Friday March 30, 2007 

Beginning Friday, March 30^th, The Expressions Dance Company of Australia will be performing Cultura del Lobo Performance Series at The Colony Theatre in Miami Beach.  Expressions is acclaimed for its high caliber, compelling brand of dance theatre.  Score! Brings together the story of the ballet Petrushka and the global obsession with the TV talent shows like American Idol.  The Colony Theatre is located at 1040 Lincoln Road and tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. 

Giselle, March 30-April 1

Starting Friday, March 30 and running through Sunday, April 1^st, The Miami City Ballet and The Carnival Center for the Performing Arts is proud to present Giselle.  This tragic love story will take place at the Ziff Ballet and Opera House and will be performed with a live orchestra.  Tickets can be found at www.miamicityballet.org. 

Naked Grape Has Sparkling Shiraz

Currently, instock and on the shelves at Wilton Manor’s own The Naked Grape Wine Co. they have Paringa’s 2004 Sparkling Shiraz!  Who knew that they could do that, but the people at The Naked Grape have found and brought this amazing wine to us.  According to Brian, it is rich, fruity, and dry with an amazing dark red color that makes it a perfect  compliment to Spring foods and barbeques.  Special price:  $9.95!  Add bubbles and yum!  The Naked Grape Wine Co. is located at 2039 Wilton Drive.  Stop on by!

Doria Roberts at New Moon, Sun Apr 1^st 

On Sunday, April 1^st, singing live at Wilton Manor’s own New Moon Café will be Doria Roberts.  She will fuse everything from Jazz, R&B, Blues to whatever you would like all the while encompassing tunes and a voice that will captivate you.  For more information and to check out Doria, go to www.myspace.com/doriaroberts and make sure you come and see her live.  New Moon  is located at 2448 Wilton Drive. 

Music News

This week has been big in the music world:  Jennifer Lopez is due to release a bilingual album entitled Como Ama Una Mujer (How a Woman Loves) will feature new hit song Qué Hiciste (What Have You Done), Gwen Stefani begins her Sweet Escape Tour in April and for more information go to www.gwenstefani.com and hitting The Sound Advice Theatre May 9^th.  Also, Canadian songbird and gay icon Celine Dion, who is set to finish her run at Ceasar’s Palace in December has announced her intentions to move back to Miami and have another child.  Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx is currently on tour while famed 80’s Go Go’s leader Belinda Carlile has a new album out, Voila is in French! 

Samson et Dalila, Begins Apr 5^th 

Beginning Thursday, April 5^th, The Florida Grand Opera will present Saint – Saens’ Samson et Dalila.  This timeless opera of betrayal will be at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts on April 5^th & 7^th and then moves to The Carnival Center for the Performing Arts starting April 14^th.  For tickets go to www.fgo.org or call the Box Office at 800*741-1010. 

Pop Art on your Arm

At www.15minutesof.com, you can see the latest art-to-fashion craze, Andy Warhol watches!  This wearable art features about 15 watches authorized by the Warhol estate and feature some of his most memorable pop iconography and make stylish and inexpensive gifts! 

Andy Zeffer Up for a Lambda Literary Award

Christropher Nutter Signing 

On Thursday, April 5^th, 2007 at 8pm former professional party boy Christopher Nutter will read and sign his latest book, The Way Out.  This is his celebrated memoir and work of philosophy for gay men at Books & Books, 933 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33130. His latest book, THE WAY OUT:  The Gay Man’s Guide to Freedom, No Matter if You’re in Denial, Closeted, Half In, Half Out, Just Out, or Been Around the Block will be available for purchase.  For more information call 305.532.3222 or visit www.christopherleenutter.com. 

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Currently, at Arlington National Cemetery, you can view The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Millions have seen it and I remember going in my childhood.  After serving in the United States Navy, this site has more meaning to me and I came across an interesting fact sheet about the tomb that many probably do not know. 

Did you know that the guards:

·         Must be between 5’10” and 6’2” and their waist size cannot exceed 30”.

·         Are not allowed to talk to anyone or watch television for the first six months of duty.

·         Must commit to 2 years of their life and live in barrack under the tomb.

·         Cannot drink any alcohol for the rest of their lives and swearing in public or fighting will not be tolerated. 

·         They have specially made shoes with heat and cold resistant soles and have metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. 

·         All Off Duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington and they must memorize who they are and where they are. 

·         Spend an average of 5 hours a day getting his uniform ready for one of his 30 minute stations.  The Tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year since 1930.   

After two years of service, the Guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on the lapel signifying they served as Guard of the Tomb.  There are only 400 presently worn and they must obey the rules for the rest of their life or give up the pin. What is amazing is the fact that with today’s current technology for body identification, it seems likely there will not be any more soldiers placed in The Tomb.  For more information, go to http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/tombofun.htm. 

Here & Now, Until March 31^st 

Currently, at The Carnival Center for the Performing Arts, they are featuring Here&Now:2007 which is a wildly inventive and provocative performance piece that pushes the envelope of contemporary dance, theater, and music.  This Miami Light Project features Octavio Campos, Lucia Aratanha, and Jojo Corvysi.  Tickets are $23 and can be purchased at www.carnivalcenter.org or http://www.miamilightproject.com/index.php?page_id=38. 

The National Philharmonic of Russia, April 4^th & 5^th 

On Wednesday, April 4^th, opens The National Philharmonic of Russia at The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.  Continuing on Thursday, March 29, 2007, Conductor Vladimir Spivakov and Pianist Olga Kern will take you to places you never thought were imaginable.  The Philharmonic was founded in January 2003 as a commission by Russian President Vladimir Putin and these performances will include such pieces as:  Festival Overture, Symphony No. 5, Piano Concerto No. 2, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, as well as Romeo & Juliet Overture and Symphony No. 5.  For tickets and times, go to www.kravis.org.   

Lunasa, Sat Mar 31^st 

Ireland’s all-star quintet Lúnasa will perform in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, March 31 at 8 p.m.  In less than five years, this group has become one of the most sought-after bands on the international Irish music scene with its inventive arrangements and bass-driven grooves. Tickets are $25. Tickets and group discounts are available through the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office at 954/462-0222 or select your seat on-line at www.browardcenter.org.  Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster.  The Broward Center is located at 201 SW Fifth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.

Earth Wind & Fire, Apr 27^th 

On Friday, April 27^th, famed 70’s grove group Earth Wind & Fire will take center stage at The Mizner Park Amphitheater at 8pm sharp.  The Amphitheater is located at 590 Plaza Real in Boca Raton and tickets can be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com. 

The Police, Tue Jul 10^th 

On Tuesday, July 10^th famed singer and songwriter Sting will team up with bandmates and tour as The Police Live in Concert at Dolphin Stadium in Miami.  They will feature Fiction Plane and tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 305*358-5885. 

Combine the fluidity of modern dance, the flexibility and strength of gymnastics, and the gravity-defying movements of circus artistry and you get something called, AntiGravity.“They turn the Theatre into a sequel to the Olympics!” – The New York Times

Anti-Gravity will make two local appearances. The first is Monday April 2nd at Miami's Carnival Center for the Performing Arts and the second is Friday April 6th at 8 PM at West Palm Beach's Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Use the underlined links to purchase tickets.

Lily Tomlin, Apr 12^th 

The Carnival Center for the Performing Arts is proud to announce Lily Tomlin will take center stage at the Knight Concert Hall for one night only, Thursday, April 12^th.   There are packages available and for only $75 you can receive a ticket as well as a post-performance party and for an additional $5 donation, you will help out The Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center that provides services for people with HIV or AIDS.  For tickets go to www.carnivalcenter.org or call the Box Office at 305*949-6722.  

Call Her Miss Ross, Apr 30th 

On Monday, April 30^th, legendary songbird Diana Ross will take center stage at The Seminole Hard Rock & Casino in Hollywood.  For tickets go to www.ticketmaster.com, call them at 954*523-3309, or drop by their Box Office at One Seminole Way in Hollywood. 

Gwen, May 9^th 

On May 9^th famed pop singer and L.A.M.B. designer Gwen Stefani will take the stage at 7:30pm at the Sound Advice Amphitheatre.  The Amphitheatre is located at 601-7 Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach.  Tickets range from $10 to $69.50 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 561*966-3309. 

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 through 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. 

Fantasia Is Purple

Beginning April 10^th famed American Idol winner Fantasia will take the stage and star in Oprah Winfrey’s The Color Purple.  The show is currently in production at The Broadway Theatre at Broadway and 53^rd and can be reached at www.colorpurple.com.   

Bend & Snap 

If I have only one thing through all the countless movies I watch and adore, it’s to look Fierce (and not to mention not to take out the UPS Driver when doing so!)  Well, one of my favorite movies has joined the ranks of Movie-to-Broadway, and that is Legally Blonde—The Musical!  Previews will begin Tuesday, April 3^rd so get your tickets now!  For tickets and further information go to www.legallyblondethemusical.com. 

My Fair Lady

Currently, at The New York Philharmonic, My Fair Lady has been a hit and will finish Saturday, March, 10^th.  This Lerner and Loewe production features Kelli O’Hara as Elizabeth Doolittle and Kelsey Grammer as Henry Higgins.  Not to be missed!  For tickets and further information, go to www.nyphil.org. 

 Edward Scissorhands

Running through March 31^st, Edward Scissorhands will be performing at The Brooklyn Academy of Music.  For anyone who does not know the Tim Burton movie, it is the tale of an eccentric inventor who creates a boy but sadly dies before finishing him—leaving him with scissors for hands.  After being found by a local Amway saleslady, he is then transported and adopted by her family and the insanity of suburbia then ensues.  For tickets and further information, go to www.bam.org. 

Tony Award Winner Liev Schreiber takes the role of Barry Champlain, a vituperative and mesmerizing radio host in Talk Radio.  This Pulitzer Prize Nominated play is about a controversial late night talk radio host and his life.  This is at The Longacre Theatre located at 220 West 48^th Street and for further information and tickets go to www.talkradioonbroadway.com or call them at 800*432-7780