Art & Design Night in Design District

WilMa Turns 60!, Saturday, May 12^th  

On Display

Storks Get Some Mental Help

Just kidding!  May is Mental Health Month and ArtsUnited has teamed up with the Mental Health Association of Broward County to present a mixed media art exhibit by local artists from 9 Muses Art Center in Lauderhill and is currently on display at Wilton Manor’s very own Stork’s Bakery and Café through May 31^st.  9 Muses Art Center is designed to provide those with mental illnesses an opportunity for self-expression and recovery through the arts and the program is open to people with psychiatric diagnoses while helping gain understanding and acceptance both for those with illnesses as well as for those without.  Stork's Bakery Coffee Cafe, 2505 NE 15th Avenue, Wilton Manors and can be found online at www.storksbakery.com.

Julio Green & Artini Tuesdays at GOTUA 

Opening May 12^th at 7pm, the Gallery of the Unknown Artist will be hosting Julio Green.  For those of you not familiar with this staple of Southern Florida Art World, Julio is a consistant participant in any and all art projects around town including every Wilton Manors Art Walks, The Broward Art Guild’s Quick Draw Competition –where he was chosen for his work, and now his own show at GOTUA. While you are there ask about their Tuesday hands-on approach to art with their very popular Artini Tuesdays!  Their focus for the month of May is Acrylic on Canvas and all the supplies are provided for you for a fee of $25 –and did I forget to mention there’s a Cocktail du Jour?   For more information, go to www.gotua.com or call Ceci at 954-921-5551.  The Gallery is located at 116 S. 20th AVE. in Downtown Hollywood. 

Magic of Myth at ArtExpression 

Opening on Saturday, May 12^th,  ArtExpressions Gallery in Fort Lauderdale is proud to host John Patrick Kelly’s collection entitled Magic of Myth beginning at 7pm.  This exhibition  showcases his "surrealistic" oils and bronze sculptures combine fantasy, eroticism, humor, and a deep esoteric understanding of life into a visual potpourri that leaves a lasting impression on most viewers.  The ArtExpressions Gallery is located at 1212 NE 4th Ave in Fort Lauderdale.  For more information go to www.ArtExpressions.tk or call them at 954-527-7700

Keith Clark is at Artists’ Haven 

As many know and have made friends with Keith Clark, who happens to be the Poster Child for the locally run ArtsUnited organization, but many do not realize that Keith is also an artist!  Keith is a painter and will have his work shown at Artists’ Haven Gallery beginning Friday, May 4^th.  There will be an Opening Reception beginning at 6pm the gallery is located at 2757 East Oakland Park Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.  He describes his work at Post-Expressionist and uses texture and light to evoke emotion.  The show will run until May 31^st and for those who do not know, ArtsUnited is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that provides local lesbian and gay artists an interactive and supportive working environment.  They use their connections to break down the previous barriers that prevented them from contributing fully and openly to the cultural, social, and economic success of South Florida.  For more information about ArtsUnited, go to www.artsunitedonline.org. 

Port Royal, Jamaica 

Currently, at The Historical Museum of Southern Florida their current exhibit is entitled Port Royal, Jamaica which contains rare artifacts recovered from the sea at Port Royal, where a massive earthquake in 1692 sank what was once known as The Wickedest City on Earth.  The show will be on display until June 3^rd.  While you are there, why not also check out their permanent collection Tropical Dreams:  A People’s History of South Florida that has artifacts, re-creations, photographs, and prints depicting cultures and homes from 10,000 years of South Florida history.  For more information, go to www.hmsf.org or call them at 305-375-1657. 

Enest Trova Retrospective 

At The Boca Raton Museum of Art you can catch their current exhibit entitled Ernest Trova:  Retrospective.  This will showcase more than 40 years of paintings, graphics, assemblages, and sculptures by American artist Ernest Trova.  This will reveal his infinite variations on the theme of Universal Man’s Journey through Life.  The Boca Raton Museum of Art is located at 501 Plaza Real in Boca Raton and can be found at www.bocamuseum.org or by phone at 561-392-2500. 

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. 

Local Theatre Gigs

The Laramie Project 

This award-winning play, by Moises Kauffman and the Tectonic Theater Project is based on over 200 interviews with townspeople of Laramie, Wyoming.  This is a "Slice of Life" that examines the aftermath of a horrendous murder of a young gay man(Mathew Shepherd) on the citizens of Laramie and explores the depths and heights that passions can reach and the compassions of which people are capable.  Presented by Main Street Players and tickets are $15, Seniors & Students $12.  For Reservations and tickets & info to to www.mainstreetplayers.com or call them at 305-823-1545

Lovers: Winners, Losers, May 12^th and May 13^th   

At The Irish Theatre of Florida, they are producing Lovers: Winners, Losers which tells the stories of the innocence of first love in Act One that contrasts beautifully with the hilarious antics of sex, love and family affairs in Act Two.  Lovers take us back to a time in the 60's when Ireland was still innocent and their mother was still the Celtic tiger.  For more information go to www.innisfreeirishtheatre.org or call them at 561-243-7922, ext 1.  Lovers runs from May 12 through May 13^th. 

Beyond the Gates, May 14th 

Imagine your father wants you to marry someone and actually promises you to them?  Well, in the case of Michelle Rosenfarb’s play Beyond the Gates, you will see what a young Hasidic girl has to go through when she’s promised to a scholar.  The tale depicts the tragedy of conflicting values and the sacrifices people make for self fulfillment. This poignant tale not only reflects life's painful truths, but also the humorous dimensions that lie in between.  Beyond the Gates is being performed at The Lake Worth Playhouse in Lake Worth.  For further information, go to www.newvistatheatre.com or call them at 888-284-4633. 

The Boy From Russia, May 9^th through June 3^rd 

Beginning May 9^th The Actors Playhouse is proud to present the World Premier of The Boy from Russia that is the moving story of a husband and wife’s journey to fulfill their dreams of expanding their family.  They impulsively decide to adopt an orphaned boy they see on a video and leave all doubts behind and journey to find this child in a wintery Russian village.  As the story unfolds, there are events that spiral beyond their control and they discover the risks they have taken that could cost them the boy and eachother.  The Actors’ Playhouse is at The Miracle Mile Theatre and tickets are available at www.actorsplayhouse.org or by phone at 305-444-9293.

Golda’s Balcony, Through May 20^th 

Performances have been added to GableStage’s production of William Gibson’s Golda’s Balcony.  Currently taking stage at the Biltmore at 1200 Anastasia Avenue in Coral Gables, Golda’s Balcony is an inspiring play about overhwhelming power and tells the story of Golda Meir who started out as an impoverished Russian schoolgirl to her post as Prime Minister of Israel and is one of the most amazing stories of the 20^th century.  Tickets are available at www.gablestage.org  305-445-1119.

Camelot, June 12^th through June 14^th 

Tickets are on sale now for Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot starring Michael York, Rachel York, and James Barbour as Lancelot.  For tickets, go to www.browardcenter.org or call the Box Office at 954-523-3309. 

Sister Ignatius Explains It All

The Sol Theatre Project is proud to announce the opening of their latest production, Sister Ignatius Explains It All which David Tarryn-Grae will star as the tired yet insatiable Sister May, along with other Sol regulars will be holding court like you have never seen before!  Expect camels, Bethlehem attire, Samuel Beckett, Noel Coward gone wild, and executioner with as sharp axe to grind, guns, queers, castrati, and the Little Baby Jesus.  This play is a satire on religion, faith, education, and the human animal penchant for masochism.   Previews for Sister Ignatius begin on Thursday, April 26^th and will run through June 2^nd.  The Sol Theatre Project is located at 1140 North Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale and can be reached at sol_theatre@comcast.com or www.soltheatre.com or by phone at 954-801-9207. 

Melt 

Opening Saturday, April 14^th, the Coral Gables New Theatre is proud to host Melt, a new play by Michael McKeever about three different South Florida families.  For tickets or further information go to www.new-theatre.org or call them at 305-443-5909. 

The Clean House 

The Caldwell Theatre Company 's spring show entitled, The Clean House by Sarah Ruhl which comically tells the story of a successful couple who hire a Brazilian Maid who does not like to clean and tells jokes in Portuguese. This runs through May 20^th and you can get more information at www.caldwelltheatre.com or by calling 561-241-7432.  

South African Wine Tasting, Saturday, May 12^th 8pm 

On Saturday, May 12^th,  The Vine Shop and Tasting Loft of Miami is going to be having their Wines of South Africa  wine tasting beginning at 8pm.  Did you know that South Africa has a distinct wine tradition, taste, and style with roots in the classic “Old World” styles of France, Germany, and Italy yet with awareness to new wine-making techniques such as in California?  Pleas call 305-759-8463 to reserve and remember to call quickly—their tastings sell out quickly! For more information you can also check them out at www.vinewineshop.com. 

Sake Wine Tasting, May 18^th 

On May 18^th, The Saki Room will have The Ultimate Sake Tasting Experience starting at 6pm.  You will learn, taste and be able to purchase premium sakes from this event as well as be able to taste over 40 filtered and unfiltered Sakes from throughout Japan.  There will be complimentary sushi and appetizers but only 50 tickets will be sold so go to  www.livingfla.com/rsvp or call them at 561-637-4441.  The Saki Room, Delray Beach is located at 401 West Atlantic Ave #R9 in Delray Beach. 

Art & Wine at Art Center South Florida, Saturday, May 12^th  

Did you know that Vincent van Gogh spent most of his life in cafes, hotels and small inns? These establishments often became the subjects of his paintings, as did the people he met there, many of them immortalized in portraits. In the cafe he stepped out of his isolation and found a place where food, drink and friendship could be had.  This and much more will be explained by Armando Droulers on Saturday, May 12^th at The Art Center of South Florida.  They will also be serving a selection of wines, cheeses, Grolsch beer and Ghirardelli Chocolates.  Tickets are $20 and are available via phone at 305-674-8278 at extension 15.   For more information, you can also go to:  www.ArtCenterSF.org.   

Musicians Extraordinaire, Tuesday, May 15^th 

On Tuesday, May 15^th, Kretzer Piano is proud to present Musicians Extraordinaire and will feature Jazz, Classical, and Pop Music performed on the piano, harp, sax, bass, and drums with featured young artists as singers.  This will take place at the Harriet Himmel Theatre in CityPlace which is located at 700 South Rosemary Avenue in West Palm Beach.  For tickets or more information, to www.kretzerpiano.com or call them at 561-478-5320. 

We love Johnny Cupcakes. You will too. What's a guy to do after he nearly gets kicked out of high school for selling candy and a couple of years later drops out of college? Well he'd probably come up with the hottest selling line of T-Shirts, undies, belts and other accessories in years! Mister Johnny Cupcakes took Boston by storm when he turned a bakery into a clothing store, selling his wares in cake and pie cases and shipping clothes in doughnut boxes. Get yours at www.johnnycupcakes.com and make cupcakes, not war.

Business (Hand) to Business (Hand) 

Right now, did you know it’s possible to exchange business card information through a simple handshake?  Well, the people at Yanko Designs have come up with the perfect solution to receiving all those countless business cards that you later have to manually put into your laptop or business computer system—just shake on it!  Through the power of modern technology, you receive a ring with your personal information on it and when it comes in contact with another such ring, the information is exchanged electronically!  Called The Information Ring, Japanese designer Kideaki Matsui thought that there could be more to this Western tradition and the ring is literally activated by body heat!  For more information, go to www.yankodesigns.com.  

Book Reading is Going Down, Thursday, May 17^th 

On Thursday, May 17^th, the Stonewall Library’s Book Club will be reading Going Down in La La Land—the novel by former Southern Florida resident Andy Zeffer.  As I have reported earlier, this novel is up for this year’s Lambda Literary Award in the category of Gay Romance.  The discussion will begin at 7:30pm and is located at 1717 North Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.  To read what I thought about the book use this link: Andy Zeffer, Going Down in La-La Land.

Dulce Pontes, May 12^th 

On May 12^th, World Music Diva Dulce Pontes will take the center stage at The Carnival Center for the Performing Arts and perform combinations of rock and pop ballads as well as Fado—the traditional folk music of Portugal.  She’s a diva of the concert stage that sings big and dramatic, but can also be playful and jazzy with a little bit of punk.  She has been known to perform accompanied by a piano or cello as wells as ankle bells and bagpipes!  This cultural diverse performer will definitely enrich your life.   For tickets go to www.carnivalcenter.org or call 305-949-6722. 

Beyoncé, Sunday, July 22^nd 

On Sunday, July 22^nd, South Florida will be swept away by the iconic Beyoncé as she takes the stage at The Bank Atlantic Center.  Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 954-523-3309. 

Morrissey, Saturday, July 14^th 

On Saturday, July 14^th, satin crooner Morrissey will take the stage at Mizner Park Amphitheater.  Tickets are available at the Box Office at 561-966-3309 or at www.ticketmaster.com. 

Carol Channing, Sunday, June 3^rd 

On Sunday, June 3^rd,  the ever entertaining and gay icon Carol Channing will take the stage at the Miniaci Performing Arts Center at 6pm.  This fundraising event will benefit Sun States Animal Blood Bank and Friends of Greyhounds.  Tickets starts at $25 in advance and can be purchased at www.sunstates.org/fundraising.htm or www.miniacipac.org or by phone at 954-462-0222. 

Be Björn Again, May 12 

Tickets are now on sale for Björn Again:  The ABBA Experience!  This will take place at The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, May 12^th and will feature such classics as:  Fernando, Dancing Queen, and Mamma Mia.  Ticket are only $15- $5 so catch this one-time performance before it leaves!  For tickets go to www.kravis.org or call 561-832-7469. 

Mr. Heidi Klum (Seal), Thursday, May 24^th 

Supermodel and host of Bravo’s Project Runway Heidi Klum’s husband, singing sensation Seal will be onstage at The Jackie Gleason Theater on Thursday, May 24^th.   Tickets are now on sale and are available at www.ticketmaster.com.  The Theater is located on Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach  www.gleasontheater.com  or 786-276-2633.

Clay Aiken, August 18^th 

On August 18^th American Idol runner up and amazing showman Clay Aiken will take the stage at The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts at 8pm.  He will take the stage with a full Orchestra and will perform hits from his debut album Measure of a Man—which went Number One on Billboard’s 200 Chart and then Triple Platinum as well as This is the Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water that won the 2003 Billboard Music Award for Best Single.  For tickets, which go on sale Saturday, April 14th go to www.kravis.org.

Joss Stone, Saturday, June 16^th 

Recently featured British singer Joss Stone will be at Fort Lauderdale’s own Revolution on Saturday, June 16^th at 8pm. At only 19 years old, she will perform songs from her first album XXX as well as her recently released Introducing Joss Stone.  Revolution is located at 200 West Broward Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.  For tickets, go to www.ticketmaster.com.  Tickets are only $33.50. 

Shake Your Bon Bon, Saturday, May 19^th 

Grab your Cup of Life and get ready to shake your Bon Bon to the one and only Ricky Martin as he takes the stage at the American Airlines Arena on Saturday, May 19^th.  Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.com or any TicketMaster locations.  Tickets start at $46. 

The Police, Tuesday July 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. 

AIDS Walk NY, May 20^th 

On May 20^th, New York City will have their AIDS Walk NY which will benefit The Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC).  For Registration and other information, go to www.aidswalk.net/newyork or if you would like more information about GMHC, go to their website www.gmhc.org. 

Romeo & Juliet 

Beginning June 5^th The Delacorte Theatre, home of the Summer Theatre and Shakespear in the Park  you will find Six Feet Under’s Lauren Ambrose and Nativity Story’s Oscar Isaac in William Shakspear’s Romeo & Juliet.  This will run through July 8^th and tickets can be purchased at http://www.publictheater.org/shakespeare/tickets.php. 

Mr. Broadway 

Finally, there is a pageant for all the Chorus Boys you just love and adore—but know so little about.  Enter Mr. Broadway 2007.  This is a inaugural pageant benefits The Ali Forney Center and the male Broadway performers will represent their current shows in competing in:  talent, Question & Answer, swimsuit as well as face a panel of celebrity judges but the final vote comes from the audience!  Tickets start at $100 and all proceeds go to help the homeless GLBT teens get off the streets and back into life.  The pageant will be on Monday, April 30^th and for more information, go to www.mrbroadway.org.  

The Pirate Queen

Currently, on Broadway, is the swashbuckling adventure story of Grace O’Malley—otherwise known as The Pirate Queen.  This exciting Irish historical figure is the only woman to raise through the ranks to Clan Chieftain during the 16^th century.  As the story goes, when Grace was young she sailed with pirates and then later raised to power and warred with Queen Elizabeth.  This musical, written by Alan Boubu and Claude Schonberg are known for composing Les Miserable and Miss Saigon.  For more information about this musical, go to www.thepiratequeen.com and to see her actual castle you can go to www.clareisland.info/getting.htm.