On Display

Storks Has Cheryl Turner 

I remember meeting Orlando native Cheryl Turner about a year ago at a show at ArtServe which featured some charactures of women that were amazingly similar to the cast of The L Word.  Amazed, I talked with her for a little while and she told me about the fact that all of the women are literally friends of her.  Well, she is now the featured Artist of the Month at Wilton Manor’s very own Storks Bakery and Café.  This collection has women in bar scenes that are from her fantasies and Cheryl can identify with these scenes and the characters and is intrigued by the sexual energy of the role of bartenders and their perspectives.  She glamorizes them while depicting the sexual attraction between the Barkeeps and the swanky patrons.  In her day, these local watering holes were the centers of gay life and she would observe the connections and lack there of, between patrons and employees.  Storks Bakery and Café is located at 2525 NE 15^th Ave in Wilton Manors and the show is produced by ArtsUnited and they can be found at www.artsunitedoneline.org or by calling 954-530-2723. 

Brooke Trace Gallery 

Opening June 22^nd, The Brooke Trace Gallery will present an exhibit featuring a collection of modern masters including Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, Peter Max, and Pablo Picasso.  The Opening will feature entertainment as well as a Silent Auction.  There is a $5 Suggested Donation with proceedes going to benefit The Abandon Pet Rescue.  The Gallery is located at 1098 NE 4^th Street in Oakland Park.  For more information www.gallerycaf.com or call them at 954-667-0660. 

Bass Museum Has Celia Cruz 

Currently, at The Bass Museum they are featuring a Smithsonian organized show entitled ¡Azūcar! The Life and Music of Celia Cruz.  The touring show will feature items such as her outlandish wigs and costumes as well as music and concert footage by the Latina legend and will be on display through August 19^th.  The Bass Museum is located at 2121 Park Avenue in Collins Park, Miami Beach.  For more information go to www.bassmuseum.org or call them at 305-674-5475. 

Celia Cruz
Portrait with Afro Hairstyle, 1960s
Photo by Hererra Studios; courtesy of Omer Pardillo-Cid

A Day Without Sunshine through June 30th

The Broward County Main Library will is hosting a collection of local gay artist’s work entitled, A Day Without Sunshine:  Anita Bryant’s Anti-Gay Crusade. Presented by The Stonewall Library and Archives, this exhibit revisits singer Anita Bryant’s “Save Our Children” campaign who thought that gays were immoral, corrupt, and evil.  Oh, did I forget to mention she was the Queen of Florida Orange Juice at the time?  Yeah, one Queen I can live without!  This event is free to the public and the Library is located at 100 South Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale and the Stonewall Library and Archives can be reached at www.stonewall-library.org or at 954-763-8565. 

Greg Lindeblom At Stonewall, through June 25^th

The month of June is set aside for photographer and artist Greg Lindeblom and his solo exhibit at The Stonewall Library and Archives in Fort Lauderdale.  There will be an Opening Reception through June 25^th at 6:30pm and you can meet and hang out with the artist and others within the arts community of Fort Lauderdale.  Born in Canada, Greg has traveled extensively and has been allowed to capture images from many different cultures and geographies and his work contains three primary themes:  architecture, nature, and the male form.  The Stonewall Library and Archives is located at 1717 North Andrews Avenue and can also be reached at www.artsunitedonline.org. 

Journey to India, through June 30^th

Currently, at The Hip and Humble Home Showroom they are hosting a show entitled Gartel India:  The Exotic Journey which will feature digital media and collage by Laurence Gartel who has documented his travels across India after the Tsunami disaster of 2005.  This show will run through June 30^th and the gallery is located at 251 North Federal Highway in Boca Raton and can be reached at 561-549-0345. 

National Archives Photographs, through July 14^th

Right now at The Sunrise Civic Center Art Gallery they have a current display of National Archives pictures.  The show, entitled, Picturin the Century:  One Hundred Years of Photography from the National Archives is directly from The Smithsonian Institution contains more than 100 color and black-and-white photographs that are not only momentous but simple and ordinary moments throughout the 20^th century.  It runs through July 14^th and is located at 10610 Oakland Park Blvd in Sunrise.  For more information go to www.sunrisefl.gov/2civccc_art.html.   

Why Not Take the Stage? 

Are you selling your house and need a little help?  Are you afraid to have a proper party at your house since your “good furniture” consists of bean bag chairs and 7Eleven Double Gulp cups?  Well, there are people out there that can help you…literally.  There are businesses that will go to a place and outfit the spaces with furniture, curtains, and plants—making it look like a showroom and they are called Staging Companies.  One of the best around town would be Bertone Home Staging with location availabilities from West Palm Beach all the way down past Miami.  Do you realize that when you make your space look full and decorated, your asking price for your property will be most likely achieved?  So, if you need help, contact Hilda at Bertone Home Staging at www.bertonehomestaging.com.    

Broward Art Guild Goes Open 

The Broward Art Guild will be hosting an Open Themed show on Friday, June 29th and is available in any media.  The intake for this show is on Sunday, June 24th from 12pm to 4pm and the prospectus is available at The Broward Art Guild or online at www.browardartguild.org.  Members and Non-Members are welcome to submit.

Local Theatre Gigs

My Sister’s An Only Child, June 5^th through 17^th 

Beginning June 5^th, The Kravis Center will be hosting My Sister’s An Only Child at their Rinker Playhouse location.  This play, written by Steve Solomon—who also wrote My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy will bring us more laughs with his latest quest to understand who he is and how he survived the antics of his wacky, multi-ethnic family.  Tickets are $28 and are available at www.kravis.org. 

From Door to Door, Until July 1^st 

Currently, at The Stage Door Theatre is bringing us From Door to Door which tells the story of three generations of women in the same family which span 65 years from 1935 to the present.  It’s title is referenced to a phrase in the Hebrew prayer book that means “From generation to generation” and examines how we take what we get from our parents and then make choices about what we will and won’t and then finally pass on to our children.  The Stage Door can be contacted at 954-344-7765 or at www.stagedoortheatre.com. 

LipSync, June 8^th through 24^th 

Beginning June 8^th, LipSync will take the Hagan Park Community Center stage and will star Sandy, Allen, Eston Dunn, Lucia Gaglioni, Nick Rashid, and introduces Chuck Valanis, Andre Azercot, and Alfredo Breito.  Tickets are $25 and are available at Wilton Manor’s own Chic Optique at 2228 Wilton Drive and also by calling the Truck Theatre at 954-918-9414.  This performance is written by two local playwrights:  Eston Dunn and Mario Locicero and is performed by local talent before going off to Toronto in July!

Abie’s Irish Rose, May 25^th through June 17^th 

At The Tamarac Theatre of Performing Arts they will be producing Abie’s Irish Rose which tells the story of how Abie brings home his Irish Rose and there is trouble with family objections and interfaith marriage.  For tickets go to www.tamaractheatreofperformingarts.org or call them at 954-726-7898.  Tickets are only $20. 

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. 

The Met Goes Classic and Features The King of Fashion 

Currently, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art they have updated and are promoting their New Greek & Roman Galleries.  Theses new and majestic galleries bring to light for the first time, one of the world’s greatest collections of classic art.  This is a Must See for those, like myself, who love ancient artifacts of art.  While you are there, check out one of their current exhibitions dedicated to the revolutionary fashion designer Paul Poiret who introduced unstructured garments that freed women from corsets in 1906. The display, part of the Met’s Costume Institute, is a rare exhibition also features hand-painted silk backdrops of the leafy parks and luxurious drawing rooms of Paris.  For more information go to www.metmuseum.org. 

Venice & The Islamic World 

Right now, at The Metropolitan Museum of Art they are hosting a collection entitled, Venice & The Islamic World 827-1797 that demonstrates the differences in art between the two cultures.  There is ten centuries of art, travel, and trade that will reveal an extraordinary relationship never seen before.  For more information, go to www.metmusueum.org. 

Broadway Bares, June 17^th 

On Sunday, June 17^th, Broadway Bares 17:  Myth Behavior, the hotly anticipated annual event of the year that combines the naughtiness of burlesque and the razzle-dazzle of Broadway will take the Roseland Ballroom.  Having been a smashing success since its inception in 1992 and being created by Jerry Mitchell, this event features the hottest male and female dancers on Broadway and has become one of Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS' signature events.  For more information go to http://www.broadwaycares.org/events/bares.cfm.  

Keith Haring Mural Saved 

Years ago, in a Boys’ Club in New York, famed painter and AIDS activists Keith Haring painted a mural on a wall.  The Boys’ Club had since closed down and the mural left to ruin.  Problems:  the mural was painted on a load-bearing wall and the plaster was brittle and thin.  What to do? The owners of Magnan Projects gallery in Chelsea helped and commissioned Common Ground to assist in saving the work, and, with the help of a structural engineer, encased the wall in steel on the front and back then demolished the building and simply lifted the wall out of the rubble.  It didn’t get damaged which is totally incredible.—Ms. Metz, Gallery Owner.  The mural is decorated with children involved in activities like:  boxing, painting, swimming, and reading and was even featured in a Sesame Street episode.  It is estimated that the worth of the wall is somewhere between $4M to $6M.  For more information, use this link Keith Haring Mural on NY1

4^th Annual Summer Cabaret Series 

Beginning Saturday, June 16 the 4^th Annual Summer Cabaret Series will take place at the Deering Estate at Cutler.  This 2007 Summer Cabaret Concert Series will feature eclectic and world music artists in the intimate setting of the Stone House Ballroom.  The Estate hosts a total of three small concert during the summer months.  Guests can bring in refreshments and snacks to enjoy during the show.  For a list of entertainers and times and directions, go to www.deeringestate.org or call them at 305-235-1668 X233. 

New Theatre Gives Us Cymbeline 

The New Theatre of Coral Gables will be having 165 performances from June 7^th through May 4^th, 2008 and will feature four world premiere productions and will have their annual Shakespeare & Friends Festival.  Their first Shakespearean production will be Cymbeline a tragic-comedy followed by Julius Ceasar and Saint Joan.  For times and tickets and other information, go to www.new-theatre.org or call them at 305-443-5909. 

Hippiefest, August 2^nd 

Return to the flowery days of 1960 and embrace your inner flower power with the star-packed HippieFest 2007! This celebration of the `60s features some of the top names of the era together with high energy sounds to bring you back to the days of peace, love and happiness.  There is an auction online on premium tickets to see the likes of The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Felix Cavaliere's Rascals, The Zombies featuring Colin Blunstone & Rod Argent, Mountain featuring Leslie West & Corky Laing, Mitch Ryder, Badfinger featuring Joey Molland & Country Joe McDonald.  Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.com or at the Hard Rock Live Box Office at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood. 

Miami Dancing Together 2007 

The Dance Division of the New World School of the Arts will do a joint venture and performances with the Dance Division of the Tsoying Senior High School in Kaohsiung Taiwan, called “Kaohsiung Miami Dancing Together 2007” will take place on June 20, 2007 as part of the Florida Dance Festival at the Colony Theater on Miami Beach, The program will then travel to Taiwan to do performances in Kaohsiung.  The Colony Theatre is located at 1040 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach and can be reached at www.floridadancefestival.com or by phone at 305-547-1117.  For more information about the dance troupe go to www.floridadanceassociation.org. 

Cocktails Ready-To-Go in Mason Jars 

Why not be creative and still relax this summer by the pool?  How about using Mason Jars as both shakers and drink cups?  This Hillbilly-chic item makes a perfect container if you have the lids—just add ingredients and shake!  This is perfect for Margaritas, Mojitos, Palomas, and other add alcohol and ice low-involvement drinks that can be made inside and served anywhere.  My suggestion is the Margarita, since it is sooo simple and you can’t mess them up.  Did I forget to mention they are very forgiving?  If you have added one thing too much, just add more of the other.  All it is is tequila and citrus base with fruit garnish.  A Paloma is the same but made with grapefruit soda, and a Mojito is a white rum, fresh mint and limes, simple syrup (sugar water), and Sprite.  All of these can be made inside and kept in the refrigerator then brought out as needed.  Did I mention that they sell jars in different colors?  However, I’m partial to the clear. 

Editors note: Mason Jars are available in sizes ranging form 1/2 pint to 1/2 gallon and you can have your cocktails ready to go by making them up in advance. When friends come over simply pull one out of the fridge, shake, remove lid, add ice and serve. You can buy one pint jars here: http://www.homecanning.com/usa/ALProducts.asp?CAT=480&P=2574 to find other sizes, you'll have to navigate the website.

Paula Cole 

You know the old saying about winning Grammy’s Best New Artist—virtual Death Sentence.  Very few artists have survived overcoming this title and one that was in near seclusion has now reemerged, with Courage.  Known for her songs such as Where Have All the Cowboys Gone and I Don’t Want To Wait  has a new album entitled Courage with performances this week in New York’s famed Lincoln Center and is her first New York performance in over 10 years.  Courage is in stores as of July 12^thand for more information about possible tour and album information go to www.paulacole.com. 

Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus Concert, June 16^th & 17^th 

On  June 16^th and June 17^th,  The Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus will take the stage at The Broward Center for Performing Arts’ Amaturo Theatre.  This concert, entitled, Time to Take Our Place is a high-energy musical revue celebrating the diversity of music, cultures, and each one of us.  Tickets rang from $20-$40 and can be purchased online at www.browardcenter.org or www.ftlgmc.org or at the Box Office at 201 SW 5^th Avenue, or by phone at 954-462-0222.

Michael Lives! 

Famed Gay Author Armistead Maupin had his latest creation Michael Tolliver Lives hit the shelves June 12 and it is the hottest Must Read!  As the story goes, Michael Tolliver, the sweet-spirited Southerner and star of the Tales of the City series is back after twenty years, now fifty-five, and is a gardener that tells his story.  He survived the AIDS epidemic that claimed many of his friends and has now embraced the random pleasures of life and the tender alliances that sustained him in the hardest of times.  Michael Tolliver Lives is a novel about the act of growing older joyfully and the everyday miracles that somehow make that possible. 

I Love Rock & Roll, June 30^th 

Infamous Rocker Chic and Lesbian Icon Joan Jett will take the stage at Dolphin Stadium on Saturday, June 30^th.  Expect to hear I Love Rock & Roll as well as her latest bi-ditty AC/DC that features hottie Carmen Electra dating both boys and girls—hot!  For tickets go to www.ticketmaster.com. 

Joss Stone, Saturday, June 16^th 

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. 

The Police with Maroon 5, July 10^th 

Mary J, July 19^th 

Tickets just went on sale for the singer of one of my favorite songs from Waiting to Exhale, ”Ain’t Gonna Cry” Mary J. Blige will take the stage at the Hard Rock Casino on July 19^th.  Come spend a special breakthrough evening with the Queen of Soul.  Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.com or at their Box Office at 954-523-3309. 

Kelly Clarkson, August 30^th

On August 30^th, famed first winner of American Idol Kelly Clarkson will take the stage at The Bank Atlantic Center.  Singing some of her favorites and featuring her new album My December, I hope to be one of her million screaming gay fanatics.  Claymates can have The Aiken.  For tickets go to www.ticketmaster.com. 

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. 

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.