Lennon Frames 

Bidding is already underway for John Lennon’s gold wire rimmed sunglasses frames with curling ear stems and has already reached the $1.5M mark!  Going through the auction house 991.com, the Sales Director claims that their phones have been in meltdown since they are the specs that John wore on the Beatles’ 1966 tour of Japan and played five dates in the Nippon Budokan Hall.  They were a gift to their Japanese translator Junishi Yore and when he was shot in 1980, he took out the lenses as a sign of respect.  The frames also feature a handwritten personal letter.  The bidding ends on July 31^st.  For more information go to http://991.com/Buy/ProductInformation.aspx?StockNumber=388981

Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Through August 26^th 

Currently, in Beckett, MA they are having The Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival that was started 75 years ago in honor of The Royal Danish Ballet.  The ensemble of 12 dancers includes principals, soloists, and company members in their early 20’s who perform works by August Bournonville, a mid 19^th century choreographer whose buoyant, finely detailed classic style became synonymous with Danish ballet and influenced choreographers around the world.  For more information about this festival, go to www.jacobspillow.org. 

On Display

Tamayo at MAM, Through September 16^th

Paisaje con rocas (Landscape with Rocks), 1925, Oil on canvas, Museo de Arte Moderno, Mexico City, CONACULTA/INBA. © Herederos de Rufino Tamayo.

Rufino Tamayo, a Mexican artist has his first posthumous show entitled A Modern Icon Reinterpreted in nearly 30 years.  This retrospective brings together approximately 100 of the best canvases made by Tamayo over a long a productive career that spanned seven decades.  The largest section profiles the most notable period of Tamayo’s career, the 1940’s and 1950’s where he discovered and developed a new form of abstract figuration that made him one of the most recognized and respected modern painters.  This seeks not only to present a careful collection of his work but also to offer a contemporary reinterpretation of this artist.  For more information about this show go to http://www.miamiartmuseum.org/exhibitions-current-tamayo.asp. 

The Red Eye at ArtServe, Opening July 27^th 

There will be a multimedia exhibition at ArtServe opening this Friday, July 27^th entitled The Red Eye, that will run through August 10^th and will feature many interesting pieces, including jewelry by local artist Senufa Salley.  The Opening Reception begins at 6pm and the ArtServe Gallery is located at 1350 East Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.

Zen Art at Artist’s Haven 

In & Out of Cologne 

There is a collection currently on display at The Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami that is a narrative of the punk rock-ish art scene of Cologne, Germany in the 1980’s and early 90’s.  This exhibit reflects the maker’s Do It Yourself motifs and feature such artists as Albert Oehlen and Martin Kippenberger.  Make Your Own Life:  Artists In & Out of Cologne will be on display until July 29^th.  The Museum of Contemporary Art is located at 770 NE 125^th Street in North Miami and can be reached at either www.mocanomi.org or by phone at 305-893-6211.  

The Sky is Really Yellow 

The Sky is Really Yellow at The Art Center of South Florida.  This exhibition features artists who created visual illusions and explained personal realities that test the notions of perception and truth.  The Sky is Yellow runs through August 12, 2007 and is at the ACSF Gallery ( 800 Lincoln Road at Meridian , Miami Beach ).  A musical performance by local favorite Unheard Of and complimentary Grolsch beverages will be served at the event, which is free and open to the public.  For additional information please call (305) 674-8278 or visit the website at http://www.artcentersf.org/newinitialpage.htm

Ceramic Art of China at The Lowe 

Currently, at The Lowe Art Museum at The University of Miami they have a collection titled, Clay and Brush:  The Ceramic Art of China that unveils a millennia’s worth of art.  This charts the penetrating historical survey of the development of Chinese ceramics from the Neolithic Period to the 21^st Century and includes more than 190 objects and is divided into three sections:  Stoneware, Pottery, and Porcelain.  One such item of interest is a kidney-shaped glazed stoneware pillow that was created for use in a tomb is actually from the Southern Song Dynasty and has an inscription that reminds the dead who want to revisit the living to stay put.  For more information about this collection go to www.lowemuseum.org or call them at 305-284-3535.   

The Firm Gets Elizabeth Jurado 

Currently, at Fort Lauderdale’s The Firm, The Artist of the Month is Wilton Manor’s very own Elizabeth Jurado who was August 2005 ArtsUnited Artist of the Month.  Having won many awards and much recognition around the state, Elizabeth will display her latest collection of prints:  both linoleum and wood-carved as well as her Hortt45 Award Winning Madera print. 

The Firm is located at 928 North Federal Highway, across from Sears Town and for more information about the artist, go to www.juradoartstudio.com. 

Huong Wants to Think Peace 

At Miami’s Art Palace, you can go and check out Huong’s latest show entitled Let’s Think Peace which is an emotionally evocative collection of paintings with nightmarish themes of war and hopeful symbols of peace.  The Huong is located at Miami Art Palace at 7900 SW 77^th Avenue in Miami and can be found at www.huong.org or by phone at 305-275-8547.   

Stonewall Library Gets Eve McBride 

The Stonewall Library and Archives will feature their July Artist of the Month Eve McBride.  Eve’s solo exhibit starts with an Opening Reception at 6:30pm and will be on exhibit throughout the month of July, until August 3^rd.  The Library is located at 1717 North Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. 

Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys 

Don’t we all know that girl?  As a gay man I can link up several of my favorite Fruit Flys and tell their stories of how they have, at one time or another, been with or chased after a soon-to-be Mr. Stonewall contestant. This book also features memoirs dedicated to the wonderful women in and around our world and how they enable us to be as fabulous as we are.  There are personal essays by familiar writers like Anna David, David Ebershoff, Michael Musto, and Andrew Solomon. 

Local Theatre Gigs

South Park Meets Desperate Housewives 

The Great American Trailer Park Musical features a cast of saucy characters that spoof the lives and loves of Florida’s most “exclusive” trailer park community—Armadillo Acres.  With an appealing and sparkling score this musical runs the gamut from Country balladry to Pop, R&B, and Rock & Roll.  Some of the characters include:  Pippi who is a saucy stripper with a heart of gold, loony Duke, Norbert the toll booth collector, as well as Jeannie the agoraphobic.  The show begins on February 21^st and runs through February 24^th, and tickets are available online at http://www.browardcenter.org. 

Julius Cesar At New Theatre 

Beginning Thursday, July 12^th, William Shakespeare’s Julius Cesar with take over The New Theatre in Coral Gables.  The New Theatre is located at 4120 Laguna Street in Coral Gables and more information can be found at www.new-theatre.org or their Box Office at 305-443-5909. 

Cyrano  

Starting July 14^th,  The Promethean Theatre will have Cyrano.  This swashbuckling tale of love and mistaken identity will take place at Nova Southeastern University’s Black Box Theatre which is located at 3301 College Avenue in Davie.  For more information or tickets go to www.theprometheantheatre.org or call them at (786) 317-7580. 

SoBe Comes to Edge 

Beginning July 14^th, The Edge Theatre is proud to produce South Beach.  This play tells the story of three men and three women who are relaxing on South Beach’s very own 12 Street Beach when a mysterious couple compels them to form an instant jury.  These SoBe artists and club-goers have no idea what is in store for them!  This is a full-length play with an Intermission.  The Edge Theatre is located at 3825 North Miami Avenue in The Design District and for more information call them at 786-355-0976. 

The Odd Couple 

The Taffetas, Through July 29^th 

The Stage Door Theatre at 26^th Street is currently hosting a musical review called The Taffetas which is a musical journey through the fabulous Fifties.  This tribute is to the girl groups of the 1950’s and pays tribute to the sounds of The McGuire Sisters, Fontaine Sisters, and the Chordettes.  This makes nostalgia what it is today!  The Stage Door Theatre is located at 26^th Street across the street from Wilton Station in Wilton Manors.  For tickets go to www.stagedoortheatre.com or call them at 954-344-7765.

Shout! 

Tickets are now on sale for Shout!  The Mod Musical.  This will take place at the Parker Playhouse and tickets are available at or call 954-462-0222.  The Parker Playhouse is located at Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale.

Patti Lupone is Gypsy 

Currently, and for a limited engagement, the incomparable Gay Icon Patti Lupone is taking the stage nightly as Gypsy Rose Lee in Gypsy.  This will only last unitl July 29^th so get your tickets now!  For tickets go to www.nycitycenter.org or call 212-581-1212.  If your also in the mood, real life couple Lisa Rinna and husband Harry Hamlin are staring in Chicago at The Ambassador Theatre and tickets are available at www.chicagothemusical.com.   

June Bride 

Currently at the Yossimilo Gallery in New York you can catch their latest show entitled June Bride.  This show features offbeat nuptials and other captured wedding photos.  The idea of the Bride varies as radically as do cultural differences, religious traditions, family dynamics, and modes of dress. Brides appear in various guises, from Diane Arbus’ bride shrinking from her groom’s overeager kiss to Nikki S. Lee’s impersonation of a Jewish bride.  For more information about the show go to www.yossimilogallery.com. 

Xanadu 

Ok, we’re gay, we love glam rock, Divas as Goddesses, and roller skating.  Ok, some are not old enough to have seen Xanadu when it was on the big screen, but anyone can catch this timeless Olivia Newton John movie from time to time on VH1’s Movies that Rock or Netflix.  Well, for those of us familiar with this cheesy Roller Disco Musical, we now have a musical to claim as our own…Xanadu: On Broadway!  As the story goes it is the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, California in 1980 on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time - the first ROLLER DISCO! But, when Kira, falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation and chaos abounds.  This opens on Tuesday, July 10^th and tickets and information are available at http://xanaduonbroadway.com/index2.html. 

Viernes Culturales Festival, July 27^th

Come out and celebrate a feast of the arts, culture, and shopping at the monthly street fair celebration of Little Havana’s arts, culture, heritage, and unique merchants.  Called The Viernes Culturales Festival, this monthly celebration of Cuban culture is held on…Fridays(Viernes)!  There will be over 80 artists and artisans on display for you along Calle Ocho and adjoining public spaces.  Take in the sidewalk cafes, salsa dancing a local restaurants as well as a plethora of street performers.  For more information go to www.viernesculturales.org or call 305-644-9555. 

Fairchild Butterfly Days 

The Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens has Butterfly Walking Tours every Sunday throughout July at 10am.  Within these tours you will discover some of the dozens of butterfly species and the plants they love to within the grounds of the Fairchild.  Be sure to join them on Saturday and Sunday, July 28^th & 29^th at 9:30am as they have Butterfly Days with the opening of the new Lisa D. Anness Butterfly Garden which is the largest outdoor native plant butterfly habitat.  For more information go to www.fairchildgarden.org or call them at 305-667-1651 X3301 or 3362. 

Fairchild Goes Bananas! July 21^st through September 8^th 

Beginning on July 21^st, The Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens is going Bananas!  This summer’s exhibition is entitled No End to the Banana and will explore the diversity and conservation of bananas for those who use them and various ways they are used.  For more information go to www.fairchildgarden.org or call them at 305-667-1651 X3301 or 3362. 

The Casio G Zone Type S

Do you ever find yourself losing your phone?  I have a friend that when I call her, every couple of months, it’s the same recording, I’m sorry, but I lost my phone and have no numbers...please leave you name and number…  Did I forget to mention she also dropped one phone in cup of vodka while in the car?  Well, do I have the two things that can help these people out!  First, the Casio G Zone Type S phone is:  water/dust/shock resistant, has a camera phone, blue tooth, all the things you could want when you drop your phone!  http://www.casiogzone.com/type_s/

Don't Lose Your Numbers

Next, is the perfect gift for anyone, especially for those who change their phones all the time, let me introduce you to you newest BFF:  SparkTech’s CellStik.  With this you are able to use this removable plug-in that works with virtually any cell phone and lets you backup, enter, edit, and transfer numbers and contact information to your computer.  So, no matter what happens to your cell phone, your phone book survives!  http://www.sparktech.com. 

The Garlic Card 

Check out the latest card hitting the internet…not a PayPal or Amex card—it’s The Garlic Card!  Direct from Sweden, this card, similar to a credit card, is grooved and you simply grate your cloves on the card and rinse!  The results are perfect purees for anything that could use a kick.  For more information about this product, go to http://www.garliccard.com/garliccard.html and be sure to check out the cute (thin) blonde in the demo video!  

Alyson Calagna and Jennifer C 

Beginning July 26^th, superstar DJ Alyson Calagna will be spinning every Thursday at Halo.  Come out and listen to the star spin her dream set beginning at 10pm.  Also, Wilton Manor’s very own New Moon is proud to host future Diva Jennifer C. every Tuesday.  With sparkle and glamour, sex appeal, and charm, she has refined talent and a soulful voice that will create excitement in the air wherever she sings. 

The Return of Billie 

On Tuesday, August 7^th, a new album will be released entitled Billie Holiday:  Remixed & Reimagined. Legacy Recordings, who I brought light to with Nina Simone last Fall, is expanding their jazz collection with Billie Holiday.  This second installment taps contemporary dance and electronic music’s most sought-after producers and remixers to reinterpret classic recordings for a new generation.  This is a 14-track anthology and the first official remix package that will feature selections from Holiday’s landmark Columbia Recordings catalog, is timeless originals that are now upside down and inside out. 

Get Fitted in Philly 

Right now, at The Philadelphia International Airport you can get measured—accurately!  They have a machine is called The Intellifit Fitting Room that, within ten seconds, will diagnose 200,000 data points that will determine the best size for you and print out your sizes for several major retailers including Nordstroms and Jos A. Bank.  The fitting is free and when you are done, they have a computer nearby that you can use to shop online with your printout. 

Stage Door Theatre Needs a Stage Manager 

Gay Owned and locally operated The Stage Door Theatre is looking for a Stage Manager for their upcoming production of Some Men.  This is a paid position and all interested people need to call David at 954-772-0042 immediately.  This is a great opportunity to work with famed Broadway Director Michael Leeds.  Applicants need to have experience and/or be incredibly organized and motivated.  There is also an Assistant Stage Manager position for someone who wants to the training and receives a small stipend at the end of the show. 

Sailboat Bend Artist Loft  

The Broward County Cultural Division, along with ArtSpace Project Inc., announced that they will have the first project of its kind by hosting a show at Sailboat Bend Artist Loft and the deadline for submission is July 28^th.  All applications should be picked up at ArtServe which is located at 1350 East Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.  Sailboat Bend is located near downtown Fort Lauderdale and has been transformed into a model urban infill project that meets many of the tenets of efficient, smart re-development, mixed incomes, multiple facades and uses, as well as the inclusion of the arts.  The project is expected to be completed in October. 

Naked Grape Gets Older and Newer 

6th Annual Miami International Wine Fair, September 8^th through 10^th 

Beginning September 8^th guests of the 6th Annual Miami International Wine Fair will have the opportunity to taste 1,000 different wines from all over the world including Argentina, Spain, Italy, California, France and Portugal.  This is the largest wine expo in Florida showcasing more than 400 wineries from 18 countries and 20 local restaurants will also be offering samples of their menu. This will be at The Miami Beach Convention Center which is located at 1901 Convention Center Drive in Miami and for more information go to www.miamiwinefair.com or call 305 777 2255. 

Galanga Wine Festival 

Wilton Manor’s very own Galanga Restaurant is celebrating their Five wonderful years by offering 50% off bottles of your favorite wines.  This will take place on each and every Monday until further notice so get in there and get yourself a bottle!  Galanga is located at 2389 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.  Call 954-202-0000 for reservations and directions. 

Jane Monheit 

Henry Rollins, September 25^th 

Ok, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a Slamming Heavy Metal Rocker fan by any means.  I will give them credit as a genre of music that plays an important role somewhere in society.  With that being said, one of my earliest crushes is coming to town, famed scream rocker now talk show host Henry Rollins will be at The Theatre on September 25^th in West Palm Beach.  This performance is called Provoked:  An Evening of quintessentially American Opinionated Editorializing Storytelling.  Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or call 561-833-7305 for more information. 

Macy Gray, August 14^th 

On August 14^th, legendary unexplainable sensation Macy Gray will take the stage at Hard Rock Live at 8pm.  Singing songs off all three of her albums, Macy is sure to entertain you.  Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or at the Hard Rock Live Box Office at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood.   

The Fab Four at Kravis 

Sandra B is Coming, July 27^th 

On July 27^th, Empress of the Jews and multitalented Sandra Bernhard will take center stage at The Colony Theatre on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach.  Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. 

Twelve Girls Band, October 16^th 

On October 16^th, the Asian sensation sweeping the world, Twelve Girl Band, will take center stage at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts.  Recently named International Artist of the Year, they have crafted a unique niche in world music playing such songs as:  Coldplay, Enya, Dve Rbrubeck, as well as others on classic Chinese instruments!  For tickets and further information, go to www.browardcenter.org or call their Box Office at 954-462-0222. 

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. 

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.