|
Weekly Wrap-Up |
|
Michael Lucas and
dinner date , along with Cupids Queen B, Brandy. |
 |
It's
not unusual for a video a star to appear at Cupids and
last weekend was no exception. Michael Lucas graced the
stage of the only nightclub in Florida
where men are allowed to perform fully nude. And if the show
wasn't spectacular enough, Michael also treated some of South
Florida's Gay media to dinner at City Walk in West Palm Beach.
At the table were representatives of 411 and
Buzz Magazines, The Express Newspaper and Mark's South
Florida List, along with photographers J. R. Davis
and the legendary Pompano Bill. Rounding out the table
was Cupids owner Brandy and Howard Marr of
Fabscout Entertainment. Thanks for dinner and a great show
Michael!
|
Vegas Dion, Samantha Perez and Diva |
 |
This Past
Monday, March 20 was the 9th annual Miss
Florida Continental Pageant, also featuring Miss Florida
Continental Plus and Elite pageants. Samantha
Perez brought the pageant back to the Ramada Plaza Resort
n North Miami, which has recently had a make over and looks
beautiful. There was fabulous entertainment by Dominique
Shappelle, Barbra Herr, Eva Carolina Giroud, Electra, Nikki
Adams, Erika Norell, Gloria Klein, Champagne Bordeaux, Channel
Dupree, Gina Di’Angelo, Lewis Nicholson, and many more, In
the end your new Miss Florida Continentals are Vegas Dion
(Reg), Diva (Elite) Milane Lane (plus) girl,
Congrats goes out to Samantha for once again putting on a
fabulous pageant!!!
|
|
Other Info |
|
 The
critically acclaimed Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (MGLFF) is just
around the corner (April 21-30) and once again we will be popping up all over
South Florida for 10 days to present an awesome line-up of features,
documentaries and shorts. The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival allows our
community to come together to watch the best gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender films, meet and greet filmmakers, party under the stars and new for
this year the chance to watch a film and eat dinner with guest filmmakers. They
launch their program very soon with over 85 new films, and already have a number
of filmmakers confirmed. They are now actively seeking individuals within our
community who have the time during their festival dates to act as either drivers
or hosts, or maybe even both for all their wonderful incoming film guests. Their
domestic airline sponsor JetBlue (please support them) flies into
Fort
Lauderdale airport. They are seeking willing drivers who are prepared to
pick-up filmmakers and bring them to their host hotels on South Beach. They are
also seeking individuals who are willing to go the extra mile and act as driver
& host to pick up guests at the airport, deliver guests to their hotel and
generally make sure that filmmakers know where the screening venue is, and local
facilities. If you can speak Spanish, or French or even Tagalog they would like
to hear from you as they have guests coming in from Spain, France and The
Philippines. In return, we can offer you a limited number of complimentary
tickets to the festival. Their full program is available on-line on March 25th
at
www.mglff.com.
The MGLFF has a reputation for hospitality that shines very bright on the
international film festival circuit. Each year the festival grows in stature and
prestige and that is all down to the wonderful volunteers in this community who
give their time to ensure that all our guests have a fantastic time. Your
graciousness and time has embellished the MGLFF with a great reputation which
means each year they can secure the very best and newest films. If you are
interested in being a host for this year's film festival please contact their
Program and Hospitality Coordinator Vivian Marthell by email
vivian@mglff.com
so she can send you more information. They will be arranging a host/driving
induction day soon- information to follow. For a full listing of this year’s
movies
CLICK HERE |
|
Brokeback Mountain
|
The
Brokeback
Mountain
juggernaut continues at full speed. With less than a month remaining before the
film’s DVD release, pre-orders are rapidly exceeding anticipated demand. The
movie smashed box-office records, even during the early limited release
beginning last December. The trend is expected to continue. “We’re scheduled to
receive a limited allotment of Brokeback Mountain on DVD by the film’s
distributors. Over half of our supply has already been pre-ordered,” says
stunned Pride Factory regional manager, Rocky Bowell. “That’s weeks
before it even arrives in-store. The Brokeback buzz is
 incredible!”
Miami Herald film critic Rene Rodriguez described Brokeback
Mountain as “…not just a film, but a pop culture event.” If the recent
awards season has been an accurate measure, he’s right. The landmark Ang Lee
picture about cowboys in love has garnered three Academy Awards, four Golden
Globes, three Critics Choice Awards, and four Florida Film Critics Circle
Awards. That’s naming just a few of the honors heaped upon the movie, its
writers, cast & crew. No other gay-themed film has ever achieved such universal
success. Ranch hands Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake
Gyllenhaal) meet in Wyoming during 1963. Sent up the mountain as summer
shepherds, they first find friendship, then a closer intimacy. Four years will
pass before they discover time has only strengthened their bond. In the decades
that follow, the pair will struggle to keep their secret relationship alive.
They face questions of fidelity, commitment & trust. Ultimately, the one
constant in their lives is a force of nature – love. “We’ve never seen so much
excitement about a movie during the entire ten years this store has been open,”
declares Bowell. “Worldwide, the film is breaking all kinds of records. It’s
going to be the same here in Florida. We fully expect
Brokeback
Mountain
to become the all-time best-seller at Pride Factory.” To provide quick &
convenient pre-ordering of Brokeback Mountain, Pride Factory is currently
accepting pre-orders by phone. To reserve a copy before the initial supply is
exhausted; call 954-463-6600. The DVD orders can be picked-up on Tuesday,
April 4. Orders for
Brokeback
Mountain
are limited to one copy per customer. Pride Factory is located at
845 N.
Federal Hwy,
south of Sears Town in Fort Lauderdale. |
|
Gay rocker
Chuck Panozzo |
Gay
rocker Chuck Panozzo is no longer quiet or 'discreet' about being gay and
having HIV. Chuck Panozzo is bass player and co-founder for the rock band
Styx.
After three decades being STYX only bassist, in 1991, Panozzo announced he was
gay, living with HIV, and starting his own personal campaign for AIDS awareness
and gay rights. Featured recently on VH1’s "Behind the Music,"
STYX was the first rock band ever to sell four consecutive triple-platinum
albums. STYX hit the
 charts
with a string of Top 10 hits, including; "Show Me The Way," "Come
Sail Away," "Lady," "The Best of Times," "Too
Much Time on My Hands," "Babe," & "The Grand
Illusion." Yet, despite performances
before millions of fans worldwide, 54 million record sales, and the usual
barrage of press hounds and hangers on that routinely surround successful rock
bands Chuck Panozzo lived a guarded, closeted existence. By the release of
STYX’s
breakthrough album in 1977, "The Grand Illusion," the underlying
meaning of those words had begun to take their toll on Chuck’s psyche, yet he
remained in denial. Not to mention, the rock scene at that time wasn’t the most
accepting environment for a gay rocker. Only years later – after a life touched
by heart-breaking addiction, death, crippling depression and life-threatening
illness did Chuck have the courage to speak out. Now, openly gay and an avid
AIDS activist, Chuck is has finally come to terms with who he is. In the next
years, STYX went on to become one of the biggest rock shows around. Breaking up
in 1984, the band took a six-year hiatus before reforming in 1990. Today, Chuck
continues his campaign for AIDS awareness and gay rights, still performing and
residing in Wilton Manors, Florida, along with his partner, artist/aids activist
Tim McCarron and their three "kids" pugs - Valentino, Max and new
addition - baby Mia |
|
GLCCSF NEWS |
|
 |
|
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center
of South Florida’s
new building project continues to progress steadily. Tarragon Corporation’s
role as developer for the project continues, as specific action steps are
achieved. The City of Fort Lauderdale’s Design and Review Committee has
approved detailed site plans for the project. The next step is to go before
Planning and Zoning. Demolition of the former nursery school at the new GLCC
site on the east side of Andrews Avenue will occur in early 2007, barring
unexpected regulatory delays. The GLCC will continue to occupy the current
facility at least through spring 2007. Stonewall Library and Archives is
scheduled to remain in the old facility until that time, as well. Both agencies
remain responsible for proportionate shares of operating costs, such as
electricity and insurance. In summer 2005,
 the
GLCC and Stonewall Library and Archives began formal negotiations that
introduced the opportunity to add an additional (third) floor to the new
building at a cost of $750,000, which represents 25% of the cost of the entire
structure. Stonewall would gain a 25% ownership interest in the new building in
exchange for its investment of $750,000 for the additional floor. In a letter
to Paul Hyman, GLCC Executive Director dated March 13; Ted Verdone
the Stonewall Library and Archives Planning Committee Chair informed the GLCC
that Stonewall will not accept the GLCC’s invitation for Stonewall and the GLCC
to remain together in the new building, citing timing and financial constraints
at Stonewall. The GLCC will proceed with building the additional floor, in
order to realize the potential of building a 3 story, 18,000 square foot
structure. The additional space will be used to provide programs and services
to the community. Community input into space planning will be invited, through
the GLCC’s Strategic Planning Committee, which is chaired by Board Member
Ron Ryan. “We appreciate having participated in a dialogue with
Stonewall since last summer. It is sad to think that options do not exist for
our agencies to remain together in our new home. We respect the Stonewall
Board’s decision and wish their vital agency well in exploring options for the
future. The GLCC’s capital campaign will target raising funds for the
additional floor,” states Paul Hyman, GLCC Executive Director. Community members
interested in participating in space planning for the new building are invited
to contact Paul Hyman, Executive Director at
phyman@glccsf.org or by telephone at 954-463-9005
X226. |
|
|
Featured Event of the
Week |
|
 On
Sunday March 26th Gary Santis presents the 2
Year Anniversary Bash of Babylon T Dance at Voodoo Lounge
entitled “The Splendor of
Asia.”
The anniversary will star International recording artist Kristine W and
shows by house diva Vegas Dion (the newly crowned Miss Florida
Continental). Spinning that night will be Angelo Kortez in the main room,
DJ Miik spinning classic disco in the Patio, and DJ Nena spinning
the best Latin Beats in the Envy Room. As always they will feature Free
Drinks and Beer from 5-7pm.
|
|
Other
Upcoming Events |
On
Wednesday March 22nd, Cathode Ray
is giving away exclusive DVDs of Pridefest '06
remixed by Gary Nolan. The DVD’s will be given away
during the Snatch Game starting at 10pm.These are
exclusive packaged souvenirs of the event.
On
Friday March 24th, Noche Latina Fridays presents
the Birthday Extravaganza for Viva Mirage. The show will
star house Diva Champagne Bordeaux, Viva, Maite West
(Miss Noche Latina 2006), and Francina Holliday.
The night will also feature DJ George Valdez
Spinning the best of Latin hits as well as Hot Go-Go
Papi’s and FREE DRINKS from 9-11pm.
Rabbi
Harold F. Caminker, D.D.,
the spiritual leader of Congregation Etz Chaim, will
hold an Informational Meeting to discuss World Pride
in Jerusalem on Friday, March 24, following the
Synagogue's 8:30 p.m. Sabbath Service. Come find out about
the August 5-13 trip to Israel with Etz Chaim and the other
GLBT synagogues of North America to coincide with World
Pride in Jerusalem, which culminates in a Pride event on the
evening of August 10. The trip will include visits to other
remarkable places in Israel. (Itinerary and costs will be
discussed.) Cong. Etz Chaim is located at 1881 N.E. 26
Street, Suite 101, in Wilton Manors.
This
Friday, March 24th J’s bar
presents Halcyon in concert in a one night only
performance.
On
Saturday March 25th the Coliseum
features Chad Jack back at the turntables and shows
by TP Lords, Erika Norell and cast.
The
Pet Project
with local pet groomers will be having their annual dog wash
to benefit the organization. Bring your dog to Bark Park
at Snyder Park (3299 S.W. 4th Avenue) on Sunday
March 26 from 9am to 3pm to get him or her washed for
$10.00. They will also be clipping their toenails for an
additional fee.
Bills
Filling Station
will be presenting the Chili Cook-off on Sunday
March 26th to benefit “The Bears of South
Florida.” Set up begins at Noon, Tasting at 2pm and
judging at 3pm. For more info call them at 954-525-9403.
On
Sunday, March 26 from 5 - 7.30 pm Lambda Legal is
going to hold a major reception in Fort
Lauderdale
at the historic Bonnet House. It promises to be one
of the best attended gay political fund raising events ever
held in Broward County. The guest speaker will be none other
than Paul Smith, the lawyer who successfully argued
the all-important "Lawrence versus Texas" case before the
Supreme Court.
Office
Depot,
MDGLCC Corporate Partner member, is gearing up for its sixth
annual Success Strategies for Businesswomen
conference, which supports the growth of women in business
and underscores the company’s brand commitment to
“Delivering Winning Solutions That Inspire Worklife.”
Women are given the opportunity to network and connect with
more than 1,500 women from around the country—all with the
same goal—how to grow and succeed in business.
Keynote
presenters include: · Lily Tomlin, Actress and
Comedienne · Sara Blakely, Founder of Spanx ·
Glenda A. Hatchett, The Judge Hatchett Show · Maxine
Clark, Founder and CEO from Build–A- Bear · Marsha
Evans, Former President and CEO, American Red Cross ·
Antoinette Zel, Senior Executive Vice President, Network
Strategy, Telemundo.
“Savvy
Saver”
early bird registration is available for the first 250
registrants at $499 for Office Depot’s Success Strategies
for Businesswomen Conference. The conference will be held
March 26-28, and will take place at the Westin
Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood/Ft. Lauderdale,
Fla. For more information on the conference, please visit
www.officedepotsuccess.com
 Check out Dudes
on Wednesday March 29th from 7 to 9 p.m. for
the release party of Tony & Gloria's fabulous 2 new
CD's entitled "It's Spring Again" and "Tony
& Gloria Live At Dudes." In honor of this special
occasion, Dudes will have 2-4-1 cocktails and wonderful hors
d'oeuvres. Mr. Danny LaRock will be on the piano from
6:30 - 9:00 p.m. and the incredible illusions of "The
Madame of Madame's herself Electra" beginning at
9:00 p.m. Please mark your calendars now, as this promises
to be a special gathering not to be missed. For further
details or questions feel free to call Dudes @
954-568-7777.
 On
Friday March 31 305boyz.com and
Fukfridays.com presents the grand opening Fridays at
Solo (10880 Collins Avenue). This party is 18 to enter
and 21 to drink, and also features CD releases from Shakira
and Madonna as well as DJ’s T-Pro and Miss Flava.
Speaking of Congregation Etz Chaim,
they will be observing its 32nd Anniversary with an
Evening of Celebration on Saturday, April 1, at the
Airport Sheraton Hotel off I-95 and Griffin Road.
This year's honorees are Joyce Edelson, president of
the Cong. Etz Chaim Sisterhood, and Dr. Murray
Lichtenstein, the Synagogue's Education Director. The
evening festivities begin with a 7 p.m. reception in the
Special Lounge and then move to the Banquet Hall for a
sumptuous dinner, dancing to a jazzy beat, and then the
pleasures of a Viennese Dessert Table. Tickets to the Gala
are $95 for CEC members and $100 for guests. For more
information, ticket reservations, and Journal ads phone the
Synagogue at (954) 564-9232.
On
Sunday, April 2nd, Peter Burke
presents his monthly T cruise on the Yacht “Mussette.”
The cruise will feature Joe Posa (as Joan Rivers),
Rod Stephens, Deja, DJ Marcio
Santos,
Fabio
as well as free parking and Hors D’oeuvres. Boarding is at
2:30 with the ship taking off at 3pm to 6pm. Tickets are $25
with reservations and $30 day of Cruise. For more info or to
make reservations call Peter at 305-962-1356.
Sunday
April 2nd,
the
Bass Museum
(2121
Park Avenue, in Collins Park, in Miami Beach)
presents The Seven Year Itch (1955). Directed
by Billy Wilder, this screen classic is heralded as one of
the quintessential comedies of all time. Monroe
plays a seductive starlet who finds relief from the
sweltering NYC heat in her neighbor’s air conditioned
apartment. Staying true to his marriage vows in the face of
the blonde bombshell proves hilariously challenging when
tempted by the notorious “Seven Year Itch.”
On
Sunday April 2nd at 2:00 PM the Miami Gay
& Lesbian Chamber of Commerce has a special block of
tickets held for The Full Monty. You are invited to
purchase tickets for $28 which includes a post show
meet and greet with the cast. Deadline for ordering is
March 26. Actor's Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre - 280
Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, FL (305-444-9293) All
reservations must be made through group sales and paid in
full prior to show date. The special $28.00 price will not
be available at the box office. CALL 305 444 9293 EXT 613 or
e-mail at
GROUPS@ACTORSPLAYHOUSE.ORG
“A huge hit - a rock ‘em, sock ‘em, ‘take it off, baby’
good time with heart,” raves Jim Farber of the
Daily Breeze. Broadway smash hit musical comedy that
tells the story of two unemployed friends who stumble upon a
Chippendales-like show and decide with the help of four
other unlikely candidates that they too would like to give
it a go. However, they can't dance and aren't what most
would call good physical specimens. This hilarious new
musical became one of the hottest tickets on Broadway in the
last several years.
Sunday
April 2nd
also brings South Florida the Grand Opening of Boyz-R-Us,
produced by 305boyz.com in association with
BigCityVideo.TV. This party will be taking place at
X-it in Hollywood and is 18 to enter and 21 to drink.
This party will feature weekly guest DJ’s and 2 floors of
eclectic music.
|
|
 |
|
With a mission to help gays and lesbians “make new
friends, share fun times, and escape the ordinary with unique and enjoyable
activities throughout South Florida,” people of all ages are getting out with
Venture Out, South Florida’s newest GLBT organization. Formed in February
2005, the group provides a varied calendar of activities, an average of one per
week, ranging from outdoor and “active” activities such as hiking, boating and
camping, and bowling... to casual indoor social gatherings like dinners,
parties, movie nights, and wine tasting. The group maintains a free and open
membership policy, although each event has an associated cost. Since February,
2005, Venture Out has grown quickly to over 140 online members, using the
internet as its prime marketing and communications vehicle. The group was
originally conceived and started five years earlier but it quickly dissolved.
Group organizer and local businessman Kevin Lerner says he and his
partner Rudy Flugel resurrected Venture Out after feeling frustrated over
the limited social outlets for gay people. “We’ve had a great response!”
Although many of Venture Out’s members are active-minded singles, the group also
attracts a large number of couples. Ages at past events have spanned from the
early 20s to the mid-50s. For more information, please call (561) 276-6599 or
visit
www.ventureoutflorida.com. |
|
Titanic Exhibition |
 The
exhibition at the Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium takes you on a
chronological journey of RMS Titanic, from its design and construction,
through its fateful maiden voyage and sinking, to the scientific recovery
efforts that made this exhibition of Titanic artifacts possible. The Exhibition
puts you inside the experience, with full-size recreations of some of Titanic's
luxurious interior spaces, including a first-class cabin. Titanic's tragic story
comes alive in a large wall of ice you can actually touch. It also features a
live interactive tour with over 250 artifacts and historic treasures. For ticket
information go to the following link:
https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=983
|
|
Condolences |
|
It is with sadness in my
heart that I wish Condolences to Electra (One of Florida
most talented Entertainers) who in a tragic car accident lost her Daughter and
Granddaughter.
|
|
