Last Tuesday was the July Fort Lauderdale Mack Mixer at the East End Brasserie which featured a great turnout and lots of good networking. On Thursday was the Campaign kick-off for Dean Trantalis for City Commissioner at Art Serve. Dean spoke about his plans for the city if he was elected to the Commission. Sun Serve is a great space with all the wonderful art work they have displayed. Later that night I headed over to the W Hotel for the annual Bliss Fort Lauderdale Faceoff. This competition…
Last Tuesday was the July Fort Lauderdale Mack Mixer at the East End Brasserie which featured a great turnout and lots of good networking. On Thursday was the Campaign kick-off for Dean Trantalis for City Commissioner at Art Serve. Dean spoke about his plans for the city if he was elected to the Commission. Sun Serve is a great space with all the wonderful art work they have displayed. Later that night I headed over to the W Hotel for the annual Bliss Fort Lauderdale Faceoff. This competition always features some of the hottest men I see all year long and this year was no exception. In the end, the winner was the sexy Cole Burkett. 2 big events happened over this past weekend. The first was the annual Miami Beach Bruthaz, which featured events all over Miami from 
Thursday through Sunday with some of the sexy Bruthaz this country has. Congratulations to Ian and his entire team for another great year! The second was Woody Woodruff, Mr. IML 2012, came to town and there were events all over town including Leather Werks, Ramrod, Inn Leather and Mojo’s Restaurant. I didn’t get a chance to meet Woody, but I was told he is not only sexy but a really nice guy! Saturday at 8 pm was Dixie Longate’s Tupperware party at the Center for Spiritual Living, which was a benefit for the Smart Ride and if you have ever been to a Dixie party you know this was FAGULOUS! On Saturday night, Discotekka (in exile in the Mekka room as Discotekka gets remodeled) featured a theme party entitled “Samba” in honor of their long time bartender Italo’s birthday. 
They featured, direct from Brazil, DJ Rafael Calvente and a performance by Brazilian Olga Dantelly. It was Carnaval in the whole club and lots of fun. Sunday night was the return of “Life’s A Drag” to the old Voodoo Lounge space now called “Off The Hookah.” It was obvious from the crowds that this legendary party was much missed! Congrats to the owners and management as well as Daisy, TP and Erika for bringing this show back to us!
Thursday, July 26
Creative Male (222 NE 25th street suite 106, Miami) will be celebrating their 2nd anniversary from 6 to 10 pm. Join them for cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres and boys in the latest underwear and swimwear. They will have special discounts throughout the store.
Starting tonight and every Thursday thereafter Matty’s presents a weekly dinner and show starring Marvin Nathan and friends. This is a prefix 3 course menu and is only $16.95 per person. For reservations call 954-376-8388. Marvin has been in show business for over four decades, and, as he says “I’m still rockin and rollin.” As one of the foremost impersonators in America, he has worked all over the country including Las Vegas. Marvin’s notable characters include; Queen Size Cher, Divine, Mama Cass, Disco Dolly, and the Jewish American Princess. He has had the opportunity to work with, legendary entertainers along the way in shows like, “The Nanny,” “Sally Jessy Rafael,” “Leeza Gibbons,” “The Man Show,” “Maury Povich,” “E.T.,” “Talk Soup,” “Vicky Lawrence,” “Cinemax- This Week Indoors” – often appearing multiple times. Marvin’s true passion and unique talent surfaces when given the challenge to host or when he is asked to create a new venue from the ground up, But Marvin’s One Woman show has been his baby. Check out Marvin every Thursday at Matty’s!
The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce presents its Chamber Spotlight Mega – Mixer from 6-9pm at the Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables showroom (300 Almeria Ave., Coral Gables). Mingle and network with fellow members and guests. FREE hors d’oeuvres & Grey Goose Vodka. The event will feature music courtesy of Classical South Florida 89.7, an animal showcase by Zoo Miami and a drawing of great prizes courtesy of MDGLCC and GMCVB members. $10 suggested general admission benefiting Zoological Society of South Florida. RSVP required. For more info e-mail at rsvp@gaybizmiami.com“>rsvp@gaybizmiami.com or call 305-673-4440.
Friday, July 27
Starting at 9 pm, Sidelines will show, with full audio, the Opening Ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics brought to you from London, England. Come watch the pageantry & spectacle and cheer on as Team USA enters the stadium. Join us and celebrate with pride as your individual country’s competitors vie for the gold! To keep in the spirit of the games, Sidelines will have special Sidelines Summer Olympic t-shirts available for purchase along with fun and festive drink specials. The excitement of the games continues until the Closing Ceremony on August 12th. So stop by and cheer for your favorite athlete or team, relax with friends, and enjoy the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
Organizing For America (President Obama’s campaign organization) will be having a Voters Registration event at Alibi‘s 6-9 pm and Bill’s 9pm-12am where they will be: registering voters, updating voter registrations with address changes and enrolling voters in Vote By Mail.
Saturday, July 28
Kind of a Drag, the Studio 54 version takes place at the Walt Lawrence and Stephen Lewis Center for Worship and the Arts (1480 SW 9th Avenue in Ft Lauderdale) with doors opening at 7 pm and the show starting at 8 pm sharp. Kind of a Drag always celebrates our community and tonight the honorees will be Alyson Thomas, Champagne Bordeaux and with a special tribute to Judy shepherd. Tickets are only $15 for general admission and $50 for VIP admission (includes reception with honorees and performers). To purchase tickets go to SunshineCathedral.org
The Parker Playhouse features an evening with celebrated film director John Waters as well as a festive celebration of Panamanian culture. Strong Reaction Productions presents the only Florida engagement of An Evening with John Waters – This Filthy World on at 7 pm. Best known for the films Hair Spray, Pink Flamingos, Pecker, Cry Baby and Cecil B. Demented, Waters discusses his life and career experience in Hollywood. The evening includes a screening of his classic film Polyester, a film montage and commemoration ceremony, and a question and answer session. Tickets are $36.50, $46.50, $61.50. VIP tickets are available for $125 and include seating in the first three rows, post-show meet and greet, light appetizers with wine and a hardcover book with an optional autograph. Tickets and group discounts are available at (954) 462-0222 or select a seat online at ParkerPlayhouse.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Parker Playhouse box office Tuesday – Saturday from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
The Manor presents DJ Kidd Madonny with “Replay, Tribal Edition,” which will be a flashback to the best in tribal and vocal house. In the Latin Lounge and patio catch DJ Larry Larr spin some of the hottest Latin beast around with performances by Latina divas!
Sunday, July 29
Scandal’s presents two great events at 1 location, starting with Sun-T with DJ Kastraphoe and Lil P, on the patio, starting at 4pm. Inside their monthly Gospel Jubilee starts at 6pm starring the Lady Fancy and featuring the Gospel Jubilettes. Organizing For America (President Obama’s campaign organization) will be having a Voters Registration event outside of Scandals’ from 5 to 8 pm where they will be: registering voters, updating voter registrations with address changes and enrolling voters in Vote By Mail.
In honor of their 2 year anniversary Creative Male will be having a fashion show at the Palace, so check out the latest in underwear and swimwear.
Dudes presents their monthly Leather/Bear event to support local charities featuring DJ Jeffrey Jacobs, dancers in full leather, shower scenes, free parking and much more starting at 9 pm.
The Alibi Angels and Remax Mayham’s present “Cleats to Stilettos” a Gay World Series fundraiser hosted by Wanda Wednesday and Melissa Morgan at Bill’s at 4 pm. This is a turnabout from the guys of the softball league, so go check out these sexy men as they do their “best” female impersonations.
Condolences
Long-term Pride Center volunteer and community advocate Judy Shepherd passed away last week surrounded by loved ones. This is a tremendous loss for the Pride Center and our community. Judy’s passion, leadership and dedication spearheaded their annual backpack and toy drives for local schoolchildren. She committed such energy, time and commitment to Women in Network, the Stonewall Library and other community groups. Join the Pride Center on Thursday, July 26 to help us “Stuff the Bus” for local schoolchildren in Judy’s honor. In addition on Saturday, July 28, a portion of the proceeds from Kind of A Drag will benefit the Stuff the Bus campaign. This campaign is an expansion of the backpack drive Judy began years ago. Continue Judy’s legacy by impacting the lives of local school children.
Hot Stuff
The Pride Factory is featuring their semi-annual “Shop The Box Clearance Event” with some items as low as $5. Check it out while they last!
Stonewall National Museum & Archives (1300 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale) premiers their latest exhibition, WINNERS: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Athletics in America. The exhibit celebrates the historical and cultural importance of LGBT athletes and their allies by profiling athletes such as Billy Jean King and Greg Louganis among others. Martina Navratilova’s tennis racquet and Billy Bean’s baseball mitt will also be on display. Sidelines Sports Bar, South Florida’s premier gay sports bar, has generously loaned some of their prized sports artifacts to illustrate the growth of local gay athletic groups. “Stonewall has rightfully chosen to showcase the many athletes and sporting groups who came before us in the struggle to gain acceptance,” commented Laurie Whittaker, owner of Sidelines Sports Bar. This event is free and open to the public.
Celebrate the launch of The Trevor Project’s Online Store, Trevor Gear. You can now order official Trevor gear and proudly show your support for LGBTQ youth! Trevor is offering official tees, tank-tops, wristbands, stickers and buttons at cost at TheTrevorProject.org/Gear. Place an order between now and July 31st during our Preview Sale and receive a 10% discount on your entire order use promo code TREVORGEAR!
Art Frenzie is moving! Just look down the courtyard to the left of their current location @ 2055 Wilton Drive for the “gallery in the rear” of Mark’s Haircuttery and you’re sure to find a treasure there! They will still be offering the finest selection & best quality of custom framing along with a huge variety of artworks, including the most formats available of Steve Walker’s work anywhere as they have since 1998. Find some great deals as they feature 20% off everything while they settle into the new space. For more info call them at (954)560-3684 or email them at artfrenzie@gmail.com“>artfrenzie@gmail.com
This is HOT
This summer, celebrate the era of Motown with Sparkle: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, available July 31st from RCA Records. A remake of the 1976 classic, the highly anticipated film stars pop superstar Jordin Sparks and the late Whitney Houston and is directed by Salim Akil (Jumping The Broom, Soul Food). Sony Pictures will release Sparkle in theaters nationwide on August 17th. Featuring the final recorded performances from the late music icon Whitney Houston, the 13-song soundtrack also includes tracks from pop superstars Jordin Sparks and Cee Lo Green including “I’m A Man,” “Hooked On Your Love,” “Look Into Your Heart” and many more. “Celebrate,” a fun, up-tempo, feel good track produced by R. Kelly featuring Sparks and Houston, is the first single from the film with Whitney’s soul-stirring take on the gospel classic “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” as the soundtrack’s second single. Sparkle is the story of a musical prodigy who struggles to become a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. From an affluent Detroit area and daughter to a single mother (Whitney Houston), Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) tries to balance a new romance with music manager Stix (Derek Luke) while dealing with the unexpected challenges her new life will bring as she and her two sisters (Carmen Ejogo and Tika Sumpter) strive to become a dynamic singing group during the Motown-era. The film also stars Mike Epps, Omari Hardwick and CeeLo Green. Directed by Sam O’Steen (The Graduate, High Risk, Kids Don’t Tell), the original Sparkle came out in 1976 and starred Irene Cara, Lonette McKee and Philip Michael Thomas. The gold-certified soundtrack featured Aretha Franklin in place of the film’s actresses and produced her #1 R&B hit “Something He Can Feel.” The film and soundtrack’s success inspired many Broadway musicals today.
