What’s HOT! South Florida May 27 , 2010
Last weekend my friend and neighbor Jeff had his annual birthday pool party and, as usual, the block was filled with the cars of hot men. The party was fun and everyone was wet. Men in wet bikinis is what I call a fun Saturday afternoon. It seems that Jeff turns 21 every year. I am really not certain how he does it, but I vow to learn his secret! Thursday night was South Beach socialite Flavio Nisti’s birthday at Score. The club was packed with a who’s who of the entertainment industry on South Beach and beyond. The night starred DJs Pride, Alyson Calagna and Abel and featured performances by Alan T, Vegas Dion, TP Lords, Wild Child, Kitty Meow and Erika Gabriel.
Friday night was the monthly Art Walk on Wilton Drive. Many of the retailers participated and there were many other vendors on the street selling an eclectic array of artistic merchandise. Island City Traders hosted an Open House for the Art Walk which packed their beautiful store. They served incredible desserts and wine.
Saturday afternoon Lavender Events for Women held the 2nd Annual Health Fair held at the GLCC Pride Center at Equality Park. There were 35 vendors and approximately 250 people attended. Saturday evening I had the pleasure of attending David Burnham in “Mostly Broadway” at the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center at my Alma Mater, NOVA Southeastern University. Hailing from New York City (and being gay) I have seen a tremendous amount of shows on and off Broadway, and rarely have I experienced a talent like David. His acting skills, vocal range and stage presence is quite frankly amazing. I also must make mention of his pianist, Todd Schroeder, who is also an incredible talent. The 2 of them were made for each other. I hope Donald Roberts of Playbill and Laura Goldman of Center Stage Productions bring David and Todd back to South Florida again. If they do I urge you all to purchase tickets. I will be the first one in line! Sunday, I decided to relax and stay home as there will be huge parties next weekend all over South Florida celebrating Memorial Day and the following weekend is Gay Disney.
Thursday, May 27
Starting today and going through June 2nd the Pride Factory offers 50% off selected items storewide.
The Miami Dance Festival, which starts today, is a six-week celebration with seven dance companies presenting a dynamic schedule of diverse international dance styles and festival events, including: a lecture demonstration on ballet and modern dance, “What is the Difference?”; a film night at the Miami Beach Cinematheque; The Red Shoes; Momemtum Dance Company and Shakespeare Miami; and Brazz Dance Theater and Moving Current. For more information call 305-858-7002.
The Depot presents Walter’s monthly cook off on the patio. Judging starts at 6 pm and there will be prizes for the top 3 wings.
Friday, May 28
There are WHITE EVENTS all over Florida this weekend. For detailed info on venues, performers and DJs check out the special feature in this week’s magazine on page 18 and 19.
Living Room presents the 2nd annual Silver Party starring Kim Zolciak (“Real Housewives of Atlanta”) and celebrating DJ Tracy Young’s “Tardy for the Party” remix which she will spin live. They will also be celebrating Mark’s birthday. Is this Kim’s coming out party? Hmm….check it out and see.
Atomic/Boom salutes the forces all weekend long with DJ Richie Rich on Friday, DJ Paulie on Saturday and DJ Marc Scott on Sunday for the Jackhammer T Dance.
Tonight and tomorrow the Boardwalk presents The Men of Playgirl Male Revue , a Las Vegas style male revue.
Saturday, May 29
Sean David and Jet Set Men present a 2 day exclusive appearance by Jason Pitt live in the flesh tonight and tomorrow.
The Center for Spiritual Living Fort Lauderdale presents direct from Las Vegas and for one night only Gino Walker as Aretha and Tina in Diva’s of Song at 8 pm. This tribute to the multi talented Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner is a must see show. Tickets are only $15 and can be purchased at Blacktie-SouthFlorida.com/boxoffice.
Score’s Bigger Saturdays presents DJ Bryan Zero with Omar Gonzalez hosting and no cover all night. Some lucky attendee will win 2 free weekend passes to Wonderland Orlando.
Sunday, May 30
Scandals Saloon presents their monthly Gospel Jubilee at 6 pm starring the Lady fancy and the Jubilettes. This month they have a special guest appearance, but they are not saying who it is, just that you will know here when you see her.
Mrs. Beasley presents Aunti Mame’s birthday party at the Boardwalk all night long.
Bill’s presents a special Luau T Dance starting at 5 pm starring Billboard reporter DJ Bill Hallquist.
Monday, May 31
Georgie’s Alibi presents Auntie Mames birthday party with the one and only Auntie Mame at 7 pm. Later that night Florida’s own Dame Edna performs at 8, 9 and 10 pm.
Tuesday, June 1
The Depot presents live band Signal 2 rockin’ the house at 8 pm.
HOT Stuff
Pride of Greater Fort Lauderdale (PGFL), the non-profit organization who recently brought you Wicked Manors, needs volunteers for their next event, Stonewall Street Festival, on Sunday, June 20. The areas they need volunteers in are: ticket sales, events/games, stage, parking and parade. If you are interested in volunteering your time for your community and having a fun while doing it, email StonewallVolunteers@gmail.com. For more information on the event, visit PGFL.net
The makers of LifeStyles Condoms changed the condom aisle for good in 2008 with the release of SKYN, the first-of-its-kind, non-latex, polyisoprene condom. “The closest thing to wearing nothing,” SKYN has received rave reviews since its first day on shelves. Now, LifeStyles is thrilled to announce the release of KYNG and THYN to expand the sexual health aisle once again and introduce “The LifeStyles Signature Collection.” These two new natural rubber latex condom designs join SKYN non-latex condoms to expand product choices in the sexual wellness category. The new KYNG condom is designed for the man who needs a fit larger than the standard condom size. KYNG is extra long and extra wide, featuring the brand’s most popular flared shape and allowing for a more personalized fit. Lubricated for maximum pleasure with a reservoir tip providing extra safety and comfort, KYNG highlights the features and benefits that are most important to consumers. 
The dynamic gold and black packaging features a subtle crown design with a contemporary look that will stand out among the competition. While KYNG focuses on size, THYN is a breakthrough in sensitivity, boasting a condom “so THYN you’ll forget you’re wearing it.” 21% thinner than LifeStyles’ standard latex condoms, the release of THYN also launches a packaging transformation for the LifeStyles brand, featuring a state-of-the-art transparent plastic box that reflects the nature of the product inside. All LifeStyles condoms are triple tested to meet the highest U.S. reliability standards. LifeStyles Condoms Signature Collection will be available at grocery, convenience and drug stores, as well as big box retailers throughout the country.
Iconic performer and musical chameleon Cyndi Lauper will release “Memphis Blues” on June 22nd on Downtown Records. The collection of blues cover songs, recorded this March at Electraphonic Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, features appearances by such great artists as B.B. King, Jonny Lang, Allen Toussaint, Ann Peebles and Charlie Musselwhite. “This is the album I’ve wanted to make for years,” said Lauper. “All of these beautiful songs, and all of the great players on the album, were carefully chosen because I’ve admired them my entire life. And I knew from the moment Alan Toussaint hit the keys in ‘Shattered Dreams’ that we were creating something really special.” Lauper, assembled a team of crackerjack session players to cut the way she knew this record had to be done: live, analog, with Cyndi herself calling out arrangements on the studio floor. Produced by Scott Bomar and mixed by longtime collaborator William Wittman, “Memphis Blues” features appearances by a veritable dream team of blues and soul greats, including harmonica master Charlie Musselwhite, vocalist Ann “I Can’t Stand the Rain” Peebles, brilliant Crescent City organist Allen Toussaint, and hotshot guitar heroes Jonny Lang and legend B.B. King. “Memphis Blues” session players include Stax veterans Lester Snell and Skip Pitts, and Hi Rhythm Section alums Leroy Hodges and Howard Grimes, studio careerists who cut their teeth recording with the likes of Isaac Hayes and Al Green.
Along with the punctuating blasts provided by trumpeter Marc Franklin, baritone saxophonist Kirk Smother, and tenor saxman Derrick Williams, they provided a steadfast foundation for Lauper’s impeccable vocals. Ranging from the harmonica blues ballad “Just Your Fool,” to “Don’t Cry No More,” originally a hit for Bobby “Blue” Bland, Cyndi starts with a slow burn and then pours on the gasoline, giving “Rollin’ And Tumblin’” an authentic hill country blues read and collaborating with the one and only B.B. King on the up-tempo Louis Jordan raver “Early in the Morning.” As demonstrated by her scorching, tell-it-like-it-is renderings of Memphis Slim’s “Mother Earth” and Lowell Fulsom’s “Shattered Dreams,” even Cyndi’s topical themes – which, on past albums, have addressed homophobia and racism – are stripped away as she focuses on the most basic problem to plague humankind: love, and the havoc wreaked because of it.
