Ok, I admit it – sometimes I get exhausted and need to rest, so this past week I only attended activities within the walls of Wilton Manors. Thursday night George Castrataro in association with Tom Runyan threw a benefit to raise money to help get Ken Keechl re-elected as Broward Mayor. Seen there were Norm Kent, Mark Budwig, Justin Flippin and about 50 to 75 of Ken’s supporters. I would say this was a very successful event.
Lions and tigers? Hmm, nope there were none of those, but there were plenty of bears and leather men in Wilton Manors on Friday night. Bear Nation had their monthly dance event for bears and their admirers at The Manor in the Epic Room and the Ivy Patio and both rooms were packed. This month they were even busier than their first party last month. Afterwards I headed over to Bill’s for their weekly Growl Fridays event and they were busy, too. Let’s just say there was a lot of hair all around the drive! 
The drive was also lucky enough to have a meet and greet with the new International Mr. Leather, Tyler McCormick, at the Ramrod. Tyler was in town all weekend at events at Inn Leather, LeatherWerks and the Ramrod. Saturday night I went to The Manor as Noche Latina Saturdays was celebrating the 38th birthday of their hostess Erika Norell. Lots of cute Latin men…YUM!
Sunday it was back to Bill’s as they were producing a benefit for Trannie Palace cast member and my friend, Latrice Royale, to send her to Miss Florida USA at Large in August up in GaYBOR at The Honey Pot. There were lots of performers and auction items all to raise money to send our gal to capture the state title. I also went across the street to Jackhammer T Dance at Boom, which is always busy on Sundays, and got to see some friends. At that point it was 12:30 am and way past my bed time on Sunday evening, so I called it a weekend!
Thursday, July 15
Actors’ Playhouse in conjunction with CoralGaybles.com presents “Are We There Yet?”
To purchase tickets which are only $27 call 305-444-9293 ext 613 or email KGibson@ActorsPlayhouse.org. This event includes a private pre-show social from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets include admission to the play plus a complimentary drink voucher and free hors d’oeuvres. This special price will not be available at the box office. Please redeem drink vouchers before 7:30 pm when the house opens to the general public. 
Friday, July 16
The Manor presents, direct from “RuPauls Drag Race,” 1st alternate Nina Flowers performing live with DJ Daisy Deadpetals and no cover.
The Ramrod presents their monthly Muscle Bear Dance with DJ/producer Herbie James at the turntables.
Saturday, July 17
Island City Traders (2450 Wilton Drive) presents Dixie’s Tupperware Party a benefit for the Pet Project, starting at 6 pm. The event will feature food and refreshments, live entertainment by up and coming artists, free valet parking, free giveaways and raffles. There is a $20 cover and all proceeds will benefit the Pet Project.
Noche Latina Saturdays in the Ivy Lounge and Patio at The Manor will be celebrating Colombia’s Independence with a special show by Erika Norell and guest Colombian Noel Leon. The night also features DJ Larry Larr and No Cover and goes from 10 pm to 3 am!
Noche Latina at Club Sugar starring Teresita and DJ Juan Carlos in conjunction with Universal Republic Records presents “Euphoria,” the sexy new album from Enrique Iglesias.
Sunday, July 18
The Market Bazaar is back at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors from 9 am to 3 pm with great deals, food and fun. Remember the Market Bazaar is the 3rd Sunday of every month.
Scandals presents Summer Camp, a benefit for The Pantry of Broward, Inc., produced by Matt Preat and Gene Mahoney. They will feature a silent auction, a bar tab tree, raffle entertainment and much more.
Score celebrates their 12th anniversary with a themed party entitled “12 Years on the Road” starring superstar DJs Abel and Pablo Ceballos (from the acclaimed duo of Chus & Ceballos). Doors open at 5 pm and stay open till 5 am, so go by and wish Billy, Luis and the entire Score staff a happy 12th!
In the Gauntlet at the Ramrod, EDC is a monthly cologne and flip-flop free, cigar friendly space social event for South Florida’s Leather Community. Join us for an evening out with the friends who make life worth living. The dress code for EDC is boots and another piece of appropriate clothing. The July EDC is co-hosted by SE Leatherboy 2010 sean and the Leather Masked Ball.
Monday, July 19
The 4th annual Bartenders, Boxers and Briefs Underwear Auction benefitting Tuesday’s Angels takes place tonight at Bill’s starting at 8 pm.
The Alibi presents the jazz sounds of Rich Hernandez live in the Manchester Room at 7, 8 and 9 pm.
Monkey Business presents Female Impersonator of the Year 2010 Pageant starting at 9 pm. The night will star Amanda West (2009), Diva Kingley (2008), Sharde Ross (2007) as well as TP Lords (Miss South Florida Illusion National) and Monica Moore (Miss Western States Gay America). For more information call Gus at 954-226-1213.
Tuesday, July 20
Planeta Macho at Score celebrates Colombia Independence Day with professional Cumbia dancers, DJ George Ferrero and Ricardito and his dancers on the second level. Their summer special features no cover before 11 pm. 
Wednesday, July 21
Georgie’s Alibi will be celebrating the birthday of one of my favorite singers and Broadway stars, Kristin Chenoweth, with a special performance by Nicolette at 9:45 pm. They will also be serving cupcakes for Fruit Cakes bake shop and much more.
Hot Stuff
HotSpots close friend, Michael Albetta, attended the second annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month Reception at the White House. Michael is the President of the Florida Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Democratic Caucus. He is also an outspoken advocate for equality throughout the State of Florida over the past 13 years, injecting new life into the Dolphin Democrats. He is pictured here with Florida Representative Alcee Hastings. 
Why get that coffee fix from a fattening Frappuccino drink when you can eat Wings of Nature’s Espresso Coffee Bar? Blended with agave and organic brown syrup sweeteners, these organic, gluten free bars come in delicious Cranberry Crunch and tasty Almond Raisin flavors as well. They make the perfect snack—morning, noon or night, and are the hippest things hitting those living a fast-paced, trendy lifestyle. They can be found at Walgreens and Whole Foods nationwide.
LeatherWerks is having their annual summer sale with 30% off most of their inventory, so check them out for all your leather needs and wants.
Pride Factory is featuring $5 off your purchase of $50 or more and $15 off your purchase of $100 or more (these are both before tax) so now is the time to shop.
This is HOT
DRG RECORDS is proud to announce the solo album debut of Jane Krakowski, the Tony Award winning Broadway star of “Nine” and “Damn Yankees” and the Emmy Award nominated star of “30 Rock” and “Ally McBeal.” “The Laziest Gal In Town” is the delightfully sexy CD captured last fall during her nightclub debut at the Park Avenue hotspot Feinstein’s at Loews Regency. “The Laziest Gal In Town” – named for the droll Cole Porter title cut – lets Jane shine in a charming variety of standards, show songs and rarities. She recreates her acclaimed theatrical triumph as the evil temptress Lola in “Damn Yankees” with “A Little Brains, A Little Talent.” A medley of two zippy Jazz Age ditties, “Wacky Dust” and “When I Get Low, I Get High” – first popularized by the young Ella Fitzgerald – playfully sends up drug culture. Her modernized version of “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” is furnished with clever new lyrics from “The Wedding Singer” co-writer Chad Beguelin.
The bouncy mod-60s classic “Thirteen Men” pays homage to the sensual screen siren Ann-Margret. The highlight of the evening – the number that brings down the house every night – is “Tweet,” a reworking of Rodgers and Hart’s “Zip” from Pal Joey with new lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. She ends the disc with an adult take on the “Sesame Street” favorite “Rubber Duckie,” in a way that only Jane could do. All arrangements are by music director Michael Kosarin. The album, produced by Hugh Fordin, also features liner notes by author and Wall Street Journal music critic Will Friedwald. She won Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics awards for her stunning and sultry portrayal of Carla in Broadway’s “Nine” opposite Antonio Banderas, and won an Olivier Award while starring in “Guys and Dolls” with Ewan McGregor in London’s West End. She earned her first Tony nomination for her work in the production of “Grand Hotel.” In addition to singing on several original Broadway cast recordings and the “Ally McBeal” Christmas episode compilation CDs, Krakowski recorded the hit single track “You” with Jim Brickman on his album “Lovesongs and Lullabies.” “The Laziest Gal In Town” is now available in stores and online.
