On Monday, January 17th was the 6th annual Miss Noche Latina Pageant. With qualified contestants and a packed house of attendees the pageant started off with a fantastic opening production and a presentation from the contestants that let everyone know they were not playing games. In the end there were 2 contestants that were fighting it out all night long and who split all the categories. April Chanel, who also won most beautiful, was the 1st runner up and your new Miss Noche Latina 2011 with a talent that was just unbelievable (and had the entire audience on their feet) is Viva Mirage. On Wednesday, South Florida’s Gay News (SFGN) celebrated their 1 year anniversary at J Mark’s and made it a benefit for the great organization Tuesday’s Angels.
Last Week in Review
On Monday, January 17th was the 6th annual Miss Noche Latina Pageant. With qualified contestants and a packed house of attendees the pageant started off with a fantastic opening production and a presentation from the contestants that let everyone know they were not playing games. In the end there were 2 contestants that were fighting it out all night long and who split all the categories. April Chanel, who also won most beautiful, was the 1st runner up and your new Miss Noche Latina 2011 with a talent that was just unbelievable (and had the entire audience on their feet) is Viva Mirage. On Wednesday, South Florida’s Gay News (SFGN) celebrated their 1 year anniversary at J Mark’s and made it a benefit for the great organization Tuesday’s Angels. Congratulations to Norm and his entire staff on a fantastic first year!
Friday night the first runner up from the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Nina Flowers, appeared at Club Sugar in Miami to a slam packed crowd. Nina’s make-up and stage presence is up there with the best and entertained the crowds all night long.
Latinos Salud celebrated their grand opening in grand style with a party that drew lots of Latino’s and friends of Latino’s. There was a video presentation of what the organization does, a silent auction, lots of good food and much more. Congratulations to Dr. Stephen Fallon, Rafaeli and all the staff and volunteers for a great grand opening. (After having a fab time at the Manor on Saturday night my good friend, Rose of Boca, who has written for many publications asked me if she could write a few words about it. So I let her….). “On a cold Saturday night DJ Kidd Madonnny raised the heat and the roof at The Manor. The uber-sexy, high-tech visual wizard of RKM (now 3DX) fame invaded as an army of one and conquered the on stage-turned futuristic DJ booth. Kidd worked and werked the smoke-free dance floor for a fist-pumpin’, jumpin’, cheering crowd–“bringing back the old school,” spinning both familiar vocal anthems and edgy new rhythmic mixes. Live on-stage costume changes, mesmerizing LED screens/laser/lights, glow-stick tosses, long cooling blasts of CO2, and lots of crowd interaction. The night transported everyone to a better place and time while creating new memories.”
LGBT Events in South Florida
Thursday, January 27
The Pride Factory invites everyone to create their own sale from today until February 2nd where if you spend $50 you get $5 off and if you spend $100 you get $15 off. The more you shop, the more you save.
Actors’ Playhouse in conjunction with CoralGAYbles.com presents a special theater event with a pre-show reception from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Tickets are $27 and to purchase call 305 444 9293 ext 613 or email KGibson@actorsplayhouse.org. Your tickets include admission to the play, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee plus a drink voucher and free hors d’oeuvres. Your special price will not be available at the box office. All reservations must be made and paid prior to January 27th to get the $27 ticket and reception.
NYC Producer Leslie L. Smith and Andrews Living Arts Theater are pleased to announce Jim David’s South Pathetic to play the ALA Comedy Series for eight shows – Jan 27- Feb 5. The show runs Thursday Jan 27 to Sunday Jan 30th at 8 pm, then Thursday Feb 3rd to Sat Feb 5th at 8 pm with a special matinee performance at 2 pm on Feb 5th. South Pathetic tells the story of an out-of-work performer directing the worst community theater in the South in “A Streetcar Named Desire.” David plays himself as well as ten characters. South Pathetic has played to rave reviews in sold out houses in New York (most recently as one of the biggest hits of the New York International Fringe Festival). South Pathetic has also played at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, NYC’S Revelation Theater, and at San Francisco’s New Conservatory Theatre.
Friday, January 28
Starting tonight and going through Sunday The Manor presents “An Evening At The Birdcage” hosted by Joe Posa as Joan Rivers and starring Steven Brinberg at Barbra, Tommy Fema as Judy and Thirsty Burlington as Cher. This is an all live vocal show. Tickets are $25 general admission and $40 VIP and the show plays at 7:30 pm tonight and tomorrow and at 6:30 pm on Sunday. For ticket information call Celebrity Management at 617-233-7111.
After the overwhelming success of their first Botox party Island City Health and Fitness presents a 2nd Botox party from 6 to 9 pm. The cost is $175 for 20 units for members and $199 for non members. To schedule an appointment, call 561-948-1915.
Saturday, January 29
Sidelines Sports Bar invites everyone to join the party and celebrate Jen’s birthday starting at 9 pm.
Bigger Saturdays at Score presents DJ/Producer Paulo direct from LA on the main floor and Ricardito and his dancers on the 2nd level.
The Manor presents recording artist BEX performing her ne single “Warning” live. The night also stars DJ Oren Nizri in the main room and DJ Larry Larr in the Latin Lounge and Patio.
Monday, January 31
Beer Bust Mondays at the Ramrod, with your host Chad, presents special guest bartender T.J. direct from the Lone Star Saloon in San Francisco.
Tuesday, February 1
Steven Linberg presents the 2011 GLBT Travel Expo Tour at the Embassy Suites Hotel (1100 SE 17th street causeway) from 4 to 8 pm. This represents the best in travel for the GLBT consumer. For more information visit GLBTTravelExpo.com
The Stable introduces “Muscle Boy” Garrett appearing every Tuesday during Underwear Night and the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. If you haven’t already done so, check out The Stable’s newly expanded customer service area (over twice as much room) and coming soon, The Stable patio opens.
Hot Stuff
Dudes has brought back a full line up of live entertainment with Mickey Havens at the piano on Wednesdays, Rueben playing every Sunday along with their very popular Fridays with Tony and Gloria from 6 to 9 pm followed by Electra at 9 pm.
The largest gay country/western nightclub in Florida, Scandals Saloon, is proud to announce Shawn & Nick’s Courtyard Cafe at the Saloon is now open, Wednesday – Sunday. Now, you can enjoy Scandals’ famous 2oz pour cocktails and ice cold beer while munching on the best food as only the Courtyard Cafe can do. They will feature excellent pricing on all menu items and as always with the Courtyard Cafe, excellent service.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced proposed housing-related regulatory changes explicitly protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. The new rules would provide definitions for sexual orientation and gender identity for HUD programs and services; prohibit the owners or landlords of housing that is either HUD-assisted or HUD-insured from asking an applicant about sexual orientation or gender identity; prevent lenders of a mortgage insured by HUD from discriminating based on the real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity of applicants; and make clear that participation in HUD-supported housing programs like the Section 8 voucher program is available to LGBT families who meet other qualification requirements.
here! TV, the world’s leading premium gay television network, today unveiled the new talk show Just Josh, with Josh Rosenzweig returning to the network where he hosted over 200 episodes of here! With Josh and Sara. Just Josh makes its worldwide television debut Friday, January 28, only on here! TV and on here! Online, here! TV’s premium online subscription video player found at HereTV.com
The Inaugural Fortitude Weekend, a fun filled gay benefit weekend in sunny Fort Lauderdale takes place February 17-21. Laugh during the comedy night with Judy Gold, Alec Mapa, and Julie Goldman. Rock out at the concert with Taylor Dayne, Martha Wash, Halcyon, Ari Gold and many more. Dance with world class DJ’s Chus & Ceballos, Escape, DeMarko!, Pat Pat and many more. Have a splashing great time in the sun at their pool parties. All proceeds go to charity including amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, the Pride Center, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festivals. Tickets are on sale now so buy before prices go up at FortitudeWeekend.com
Of the many events that truly define the evolution of global pop at the end of the 20th century, the release of George Michael’s debut solo album, Faith, in November 1987, occupies a special place in music history. Spending 87 weeks on the Billboard 200 albums chart (including 12 weeks at #1 in 1988), a rare RIAA diamond certification (for U.S. sales in excess of 10 million units, the biggest selling album of 1988, by far), and the Grammy Award as Album Of The Year – are just the tip of the Faith iceberg. Added to it are the album’s six top-charted singles: “I Want Your Sex,” “Faith,” “Father Figure,” “One More Try,””Monkey” and “Kissing A Fool..” Together, they maintained George Michael’s presence on the Hot 100 for a cumulative 85+ weeks, from 1987 to 1989. Written, produced and arranged entirely by George, Faith was a singular achievement that placed him at a level of royal stardom in the ’80s alongside Michael Jackson, Elton John, Paul McCartney and Madonna. Three new packages pay tribute to this landmark album, beginning with Faith: Deluxe Edition. This numbered, limited edition box set can be pre-ordered now, exclusively at GeorgeMichael.com
The finished package ships January 31, 2011, released by Epic/Legacy, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. The richly-designed Faith: Deluxe Edition 12″x12″ commemorative box set will contain several key components, starting with the remastered 10-song album on CD, another CD of remastered 7-inch and 12-inch singles and B-sides, and a 180-gram vinyl replica of the original LP. There will also be a DVD (running 100 minutes) featuring a BBC interview from 1987 with UK journalist Jonathan Ross; an EPK (electronic press kit) produced in 1988 by Epic Records; and all seven promotional videos (re-synched with the new remastered audio). Faith: Deluxe Edition is rounded out by a stunning 60-page hard-bound book which includes an exclusive interview with George by BBC Radio personality Mark Goodier, and an essay by Robbie Elson of Genesis Publications. The book also includes rare photos and memorabilia. A separate memorabilia envelope will contain five art prints, reproduction poster, tickets, and tour pass from the Faith tour. Two additional Faith packages will also be released. Faith: Special Edition will feature the two CDs and the DVD, as described above. A standard remastered double-CD edition will also be released. Both of these editions will be available at all retail outlets starting February 1, 2011. With his olive complexion and stubble-whiskered Olympian good looks (courtesy of his Greek heritage), the trademark crucifix earring, leather motorcycle jacket, and blue jeans – George Michael graduated from the duo known as Wham! to become an icon to tens of millions of fans around the world. Faith confirmed George’s status as a songwriter of outstanding ability and emotional depth. To date, over the course of his five studio albums and some 30-plus original single titles, George Michael has generated more than 200 million record sales. In addition to the Grammy for Album Of The Year, Faith won three American Music Awards: Favorite Album (Soul/R&B), Favorite Male Vocalist (Soul/R&B) and Favorite Male Vocalist (Pop/Rock). “Father Figure” took home an MTV Award for Best Direction.