Thursday, May 27
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) will reopen Broward County’s oldest movie theatre, The Gateway, on Memorial Day Weekend, following more than a year of being shuttered due to the pandemic. The reopening is just one month prior to the theater’s groundbreaking ceremony 71 years ago. FLIFF kicks-off the reopening today with writer/director John Krasinski’s Quiet Place II, the “nerve wracking” follow-up to the 2018 smash hit, A Quiet Place. On Friday, May 28th, FLIFF opens three additional films. Disney’s Cruella, the new live-action feature film with an all-star cast, directed by Craig Gillespie. Writer-director Danielle Lessowitz’s acclaimed debut feature Port Authority, and The Perfect Candidate – director Haifaa Al-Mansour’s “powerful parable of feminism” [Time Out]. Those who frequented the Gateway Theatre will also see the familiar face of George Kaspriske, as the manager of 19 years returns to his post.
The Miami Beach Botanical Garden presents the next concert in the Garden After Dark live music series, and that is Jody McDonald’s Stayin’ Alive Disco Dance Party at 6pm. An all-out, no holds barred, disco inferno extravaganza with DJ master and “Miami’s number one-man, behind the music,” Jody McDonald. Location: Banyan Terrace. Cost $25 non-members, $15 members. Tickets may be purchased by visiting: mbgarden.org.
Friday, May 28
The Pub presents Violinist extraordinaire Stephen Neil along with Nicolette from 6pm to 8pm. The show is followed by Velvet Lenore’s Fierce Friday’s show at 9:30pm and that’s followed by Kimberly Venom’s La Rumba show.
In celebration of the upcoming Pride Month, Nonesuch Records releases K.D. Lang’s Makeover, a new collection of classic dance remixes of some of her best-loved songs. The album brings these remixes, made between 1992 and 2000, together for the first time, and includes “Sexuality,” “Miss Chatelaine,” “Theme from the Valley of the Dolls,” “Summerfling,” and the #1 dance chart hits “Lifted By Love” and “If I Were You.”
Disney’s Cruella starring Emma Stone hits theaters.
Saturday, May 29
Widely recognized as “The Greatest Show Above the Earth” on the shores of Miami Beach, the National Salute to America’s Heroes: Presented by Hyundai featuring the Hyundai Air & Sea Show returns with new protocols dedicated to delivering a safe and comfortable event experience from today and tomorrow, with ALL-NEW reserved seating with Umbrella Club, Cabana Club and a sanctioned preferred viewing area. The Hyundai Air and Sea Show will look and feel different this year, but the commitment is unchanged – to bring back the true meaning and spirit of Memorial Day weekend and pay tribute to all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our freedom. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.USAsalute.com.
The Pub presents Electra in Saturday Night Fever from 9:30 to 11pm.
The Manor presents, as part of White Fort Lauderdale Festival, United, starring Celebrity Festival DJ Nina Flowers and Superstar festival DJ Alain Jackinsky along with Alan T performing “Crack That Fan” and celebrating Flavio’s birthday. In The Crystal Room Noche Latina Saturdays presents “Unidos” starring the talents of Miss Noche Latina 2020/21, Velvet LeNore, along with other special guests and sexy DJ Duniel spinning. Doors open at 10pm with FL Residents only $10 and non-residents $15. This is a 21 and over event.
Sunday, May 30
Gary Santis’ White Fort Lauderdale Festival Weekend resents the amin event, White Fort Lauderdale starring RuPaul’s Drag race All Star Miz Cracker with music by Grammy Award Nominees Rosabel, and a Versace Runway with historical pieces from Flavio’s private collection. Doors open at 10pm. Reduced general admission and VIP tickets are available online at Showclix.com/Event/White2021.
Come celebrate this year’s Pride live with The Lavender Effect Star-studded Live Virtual Pride Parade which will be broadcast on today at 3pm via YouTube.com/c/TheLavenderEffect. This year’s Virtual Pride Parade’s host will be Alec Mapa. The Virtual Pride Parade will benefit The Lavender Effect ‘s mission to Advance the Future of LGBTQ+ Heritage & Culture. The Lavender Effect has another stellar roster of some of the most well-known LGBTQ+ celebrities and allies, non-profits, and activists from around the globe, to help to bring the community together including: Lily Tomlin, Betty Buckley, Kathryn Hahn, Sally Kirkland, Alexandra Billings, Bruce Vilanch, Michael Musto, Jason Stuart, Drew Droege, Kay Sedia, Mel England, Charles Busch, and many more. For more information, please visit TheLavenderEffect.org.
If you missed Violinist Stephen Neil on Friday at The Pub, you can catch him today from 1 to 4pm for Brunch. Later that night catch, Joyful Noise Gospel from 6 to 8pm.
Tuesday, June 1
Moksha Indian Brasserie, East Fort Lauderdale’s boutique Indian restaurant offering a contemporary dining experience, will host philanthropic diners who wish to give back to Slow Burn Theatre Company during its “Dine & Give” evening tonight from 5 to 10 p.m. Moksha will donate 30 percent of the evening’s proceeds to the arts organization. This is the second installment of the “Dine & Give” benefit series designed to celebrate the restaurant’s second anniversary and commitment to the Fort Lauderdale community. The restaurant kicked-off it encore charitable series with a benefit for the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus on May 11 and will host a dinner for Leadership Broward Foundation on June 22. To make reservations for “Dine & Give” benefit nights at Moksha Indian Brasserie, call (954) 314-7349 or visit mokshaftl.com.
Winner of the 2020 Outshine Film Festival’s prestigious Programmers Award of Excellence, The Sound Of Identity is a groundbreaking feature documentary that Shout! Studios is proud to present on digital and on demand today. Profiling international Opera star Lucia Lucas’ historic performance at the Tulsa Opera, The Sound Of Identity lifts the curtain as she becomes the first known transgender woman to perform a principal role in Opera history. The Sound Of Identity captures Lucia Lucas on the cusp of international stardom, profiling the moment in an artist’s career when everything could fall apart or come together. Showcasing the collaborative process between Lucas and her mentor, prolific and renowned composer Tobias Picker, Mozart’s Don Giovanni comes to life as Lucas, a world-renowned baritone, takes the spotlight and all the pressures that come with it.
Wednesday, June 2
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts has launched Arts for Action to lift voices that are vital to the Broward community with an emphasis on how the arts and artists can be a force for change in addressing critical issues of social justice and racial inequality. Arts for Action: Black Voices will feature discussions, performances, and art-making events, both virtually and in person, and will culminate in an outdoor arts festival in Esplanade Park next year. The project will launch with Bridging the Gap today at 6:30 p.m., a moderated discussion featuring Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus, the acclaimed musicians known as Black Violin. Joined by Broadway actor and performance coach Syndee Winters, and Darius V. Daughtry, founder and artistic director of Art Prevails Project. The panel will be moderated by Neki Mohan, an adjunct professor at Barry University who served as a broadcast journalist at WPLG for 16 years. For more information or to register go to: BrowardCenter.org.
Friday, June 4
Island City Stage presents Bright Colors And Bold Patterns from today through June 20th. It’s celebration time in this hilarious one-man comedy as Josh and Brennan are about to get married in Palm Springs on a lovely Saturday afternoon. However, the night before becomes a drunken, drug-fueled riot, because their friend Gerry has arrived, furious that their invitation says, “Please refrain from wearing bright colors or bold patterns.” Whichever way you see him- as either your ideal or your worst nightmare wedding guest — Gerry is overwhelming in real life, but also a raucous delight. Tickets are $35 at Islandcitystage.org. Reserve your tickets by Monday May 31 and receive a 10% discount per ticket by using discount code: BCBPEB*
The Lake Worth Playhouse presents Hedwig and the Angry Inch from today until June 20. Brilliantly innovative, heartbreaking, and wickedly funny, Hedwig And The Angry Inch.\, is the landmark musical by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask that is “groundbreaking and undoubtedly ahead of its time” (Entertainment Weekly). This genre-bending, fourth-wall-smashing musical sensation, with a pulsing score and electrifying performances, tells the story of one of the most unique characters to ever hit the stage. Directed by Tony Award® winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening) and winner of four 2014 Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival, Hedwig And The Angry Inch played to record-breaking sell-out crowds on Broadway and promises to take North America by storm with what Time Magazine proclaims is “the most exciting rock score written for the theatre since, oh, ever!” Tickets Available Online at Lakeworthplayhouse.org/hedwig-and-the-angry-inch/ or by calling 561-586-6410.
Saturday, June 5
The Pub presents hostess Josh (Auntie Maim) hosting the s Queer Stand Up Comedy (first Sat of every Month) where you will laugh your ass off from 8-10 pm.
Monday, June 7
The Pub presents the 3rd anniversary of Stilettos.
Sara Bareilles Releases New Album
Grammy Award-winner, Tony and Emmy Award-nominated singer, songwriter, actress and author Sara Bareilles recently released her new album, Amidst the Chaos: Live from the Hollywood Bowl. Amidst the Chaos: Live from the Hollywood Bowl was recorded in November 2019 during her 28-city Amidst the Chaos tour. Guests on the album include T Bone Burnett, Emily King and The Milk Carton Kids as well as the Amidst the Chaos band including Charley Drayton, Solomon Dorsey, Rich Hinman, Butterfly Boucher, Misty Boyce, Maria Im and Melody Giron. You can purchase the album at: sarabareilles.lnk.to/AmidstTheChaos_HollywoodBowl
Freddie Mercury Novel
Universal Music Group, Z2 Comics and Mercury Songs Ltd announced the release of Freddie Mercury: Lover of Life, Singer of Songs, the first-ever graphic novel paying tribute to one of the greatest figures the music world has ever known. A first in the comics format, Freddie Mercury: Lover of Life, Singer of Songs will be a journey through Freddie’s life; from his childhood in Zanzibar and India’, through his formative years in England, to becoming the rock star, known and loved by millions around the globe. The story is told in his own words, with each chapter giving a glimpse into the many facets of his life. Written by Tres Dean (All Time Low Presents: Young Renegades), the graphic novel will give true insight into the many experiences that helped shape the young Farrokh Bulsara and his compelling existence, both on and off stage—that was the life of Freddie Mercury, Lover of Life, Singer of Songs. For more information, or to purchase, go to: https://z2comics.com/collections/shop/products/freddie-mercury-lover-of-life-singer-of-songs-graphic-novel-vinyl
