Friday February 18
From today until February 27, New England’s #1 live singing Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand impersonators, Summer Orlando and Tony Di Pietro, make their return to Empire Stage (1140 N. Flagler DR. Ft. Lauderdale) with this fully scripted 90 minute all live singing cabaret stage show. Summer and Babs have performed to sold out audiences all over New England, NYC, and Florida from theater venues all the way to restaurants and now are going on the road all across the US. Tickets are $35, but you can get a 20% discount by using the code “Empire” at empirestage.com.
Bring your pack of dog lovers to FLIFF’s Gateway Cinema (1820 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale) for the opening weekend of the “ultimutt” new comedy, road trip movie, DOG, starring Channing Tatum and a Belgian Malinois named Lulu. The film opens today, and on Sunday, Feb. 20, from 12:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m., you could meet your new best friend when you join Abandoned Pet Rescue for the movie and pet adoption day at Gateway Cinema. Army Ranger Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois dog) buckle into a 1984 Ford Bronco and race down the Pacific Coast in hopes of making it to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time. Along the way, they’ll drive each other completely crazy, break a small handful of laws, narrowly evade death, and learn to let down their guards in order to have a fighting chance of finding happiness. Fetch more details, and advance tickets at FLIFF.com/Gateway.
Critically acclaimed actor Ronnie Marmo, with the blessings of Kitty Bruce (daughter of the late Lenny Bruce), along with the Lenny Bruce Foundation, are thrilled to present “I’m Not A Comedian… I’m Lenny Bruce.” Directed by Joe Mantegna, the theatrical event makes its Florida premiere at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts for a limited engagement run through February 20. Tickets are on sale now at LennyBruceOnStage.com.
Saturday, February 19
Gay Ocho (Gay8) is back, and they have expanded to two days. Today it will be from 6-10pm and tomorrow, Sunday, February 20 is from 11am to 10pm on Calle Ocho in Little Havana. Gay 8 features live music, local vendors, dancers, DJ, Drag Queens, The Macho stage, and lots of entertainment. The event is free and open to everyone, but there is a $150 VIP option that features an air-conditioned tent, open bar, and bites. For more info, or to purchase VIP tickets, go to: Gay8festival.com.
Latino’s Salud annual gala goes Al Fresco and splits over 2 days for greater Covid protection. Tonight, it’s from 7-10pm and tomorrow, Sunday, Feb 20 it’s from 10:30am to 1:30pm. For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to: LatinosSalud.org/gala.
Noche Latina Saturdays at the Manor Complex celebrates the birthday of Oscar Novva. The night will also star, direct from Orlando, Onix Mendoza, resident DJ Duniel and sexy Go-Go Papi’s. Doors open at 11pm and admission is only $5 until midnight for FL Residents. $10 for Res from midnight to 1am and $15 thereafter. Non-FL resident are $15 all night. 21 and over!
Boynton Beach Art District HeArt Walk (410 West Industrial Ave.) is sponsored by Art Synergy, and The Box Gallery featuring live dance performance, open studios, music, fun, food and more from 6-9pm. For more information email: BoytonBeachArtDistrict@gmail.com.
LIT Wilton Manors celebrates Mardi Gras with a New Ownership Party. Free food by Chef Victor Lords for people in costumes and that buy a 2-drink minimum.
The Eagle Wilton Manors presents Mr. Florida Rubber from 7-9pm. No cover for this event. Afterwards, they present their “Full Moon Party” starring DJ S-Dot where the invite you to celebrate the darkness in the light of the moon. $10 cover after 9pm.
Art Walk Wilton Manors: 6 – 9 pm.
Hotspots! Art Gallery with Dennis Dean Artists’ Showcase: 9 – 11 pm.
Sunday, February 20
LeBoy presents Mardi Gras night with beads and boys. Free buffet by Chef Victor Lords for people in costumes and that buy a 2-drink minimum.
Monday, February 21
The 18th Annual Miss and Mr. Noche Latina Pageant (Official Preliminaries to the Florida F.I. And M.E. Pageantry Systems) takes place today at Lips – Fort Lauderdale with the theme of “Burlesque”. The night will star Velvet Lenore and Hamed Novva (Miss & Mr. Noche Latina 2020) as well as Melony Munro, and Gutavo Rodriguez Cruz (Miss, and Mr. Florida 2021/22), as well as plenty of the Noche Latina formers. Categories for Competition are Evening Gown/Wear, Swimsuit, Talent and Q&A. Doors open at 8pm and the pageant starts promptly at 9pm with general admission in advance is $20 (includes a seat) and VIP seats $30 (best seats in the place)! For more information, to order tickets, or to sponsor pageant call 954-478-4587.
Tuesday, February 22
Join the Bears of South Florida on at 6:30pm at Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Pompano Beach (1299 S. Federal Hwy.) for a four-course meal paired with wine. The menu is as follows: Bruchetta Scotty Thompson, Italian Salad, Chicken Bryan with Penne Pomodoro, and John Cole (Vanilla Ice Cream with Caramel and Cinnamon Rum Roasted Pecans). Enjoy some of Carrabba’s favorite dishes and learn how the wines were paired with each dish, while socializing with your fellow Bears. The price is $55 per person (at Eventbrite) and does not include gratuities. They will have a “Bears only” section of the dining room. A free raffle with a range of prizes from the restaurant will follow the meal.
Thursday, February 24
Business for the Arts Broward’s, Arts Mean Business Speaker Series, continues in February with a live presentation and Q&A with renowned artist, businessman and jewelry designer Zameer Kassam from 6 to 7:30pm. Hosted by General Provision Downtown, the event takes place at 300 SW 1st Ave., Suite 155 in Fort Lauderdale and is presented by the Community Foundation of Broward James and Cathy Donnelly Family Fund and the Castle Group. Participants who wish to attend the event must email their RSVP to rvegas@bfabroward.org by Wednesday, February 23.
Friday, February 25
Grammy, Tony and Emmy award-winning recording artist and songwriter Ben Platt will bring “The Reverie Tour” to Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood on at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at myhrl.com. Doors open one hour prior to show time.
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami Dade County is pleased to announce the return of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to the Ziff Ballet Opera House stage today and tomorrow. The much-anticipated homecoming engagement celebrates Miami’s own Robert Battle on a decade as Artistic Director and Ailey Resident Choreographer Jamar Roberts in a farewell appearance, along with the 50th anniversary of Alvin Ailey’s Cry. Known for bringing audiences to their feet, Ailey’s extraordinary dancers will perform new and classic works with their trademark technical brilliance and passionate artistry. Tickets may be purchased at the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling (305) 949-6722, or online at Arshtcenter.org.
Saturday, February 26
Hamburger Mary’s Wilton Manors presents 80’s Teen Icon and vocalist “TIFFANY” performing live. Seating is 7pm with showtime at 8pm. Tickets on sale at Eventbrite.com, keywords Tiffany and Hamburger Mary’s or you can scan the QR code in their ad in this mag.
The Key West Business Guild’s Fundraising 38th Annual Headdress Ball, after a two-year’s absence due to the pandemic, returns as a special Mardi Gras Edition at 8pm at the Coffee Butler amphitheater. Seating for the tables and General Admission has been distance spread out this year. First Place prize is $3,000; Second Place is $1000, and Third Place is $ 500 for the best Headdresses, judged from the shoulders up. Eight great talent acts by Key West performers will also be featured. Laurie Thibaud of Aqua Idol fame will be the emcee. Christopher Peterson opens the show and there will be a special act by the Aquanettes. Proceeds from the Headdress Ball go to promote LBGTQ+ Tourism to Key West. Following the show, there will be a special Happy Hour Disco Dance at the Aqua Sidebar.
The Eagle Wilton Manors presents a Mardi Gras Extravaganza with free beads, hot dancers and starring DJ Dan Deleon. $15 cover all night.
The Lambda Brotherhood presents their spring kickoff pool party at Inn Leather from 12-5pm. The $25 admission includes food.
Sunday, February 27
Starting today through through October 2, 2022, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale will present Confrontation: Keith Haring & Pierre Alechinsky, the first exhibition dedicated to exploring the historic and visual intersections between American street artist and art activist Keith Haring (1958-1990) and virtuosic Belgian painter, Pierre Alechinsky (b. 1927), the last surviving member of the European avant-garde art movement, CoBrA.
Hotspots Magazine and Happening Out TV present Pride Skate which this month celebrates “Mardi Gras” at Xtreme Action Park from 7-10pm. Pride Skate, which takes place the first Wednesday of every month is a fundraiser for Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade and street festival. The event features DJ T-Pro mix, divas Velvet Lenore and Rianna Petrone, skating, and a full liquor bar. For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to: Xtremeactionpark.com/stonewall-pride-skate-nights.
