Freedom Tower 

Last Wednesday, David M. Childs, Lead Architect from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill described the features and layout of NY’s Freedom Tower.  The specifics are:  187-foot bomb-resistant concrete base, 102 stories, and a 404-foot antenna that will combine and be a historic and symbolic 1,776 feet.  It will be an obelisk on which the corners are both tapered and chamfered, or cut away diagonally.  Now, halfway up the building, the floor plan will be a perfect octagon.  The outside will be made of prismatic glass that not only will attract and deflect light but is laminated safety glass and instead of sharding and falling it would pulverize and then fall to the ground.  All in all, this will be the tallest building in the United States.  

Phoenix Rising 

Out of two tremendous tragedies comes great creativity comes something wonderful.  Almost five years ago we lost many people and learned the lives of everyone involved in September 11^th’s World Trade Center attacks.  Also, about a year ago, we survived another great tragedy—Hurricane Katrina.   With steel salvaged from the World Trade Center site the US Navy is fashioning the newest warship—The New York.  Three hundred of the 5,500 shipbuilders in New Orleans survived the hurricane but have lost everything and live in barracks in the shipyard.  The New York will be 684 feet long and 105 feet wide and contains 10 tons of WTC steel at the bow.  This will be the fifth in its class of warships that will specialize in supporting amphibious assaults by delivering helicopters and about 800 Marines into combat.  Future ships will also honor terror attacks by being named Arlington [VA] and Sommerset [PA]—locations of the other two plane crashes.  The ship’s motto is haunting:  Never Forget.

Local Theatre Buzz

The Last Hairdresser, July 14^th – Aug 20^th  

The Last Hairdresser a Rising Action Theatre Company production by David Goldyn, Artistic Director will premier Friday July 15^th at Boom nightclub in Wilton Manors.  David’s previous production, Southern Baptist Sissies was amazing and intricate that made you laugh until it hurt.  Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30pm.  Tickets are $25 with group rates available and are available at Gaymart, right next to Boom.  For further information, call 954*567-8550.  To read my review of Southern Baptist Sissies Click Here.

Aperitifs at ArtServe 

The Edge Theatre presents Aperitifs, three great gay plays by two superb gay playwrights.  The plays performed are:  Edward Albee’s Zoo Story and Fam and Yam, and Robert Patrick’s One of Those People and star Jerry Jensen and Nick Velkov and is Directed by Jim Tommaney.  It runs July 7^th thru the 9^th, 14^th thru the 16^th at ArtServe, which is located at 1300 East Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale.  Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 for Students and Senior.  Call 786*355-0976 for reservations. 

Mass Appeal at Sol Theatre

This is a humorous and bittersweet journey of friendship between two seemingly opposite men teaches them both about courage, commitment, personal ideals, and the infinite varieties of love.  If you saw their last The Mystery of Irma Vep you will be pleased to know that Jim Gibbons plays Father Tim Farley.  For more information go to www.soltheatre.com and the Sol Theatre Project is located at 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale.

Click Here to read Stephen's review.

Beehive Found at Stage Door Theatre thru July 30th 

Beehive, the 60’s musical sensation, will be at The Stage Door Theatre May 26^th thru June 25^th with big hair and bigger hits. 

The Stage Door Theatre is located on 26^th right across from Wilton Station in the Old Florida Seafood House Plaza.  For times and tickets, call 954*344-7765.

Click Here to read Stephen's review. 

Calling All Actors

Sol Theatre Presents Julie Johnson 

The Sol Theatre Project is casting for their next production, Julie Johnson by Wendy Hammond.  They need two awesomely talented teens to play the kids of Julie Johnson, a Hoboken, NJ housewife who has decided to leave her abusive husband and enrich her life through education and self-fulfillment.  They also need a middle-aged male.  The kids are street smart and are often foul-mouthed on their journey to enlightenment. 

For more information call Robert at The Sol Theatre Project at 954-525-6555 or email him at sol_theatre@bellsouth.net for an audition appointment.  The play will go into rehearsal immediately and will depend upon schedules.  The show will preview July 28^th so all lines must be learned immediately and a 100% commitment. 

Things on Display

West Palm Summer Sculpture Show 

Eaton Fine Art will be featuring works by Alexander Calder, Dale Hihuly/Dennis Oppenheim, Patrick Ireland, Mark di Suvero, and many others in their North and South Galleries.  This exhibit runs all summer long from 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday.  The Eaton Fine Art Gallery is located at 435 Gardenia Street, West Palm Beach.  Call 561*833-4766 for further information or contact them at www.eatonart.net. 

Timothy Leistner is at Art Expressions

Photographs by Timothy Leistner will be shown at Art Expressions Gallery opening July 8^th and will run through the 29^th with an opening reception at 7pm the 8^th.  The Gallery is located at 1212 NE Fourth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.  For more information, call them at 954527-7700.

Photo by Pompano Bill.

Stonewall has Pride:  Party or Protest

Do you know how the myriad of Gay Pride celebrations across the nation started, or when the first Gay Pride in South Florida took place? Do you know why there are two Pride celebrations in Ft. Lauderdale each year?  The answers can be found in an insightful new exhibit, PRIDE: Party or Protest? opening on Saturday, June 17, 2006 at the Stonewall Library and Archives, 1717 North Andrews Ave, in Ft. Lauderdale. Hours are 11am to 9pm Monday through Friday; Saturday Noon to 3pm.  

United & Proud Exhibit

The 2006 United & Proud Exhibit will opened June 7^th at the Gallery Six in the Broward County Main Library on 100 South Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale.  United & Proud will feature over 50 artists and will include: paintings, watercolors, photography, mixed media, and three-dimensional works.  South Florida’s Lambda Chorale’s Tropic Harmony performed.  For more information, call 954*530-2723 or to find out more about ArtsUnited go to www.artsunitedonline.org. 

Queens & Kings, Until July 17^th 

June is Gay Pride Month.  Art Center South Florida is hosting an exhibit of gay iconography through:  photographs, paintings, and a variety of different mediums.  This will be on exhibit through July 17^th at the Miami Beach City Hall Public Gallery, 4^th Floor, at 1700 Convention Center Drive.  For further information call 305*674-8278 or 305*538-7887. 

ARTe ABSTRACTo, May 27^th thru June 29^th 

Art Expression Gallery is hosting an ARTe ABSTRACTo exhibit and there will be an opening reception at 7pm Saturday, May 27^th at the gallery that is located at 1212 NE Fourth Ave, Ft. Lauderdale.  For further information call 954*527-7770.   

Titanic:  The Artifact Exhibit, Until October

This exhibit chronicles the journey of RMS Titanic from its design and construction through its fateful maiden voyage and sinking, to the scientific recovery efforts.   

The Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium is located on 3280 South Miami Avenue, Miami.  You can contact them at 305*646-4200 or www.miamisci.org. 

Coming to Town

Please note: we have organized this by date of appearance. New additions this week are highlighted in Bold Red.

KC’s Boogie Blast, Sunday, July 9^th 

If you loved the 70’s, prepare yourself…they are doing a “Boogie Blast” featuring KC & the Sunshine Band, Gloria Gaynor, and Sister Sledge.  This will be the ultimate dance party so brush off your platforms and get out your pic to tease your fro.  This will take place Sunday, July 9^th at the Sound Advice Amphitheatre and you can purchase tickets at www.ticketmaster.com. 

Jersey Boys are Back!

Yes, we all survived the BIG HAIR of the 80’s.  If you know that “You Give Love a Bad Name” and feel like you are “Living on a Prayer”—yes Virginia, there is a Bon Jovi!  All four members (John Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Tico Torres, and David Bryan) will be onstage at Hard Rock Live July 10^th  at 8pm.  Tickets are now on sale.   

For further information, call 954*523-3309, www.ticketmaster.com, or stop by the Hard Rock Live Box Office—they are open from noon to 7pm daily.

The Queen of Miami, July 15 

The undisputed Queen of Miami, Gloria Estefan, along with her band the Miami Sound Machine, will be at the American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, Saturday, July 15^th at 10pm.  Tickets are $30-$85 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com. 

Hide Your Fur, July 24^th 

Pink will be performing her latest songs at Revolution, 200 W Broward Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale Monday, July 24.  Tickets are $25 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com. 

Mimi Does Miami, Aug 5^th 

Mariah Carey will be launching The Adventures of Mimi, her first US tour since 2003, Saturday, August 5^th at the American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami.  Tickets range from $19.50 to $129.50 and go on sale Friday, June 2^nd.  Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or 305*358-5885. 

Calling All Azzmastahs, Friday, August 11^th 

The one and only Margaret Cho will be in concert Friday, August 11^th at 8:30pm at the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, FL.  LISP, the greatest gay rapper in the world, will be her Special Guest.  Tickets go on sale THIS FRIDAY [June 2^nd] at 10am so call the Ticket Office at 321*242-2219 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Melissa Etheridge Live Saturday, August 19^th  8pm 

New Greatest Hits CD “The Road Less Traveled” in stores now!

Tickets available at Ticketmaster locations or you can charge by phone:  305-358-5885 / 954-523-3309 / 561-966-3309 or www.ticketmaster.com. 

Mizner Park Amphitheater is in Boca Raton and this is a Fantasma Productions Concert Event.  For further information go to www.fantasma.com or www.melissaetheridge.com

Mary J. Blige, Aug 25^th 

Mary J Blige will be in concert Friday, August 25^th at the Bank Atlantic Center at 2555 Panther Parkway in Sunrise.  Her special guest will be Jaheim and will be singing all her greats—hopefully my favorite song Ain’t Gonna Cry from Waiting to Exhale, and anyone that knows me, knows how MUCH I love that song!  For futher Information go to www.ticketmaster.com. 

Her Hips Don’t Lie, Sep 16^th 

Shakira and Wyclef have added a second show 7:30pm on September 16^th at the American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami.  Tickets are $19.50-$87 and you can get them through www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 786*777-1250. For more info about Shakira: www.shakiraheaven.com

The Chicks Will be in Town, Oct 7^th 

I’m Verklemnpt, October 28^th

Yes, the legendary Barbara Streisand will be performing Saturday, October 28^th at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sawgrass and will be having special guest Il Divo perform with her. Tickets are priced starting at $100 to $750 and VIP packages up to $1,800.  Much of the proceeds go to charities, one of which being The Streisand Foundation, which expects to raise millions from this tour.  Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com.    

Time for The Gay Games 

As you may well know, the Gay Games will be held in Chicago this July from the 15^th-22^nd.  In an attempt to aid whomever may go to support our people, I will be posting weekly things of interest you may or may not know about The Games or events going on in and around Chicago.  

Aside from being the home of one of the tallest buildings on earth, the streets of Chicago are also home to one of the largest collections of modern sculpture in the world. Chicago prides itself on everything modern. Glass, steel and yes, sculpture are always included in the design of anything new in Chicago.

Among the many sculptures, you will find works by Picasso, Miro, Dubuffet, Chagall, and of course the icon of all modern sculpture "The Flamingo" by Alexander Calder. Seeing a photo of this sculpture is all you need to immediately recognize it's location, Chicago.

No trip to Chicago is complete without a stroll through Millennium Park, home of the latest addition to the world famous collection of  sculpture, Cloud Gate, commonly and lovingly referred to as "The Bean". That great big bean magnificently reflects you and one of the most amazing and instantly recognizable skylines in the world. This park also holds many other surprises including an outdoor amphitheatre designed by Frank Ghery and the Crown Fountain with its' two opposing 50 foot high glass block fountains with water cascading out over them and entertaining human images that change. The fountain was the idea of a genius, the Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa.

I highly recommend packing a lunch, strolling the streets of the Loop and hanging out in Millennium park for an incredible and free, afternoon of people watching.

Photos courtesy of Mark Haines and Anne Evans

Museum of the Week

Betsy Ross House 

With the nations birthday being today and celebrated all this past weekend, I figured that it would be most appropriate to find a suitable historic museum.  With that being said, The Betsy Ross House is a definite stop amongst all sites within Philadelphia.  Famed for being the designer of the first American flag after being visited by George Washington in 1776, her house is a testament to what life was like in the 18^th Century.  They offer visitors daily routines with such things as:  spinning wool, craft making, swordplay, and storytelling.  For further information call them at 215*686-1252 or visit them on the web at www.betsyrosshouse.org. 

Tibet By Train 

Saturday marked the launching of the Beijing-Lhasa Express, China’s highest railway system.  This $4.2 billion railway is an engineering marvel that passes 16,500 feet.  The 48-hour, 2,500-mile journey goes from China’s capital Beijing to the Tibetan capital Lhasa.  The train cars are specially designed and equipped for the journey with double-paned windows to protect against high-altitude ultraviolet radiation and when needed they are pumped with pure oxygen.  The Beijing-Lhasa Express crosses the Tanggula Pass at 16,737 feet, which is the highest point of any railway in the world.  Be forewarned, before embarking on this historic train ride, passengers have to sign health and legal documents saying they understand the risks of traveling at high altitudes and that you do not suffer from heart disease or any other disease associated with altitude sickness.   

Lhasa, Tibet’s capital and holiest city is at 12,000 feet in the Himalayas and has long been isolated by mountain ranges and altitude and is the last region of China to be connected by train.  Imagine the wealth of knowledge and culture we can exchange with just this simple system.  With such local and international companies such as Dynasties of Asia, Inc. who deal with ancient collections from various regions, expect to see more and more culture being exchanged. 

Godspeed At South Street Seaport 

A replica of the famed Godspeed pulled into New York’s South Street Seaport Monday as part of the 400^th anniversary commemoration of the nation’s first permanent English settlement in Jamestown, VA.  This 88 foot, three mast square rigger is a new replica of the original that carried 39 settlers and crew of 13 for four months to Virginia in 1607.  This new Godspeed is visiting cities that were among the nation’s earliest settlements and will be open for public tours until July 6^th at Pier 16, all for free.  After New York, it will go on to Boston, Newport, RI and then return to Jamestown.

Patti LuPone is Making Some Pies 

Patti LuPone, noted gay theatre icon for playing such roles as Evita Perone in Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita has teamed up with Michael Cerveris and make some gruesome pies in Sweeney Todd.  The show, which opened in the fall, was nominated for six Tonys and will run through Thanksgiving.  Pie anyone?

Try Bathing Jeff in SoHo 

While in NY’s trendy SoHo district check out Patrick Corbin’s Bathing Jeff, Part 1 which is a powerful piece about the death of his friend and dancer, Jeff Wadlington from AIDS in 1994.  This chronicles, through poetry and dance, the lives of his fellow Paul Taylor dancers as they all gather in New Mexico with his partner and family during his last days.  This is important since this year marks the 25^th anniversary of the first evidence of AIDS and is Gay Pride Month.  Mr. Corbin himself sits at the side of the stage and reads from his own personal journals of this time and describes helping wash Mr. Wadlington’s body just after death—the center of this piece.  

25 Years of Memories  

The Broward Center will be hosting the 25^th anniversary tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats for seven performances from August 2^nd through the 6^th.  Tickets are $20-$58 and can be purchased at either 954*462-0222 or www.ticketmaster.com or www.browardcenter.org.   

Local and International Summer Festivals

After some rearrangement and sponsorship guarantees, Berlin’s Love Parade will kick off on July 15^th in Berlin.  Euro Club Kids of all sizes shapes and colors will be on hand partying the day and night away.  World Class DJs such as Tiesto and Paul Van Dyk will be spinning all the hottest mixes your ears can handle and with 40 DJ floats alone, your eyes will get pleasure too.  The parade and for those that make it through the parade will fill the Victory Column with trance fueled electronic music.  Free for all in the area so pack your bags and definitely bring your camera!  For more information go to www.loveparade.net.    

Serbia & Montenegro 

Exit Music Festival, which started out as a political statement, now is one of Europe’s hottest music festival and will be held inside a Napoleonic fortress in Danube and will feature sets from:  Morrissey, Pet Shop Boys, The Cardigans, and Kelis.  Also, spinning will be:  Derrick May, Layo and Bushwacka, and Steve Lawler while Suzanne Vega and Junkie XL will be performing on the Fusion stage.  The Petrovardadin Fortress holds 18 performance areas so there’s room for diversity.  You can camp out from July 4^th thru the 10^th for $19 and the $86 tickets are good for all four days of the festival.  For more information go to www.eng.exitfest.org. 

Life Saving Cell Phones 

Over in South Korea, LG Electronics have created a new cell phone that will keep you alive and well, and still liked by your friends and family.  The LP4100 incorporates a real Breathalyzer test into their design.  The Breath Sensor determines if your Blood Alcohol Content is over the .08 limit and if not—the phone’s screen shows a swerving and crashing car.  This phone also helps by turning off certain selected numbers after a specific time of day—hopefully preventing Drunk Dialing.  I don’t know about you but both of my Work Wives—Katy and Lindsay, love to do that.  Since it’s release, the LP4100 has sold more than 200,000 units in South Korea.   They’re building bridges and saving lives—even if it’s only your social life.

Last Years Elvis to be Next Year’s Henry VIII 

Fans of this year’s miniseries Elizabeth on HBO will not have to wait much longer for Showtime is now filming The Tudors with Jonathan Rhys Meyers as King Henry VIII.  Jonathan played Elvis last year for CBS and has begun shooting for The Tudors, which is slated to air early 2007.  This will be a younger and sexier version of the story of the early 1500’s King of England.  There promises to be plenty of beheadings and sex in the 10-episode mini-series.  Showtime President Robert Geenblatt says, “…it’s the greatest soap opera never told.”  The Tudors will also star:  Sam Neill, Jeremy Northam, and Gabrielle Anwar. 

Book News

Dictator ≠ Style

This is another case of Too Much Money & Nothing Better To Do With It.  Famous people of power have been showcased in Peter York’s Dictator Style:  Lifestyles of the World’s Most Colorful Despots.  He features such homes as Saddam, which had a collection of sci-fi nudes that were unparalleled and disturbingly awful.   How about a 20-foot mural of yourself emerging from the ocean?  (Imelda Marcos)  What about noted germaphobe, Nicolae Ceausescu, Romania’s leader who also loved tubs with octopus-like hoses?  These places are to be remarked upon, and to be asked, as a decorator, What can money really buy?

Home Décor

Make Your Pool a Showcase 

This is summer.  This is Southern Florida.  For the most part, those of us with pools love our pools.  So why not show them off when not in use?  Why not make our friends, relatives, and neighbors go ohhhhhhh...?  Would it not be fabulous to hold a dinnertime cocktail party outside by your pool?  Why not when you can make a splash with a water fountain?  At www.frontgate.com you can get a simple three tier pool fountain for $35 and can spray up to 15’ in any direction or at www.calpump.com you can get their Splash Dance interactive water-dancing fountain system for $219 - $519 which will display colorful preprogrammed movements with any electronic audio system’s music.  Now that’s a cocktail party

So Now You Have a Flat Screen 

With changing times comes change from all aspects.  I bet the boys over at Samsung never thought that most people buying their plasma televisions would eventually have to buy new furniture to display them.  Nowadays, electronic equipment is sleeker and slimmer and with the price tag—needs to be displayed.  Gone are the days of the 64” televisions and their 7’ armoires to hide them.  Now, with plasma, DLP, and LCD units dropping in prices, some to as little as $1,000, and some as thin as 4”, normal or conventional cabinetry does not sustain the level of utility.  Sure, you can hang a flat-screen on a wall, but you have to A. hire a contractor to locate studs in the wall, B. hire an electrician for the wiring, C. find somewhere to put your VCR, DVD, Direct TV box…etc.