Be Hobo Chic This Friday! 

There’s nothing to be ashamed about, this Friday, September 15^th, The Naked Grape will host its first Brown Bag Wine Tasting.  On hand will be four reds, four whites—but they are not telling you what they are!  The idea is that you, with a scorecard, try to identify the grape varietal, the region, and producer of the wines.  Only at the end will the truth be told and information revealed with prizes awarded at three levels based on scores.  This is a great way to expand your wine knowledge and tasting palate while playing a sophisticated drinking game with friends.  Tickets are $10 in advance and are non-refundable and can be purchased by phone at 954*563-5631 or stopping by in person at their store at 2039 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.  Any available tickets at the door will be $15 and there will be special event prices on featured wines.   

Also this week, on Wednesday, September 13^th, it is Movie Night and will be featuring Valley of the Dolls and featuring Columbia Valley Merlot & Rose.  Catch them on Thursday for Flight Night where you can try four different wines of one varietal for $10.  This week they are featuring Cabernet Sauvignon’s from California, France, Chile, and South Africa.   

Red Carpets & Other Banana Skins 

Proud Out & Proud actor Rupert Everett has finished and is debuting his autobiography Red Carpets & Other Banana Skins Monday, September 18^th and seems like an almost catty tell-all about the entertainment world.  He also tells how it is hard for an Out actor or actress to get the good roles because Middle America will not believe a gay actor to play straight.  He will discuss his friendships with certain stars such as:  Sharon Stone, Julia Roberts, and The Madonna—and how she has lost her Inner Circle of gay men due to husband Guy Ritchie. 

What To Do When They’re Gone 

I will never forget the ending scene of St. Elmo’s Fire where Demi Moore’s character is having a nervous breakdown over her life and what to do with her evil stepmother and contemplates a Pet Cemetery.    If you are like me and want to be cremated, you wonder what are the options for my remains.  Well, you don’t have to worry no more—Memory Glass is an option.  Memory Glass is a personalized, hand-blown glass sculpture within which some of the cremated remains are suspended.  Streaks of pure white ash will be seen through the crystal clear glass—immortalizing your loved one in art.  Since only a small amount of ash is used, it is ideal for multiple items or in conjunction with scatterings, urns, and burials.  They are available in two different styles, one as a desk ball in either a 3”-5”/2-4lb or a 2”-3”/1-2lb, or Pendant to wear as a necklace, or hang from anything—displaying them wherever they may be.  To see all the colors and creativity available, check them out at www.memoryglass.com.   

Knickers for Sale! 

Fans of the movie adaptation of the Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary will have the chance to bid on a pair of large, white Granny Panties worn by Renée Zellweger. They will be auctioned off in London to raise money for Britain’s Royal Parks Foundation and are signed by both Zellweger and Hugh Grant, are the ones in the scene where upon discovering them he yells, “Helol, mummy!” 

Celebration Sept 16^th 

On Saturday, September 16^th, the South Florida Lambda Chorale will be performing a concert at the Amaturo Theatre.  The concert, named Celebration will feature great music from such well known shows as Sound of Music, Rent, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, and Avenue Q.  Tickets are $25-40 and you can purchase them at www.browardcenter.org or the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office at 954*462-0222 or the South Florida Lambda Chorale at 866*937-4644. 

Local Theatre Buzz

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

Miss Vanilla & The Hustler, Through Sept 24^th 

The Hollywood Regional Center for the Arts (formerly the Hollywood Blvd Theatre) is proud to present Miss Vanilla & The Hustler by Bill Spring.  This is a hilarious personal journey through time that cannot be missed!  Catch it at Art Serve at 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale, tickets are $20 so call 954*927-1778 for Showtimes, reservations, and group discounts. 

Cole Porter, Through Sept 17^th 

Catch this snazzy musical review of Ben Bagley’s The Decline and Fall of the Entire World as Seen through the Eyes of Cole Porter at Boca Raton’s Professional Theater.  The Caldwell Theatre Company is performing this revue now through September 17^th.  Tickets are available at www.caldwelltheatre.com or at  877*245-7432 and the Professional Theater is located at 7873 N Federal Highway in Boca Raton.

Pillowman through September 17th

This is a queasy mystery-horror story about a geek who writes murder stories.  He is being interrogated by hard-bitten detectives who think he is not making up his stories.  This play is at GableStage in Coral Gables’s Biltmore Hotel.  For more information, call 305*445-1119.

Last Weekend! Help Save Julie Johnson! 

What happens when an uneducated housewife and mother of two reaches the end of he rope with both a bad marriage and personal shortcomings?  Find out now at the Sol Theatre Project which is located at 1140 North Flagler Drive, which is down the street from Bill’s Filling Station and just north of Sunrise Blvd.  For questions, times, and prices call them at 954-525-6555 or email them at sol_theatre@bellsouth.net. 

Julie Johnson is proudly sponsored by New Moon Café where, with every ticket purchased, you get a free drink!  The play now runs through Sunday September 17^rd. 

Sol Theater's Julie Johnson Is true change possible?  No, seriously, can someone who has been molded into one Class, with traits of one sub-Class—through hard work, determination, and passion, truly achieve a different level in life?  Is that just a Fairy Tail story told by the disenfranchised? The answer is no.  People can do amazing things.  Take for example the mother who lifts up a car to get her baby out from underneath, or how about the Savant that can play Mozart without ever taking a lesson?  People are amazing.  One fine example of that would be Julie Johnson.  Click Here to continue reading.

Beehive Found at Stage Door Theatre Held Over through September 17th!!!

It was brought to my attention that all of the costumes for Beehive were done by the one and only Maria from Zoo 14 on Wilton Drive.  A local fashion legend in our community, she has helped dress many figures—both male and female into one-of-a-kind creations.  This play is a definite Fashion Must-See to reminisce about and era that brought about social change, creativity, and freedom. 

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. 

For Three Days You Can Light My Candle

Tickets are now on sale for Rent which will be at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts September 14^th thru 17^th.  Tickets are available at the theater Box Office and at www.ticketmaster.com .  You can also check out other shows at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com  or at www.browardcenter.org . 

On Display

Masters of Latin Art 

At the Boca Raton Museum of Art, now through November 26^th, they are featuring a collection called Masters of Latin America:  From the Joan and Milton Bagley Collection that contains more than 60 paintings and sculptures never before exhibited by many of the most important Latin American artists of the last century.  The Boca Raton Museum of Art is located at 501 Plaza Real in Mizner Park.  You can go to www.bocamuseum.org or call them at 561*392-2500 for further information. 

Karen Lee Myers is at Storks Wilton Manors!

Karen Lee Myers, local artist and photographer, is now on display at Storks Wilton Manors in conjunction with ArtsUnited featured artist.  Now through September 30^th, come in and check out her works featuring Buddhas, flowers, and nature.  As a self-practicing Buddhist, she enjoys crating prints with mindful moments in time of images that are natural and some that are digitally enhanced.  I first saw a piece of hers, Silent Thoughts, I said, When I looked at it I heard Buddhist bells chime.  If I owned it I would probably smile and take a second and relax, before continuing with my hectic life.  I want to see what other pieces she has, if they are all spiritual in nature, Eastern Philosophy based, shadowboxes, whatever have you.  I want to see more.  Well, I did.  You can check out more of her work at her website www.artinabox.com which gives examples of her work as well as ways to purchase them.  If you yourself are an artist and have enough pieces to cover some walls, contact Chuck at www.artsunitedonline.com or at 954*530-2723 and tell him I sent you. 

Bank Atlantic Loves the Arts 

As I have reported earlier this summer, Bank Atlantic has teamed up with the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale to give free admission all summer long.  Well, they have decided to extend it until November 1^st!    Currently on display, they have William Glackens who was one of the most influential American painters of the first decades of the 20^th Century. 

Metro Pictures: Part 2 through September 17th

You may be wondering if this show has to deal with the Metro Golden Mayer Production Company…no.  Metro Pictures “refers to snapshots of the city” and that the works “define, interpret and/or reject the city.”  This show is wide open to interpretation and includes stuff like a set of musical vests that “only when two participants wear them…do the sculptures emit sound.”  The exhibit is on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art until September 17^th.  The Museum is located at 770 NE 125^th Street in North Miami.  You can either call 305*893-6211 or visit them on the web at www.mocanomi.org for further information.

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. 

Sushi & Stroll at Morikami 

This Friday, September 15^th marks the Morikami’s Sushi & Stroll Summer Walk.  The walk begins at 5:30pm and goes to about 8:30pm.  This is a perfect opportunity to visit and view the Morikami’s Japanese Gardens and all of their beauty in the early evening.  Enjoy the sunset while you mingle, shop in their museum store, and indulge your palette at their exquisite Cornell Café.  Reservations are not required for this event and the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach, FL.  You can call them at 561*495-0233 or visit them on the web at www.morikami.org. 

Coming to Town

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

Her Hips Don’t Lie, Saturday, September 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

When Smokey Sings Sept 20^th 

When Smokey Robinson sings, you will forget everything.  Smokey will be performing at The Hard Rock Live September 20^th.  Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or at the Hard Rock Live Box Office.  You can also Charge By Phone at 954*523-3309.

Richard Cortez is Live At The GLCC 

The Richard Cortez, local folk singer, will be hosting a benefit concert at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center (GLCC) at 8pm on Friday, September 22^nd.  This concert will coincide with his CD release party for Richard Cortez:  Live at the Red Room which, with the $10 admission, you will receive a copy of his album from which he will be playing the songs.  These songs are pre-Wollenberg songs that are from his seedy back room bar days playing for prostitutes, stoners, and college students.  You will also get a sneak peak at some of the tracks from his upcoming album He Loves Me Not which contains even more of his pre-recording days.  For more information, go to www.wollenbergrecords.com or at www.myspace.com/richardcortez.  The GLCC is located at 1717 North Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale and all proceeds go to benefit the Youth Group of the GLCC. 

The Chicks Will be in Town, Saturday, October 7^th 

John Mayer & Sheryl Crow, Wednesday, October 11^th 

Tickets are now on sale for John Mayer and Sheryl Crow who will be live in concert October 11^th at the Sound Advice Amphitheatre.  Go to www.livenation.com, www.ticketmaster.com , or you can call 561*966-3309 for more information.  If you are truly a fan, you can also go to www.johnmayer.com and/or www.sherylcrow.com as well.

Danke Schoen October 15th and 16th

The legendary Wayne Newton will be performing at the Hard Rock Live Seminole Hotel & Casino October 15^th & 16^th and tickets are now on sale.  You can get tickets through the Hard Rock Live Box Office from noon to 7pm daily or at www.ticketmaster.com. 

I’m Verklemnpt, Saturday, 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.    

Please Feed the Starving Artists! 

Are you a Starving Artist or one that’s just a little hungry?  Well, on Saturday, September 30^th there will be a Starving Artist Sale at the GLCC from 1pm to 4pm.  Artists interested in participating can obtain an application at the Stonewall Library or Broward Arts Guild or download it from www.artsunitedonline.org .  ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15^TH!!!!!!  This Sale is an opportunity for the public to buy original artwork at bargain prices.  Dozens of local artists will be selling their paintings, prints, and photographs at this one-day event!  Everything will be $100 or less!  This is a perfect opportunity to meet and purchase such items from local artists that you may have seen around town at your favorite places.  Also, Bibliophiles—there will also be a Used Book Sale going on at the same time, and everyone accepts both cash and credit cards, and every purchase made must leave the premises that day. 

Stop Hate Now! Sept. 17^th 

Hate Crimes are skyrocketing world wide and your local Transgender community has organized to raise public awareness through The Transgender Day of Remembrance and Stop Hate Now programs.  On Sunday, September 17^th, there will be a program, Stop Hate Now at the Moulin Rouge from 7pm-9pm, a The Church of Religious Science is located at 1550 NE 26^th Avenue in Wilton Manors.  Featured entertainers are:  JumpOnMarksList’s own Misty Eyez and will feature other Trannie Shack cast members such as:  Chloe Godiva, Diamond Dunhill, Mercedes, Rebecca Glasscock, Noel Leon, Lonnah St. James, Joselin Phillips, Mizz Cori, and live recording artist Richard Cortez.  For further information, contact LeAnna Bradley, Producer, at 954*462-2004 ext. 200. 

A Very Pissarro Painting 

What is a museum supposed to do when they have purchased a painting and has legal proof that they did, and then is sued for its return from someone in a different country?  Well, that’s the fate of Pisarro’s 1897 masterpiece of a Parisian street entitled Rue St. Honoré-Midi, Effet de Pluie.   Claude Cassirer’s grandmother sold the painting in 1939 for then $320 and was a precondition to her fleeing Germany but it later fell into Nazi hands.  Claude, now 85 and resident of San Diego, has demanded that the now estimated $20M painting be returned—even though it was legitimately purchased in 1976 and has been on display at the Spanish state-owned Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid since 1993.  The museum boasts to have one of the richest collections in the world, will not turn it over, and claims complete ownership.  

Richard L. Blinder may not be a name that you know or think you should know—however, if you have spent any time in New York City, you know his work.  As a founding partner in Beyer Blinder Belle, Richard is best known for his historic preservation projects such as the renovation of Grand Central Terminal in 1998 and Ellis Island Immigration Museum in 1990, as well as a wide variety of visual and performance arts centers.  As a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Design in 1960 he and his partners started a firm devoted to historic preservations.  He was the lead architect for the Rubin Museum of Art in the former Barney's store on West 17th Street as well as the Center for Jewish History both in Chelsea, and led the team that created the Ford Center for the Performing Arts (now the Hilton Theater) in 1997.  Richard died in his sleep last week at the age of 71.  As a person that is a direct descendant of immigrants that passed through Ellis Island and as someone that has spent many a New Years Eve sleeping on the floor of Grand Central, I thank you. 

Napoleon on the Nile 

Even though Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt was a military disaster, there were a squadron of scholars and scientists that went and ended up forming the foundation of Egyptology and Egytomania, later gave Orientalism a boost, and is commemorated by the 1,000 engravings of the 23-volume book called Description de l’Egypte.  When Napoleon went to Egypt, he brought along 167 physicians, engineers, economists, mathematicians, zoologists, botanists, archeologists, translators, journalists, and artists to accompany the army.  Their task was to catalogue all of Egypt’s wonders which resulted in a body of work that took roughly 20 years and 2,000 skilled draftsmen and typographers to complete and became a renown image bank consulted by artists seeking authenticity in their own pictures.  The collection, entitled Napoleon on the Nile:  Soldiers, Artists, and The Rediscovery of Egypt includes Orientalist paintings and a cache of fascinating ephemera and is on display at the Dahesh Museum of Art that is at 580 Madison Avenue at 56^th Street.  You can call them at 212*759-0606 or visit them on the web at www.daheshmuseum.org. This exhibit will be on display until December 31^st.   

Lisa Marie At B.B. King 

On October 9^th, Lisa Marie Presley will take the stage at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill at 8pm.  As the only child of rock & roll legend Elvis, Lisa Marie has to work twice as hard to succeed, as a separate identity from her father.  She will be performing some of the songs off her 2003 debut album To Whom It May Concern which is deeply personal, furious, and edgy as well as her 2005 Now What which was certified gold in November 2005.  The B.B. King Blues Club & Grill is located at 237 W 42^nd Street and can be found at www.bbkingblues.com or by calling 212*997-4144.  

Madama Butterfly 

This 2006-2007 Opera Season for the New York Metropolitan Opera premiers with Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.  This opens on Monday, September 25^th and will run through Saturday, November 18^th with tickets starting at $42, it will be in Italian with English Subtitles.  For more information or see what the rest of the season has to offer, go to www.metoperafamily.org for more information.

Olympus Fashion Week in NYC 

Photos © wireimage.com
Oscar de la Renta	Baby Phat	Jill Stuart	Tracy Reese	DKNY

This week was the unveiling of the Spring 2007 lines from such designers as:  Diane Von Furstenberg, Baby Phat, Tracy Reese, Luella Bartlev, Oscar de la Renta, Jill Stuart, and DKNY.  On hand, as protocol, were a plethora of celebrities meticulously examining every detail of what Spring 2007 will look like.  Such celebs included:  Paris Hilton, Milla Jovovich, Carmen Electra, Demi Moore & Ashton Kutcher, Barbara Walters, Scarlet Johansen and Kanye West.  The Tracy Reese show featured a Tango display, Jill Stuart had Baby Doll dresses, and my absolute favorite was the Oscar de la Renta Mustard silk gown with embroidering all around the bottom. After looking at all of the collections, is seems to me that the colors for Spring 2007 will be light blue, pink, and silver/metallic. 

Project Runway, Oui-Oui Couture du Jour 

As we left off last week’s episode, our favorite contestants have been living it up in the city of lights and fashion—Paris!  Last week, after a grueling Jet Setting design challenge for themselves, we said “Bye Bye” to Angela and her linen concoction.  This week, once again the Guest Judge was Catherine Malandrino who informed the group that they had to create a couture outfit within two days and $375 to shop with.  As it was explained to us, true couture construction involves hand sewing, and embroidery or beading. They were to attend a party thrown in their honor and their pieces would be the centerpiece of that party. 

They were given new Parisian models and everyone pretty much finished their dresses in time.  All except Vincent who, against the rules of couture—used fabric glue!  The funniest thing was that he did it right in front of Tim Gun!  Well, as they soon discovered, their fashion show/party was to be on a boat and sail along the river that goes all along the heart of Paris.  Bam!  Sadly, a teenager was tossing eggs from a third or fourth story balcony and hit the bottom of Michael’s blue dress.  Oops!  The second part of the challenge, whether or not they realized it was a personal interview with Catherine, selling the garment, techniques, and themselves as a designer.  Vincent, the blubbering hetero that he is and Napoleon of the Funny Farm, went on and on and almost to the point of sexual harassment complimenting Catherine.   

I was saddened to hear that Catherine was not the final say in the runway, but they would have to ship their pieces back to NY and was actually looking forward to NOT seeing Nina Garcia’s Squishy Face!  [It’s not pretty.]  Well, some garments fared the trip well, and some did not—Laura’s poofy ruffles flattened out, but Jeffrey’s plaid was the judge’s favorite for being daring and risk-taking.  Someone had mentioned to me that that dress style was the rage six years ago and he should have known better—six years ago he was face-down in a gutter!  Congrats Jeffrey, and Bye-Bye Vincent the Artist.  Final note, I would like to know the time frame between challenges because Laura is getting HUGE! 

On a final note, I was informed of a Project Runway Party that is held every Wednesday in the Dana Manchester Room at Alibi.  I was advised to arrive early, grab a cocktail and be ready to hoot and holler!  Mistress of Ceremonies is the fabulous Kimber and was told that there is a large Project Runway following there.  Why sit home alone? 

Are You a Shutterbug? 

Do you take great photos?  Do people tell you have a knack for the camera?  Well, here’s your chance to show the world…Reyataz is proud to announce the Fight HIV Your Way Photography Contest for 2006.  They say that if HIV has touched your life, they want you to share what it means to “Fight HIV Your Way.”  What you will need is:  a photograph that shows you how you “Fight HIV Your Way.”  It could be a portrait, a place, or anything that inspires you.  Also, you will need a 50 words or less paragraph explaining how you fight HIV.  Deadline for entries is November 15th. For more information and an official entry form go to www.reyataz.com and click on the banner or look for the display at your local HIV/AIDS service organizations.  Winners will be selected by a panel of award-winning photographers and representatives of the HIV community.  One Grand Prize Winner will be honored at the Gala Opening of the Exhibition in New York City and will be featured in a limited edition hardcover book.  50 Second Place photographs will be showcased in the Traveling Exhibition and published in the hardcover book.  50 Third Place photographs will be included in the hardcover book.  All winners will receive a free copy of the book. 

Concert for Miami 

On Thursday, October 5^th, after the grand public Opening Ceremony and dedication of the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts in their outdoor Plaza for the Arts, there will be a star-studded event called The Concert for Miami.  The Concert will feature Grammy Award winner Gloria Estefan and will be produced by husband Emilio Estefan.  The Estefans, long-time residents and contributors to the arts in Miami, are proud to represent the city they love in a concert for their city.  More than 150 performers will take the stage at this Inaugural Event.  Performers include:  Andy Garcia, opera magnetic leading man Jose Carreras, Tony-winning Broadway Diva Bernadette Peters, and Master of Ceremonies will be the one and only Quincy Jones. Sadly, tickets are $500 but they are still available.    

The Concert will be in the Knight Concert Hall and features: 2,200 seats, a wooden acoustic canopy with motion and mood lights that surround the stage and reflect sound to every part of the hall.  The best part of Knight Concert Hall is the fact that it is completely soundproof from outside sounds and there are even floor-to-ceiling reflector doors at the back of the stage. The acoustic canopy alone weighs 120,000 lbs.—which is more than 130 grand pianos.    

For more information about this event or any future ones, you can go to www.carnivalcenter.org.   

The Classical Theatre of Harlem presents King Lear
A co-production with the Folger Theatre
Directed by Alfred Preisser

Nov. 15, 16 @ 8 p.m. Nov. 17, 18 @ 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
A dynamic and unique theater company dedicated to producing the classics for a new, young, and culturally diverse audience, The Classical Theatre of Harlem makes its Miami debut in Shakespeare's devastating tragedy about filial love and ingratitude, loyalty and betrayal, the downfall of an ancient king, and the moral and social collapse of the kingdom he once ruled.
Studio Theater

For more information about this event or any future ones, you can go to www.carnivalcenter.org.