Art & Jazz in Delray, Thursday, May 11^th, 6-10pm  

Come join the city of Delray Beach on Thursday, May 11^th from 6-10 pm when they host Art & Jazz.  There will be live music, open houses, a Gallery Stroll—all on Atlantic Avenue, downtown Delray Beach.  For further information call 561*279-1380 ext 17.

Local Theatre Buzz

Beehive Found at Stage Door Theatre, May 26^th thru June 25^th 

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.

Unmerciful Good Fortune at Sol Theatre

May 12^th thru June 4^th 

Murder brings two women from the Bronx together—will fate tear them apart?  The right to love and the right to die are inextricably bound in this riveting drama of the heart.  The Sol Theatre Project, which was the spot of Spring’s The Mystery of Irma Vep  is proud to announce a production not only for the ladies, but for everyone.  This is an Edwin Sanchez play and proudly sponsored by New Moon and for every ticket purchased gets you a free drink.  The Sol Theatre Project is located at 1140 N Flagler Drive, Ft. Lauderdale.  You and call them at 954*525-6555 or go to www.soltheatre.com.  

Coming to Town

There’s a Redneck Woman Coming! June 29^th 

Gretchen Wilson’s dramatic rise to stardom is well known to fans of her signature country-rock blend.  Come and see her perform her breakthrough single “Redneck Woman” in her Redneck Revolution Tour at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL.  Tickets are now on sale, go to www.ticketmaster.com or call 954*523-3309 or go to the Hard Rock Live Box Office which is open from noon to 7pm daily. For more info on Gretchen, visit her fan club website, www.gwfans.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

Simmer Down Now! 

How would Donna Summer be listed in the phone book?  Ok, bad SNL reference, but as a fan I just couldn’t help myself!  Yes, one of our Queens, Donna Summer is back, back at The Atlantic Center.  Single tickets are still on sale for all shows but beware, limited seats remain!  For further information you can call the Box Office at 954*835-CLUB. 

Il Divo

I remember the first time that I was blown away by the music of these four Opera singers.  George’s Alibi had a promotion and giveaway of their CD and my roommate won one.  We LOVED it and you will too!  Their latest CD Ancora and latest DVD Encore is now available in stores and online at www.ildivo.com.   

They will be in concert June 13^th & 14^th at 8pm at the Mizner Park Amphitheatre and is a Fantasma Productions Concert Event— www.fantasma.com.  You can also charge by phone at:  561*966-3309, 954-523-3309, or 305-358-5885.

Kathy Griffin

You know who she is…allegedly, and love her for it…actually!  She will at the Lyric Theatre May 15^th.  The Lyric Theatre is at 59 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart.  Tickets are:  $42.50 and call 772*286-7827 for tickets and further information.

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.

Who’s Your First Idol?

Kelly Clarkson will be live, onstage Friday, June 30^th at the Sound Advice Amphitheatre.  As part of her Addicted Tour, her Special Guest will be Rooney.  The Amphitheatre is located at 601-7 Sansbury’s Way, West Palm Beach.  Tickets are $25-$75 and can be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com www.livenation.com, or by phone at:  561*966-3309, 954*523-3309, or 305*358-5885.  To get more Kelly info, go to www.kellyclarkson.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

Things on Display

Signals/Senales, Until June 11^th 

The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood offers a timely and spirited exhibit of works by more than 30 contemporary Mexican artists.  Some of the artists are schooled, but many are self-taught, such as the factory workers who, under the guidance of photojournalist Adrian Caldera, have learned to fashion pinhole cameras from boxes and other found objects.  This exhibit runs through June 11^th.   

The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood is located at 1650 Harrison Street, Hollywood.  For more information call 954*921-3274 or go to www.artandculturecenter.org. 

National Art Exhibitions by the Mentally Ill, Until May 20^th 

There will be a show of imaginative works by artists from England, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, and the United States who have experienced mental illnesses.  This exhibit runs through May 20^th at the Miami Center for the Photographic Arts at 1601 SW First Street, Miami.  For further information you can go to www.borderspictureframing.com. 

Keith Clark at Stonewall, All Month Long 

Artist Keith Clark will be showcasing at The Stonewall Library and Archives all this month.  ArtsUnited is proud to sponsor Keith Clark as the Artist of the Month.  The Stonewall Library and Archives is located at 1717 North Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale.  For further information you can call them at 954*530-2723.

China Change, Until June 18, 2006 

On exhibit at the Boca Raton Museum of Art is now showing Documenting China:  Contemporary Photography and Social Change.  The exhibition is a collection of 57 dramatic works by seven contemporary Chinese photographers that reveal the essence of that nation from an insider’s point of view.  This show is organized by the Bates College Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.   While you are there, check out Edward Burtynsky:  The China Series that contain 20 new large-scale color photographs from recent trips to China and Pop Prints that are works from the permanent collection of Andy Warhol, Roy Lichetenstein, Jim Dine, and others.   

The Boca Raton Museum of Art is located at 501 Plaza Real, Mizner Park and you can contact them at 561-392-2500 or www.bocamuseum.org.  

Dali, Dali Everywhere, Until May 20, 2006 

The Coral Springs Museum of Art is proud to host an art exhibit featuring original works by Salvador Dali.  The Museum is located at 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs and you can contact them at 954-340-5000.

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. 

Paris in Photographs, Until May 21, 2006

This is a collection of photographs from the unique perspectives of French, American, and German photographers between 1898 and 1988.  It features works by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Walde Huth-Schmolz, and more.   

Cost:  $8 Adults / $3 ages 13-21 / Members and children under 3 Free.  

Norton Museum of Art. 1451 South Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach. 561-832-5196. www.norton.org

Chihuly at the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden Until May 31, 2006

Experience a garden straight out of a dream with glass masterpieces by world renown artist Dale Chihuly.  These pieces are woven throughout a stunning backdrop of the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden—art and nature as one.  Experience this one of a kind event now until May 31, 2006.  For further information go to:  www.fairchildgarden.org. 

Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, 305-667-1651. Hours of Operation:  9:30am – 4:30pm  Cost:  $15

Beauty is Only Skin Deep in Tampa, Until Sep. 4^th 

Bodies…The Exhibition is innovated, real, and groundbreaking. See this striking new exhibit that showcases real human bodies.  See yourself in a fascinating new way like never before.  It will enlighten, empower, fascinate, and inspire you.   

For further information and tickets, call 813*987-6000 or go online to www.mosi.org.  Mosi is located at 4801 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL.

Andrew Wyeth in Phily 

If you have not heard of Andrew Wyeth, maybe you’ve heard of his infamous series called Helga.  Apparently, Helga was his neighbor and part-time model.  The collection, called Andrew Wyeth:  Memory and Magic is now on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art through July 16^th.  Wyeth, who is now 88 (whom my parents told me was dead when we saw the collection as a child) and media-shy, is uncomfortable viewing his own work in a museum.  Wyeth said that he never had an affair with Helga Testorf, and still paints her occasionally.  The collection includes more than 100 works and well worth the trip if you are in the Philadelphia area. 

Key West Cultural Events 

The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be performed at the Red Barn Theatre at 319 Duval Street, Key West.  Performances will be going on until June 3^rd and cost $35.  The Key West Players present The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams at the Waterfront Playhouse, Tifts Lane, Key West.  Performances will be going on until Saturday, May 27^th and cost $30.   

For further information www.fla-keys.com/keywest/calendar.cfm or call 1-800-LAST-KEY.

Miami Beach Mid-Century Modern Architecture Tour

May 13, 2006

For more information about MiMo, Click Here.

The Fashion File

Vicky Goes Sporty Spice, May 15^th  

Victoria Secret has now conquered the female athletic sportswear market by introducing a new athletic line that includes Sports Bras!   The line has apparel priced from $25 to $70 and will take on such competitors as Champion, Nike, and Adidas.  The Sexy Sports Bras will be from $35 to $45, will come in trendy colors and eight versions, and are more flattering and gives edge to normal sports bras by lifting and separating.   They contain high-tech performance materials such as thermo-regulated Coolmax, microfiber Supplex, and breathable, fast-drying Meyl Actisystem.  They will come in different support levels—light, medium, firm, and maximum and takes into account the activities women do.  To see more about this go to http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2006-05-04-sports-bra-usat_x.htm Note: Photo courtesy of Jonty Davis and usatoday.com.

The Original Martha, Until Sept 10^th 

Dorothy Draper, whose vibrant style dominated elite Manhattan interiors and trickled down to the living rooms of suburban housewives from the 1920’s through 1960’s, is being honored at the Museum of the City of New York.  The exhibit, titled The High Style of Dorothy Draper will showcase:  photos, lamps, china, stationery, furniture, mirrors, and wall paintings of her finest design masterpieces.  From the Carlyle in New York to the Drake Hotel in Chicago, Draper designed for the Hollywood crowd, mixing vivid colors like coral and strong pink with turquoise, mustard yellow, magenta, emerald green, and scarlet.  Draper was as famous in her day as Martha Steward or Oprah is today.  Her rooms gave off a “movie-set quality” and while restaurants like Nobu may do that now—Draper did it much earlier.   

The exhibit will be on display through September 10^th at the Museum of the City of New York, which is on Fifth Avenue, at 103^rd Street.  For further information, call 212*534-1672.    

Going Down in La-La Land

Andy Zeffer 

This book is an amazing journey into the life of Andy Zeffer through his landing in Los Angeles’s blunt and honest cutthroat gay city West Hollywood through killing himself to maintain an exclusive trendy gym membership.  You can and will identify with him as he’s learning not only the city of Los Angeles but also the jungle of West Hollywood.   You will go with him as he tells you about the wonders of being a Phone Receptionist in an exclusive Talent Agency where you could be fired for auditioning, laugh with him through porn scenes, scream when confronted by a has-been starlet-turned sloppy drug dealer, be winded when discovered and fired by the love of your life, and laugh with your best friend to Mae West movies.   

Basically, if you don’t read it it’s your own fault.  It is amazing, fast reading, and thoroughly enjoyable.  Click Here to read my article on the book signing April 20^th at Stonewall Library and Archives.   

Get on Your Toes!

Ballet Gamonet, May 12^th & 13^th 

After a two-year hiatus, Ileana Lopez will return to the stage with Ballet Gamonet to close out the season.  Ileana will now grace his world premiere to Henryk Gorecki’s deeply resonant Symphony No. 3.  This will take place at 8pm Friday and Saturday at The Gusman Center which is located at 174 E. Flagler St, Miami and at Bailey Hall, 3501 SW Davie Road, Davie.  For further information call 305*259-9775 or visit them at www.maximumdancecompany.com

Calling Artists & Theatre People 

The Last Hairdresser Now Holding Auditions, Thursday, May 11^th, 6-8:30pm 

The Rising Action Theatre Company is casting for The Last Hairdresser.  They need five men [between 20-50], technical staff, and backstage helpers.  Come by Boom at 2232 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors between 6pm and 8:30pm this Thursday.  For further information call 954*772-0042. 

Florida Professional Theatres Association Wants YOU! 

On May 20^th through the 22^nd there will be statewide auditions and workshops provided by the Florida Professional Theatres Association in Daytona Beach.  Dozens of theatres participate yearly, with participants from Tampa to Miami and Gainesville.  They cast shows for their own upcoming seasons.  May 15^th is the deadline for application and registration.  Performers, Directors, Designers, Stage Managers, and various other positions are up for grabs and can register at www.fpta.net or by writing to:  FPTA, PO Box 2922, West Palm Beach, FL  33402.  You must include a self-addressed/stamped envelope.   

Call For Artists for ArtsUnited’s United & Proud Exhibit 

ArtsUnited is seeking submissions for its annual United & Proud Visual Art Exhibit in celebration of Gay Pride Month.  Entries are not limited to a theme, but rather the exhibition is designed to showcase local gay and lesbian artists to the general public.  Exhibiting in United & Proud is for ArtsUnited Members only.  Membership is only $20.00 per year for artists, and applications are available at ArtServe, Stonewall Library and     Archives, and online at www.artsunitedonline.org.  This year’s United & Proud Exhibit will be on display from June 5 through 29, 2006 at Gallery Six, Broward County Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Avenue, Ft Lauderdale. The opening reception will be on Wednesday June 7^th from 6 to 8:30 PM. Admission will be free.  There will be prizes for Best of Show and People’s Choice that will be announced at the Opening Reception.  Visual artists who wish to participate must complete and submit an application on or before May 31, 2006 either by mail to ArtsUnited, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd, Suite 145, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304, or by fax to 954-567-1439.  Applications are available at ArtServe, Stonewall Library and Archives or online at www.artsunitedonline.org.

Rob Thomas & Jewel 

Rob Thomas and Jewel will be performing live at the Mizner Park Amphitheatre on May 24^th at 7:30pm.  Rob’s CD is already in stores now and Jewel’s Goodbye Alice in Wonderland will be available May 2^nd.  Tickets are now on sale at www.ticketmaster.com or any ticketmaster location.  For more information about this and about them, go to www.robthomasmusic.com and/or www.jeweljk.com.  

Bizet’s Carmen

Broward Center for Performing Arts

May 11, 2006 thru May 14, 2006 

The seductive gypsy Carmen captures the heart of the young soldier Don Jose who sacrifices everything to be with her. On the run with her and with his life in ruins, he sees that she is about to cast him aside for the handsome toreador Escamillo, and it is more than he can bear.

In his passionate confrontation with her outside the bullring, his pleas for her to take him back are met with cold rejection. The tragic murder that concludes the opera is as shocking today as it was to audiences in 1875. Carmen premiered in Paris, France to scathing reviews - Bizet died three months later thinking that his masterpiece had been a complete failure.

The opera will be performed in French and there will be a screen above the stage projecting English and Spanish translations.

For ticket information, go to www.fgo.org or www.browardcenter.org or 800-741-1010. 

JVC Jazz Festival with Eartha Kitt & John Pizzarelli. May 20, 2006

The 6th Annual JVC Jazz Festival - Miami Beach comes to the Jackie Gleason Theater on May 20 with the legendary cabaret vocalist Eartha Kitt and jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli.

Tickets are $65, $55, and $35 and show time is 8pm. 

www.gleasontheater.com

Anacaona - Queen of Hispaniola. May 27, 2006 - May 28, 2006 6:00 PM

La Compagnie de Danse Régine Mont-Rosier Trouillot with the collaboration of Miami City Ballet and Theatro National de Puerto-Rico presents an original full length ballet ANACAONA: Queen of Hispaniola.

This is an exotic tale recounting Anacaona's life. It is enriched through visually stunning costumes and intricate sets, recreating Anacaona's empire to captivating music.

Although a forgotten queen, the once powerful Anacaona remains one of Hispaniola's greatest historical personalities. Dominated by Spanish colonial rule, Anacaona attempted to save her people and culture from extinction. Her struggle is one of courage, pride, determination and passion. www.gleasontheater.com

Works Valued at $1.5 Million Recovered 

The FBI was hunting an ex-con suspected in stealing seven famous Milton Avery paintings of Rubenesque nude women worth millions of dollars during a shipment from Boca Raton to New York.  Sources identified art-warehouse employee Patrick Joseph McIntosh, a convicted felon with a considerable record that includes grand-larceny charges, a prime suspect.  McIntosh was employed by David Jones Fine Art Services in Boca Raton who was driving a Budget rental truck and was supposed to pick up two other paintings in Naples, FL the next day.  But he never did.  Before leaving, he cleared out his apartment and afterwards used his ATM card at a bank in Gainesville.  McIntosh has been convicted of:  theft of stolen property, gun possession, grand theft auto—twice, purchasing cocaine, bigamy, and parole violation.  Despite this, David Jones Fine Art apparently employed him as a warehouse worker and transporter.  Authorities found him in a trailer park near Gainesville and recovered the truck loaded with:  furniture, photos, sculptures, and, the rare Milton Avery paintings.