Wrap-Up of Events

On, Tuesday May 29, the 2^nd annual Mr. South Florida and Miss South Florida Plus pageant took place at Azucar Nightclub. Once again Robert did a very nice job promoting and producing the pageant. Congrats to all involved and especially the winners Angelica, and Ariel.

Last Thursday, Chad at Lush featured a birthday party for one of South Florida’s most famous drag queens, the always hilarious Auntie Mame. Thursdays also features he Hot Body contest hosted by Misty Eyez.

Unless you were under a rock you know that last weekend was Gay Days 2007 in Orlando. I didn’t go this year, but as usual the events were a huge success. Here is just one pic to give you and idea on how fabulous the weekend was…….

Halo and Lifestylez Clubs Set to Open

The soft opening of the much anticipated Halo in South Beach will be Saturday June 16^th. For those of you that are familiar with the Washington DC location you know what to expect; an ultra chic lounge atmosphere. I'm told the South Florida interior will be a bit darker. The huge martini menu that changes by season and daily two for one happy hour are sure to be as big a draw here as they are in DC. Here's a little more of my insider information- the resident DJ will be Angelo Kortez, the martinis are 10 ounces and made with 14 kinds of fresh fruit, legendary SoBe doorman Michael Stanley will work the door and the official Grand Opening weekend, July 7th, will feature performances by a pop star that we aren't allowed to mention yet. Look for Halo near the Southeast corner of Lincoln Road on Michigan Avenue.  Stay tuned to this column for more info about the Grand Opening. 

The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida (GLCC) proudly announced one of the most successful fundraising events in their history was held on May 23^rd at the spectacularly appointed home of Jeff Selzer and Ray Fennon. The event was the most recent of the extremely popular Founder’s Events, held monthly for ongoing Founders level supporters and friends of the GLCC who are interested in becoming Founders level supporters. This particular event was generously hosted by the owners of the event’s magnificent venue, a condominium home at the Las Olas Grand, as well as Darcy Beeman, Financial Advisor from Edward Jones and Board Member of the GLCC. Special thanks were given to “Food Amongst the Flowers” restaurant who generously donated a check for $2500 to GLCC from their commitment of 15% of food and beverage sales from one night a week to GLCC, and was presented to Paul Hyman, Executive Director, GLCC as well as to Shelly Goren, Director of Development for Broward House. Food Amongst the Flowers, also known as Flowers Restaurant, located at 2345 Wilton Drive was represented at the event by Al Magdaleno, who shared “Flowers restaurant is proud to be able to give back to the community and partner with two very important agencies”, which awarded him a warm show of appreciation and applause. Overlooking stunning views of Downtown from the terrace, the event reached record attendance for a Founder’s Event with over a hundred people sharing their time and support of GLCC in a social setting clearly focused to promote the momentum of the GLCC and supporting the local community. Founders Events are one of the most important and successful fund-raising events of the GLCC, and are held monthly at either a private residence or a business and combine a social gathering place for Founders level supporters and people interested in becoming Founders level supporters. They are a great place to socialize and learn more about the GLCC programs and services as well as an opportunity to update the community about some extremely important developments and growth of the GLCC that will impact the local community. For more information about Founder’s Events and the GLCC, interested people from the community are invited to call Robert Boo, Director of Development, GLCC at 954.463.9005 x233 or reach Robert via email at rboo@glccsf.org to attend or learn about one or more of the Founder’s Events.  Paul Hyman, Executive Director of the GLCC, along with Robert Boo, Director of Development took a few moments at the height of the evening to thank the hosts, and crowd for a night of record contributions, and also for sharing in achieving the highest attendance on record. Paul Hyman, who was clearly moved by the show of support for the agency’s many years of hard work expressed that to him “this night is magical in many ways and shows our momentum as an agency on your behalf as we prepare to announce some huge and groundbreaking changes to our community. These changes and our new Center location and building will take us to an unprecedented level of awareness and pride”.  Rather than focus immediately on the financial success and contributions of the event, Hyman instead chose to recognize “how rare and special it is for this many Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people from the community to gather in such an incredible setting to support the efforts of so many good people working together to change lives”. After subsequently recognizing the major contributors and hosts of the evening he asked those in attendance to “please join me in this moment, and enjoy and feel only this moment; celebrate how great it is to be here together, as LGBT for a common cause to join each other to help our community”.   Paul quickly ended this moving statement and his thanks to contributors with a funny, surprising, and quickly joined singing rendition of “You’re Going to Make it After All” which earned many smiles and led back to the remainder of a wonderful night and event. Founder's level supporters, for the GLCC are one of the cornerstone levels of support for the organization and ensure the ability of the GLCC to support the programs, services and day-to-day operations of the GLCC.  These events are hosted and sponsored by generous individuals and businesses in the community who offer their homes and places of businesses as venues for the social and fund-raising events, and generously provide the refreshments and light food served.  The Founder’s Circle consists of a number of levels of sponsorship appropriate for many members of the local community. The Gay and Lesbian Community Center (GLCC) of South Florida serves the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community.  The GLCC provides information, advocacy, support, human services, cultural experiences, and social opportunities.  The Center works to foster personal development and quality of life for the entire community. The GLCC embraces individuality, and diversity, and works together to promote awareness, acceptance, celebration and pride. The Vision Statement of the GLCC of South Florida is to be the premier point of connection for our community.

In December 2006, more than 600 directors from all over the world were invited to submit their best short scripts. After an overwhelming response of entrants ranging from seasoned screenwriters to blossoming beginners, four (4) directors, Jon Bush, Joyce Draganosky, Justin James, and Sid Karger, were awarded $15,000 each to produce their short film, transforming their written vision into a moving reality.  On June 4^th, the following films reached the next plateau, making their television debut as HBO On Demand programming: "Daddy", by Sid Karger A one-night stand leaves Wayne with a strange and hilarious craving for ice cream and shrimp. He learns what to expect when he's expecting! "Donny and Ginger", by Jon Bush A dark drama about a lonely cop and a drag queen prostitute he meets on a desolate street corner late one night. "Happenstance", by Joyce Draganosky Beth finds out that she has a lot in common with Samantha, her son's new girlfriend at a family dinner. "Hearts and Hotel Rooms", by Justin James Brian and Jimmy go their separate ways after an unforgettable night. Will their hearts lead them to each other again? HBO© partnered with Outfest: The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF), and the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (MGLFF), to present Shout: The HBO Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Short Film Competition. Shout follows the HBO tradition of delivering quality films that shape our culture and resonate with a multitude of audiences. Each of the selected filmmakers has been dedicated to producing films that give a voice to the GLBT experience and life in film.  Shout: The HBO Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Film Competition, has provided these filmmakers with the opportunity to share their stories through creative outlet that is validating, challenging, and rewarding. The completed films premiered at the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival on Friday, May 4^th, 2007. They will also screen at the Provincetown International Film Festival on June 15^th & 17, 2007 as well as Outfest on July 21^st. Be sure to catch all the films on HBO On Demand throughout the month of June. Search the Inside HBO and All Movies tabs.

The Center For Positive Connections announces new Broward offerings. support groups to start June 11. Additional support groups and locations coming soon to serve you better. They are: Monday 7:00pm - 9:00pm Spanish HIV support group, Tuesday 7:00pm - 9:00pm Gay HIV support group, Wednesday 7:00pm - 9:00pm Heterosexual HIV support group. Their new Broward location is at Midland Wellness Center, 2817 East Oakland Park Blvd suite 302 Fort Lauderdale.

Wilton Manor’s own Naked Grape Wine Co. and Humpy’s Pizza is proud to announce they are merging one night only for a Wine Tasting celebrating Red Truck wines.  The festivities all kick off at 7pm on June 6^th and to RSVP call 954-563-5631 or drop Naked Grape at 2039 Wilton Drive.  

On Thursday, June 7, Sidelines will host Budweiser’s 2007 Long Ball Challenge beginning at 8:00 PM. In partnership with Budweiser, XBox, 2K Sports, and Major League Baseball, Sidelines will bring a fun and interactive competition to the already popular gay sports bar. Even the novice gamers can compete and win a trip for two (including air and hotel) to the 2007 All-Star Game in San Francisco, CA.  

Pridelines Youth Services presents “Arabian Nights” the 12^th Annual GBTQ Youth Prom on Saturday June 9^th at 6pm at Temple Israel’s Wolfson’s Ballroom (137 NE 19^th Street in Miami). The Prom is from ages 13 to 20 and ID is required for entry. Admission is $20 per person and $35 per couple. For more information call 305-571-9601 or go to www.myspace.com/pridelines. 

On Friday June 8^th Evolution at Score presents DJ Twisted Dee, as well as their membership drive. They also present a free vodka cocktail with paid admission before midnight. Then on Saturday June 9^th they will be celebrating the release of Ocean’s Thirteen with music by DJ Pride. 

On Saturday June 9^th Scandals presents Dean and Lee live. They will also be celebrating Shane and Toms birthday.  

The Coliseum presents Kidd Madonny this Saturday June 9^th. There will also be fabulousness by TP Lords and Chanel Dupree. 

Circuit Saturdays at Steel presents circuit DJ Monty Q this Saturday June 9^th with performances by Glitz Glamour. 

Around the World in 80 Minutes at Arts at St. Johns  on 6/9 & 6/10. This is a new Musical Review by David Kingery that pays tribute to different cultures and ethnic groups through Broadway Songs. It stars Reggie Whitehead, Chris Kent, Cecilia Torres, Kristen Fox, Parker Cristan, Julie Silvera & Eileen Faxas. The show takes place on Saturday, June 9th at 8:00 P.M. and on Sunday, June 10th at 3:00 P.M.  St. John's on the Lake, is at 4760 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach. Tickets $20 - Students/Seniors/Online $15 Buy discount tickets online at $15www.artsatstjohns.comInfo: 305-613-2325 or artsatstjohns@bellsouth.net 

Babylon T and Noche Latina T at Voodoo Lounge presents DJ Angelo Kortez in the main room this  Sunday June 10th. There is NO COVER ALL NIGHT LONG and FREE DRINKS (call brands) from 4-6pm. The night will also feature DJ Chaos spinning the hottest sounds in the Noche Latina Room, with special shows by Vegas Dion, and Amanda West. And as Always don’t forget the Best Butt Contest at 8:30pm in the Noche Latina Room.  

The Miami Gay Men's Chorus presents "Changing Hearts" with special guests Lambda Chorale. Relive your favorite songs from the decade that brought you mousse, "Footloose" and Madonna on June 15 & 16 at 8:00 P.M. and June 17 at 6:00 P.M. at the Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Road. For information visit www.miamigaychorus.org 

On Monday June 18^th Steel presents the annual Miss and Mister Stonewall Pageant. Categories include Gay Pride Presentation, Evening gown (Miss), Creative Evening wear (Mr.), Talent (Miss), Swim wear/Jock wear (Mr.) and Q&A. The night will star Erika Norell (Miss Stonewall 2006), Steve Soto (Mr. Stonewall 2006) and Misty Eyez (Miss Stonewall 2004).

On Friday June 22^nd Torpedo presents the Back & Blue Ball, a leather levi pride party. The night will feature DJ Lee Majors and feature free drinks for men in leather. Then on Saturday June 23^rd they present “Wild Kingdom” a tribal Pride Event featuring DJ Just Oliver.

Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce: Sixth Annual Gala Awards Dinner, takes place on Saturday, June 23, at the Radisson Hotel Miami, 1601 Biscayne Blvd.. Cocktails/Silent Auction from 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. - Dinner and Awards Ceremony to follow. This year MDGLCC honors, AT&T Florida; Mr. Bill Carson - Carson Realty Group; Mr. Michael Larkin - Bercow & Radell, PA; Akerman Senterfitt - Attorneys at Law; Care Resource and Mr. Patrick Ward. Master of Ceremonies: Mr. Michael Aller with special guest artist the legendary Jim Bailey as Judy Garland with dance music by the Gold Coast Society Dance Band. Tickets are $140.00 per person - $1,150.00 for tables of ten. For information and reservations please call: 305-573-4000 - email: info@gogaymiami.com or on the web at www.gogaymiami.com

Join icandee for the 2nd annual signature, Masquerade Ball, HEROTICA on Saturday June 23 at Score.  Leave your inhibitions at the door and enter a world of decadence and fantasy. Live out your desires from behind a mask of anonymity. Enjoy sensual sounds and sights as Score is transformed into an atmosphere of enticement and eroticism for women who love women and their gentlemen friends. Mandatory attire..dress to excite & titillate. No shorts, caps or jeans. Mask highly encouraged. DJ Miss Flava with Hypnotic House and DJ Meesh with Sensual Latin & Dance music. Doors open at 10pm. Then on Sunday, June 24th they present the Icandee annual picnic from 5pm-10pm. Join the icandee family for an afternoon of games, food, music, making new friends and more importantly, enjoying LIFE!  Bring your friends, pets, bikini and have fun on the beach with us absolutely free.  We will be providing some food and drinks but we encourage everyone to bring something to the picnic. 

Fourth of July Weekend "Tea Cruise" Sunday, July1st… Call Peter 954-649-1107. 

The Florida Storm Soccer team will have their next pool party fundraiser on Wednesday July 4^th from 12 noon to 4pm at Villa Venice Guest House on Fort Lauderdale beach. Tickets are only $10 and includes a free drink. You can buy your tickets at the door or can purchase them in advance at Java Boys café. For more info go to www.floridastormsoccer.com 

Chris and Russ of Steel Jackhammer present a special Independence T on Wednesday July 4^th from 4pm to 2am. As usual T Dance at Steel features no cover, $3.50 well and Dom beers (bud & Bud light), Beer Bust, and plenty of FREE Parking!! 

Rentboy.com in association with Fabscout Entertainment and the Windamar Beach Resort present “The Rentboy Pool Party” a benefit for the Pet Project on Saturday July 14 from 2 till 11pm at the Windamar Beach Resort (543 Breakers Avenue). Admission is $30 in advance and $40 at the door. VIP Passes are $75 in advance and $80 at the door and includes welcome drink, gift bag, VIP Lounge, admission to the party and all 3 club parties (Fri & Sat at Boardwalk and Sunday at Voodoo), and a free shuttle service to all parties. The event will star Barrett Long, Brandon Baker, Jordan Michaels, Trevor Knight, Andy Kirra, Zach Rockwood, Jeremy Hall, Tory Mason, Rusty, Lars Svenson, Jason Maxwell, Dak Ramsey, Hans Ebson, Jason Reynolds, Ryan Newcomb, Tyler Mason, Vin Nolan, Chad Leigh, Frederik Berlin, The sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and many more!! Sponsors include, Voodoo Lounge, The Rimmer, Gaaayhotmovies.com, Justusboys.com, the Boardwalk, and Markslist. 

The Kravis Center in Palm Beach presents Shout! The Mod Musical, Tuesday through Sunday, July 10 - August 5 at the Rinker Playhouse. Tuesday-Friday at 8 pm Saturday at 2 pm and 8 pm Sunday at 2 pm and 7 pm. Back by popular demand the return engagement of last year’s sold-out SHOUT! The Mod Musical brings together five groovy girls who celebrate the music of Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield and Lulu… performing newly arranged hit songs that made England swing in the ’60s, including “To Sir With Love,” “Downtown” and “Son Of A Preacher Man.” Tickets $30, get 9 or more friends to join you and take 10% off each ticket. Please call the box office at 561-832-7469 or 1-800-572-8471.

Friday, May 18th was another great success for the bowling social. Over 40 people attended the event and made it another great night for raising substantial money for Shadowood II. We again had great prizes from many of the local businesses including Humpy's Pizza, Petals Panache, Rosies, Storks, Scandals and Wix and Wax. We also gave away two massages offered by Peter Gorobetz and Jean-David. For those of you who came out to support the event, THANK YOU! Our next event will take place on Friday, June 22. Because of it being Pride Weekend, we will be having a theme this time around. It will be our Pajamas and Boxer bowl, so come out and show your pride by wearing your best pair of boxers or your most colorful Pj's! As in the past, we are asking local businesses to help by providing gift certificates and prizes to help raise money from the sale of raffle tickets. If you, or a business you know would like to help us, please have them contact me. Thank you to the businesses who have helped us already. We really appreciate your help. Since our last bowling event, I have been approached by a lot of new people who have yet to bowl with us. They are excited about making the next event, and it is sure to be another fun night. Please forward the information to others who may be interested in joining us. While we are raising money, remember this is also a great way to make new friends! I hope to see everyone on the 22nd of June. If you have any questions about the event or would like to reserve lanes, please contact me via email or by calling 954.547.5577.

The Truck Theatre & DunnOutWrite, Inc. Present the off-Broadway and WeHo hit: LipSync(c) "When friendship and music come together, the results can be therapeutically hilarious" A Melo-Comedic Situation Play by E. Robert Dunn & Mario Locicero in it's South Florida debut at Hagen Park Community Center, 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, from June 8th - 24th  (Friday, Saturday, Evening performances at 8 PM; Sunday matinee at 4 PM). No performances on Sunday June 17^th. Starring: Sandy Allen, E. Robert Dunn, Lucia Gaglioni, Nick Rashid and introducing: Chuck Valanis, Andre Azercot, Alfredo Breito. Tickets available for $25 at the theater door as well as in advance at Chic Optique (2228 Wilton Drive) and/or by calling the TRUCK Theatre to reserve at 954.918.9414! Ed Sparan will be directing the Fort Lauderdale production, he is best known for his successful and hilarious production of "Psycho Beach Party."

The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) and sponsors Air France and Perrier will offer an eclectic array of films, spanning 5 decades plus top new films, from June 15 through June 24 at the FLIFF’s charming, year-round art house, Cinema Paradiso.  There are sixteen (16) films in all, including 1 Florida Premiere (LADY CHATTERLEY), and 1 South Florida Premiere (LA VIE EN ROSE) both of which will receive theatrical release this summer. The rest of films you may never have another opportunity to see. Opening Night, Friday, June 15 at 8:00pm, The FLIFF French Film Festival joins forces with Sunrise Cinemas to present the South Florida Premiere of LA VIE EN ROSE.  This compelling new film, from writer-director Olivier Dahan, is the swirling, impressionistic portrait of artist Edith Piaf and stars 2005 Cesar Award-winner Marion Cotillard (A Very Long Engagement, A Good Year) in a blazing performance as the legendary French icon known as the Little Sparrow.  (La Vie En Rose, from Picturehouse, opens June 22 at Sunrise Cinemas Gateway, Sunrise 11, Deerfield, Mizner Park, Intracoastal, as well as Regal Cinemas Jupiter 18). Following the Premiere of La Vie En Rose, at 10:00PM, attendees will enjoy a French Soiree and Grand Opening of the newly renovated Courtyard at Cinema Paradiso. The affair includes the always popular Chocolate Fountain, Champagne, and hors d'oeuvres as a collection of Piaf’s songs plays in the background .  Tickets for La Vie En Rose and soiree are $15 FLIFF members / $25 non-members; available in advance or at the door. For the June 20, Centerpiece Film & Event, FLIFF will now present To Each His Own Cinema.  Conceived and produced by Gilles Jacob as a way to celebrate cinema rather than the Cannes Film Festival, 35 different well known Directors (many Palme d'Or winners) were asked only to express "their state of mind of the moment as inspired by the motion picture theater."  And, for fun, with exception of a few clues during each short, the identities of the filmmakers are withheld until the end of each one, meaning that viewers can guess who's behind the camera.  The Collection was televised throughout France simultaneously with the festival. The June 20 showing of To Each His Own Cinema, will be preceded by a reception at 7:00pm in the courtyard with French Wines, Cheeses and bread.  Tickets for the Centerpiece Film and reception are $10 FLIFF members, $15 non-members; available in advance or at the door. Closing Night, Sunday, June 24 at 5:30PM, the FLIFF French Film Festival presents the Florida Premiere of Lady Chatterley.  Directed by Pascale Ferran, Lady Chatterley received five major wins, including Best Film and Best Actress at the 2007 César Awards (France's equivalent of the Oscars®).   Based on the second book in D.H. Lawrence’s trilogy, this sensual new film stars Marina Hands in the title role and will receive distribution in the U.S. by Kino International.  The story is of a lovely young woman married to a British nobleman many years her senior.  Paralyzed from the waist down, due to an injury sustained during World War I, his affections wane.   Weary of her life, she becomes attracted and discovers “pleasures of the flesh” with Parkin (Jean-Louis Coulloc'h), the estate's groundskeeper. Prior to the June 24 Premiere, of Lady Chatterley., at 4:00pm FLIFF will host a wine & crepes party in the Courtyard.  Tickets for Lady Chatterley.and the reception are $15 FLIFF members/ $25 non-members includes the film; available in advance. Some of the other films at The French Film Festival include Un Air De Famille a bittersweet comedy starring Jean-Pierre Bacri, Jean-Pierre Darroussin en Catherine Frot; Apres Vous starring Daniel Autiel and Grosse Fatigue starring Michel Blac and Carole Bouquet; And…if you were too young to see what every one was Ooo-La-la-ing over in 1952 now is your chance to see 18 year old Brigitte Bardot in her first film, The Girl In The Bikini. Tickets for all other films during the FLIFF French Film Festival are:  $8.00 General Admission | $7.00 Seniors and Students | $5.00 FLIFF Members  FAST Passes are available and will include all films and all parties. Cost per pass is $85 for FLIFF Members ($25 savings); $140 for non-members. ($42 savings). Other FLIFF passes are also available at reduced prices, including the Superstar and Production Assistant passes which offer year-round savings and discounts. All films during the FLIFF French Film Festival will be presented at Cinema Paradiso 503 SE 6 Street Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Parking is free at meters and in the Broward County Courthouse garage after 6pm weekdays and all day on weekends. For additional information and advance ticket sales please visit www.FLIFF.com or 954-525-3456.

A new exhibition "Days without Sunshine: Anita Bryant's Anti- Gay Crusade" opens at the Broward Main Library on Wednesday, June 6. The exhibition, organized and presented by Stonewall Library & Archives explores singer Anita Bryant's Save Our Children Campaign which successfully repealed a 1977 Miami-Dade ordinance that outlawed discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing and public accommodation. Bryant's self-styled crusade marked the beginning of a concerted backlash against America's increasingly vocal and organized homosexual population which was gaining political momentum. The Save Our Children campaign set an example that would be repeated by religious conservatives throughout the coming decades. It also garnered unprecedented media attention for the growing Gay Rights Movement, and served as a catalyst for the Gay and Lesbian community to organize nationally and fight back. Opening almost 30 years to the day of the June 7, 1977, repeal of the ordinance, the 20-panel exhibition is comprised largely of printed materials from Stonewall Library & Archives along with video, audio and other printed artifacts borrowed from other private collections. The exhibit centerpiece is a 17- minute video compilation of news clips and interviews during the 1977 campaign drawn from the collection of the Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archive. The exhibition opening reception is Wednesday, June 6, from 6:00 -8:30 pm at the Broward Main Library Gallery Six, 100 S. Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale in conjunction with ArtsUnited's United and Proud art exhibit. The exhibit runs through June 30th and is sponsored by American Express, Comcast and Pride South Florida with the assistance of the Broward County Library Division. The exhibit and reception is free and open to the public.