Wrap-Up of Events

Last Wednesday I went out to check out the new hotspots in Delray Beach, Delux Wednesdays, produced by my friend Jon Elu (former owner of Kashmir). The night features DJ Joshua Atom, Daisy Deadpetals, $2 Martini’s and No Cover. This club is very sexy, comfortable, earthy and it flows so beautifully with beds to lounge on throughout the club. It’s a must see!!!

On Sunday Pride South Florida and Pride of Greater Fort Lauderdale came together to bring the community the annual Pride Picnic, which this year moved to Hagan Park in the heart of Wilton Manors. The event featured $5 all you can eat BBQ, drinks, music, basket ball courts, and Tennis courts. It was free to get into and parking was free as well. As usual, all who attended had a fun time. Right after the picnic was the new show of Lypsinc, playing right inside of the building in Hagan Park (pictured is cast photo).

Key West Pride was last weekend and for those of you that have never attended this annual event I recommend you put it on your calendar for next year. The event brings people from all over the world to what has become one of the most outrageous Pride events on earth. With scantily clad people on floats and along the parade route the Conch Republic's Pride mantra seems to be "undress to impress." Local businesses like Pearl's Rainbow, Bourbon Street Pub and 801 build magnificent floats and parade them down Duval Street along with local organizations like the world famous Key West Wreckers. Our hats off to the folks in Key West for keeping the spirit of Pride alive.

On May 31 one of South Florida’s most beloved entertainers, Moldavia Ishtar, passed away from heart failure after an almost 3 week stay in the hospital for major complications. Mo was always there for every benefit and I had the honor of crowning her Miss Pride South Florida Emeritus while I was Co-Chair of Pride. Before she passed away a benefit was organized for her at Georgie’s Alibi, and although she had passed they kept the benefit alive to pay for the burial expenses and give the rest to charity. Voodoo Lounge’s “Lifes a Drag” cast made an impromptu fundraiser last Sunday donating all their tips which added up to $1700. They donated $100 of this to the Alibi Fundraiser and the rest they are putting into a trust to help the community; more info on this trust when it becomes available. The Alibi raised a little over $6600 and after paying for the burial gave the balance to Project Link. Torpedo also had a benefit after the Alibi’s and at press time the amount raised and where it is being donated to are not available, but as soon as it becomes available I will relay the info. There will be a Memorial Service/Celebration Of Life for Mo on Tuesday June 26^th at 7pm at Steel Nightclub.

Now that Boulevard has been open for a few weeks it has released it official line up for the weekends. On Fridays they feature Fiesta Fridays with DJ Carlos G spinning top 40, house and tribal anthems with shows by Adora and guests. Stereo Saturdays invites you to dance to the best house and tribal underground sounds until 5am or later with an early show by the Divas del Jacuzzi. This months DJ are Bill Hallquist on the 16^th, Lazaro Leon on the 23^rd and Richie Rich on the 30^th. Salpica Sundays features DJ George Ferrero with shows by Ivana and guests.

The Fort Lauderdale Gay Mens Chorus presents “Time to Take Our Place” on  Saturday & Sunday, June 16-17 at 8 pm in the Amaturo Theater at The Broward Center For The Performing Arts. The show will feature a rousing trip down memory, and melody, lane. Songs and dances will range from '40s boogie woogie to a Queen's medley of the '80s. Songs from the hit musical Miss Saigon and even a bit of classic Rodgers and Hammerstein will be thrown in for good measure. With all the singing, dancing, costuming, and tom-foolery, it promises to be a great evening. "There is truly something for everyone in this show," director Todd Wiley noted. "We enjoy all of our performances, but our members particularly look forward to demonstrating their showmanship in this June revue." Purchase Your Tickets at: Gay Mens Chorus Tickets  or http://www.browardcenter.org/

On Thursdays they feature “Foreplay” beginning June 28^th with 3 party rooms at the Bricks with DJ George Ferrero and DJ Official. They will feature $4 Lemon drops from 11pm till midnight and $8 martinis all night long. Then on Sundays they present “Machos” starting July 1^st featuring DJ George Ferrero at Flavour nightclub in Coconut Grove. They will be feature ½ off drinks from 10pm will midnight, $200 in prizes and sexy male dancers.

Congregation Etz Chaim, a spiritual home for "Jews of the Rainbow" in South Florida, will officially install its new President, Lyn Saberg, as well as the other officers and board members at a special service on Friday, July 27, at 8:30 p.m.  Rabbi Harold F. Caminker, DD and Cantorial Soloist Michael Greenspan will lead this special service, to be held at 1881 N.E. 26 Street, Suite 101, in Wilton Manors.  Following the Service, Etz Chiam will host a special Oneg, which will give both the Congregation and the community at large an opportunity to meet and socialize with the Synagogue's new leaders.

National HIV Testing Day: Wednesday, June 27, 2007

An estimated 250,000 people in the United States are HIV positive and don’t even know it. Today there are an estimated 1.039 million to 1.185 million HIV-positive individuals living in the United States, the largest number ever according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of these between 252,000 and 315,000 do not know they are infected, and thus are suffering from a lack of treatment, while at the same time may be unknowingly spreading the virus. About 225,000 more who do know their status are not getting the care they need. These numbers will continue to grow unless everyone takes decisive action against the disease. According to the CDC, women are accounting for 29% of the estimated HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed from 2001 through 2004, among these, African-American and Hispanic women account for 82% of diagnoses. Among men, during the same time period, African-American men account for 64% of HIV/AIDS diagnoses and persons between the ages of 13 and 24 account for 11% of the new cases with 38% of these cased being female. National HIV Testing Day is critical to the fight against HIV/AIDS because it presents an opportunity for people nationwide to learn their HIV status, and to gain the knowledge they need to take control of their health and their lives. National HIV Testing Day also provides an invaluable opportunity to dispel the myths and stigma associated with HIV testing, and to reach those who have never been tested or who have engaged in high-risk behavior since their last test. WHAT CAN YOU DO?   Learn about HIV/AIDS and its impact on your community,  Protect yourself against HIV infection, Get tested, its important to know your HIV status and protect yourself and others, Get medical care and support if you’re living with HIV,  Educate others about HIV/AIDS, Volunteer at a local HIV/AIDS organization, Help someone with HIV/AIDS by being a friend, Help end the Stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, Say the words HIV and/or AIDS in a conversation with someone once a day. Care Resource will have several locations people can get FREE rapid (20 minute result) testing on National HIV Testing day including: Broward County Care Resource office, 830 E. Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL  33334 – 954-567-7141, 9:00 am – 5:45 pm, Shoppes of Wilton Manors, (Poverello & Georgies Alibi), Mobile Van – 2226 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm. Miami-Dade County Care Resource office, 3510 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 300, Miami, FL  33137 – 305-576-1234, 9:00 am – 5:45 pm, MOVERS and Care Resource 10 am - 4 PM at 6112 NW 7 avenue, Miami, Fl 33150, Dept. of Health, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, WMBM and Care Resource 10 am - 2 PM, 132 Street and 7^th Ave, Miami, Mandarin Hotel and Care Resource 10 am - 2 PM, at 500 Brickell Key Dr. Miami, FL 33131. For further information and more testing sites visit the Care Resource web site at Http://www.CareResource.org

White Party Miami has announced that a special “Florida Resident Only” Pass has gone on sale and is available through the WhiteParty.org website. “This pass gets the holder access to two of the most attended events during White Party Week; The White Party at Villa Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and Muscle Beach for only $100” said Terry DeCarlo, Public Relations and Marketing Manager “this is a $90 savings, we have only made 200 of these passes available at this price and they will only be available for 30 days, if they sell out before the 30 days are up we will not be offering more. The Florida resident pass will make a re-appearance in August but at a higher price, this is a one time deal so people should act now before they are gone”. These passes are limited to a purchase of four per person. White Party also announced their Host Hotel for White Party Week, the Doubletree Surfcomber hotel on South Beach. The Doubletree has special White Party rates starting at only $179 per night, log on to WhiteParty.org which has a direct link to the hotel.

After only 13 months since their doors opened, Sidelines Sports Bar has again garnered another “Best” award. This time, the recognition comes from the editors and staff of New Times Broward-Palm Beach. Sidelines Sports Bar was named the “Best Gay Bar for 2007” and reviewed as “simply a remarkable gay bar”. The editors of New Times went on to say: “… it’s a bar in the truest sense of the word – a sports bar, as a matter of fact, with the low-key, no pressure atmosphere that such a designation implies”. “Walk into a place like Sidelines, and it’s a given that you’ll know somebody”. The annual online survey ranked the “best of everything”  from the “Best City in Which to Live” to the “Best Salon” to the Best Movie Theater” and even the “Best Pasta Dish”. The complete results of the survey appeared in the latest issue of New Times Broward-Palm Beach on May 31. Along with this significant tribute, a framed award will be displayed in the bar for all to see. “We can’t be happier to have this honor and hear the many accolades not only from New Times Broward-Palm Beach, but also from our loyal customers. It just strengthens our desire to provide a place where you can feel “normal”, relax, and just have fun”, maintains Laurie Whittaker, owner of Sidelines Sports Bar. Sidelines Sports Bar, with its 16 flat-screen TVs, 3 pool tables, 3 dartboards, and other video games, continues to provide a fun, friendly and comfortable environment for gay men and women who enjoy all kinds of sports. Sidelines Sports Bar is located at 2031-A Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Florida, 33305. Their telephone number is (954) 563-8001 or you can also visit them online at www.sidelinessports.com.

This Friday, June 15th, will be the last gay Friday night at Funkshion. According to Promoter Edison Farrow “It has been a fun and successful nine months of Funky Fridays and Showgirls Cabaret.  But, I feel that it is time to move on.” "Martini Tuesdays" will continue as a weekly roving cocktail party every week. "The Simple Life" Thursdays will remain the fun weekly gay event at Buck15. And, look for Edison to open an additional night very soon. 

On Friday June 15^th, Noche Latina Fridays at Steel features GUEST DJ JC (O’Zone and Azucar). Noche Latina Fridays features house Diva’s Erika Norell, Alyssa Kartiar (Miss Noche Latina 2007) and this weeks special guest is Charisse (Miss Noche Latina Elite 2006). They will also feature DJ Surreal who will be spinning Hip-Hop and dance in the Video Lounge with performances by Misty Eyez. Admission is still ONLY $6 all night long, and parking is FREE!!  Doors open at 9pm, and they feature FREE WELL, DOMESTIC & DRAFT from 9 till 11pm, and the Hottest Latin Go Go Papi’s from 11pm till close. Noche Latina Fridays is now held at Steel Multiplex Nightclub which is located at 1951 NW 9^th Avenue (powerline). 

Evolution at Score presents DJ Escape in the main room and DJ Ruben in the Crème Lounge on Friday June 15^th. Then on Saturday the 16^th they present “I Love Dance Music” with DJ Wendy Hunt spinning the best dance hits from the 80’s 90’s and today. Then on Tuesday June 19^th Planeta Macho presents the CD release party for Enrique Iglesias…….”INSOMNIAC.” They will feature signed posters, free CD’s and more. Shows by the queen of comedy Mariloly and music by DJ George Ferrero and DJ Ruben with Peru Rivero on drums. 

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 

Centaur presents the nation’s largest gay tour, Global Groove Tour starring DJ Kimberly S (One Mighty Weekend, Winter Party, White Party) this Saturday June 16 at Steel, with performances by Noel Leon and the Steel Go-Go Gods. They also feature VJ Gregory in the Video Lounge spinning Top 40. There is no cover for members till 11pm, and till 10pm for non-members. This event is sponsored by Instinct Mag, Here TV, RSVP vacations, Interactive Male, Aussie Bum, Gun Oil, and theoutclub.com.  

The soft opening of the much anticipated Halo in South Beach will be Saturday June 16^th. Stay tuned to this column for more info about the Grand Opening. 

This Saturday June 16 the Coliseum presents Producer/DJ Tony Moran as well as recording artist Jennifer C performing her hit “Doesn’t Really.”  

Babylon T and Noche Latina T at Voodoo Lounge present Fathers Day T where if you bring your father you get a free drink of choice.  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.  

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), Mizz Cori (Miss Stonewall 2005) and  Misty Eyez (Miss Stonewall 2004). There will be $500 in cash and prizes.

Noche Latina Fridays joins forces with Swiss Navy Lube and Hotspots Magazine to begin Pride Weekend with a Swiss Navy Lube Party on Friday June 22^nd. The first 300 people will receive a free sample of Swiss Navy Lube and 4 lucky winners will receive a Large Bottle ($50 Value). In addition look for other give-a-ways and surprises all night long!! Noche Latina Fridays features house Diva’s Erika Norell, Alyssa Kartiar (Miss Noche Latina 2007) and special guests. On the 22^nd the special guest will be the newly crowned Miss Stonewall 2007. They feature 2 DJ’s- DJ Lannier (formerly of O’Zone) spinning the best mix of Latin sounds (Raggaeton, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, and Samba) and some Top 40 on the main floor and DJ Surreal spinning Hip-Hop and dance in the Video Lounge with performances by Misty Eyez. Admission is still ONLY $6 all night long, and parking is FREE!!  Doors open at 9pm, and they feature FREE WELL, DOMESTIC & DRAFT from 9 till 11pm, and the Hottest Latin Go Go Papi’s from 11pm till close. Noche Latina Fridays is now held at Steel Multiplex Nightclub which is located at 1951 NW 9^th Avenue (powerline). Directions: Take I95 to Oakland Park Blvd go east to NW 9th, make a right and go down 10 blocks, club will be on your right side. For more information visit our website at www.nochelatinafridays.com

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.

On Friday and Saturday June 22 and 23 (Stonewall Weekend) the Boardwalk features Video Star Robert Van Damme live with 2 shows nightly.

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

On Saturday June 23^rd at 8pm Scandals features a live performance by country singer Judy K, and then on Sunday June 24^th at 7pm they feature a performance by the dance troupe Crossfire.

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. 

On Sunday June 24^th Sidelines presents a Stonewall Beer Bash where if you buy a cup for $10 you drink unlimited well draft from 11am till 2am (all day).

After 7 years as one of the most famous all nude male strip clubs in the country, Cupids Cabaret will be changing over. They invite everyone to go party with them on their last night, June 30, as they will be featuring local and national celebrities, and some of the famous porn stars that have graced the Cupids stage. They will be auctioning off Cupids Memorabilia to benefit the Poverello Center in Wilton Manors. Doors open at 10pm with open bar from 10to 11pm. Cupids will be re-opening at Lifestyles Night Club on July 3^rd……stay tuned for more information directly from Brandy (Cupids Queen B)  in the coming weeks…… 

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 Mark's List. 

Beginning on June 15^th Eveinterrupted.com & Admix, will be displaying art from locals at their new venue Amendment XXI Lounge in Miami's design district. Their events will encompass everything their regular all girl art parties incorporate only now it will be on a weekly basis in a club setting. Expect weekly contests, live art, monthly all girl bands, unpretentious vibes, kool neighborhood lounge, beautiful outside patio, pool table...Just a new vibe for lesbian women and their friends. This is a 21+ event and the dress style is art haus meets street culture. They also feature: birthday girls get in free, $4 exclusive heroine shots, weekly beer & shot specials, and dj's Heather Holiday, D-Lokx, Djane & Suga.

Francisco Sheuat and Ric Antey cordially invite you to celebrate the Grand Opening of our new Art Expressions Gallery at 1438 NE 26^th Street in Wilton Manors on Friday June 22^nd. The opening exhibit will feature works by award winning local artists: Alfred Phillips, Essel, Selene Vasquez, Timothy Leistner, Francisco Sheuat, Ruth Hirtz, John Patrick Kelly, Chris Lopez, and Steven Shapiro. A wine & cheese reception will be held on Friday June 22^nd from 7-9 pm.  This reception will offer the opportunity to see the new gallery and speak to the artists, as well as purchase original works of art. The admission is free. Art Expressions Gallery is truly a destination for anyone in search of unique art. The works we exhibit are by both established and emerging local artists, people who are serious about what they do, and are excited about their art.  We provide a wide variety of Original Paintings, Photography, Sculpture, and art glass. We strive to assemble a collection of bright, exciting, well thought out works of art. Pieces that are thought provoking and bring the viewer joy and happiness; Works of art that are fun to live with. Gallery Hours: Tuesday. – Thursday:12:00 pm-9:00 pm, Fri. – Sat :12:00 pm-10:00 pm, Sunday: 2:00pm- 9:00 pm  and closed on Monday. For more information call 954-527-7700.