Last Wednesday Joe Granda of Granda Entertainment celebrated his 40 years in the music business with a celebration at Mansion the likes of which I have not seen in a long while. Mansion was packed with a who’s who of the music (especially Latin Music) world, Club World and beyond.In addition to the many proclamations Joe was given, including one from the city of Miami Beach and one from the City of Hialeah, there were many performances by renowned recording artists. I would like to personally take this opportunity to wish Joe Congrats on his many successes and wish him many more successful years in the music business. 

Last Saturday was the 4th Anniversary of Lynne Bové’s icandee Productions and it took place at Score in South Beach. On hand were the sexy girls known as the Knockouts performing on bar tops and Score’s main stage, everybody was amazed. According to promoter Lynne Bové, “It was our best event ever and the response from our customers backs that feeling up.” Congrats to Lynne on four years, a great party and our best wishes for many more. 

The guys from Cat 5 were out and about last weekend raising money for their trip to the Superbowl of Flag Football. Thursday night’s Jello shot fundraiser at Alibi was a success and Saturday the clouds parted for a sunny afternoon pool party at Cheston House on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Look for the guys around town in the red jersey’s and wish them best of luck in this year’s championship. 

Boardwalk put out another sizzling weekend. This time it was Latin Inches cover boy and video star Ricky Martinez, also known as, The Anaconda. We’ll let you figure that reference out! On hand were hundreds of excited patrons who we guarantee you, were not let down by his performance. Hats off to Victor & Jim for keeping us entertained with a wide variety of adult video stars. 

Tuesday’s Dine Out event, the first of its kind for the GLCC, was a tremendous success. With more than ten participating restaurants, from Italian to burgers and gourmet dining, there was something for everyone. After taking photos at all of the participating restaurants, the Mark’s List gang met up at Trina’s and had a wonderful dinner. We’re already looking forward to the next Dine Out and we’d like to thank everyone that came out to support the GLCC.

The Grand Opening of the latest addition to the Wilton Manors scene, Bill’s Filling Station, is less than two weeks away. Currently construction is on schedule for a soft opening October 15th, with a grand opening weekend October 19th and 20th that will include performances by Cashetta and Sean Ensign. According to Jackson Padgett, “Bill’s is growing up.” All of the memorabilia from the location on 13th street will make the move, including the old time gas pump, license plates and photos. There’ll still be pool tables, a few more dart boards and plasma TVs all over the place. Drink prices stay the same, everyone is welcome and the parking is always free. So what’s changing? Well, a popular painting from the old location depicting cowboys at a marble bar has been digitally captured and blown up to cover an entire wall. There will be a live VJ and the videos will be displayed on a “tower of power” similar to the center bar in Hard Rock's Casino. Patrons will be served from three bars inside, with one serving high end Cognac’s, wines and other upscale liquors. Also look for a small dance floor, special events stage, banquettes made out of car seats, the return of finger foods, and even a photo booth where you can capture your good times, or snap a quick photo with that “friend” you just met. The interior was designed by Yamir Studio, another recent addition to Wilton Drive. “We want it to be sexy, fun and exciting and at the same time respect the tradition of Bill’s”, said Jackson. When asked if we could sneak a photo of the construction the answer was, “We’d like everyone to be completely surprised.”  And after seeing the renovations underway last week, I assure you; this is going to be one fantastic addition to the drive.

Art Beyond Translation “The South American Artists Exhibition” takes place from October 6th – November 3rd with the Artists Gala Reception on Saturday, October 6th from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm at Art Expressions Gallery. Art Expressions is dedicated to bringing the passion of our local talent to the public. Latin American artists have always captivated them and found resonance in their lives. There is particular passion unique to Latin American Art, a spirit that has been celebrated by artists such as Bravo, Tamayo, Rivera, Obaldia and Botero. Art Beyond Translation is a chance to explore some of the most compelling and thought provoking works of Latin American artists living and working in South Florida today. Experience the undiscovered treasures, and nuances of fine art by South American artists Juan Carlos Soto, Vicky Burke, Carmen Sasiega, Carmem Gusmao, Rocio Magasrevy and Roberto Paramo. As they bring these six artists to the forefront of the local art scene, they invite you to enjoy their passions as they do… not merely with the eyes, but the heart. Art Beyond Translation “The South American Artists Exhibition” at Art Expressions Gallery is the first of what they hope will become an important yearly event. Admission is free.

Club Blue is a monthly social and networking event designed to promote the Human Rights Campaign and its membership in South Florida. Join the HRC South Florida Committee each month to network with other gay/lesbian professionals and learn about HRC South Florida! You won't want to miss it! HRC is highlighting the work of our coalition partner, Fairness for All Families. HRC is partnering with Fairness for All Families and with Florida Red & Blue as both work to defeat the proposed Florida Marriage Amendment. This amendment would end any hope for gay marriage in Florida and would likely threaten existing Domestic Partner registration ordinances and corporate domestic health benefits. We are honored to have special guest speaker Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida and Board Member for Fairness for All Families, who will share with us in more detail how the coalition is working to protect our rights. This months Social will be on Thursday October 4 from 6 to 8pm at Bucky’s Grill (1451 North Federal Highway – 954-563-6868)

For 6 Saturdays in October and November, Torpedo’s sound system is open to anyone with the talent to take it on. The winner will win a paid guest spot at Torpedo, the hottest after hours in town. Their panel of judges holds 50% of the vote, while the other 50% lies in the hands of the crowd. Judges will mark on showmanship, tune selection, mixing ability, tricks/additional skills and crowd reaction. There are 4 places in each of the 6 heats, with each DJ having 30 minutes to perform. One winner from each heat will go on to the final on Saturday November 24 prior to the Manhunt party, when the overall winner will be chosen. They also have range of goodies and DJ related prizes from Beatport. To enter send a CD of no more then 30 minutes, along with our name, address and contact telephone number to: Torpedo/ DJ Competition, 2829 West Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale FL 33312 no later then October 19.

The highly anticipated The Bubble has finally received a booking date for South Florida's and will open on November 9th at the Gateway Theatre, 1821 east sunrise blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 954.763.7994.  The Bubble has opened in New York and Los Angeles and is playing to capacity crowds. 

MGLFF proudly celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and a donor/member has stepped forward to pledge a much-needed $50,000 for their non-profit organization to continue into the next decade and beyond. There's only one catch... they need YOUR help to raise $50,000 first! After raising $50,000, their Cultural Challenge donor will then match these funds dollar-for-dollar - to translate into $100,000. This will provide the crucial bolstering of MGLFF's infrastructure and the opportunity to expand their mission of enriching, entertaining, educating and encouraging a sense of community through international and culturally diverse film, video and other media that give us a historical and contemporary perspective on the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience. Please make your 100% tax-deductible contribution today and help them reach their goal of raising $100,000 by their Closing Night on May 4, 2008. They absolutely need your help to meet these targets and goals in 2008 and beyond! Donations of $250 or greater will be acknowledged on the Cultural Challenge Match web page and in the 10th Annual MGLFF program book. The Cultural Challenge Match only applies to special 100% tax-deductible gifts to MGLFF, separate from any membership or ticket dollars you may spend with them. This is why theyare appealing not only to your generosity, but your creativity - think outside the box! Does the company you work for have a matching gift program that they could double with the Cultural Challenge Match? Do you have friends at corporations that earmark funds for charitable organizations? Please call them and ask for their support. Our South Florida LGBT community is only as strong as its members and friends - and YOUR film festival needs your support. HOW TO DONATE: By PHONE - call them at 305-534-9924 and say "I want to make a pledge to the Cultural Challenge Match". MGLFF can accept your donation via Visa, Mastercard or AMEX. MAIL - send in a check in any amount made payable to "MGLFF".
Make sure to indicate on the memo line that the donation is specifically for the Cultural Challenge Match. Send to: Cultural Challenge Match c/o MGLFF 1521 Alton Rd. #147
Miami Beach, FL 33139 USA

On Saturday October 13th at 8pm, Edison Farrow presents "Queer Riot!" - a night of outrageous comedy starring Bruce Villanch, Judy Tenuta and Lady Bunny. Tickets will go on sale Saturday, September 8th at 10am on Ticketmaster.com. Bruce Villanch is of the most sought-after jokesmiths in the entertainment industry, Bruce Vilanch has become a recognizable face in his own right, thanks to the feature-length documentary "Get Bruce!" (1999) and his one-time stint as a regular on "Hollywood Squares" for which he also served as head writer. In Los Angeles he wrote for variety shows like the original "Donny and Marie" and "The Brady Bunch Hour" and provided material for Richard Pryor, Lily Tomlin and Joan Rivers. He has maintained his connection with Midler through the years, working on such projects as the feature "Divine Madness" and the TV special "Bette Midler - Diva Las Vegas", as well as writing for her short-lived but lively sitcom, "Bette!". Vilanch began contributing to Academy Awards telecasts in 1989, collaborating with the likes of Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg and David Letterman, and graduated to head writer in 2000. He has roasted celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and President Clinton. The Whoopi connection led to his providing the notorious material Ted Danson performed in blackface at a certain 1993 Friars Club roast of his then-girlfriend Goldberg, but his resume also includes "You Made Me Watch You", the touching Emmy-winning valedictory Midler crooned as a send-off to Johnny Carson. He scripted most of the Academy Awards telecasts over the last decade, two of which won Emmys, including the one featuring Billy Crystal's Hannibal Lecter entrance. Mr. Vilanch has also written for The Tony's, The Grammy's, The Emmy's, and just about every other award show to brighten your television screen. He also participates and volunteers at almost every charity function, especially those dealing with GLBT issues. Mr. Vilanch recently wrote Bette Midler's Tour, toured in the Broadway hit, "Hairspray", and appeared on Celerity Fit Club.  Judy Tenuta is the most famous person that ever lived. If you don't believe it just ask her! The stand-up comic/actress who describes herself as a "multi-media Bondage Goddess" and "the Aphrodite of the Accordion", is actually a caring nurturer who wakes up at 8PM to verbally abuse countless herds of mortal swine (her audience) and converts them to her signature religion "Judyism". Her fans ranging from fetuses to fossils, gays to geishas, all beg to chew her gum and kiss her feet because she is the only fun-feminist who preaches that all women should be worshipped as "Love Goddesses", and all men have an equal opportunity to become her furniture. It could happen! Judy has starred in her own HBO, Showtime, and Lifetime Specials and has been seen on every major talk show. Most recently she was a special correspondent for "American Journal", and "Entertainment Tonight," where she conducted interviews with such celebrated public figures as Donald Trump and Reverend Jesse Jackson. Judy has also had two smash comedy CD's and has been nominated twice for Grammy Awards for her "Attention Butt-Pirates and Lesbetarians", and "In Goddess We Trust". She is also the author of "The Power of Judyism" (Harper-Collins). Lady Bunny with glitzy outfits, sky-high wigs, and false eyelashes long enough to embarrass even Tammy Faye Bakker, this multi-talented drag artiste would turn heads even if looking glamorous was his only talent. But this isn't just another man in a dress. Lady Bunny is a successful comedienne, emcee, singer, songwriter, actress, DJ, and, most famously, the founder, organizer, and hostess of Wigstock, the outrageous festival of drag and music that had been delighting over 40,000 New Yorkers and tourists visiting New York for the event, every Labor Day for over 20 years. The feature film, Wigstock, The Movie, which chronicled the event from preparation to performance day, was produced specifically about this popular event and Lady Bunny, and has just recently been re-released on DVD. Bunny tours constantly, bringing down the house from Cincinnati to Tel Aviv with her bawdy, Dusty Springfield-meets-Don-Rickles mix of potty-mouthed humor, Southern charm, zany "Laugh-In"-style skits, and X-rated pop song parodies. Bunny has emceed events around the world ranging from Van Cleef Arpels corporate parties to Gay Pride Parades and has shared the stage with the likes of Pamela Anderson, Margaret Cho, Dennis Rodman, Cyndi Lauper, k.d. Lang, and the B-52's, just to name a few. As a journalist, Bunny keeps a high profile with her weekly "Star Style Report" for Star Magazine. Bunny also writes regularly for various other publications such as Visionaire, Paper, Instinct, Genre, V, Interview and Time Out New York. Frequent TV and Film appearances also bring Bunny's name to the worldwide masses. As a talking head for TV networks like E! and VH1 and with appearances on Comedy Central's "Pam Anderson Roast," HBO's "Sex and the City"; Britney Spears' MTV special "In the Zone & Up All Night," as well as feature films such as Not Another Gay Movie 2, Dragtime, Party Girl, and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, Lady Bunny is no stranger to the various demographic pools. Bunny's even been consistently mentioned on the international hit show "Will & Grace," cementing her status as an icon.

The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida (GLCC), Wilton Manors Business Association, Wilton Manors Main Street and the City of Wilton Manors announced today a combined effort in putting on a Halloween extravaganza. The GLCC, already known for hosting a successful Halloween event join forces for the Wicked Manors Block Party to be held on Wilton Drive between 7th and 11th Avenues.  This year’s event will start at 7:00pm with lots of festivities planned throughout the evening. Co-chair Bobby Kyser, owner of Petals Panache said “Not only will this be a very fun evening but the proceeds of this event will benefit the programs and services of the GLCC and the revitalization of Wilton Manors.” The GLCC serves the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community providing information, education, advocacy, support, human services, cultural experiences and social opportunities. The center works to foster personal development and quality of life for the entire community embracing individuality and diversity, promoting awareness, acceptance, celebration and pride.  Wilton Manors Main Street is a nonprofit group made up of residents, business owners, property owners and organizations that creates an environment on Wilton Drive where commerce, art and housing enthusiastically coexist. “This event will benefit the community and all the businesses on the drive with much needed exposure.”  Co-chair Doug Cureton, owner of What’s the Scoop went on to say, “we are hoping to establish this into an annual block party to rival that of other cities nation-wide.” This year’s theme “HELL ON HEELS” will feature businesses along the drive in a storefront decoration contest voting will take place online beginning on Wednesday, October 24th and lasting until Halloween Night; informal trick or treating for youth and adults from 5-7pm; music by G.I.R.L. (GayInternetRadioLive.com); Mistress of the Dark – Misty Eyez as hostess/emcee; street food vendors, bars and Halloween themed booths and souvenir items for sale, including an official event T-shirt. The evening will include a Lord and Lady of Wicked Manors contest.  Participants must submit an application on the website www.wickedmanors.com by Tuesday, October 23rd and voting will begin on Wednesday, October 24th lasting until Halloween Night. The Lord and Lady will preside over the evening’s event. All winners will receive fabulous cash and prizes. Other contests that evening include a Pet Costume and Pet/Owner Look-a-like Contest; a Tattoo and Body Art Contest; a Celebrity Look-a-like Contest; a FIERCE WALK OFF Contest called “Drag on the Drive”; and a Costume Contest with Scariest and Overall Best Costumes.  Cash and Prizes will be awarded. Would you like your business and logo listed on the website, on the promo cards, in all press releases and receive an ad in the event program, or be listed as an “official site location for a pre-party/event” and receive a booth on the street that night? The committee is looking for sponsors to assist in underwriting the expenses such as decoration, printing of the Hallo-Guide, security, lighting, permits, advertising and more.  For information on how you can be an event sponsor, contact Bobby Kyser at (954) FLOWERS (356-9377). Volunteers interested in helping with the event before, during and after should contact Nicole at the GLCC at 954-463-9005 or nicole@glccsf.org.  For more information please visit www.wickedmanors.com or www.glccsf.org

On Tuesday October 9th Trannie Palace at Steel presents a benefit to send Marks List own and Trannie Palace Hostess Misty Eyez to Miss Florida at Large. The night will feature Emcee: Shayla Stone "Grandma" and  star...Amanda West, Asia Love, Alyssa Kartier, Carmen, Cashetta, Champagne Bordeaux, Charleze Angel, Chloe Godiva, Choca'lota, Daisy Deadpetals, Desiray, Destiny Bon-Jay, Diamond Dunhill, Diva, Elora Frost, Erika Norell, Francesque Richards, Gina D'Angelo, Jordana Marlo, Justice Royale, Lonnah St James, Mercedes, Nicolette, Noel Leon, Penis Hilton, Rebecca Glasscock, Shiva D'Amore, Taylor Catrell, Tiffany Arieagus, Twat Larouge, Velvet Lenore, Victoria Michaels, Vanessa Demore, Viva Mirage, and Many Many More.....There is no cover and free parking so bring plenty of money to tip the girls and help send Misty to Miss Florida at Large a winner!!!