Last Friday was a big night for the shops and bars of Wilton Manors. Early in the evening Pride Factory celebrated their new store on 13th Street with a grand opening party. Attendees were treated to hors d’ouerves, wine and gift bags. Immediately following the Pride Factory Grand Opening we headed over to Rosie’s for GLAAD’s Thank GLAAD it’s Friday event. This was the third of three monthly networking events intended to familiarize South Floridian’s with the work of GLAAD and bolster their membership roster. The event was attended by close to 100 people, many of whom purchased GLAAD memberships and got to drink free Absolut cocktails for three hours. Next up on the drive was the Island City Art Walk. Shops along Wilton Drive started the second season of the highly attended monthly third Friday walk by staying open late and offering patrons wine, cheese and other assorted goodies along with art in virtually every store. Finally it was off to Bill’s Filling Station for a Grand Opening event that had to be seen to be believed. Owners Mark & Jackson were thrilled with the turnout and mentioned that the bar had been packed since about 6:30 that night. Performances by Sean Ensign and Cashetta kept the crowd entertained. VJ Gary Nolan (Formerly of Cathode Ray) played one hot tune after another. Congratulations to the crew at Pride Factory, Bill’s Filling Station, Rosie’s and every business along Wilton Drive for putting on a Friday night to remember. 

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has announced that Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants earned a 100 percent score on the HRC Corporate Equality Index for a fourth consecutive year. Kimpton is the first hospitality company to ever achieve a 100% score and the only hospitality group to maintain its perfect rating for four years in a row.  This honor comes three months after Kimpton won the PlanetOut 2007 Best Hotel Collection Award at the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) convention in Montreal. "Kimpton is proud of the awards we have received this year recognizing our commitment to the gay and lesbian community," said Niki Leondakis, chief operating officer, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. "Kimpton prides itself on progressive personnnel polices and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our guests and staff. Our goal is to deliver on the promise of late founder Bill Kimpton, to cultivate a strong family culture at the company. At Kimpton, family means everyone." Kimpton has initiated some of the most progressive outreach campaigns in North America, including an outstanding LGBT website at www.KimptonHotels.com/lgbt. One of Kimpton's most popular programs is the Kimpton InTouch guest loyalty program, which encourages people to sign-up for special promotions, parties and offers. In 2007, the company reached a milestone with over 10,000 self-identified gay and lesbian guests that have signed up for the program. Additionally, Kimpton formed KGLEN, the Kimpton Gay and Lesbian Employee Network in 2004.  This committee gives all employees the opportunity to advise the company on personnel and community outreach concerns.  Representatives on the committee are from all levels of the company, ranging from sales managers of hotels to senior level executives.  The committee meets quarterly and has representation from every region of the country.  

Editors note: the vast majority of Kimpton hotels are located in San Francisco. Other cities include New York, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, Chicago Dallas and Alexandria. For a complete list use this direct link: http://www.kimptonhotels.com/hotels.aspx

Join the Naked Grape Wine Company at 2039 Wilton Drive this Wednesday, October 24, at 7:00PM to 9pm when Mark Darley of Universal Wines joins them for their next wine tasting event. Mark will bring a variety of reds and whites from Universal's unique portfolio to share with everyone. Universal Wines represents many smaller vineyards and boutique wineries; many of their wines come from limited case production vintners. These wines are not available in many retail or restaurant locations. Come in and taste some of these very flavorful and interesting varietals. They are sure to make a wonderful addition to your wine collection. Tickets: $10.00 in advance $15.00 at the door. Reserve space for you and your friends by calling the wine bar at 954-563-5631 and using a major credit card or by stopping in at the wine bar and paying in advance. Space is limited to the first 40 guests who confirm a reservation for the comfort of those who attend. Wine tastings fill up early, so reserve early in order not to miss this fun wine tasting event.

The Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival has recently announced that an anonymous private donor has come forward with a $50,000 pledge to match dollar-for-dollar donations raised by the community.  The donation will only come to fruition if the festival is successful in raising the equivalent amount by closing night of their 10th annual festival on May 4th, 2008.  The newly launched Cultural Challenge Match campaign will translate into $100,000 in new funds, earmarked for strengthening infrastructure, new growth initiatives, and outreach opportunities for the festival, which is credited as the largest GLBT cultural event in the Southeast. "MGLFF provides an invaluable platform where the voices of our history, our experiences, our hopes, dreams and visions can be expressed, shared, and preserved.  As a vital community resource, we are committed to growing our cultural legacy as presented through film," remarked Managing Director Kirk Paskal.  "For this reason we ask you to share in our aspirations for the future and, coinciding with this incredible matching grant opportunity, support our efforts to make your festival the most it can be." Among the new initiatives that the Cultural Challenge Match will help fund are an expansion into Broward and Palm Beach Counties, cutting edge website development, increased fiscal support to filmmakers through award honorariums, new state of the art exhibition technology, equipment acquisition and developing new opportunities for international industry tastemakers to come together and interact with the newest crop of pioneering filmmaker, media and industry talent. "It is only fitting that South Florida with its unique role in the history of queer culture has a prominent GLBT film festival firmly anchored in its community.  As the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival moves into its second decade, we are striving to become one of the most significant forums for the presentation, cultivation, and creation of queer cinema for audiences, industry professionals and filmmakers", said Festival Director Carol Coombes. "The Cultural Challenge Match gives us the opportunity to grow our infrastructure in a way that will allow us to work toward goals to expand the reach of the work we already do." Those interested in making a contribution to the Cultural Challenge Match campaign can do so by calling 305-534-9924 or by visiting the festivals website, www.mglff.com/ccm.htm, and donating online.  Pledges in the amount of $250 or greater will be recognized on the festival's website.  Donations to the Cultural Challenge Match are 100% tax-deductible. The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, now in its 10th season, is dedicated to presenting South Florida with a wide array of films for and about the GLBT community.  Throughout the year, the MGLFF hosts special presentations and sneak previews of highly anticipated films.  Previous offerings have included Oscar nominated films like Transamerica, Brokeback Mountain, Little Miss Sunshine, as well as independent hits like Quinceañera and Shortbus. The 10th Annual Miami Gay & Lesbian Film festival will be held April 25th through May 4th, 2008.

The Fall segment of Centaur's Global Groove Tour is officially underway and the newest Official mix from the Global Groove Tour, "Global Groove: Live 2", is now complete.  "Live 2" is the 29th CD in the Global Groove CD series, and comes on the heels of the critically acclaimed "Live" CD (April 2007).  "Global Groove: Live 2" features two of America's top club DJs; Roland Belmares (Los Angeles) and Mike Cruz (New York).  Both DJs are currently headlining the Fall segment of the Global Groove Tour which will reach 25+ cities around the U.S. and Brazil. "Mike and Roland have captured some of the hottest sounds being heard in nighclubs around the country," says Centaur's Chief Operating Officer Jamie Baxter.  "Introducing Mike Cruz on the Centaur label alongside our veteran Roland Belmares was a very exciting undertaking; as they compliment each other extremely well in style and energy level." Earlier this fall Roland Belmares found himself in the Top 50 Album Sales for Dance on iTunes with his prior Centaur release, "Party Groove: One Mighty Weekend Vol. 2."  His popularity around the country, and his consistency in mixing stellar compilations on the Centaur label, primed him to headline the Fall Tour.  Mike Cruz, known around the world for his #1 hit "Movin Up" (with Inaya Day), is 14 years into his career as a DJ/producer and now making his debut on the Centaur label with a Global Groove mix constructed and conceived by both he and Roland. "Global Groove: Live 2" features some of the top dance songs of the season as well as new songs from artists who are no strangers to success on the dancefloor.  The Billboard hits "Make It Last" (#1) and "Activate My Body" (#3) are two songs that jumped to the front of the pack this fall, but there is depth in the overall mix, with songs that are soon to make their own assault on the dance charts.  Taxi Doll, Debby Holiday, Peter Presta and Zelma Davis are household names to dance enthusiasts, and their new tracks will soon grab the national spotlight, but don't rule out what lesser know artists will also accomplish with their new songs "Don't Laugh", "After Midnight" and "It's All Right." The official release date for "Global Groove: Live 2" is November 6 and will be available in stores nationwide including Best Buy, Virgin Megastore, and online at iTunes and www.centaurmusic.com.   Digital downloads of the album are also available at www.soundpost.com/gg, where  Centaur is also offering a FREE DOWNLOAD of one song from the album in an exclusive online promotion during pre-sales.

On Thursday, October 25 the popular monthly designer event held at Lèche-Vitrines Art Alliance continues with a twist.  Starting in October, Lèche-Vitrines has joined forces with 3 other nearby galleries to bring to you an entire day dedicated to Designers, Decorators, Realtors and Art Collectors.  From open to close Thursday, October 25 at each of the participating galleries, which are part of the Essential Gallery Network, shoppers can enjoy light refreshments, mingle with other art lovers, all while looking at amazing art and getting great deals.  This is a shopping day, not a day long reception.  Come prepared to go home with fabulous art.  In a specialized day like this, you will receive personalized attention and be able to work on specific projects and ask questions.  Feel free to bring clients to look at the artwork in person and enjoy the day or evening.  We always extend a courtesy to the trade but this day visitors also get a sneak peak of things the galleries have not had on display yet. If you have not yet visited these great galleries, this is the time.  Don't just stop at one of them.  Just a short ride from each other, they each are unique showing very different but top quality artwork.  They are raising the bar for art and art galleries in Ft. Lauderdale.  Stop by to say hello and show your support of these local businesses and support the artists by collecting original art.  Participating Galleries:Lèche-Vitrines Art Alliance, 3038 North Federal Hwy, 2nd floor. Designer Day Hours 10am-9pm. 954.563.2993/ www.lechevitrinesart.com. St. Lawrence Gallery, 3556 N. Ocean Blvd.  Designer Day Hours 10am-8pm. 954.566.8011/ www.stlawrencegallery.com. James Schot Gallery and Photo Studio, 2800 N. Federal Hwy. Designer Day Hours 11am-7:30pm. 954.564.1112/ www.jamesschotgallerystudio.com. Studio 19, 933 NE 19th Ave. Closed on holiday for this month's event but will be participating in future events. 954.764.0055/ www.studio19fineart.com

New York City and London are top destinations among American gay and lesbian travelers, according to the 12th Annual Gay & Lesbian Tourism Survey conducted by Community Marketing, Inc. (CMI). Canada, where gay marriage is legal, dominates the international list with three of the top 10 destinations. All of the top-ranked US cities either have an active LGBT marketing campaign supported by the visitors bureau, or host a very large LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) event, which is often a catalyst for gay visibility and tourism. “New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles have retained their current ranking for the past three years,” explained Jerry McHugh, Senior Research Director at Community Marketing, and the study’s architect. “However, the number of LGBT visitors to smaller destinations, such as Fort Lauderdale and Palm Springs, has an even greater impact on the area's tourism than in a larger city,” he added. 7,561 LGBT consumers completed Community Marketing’s 12th Annual Gay & Lesbian Tourism Survey, a fifteen-minute online questionnaire, in the 27-day period from Wednesday, September 5, to Monday, October 1. Respondents were recruited from CMI’s list of over 40,000 gay and lesbian consumers, derived over the past decade through announcements in LGBT newspapers, magazines and websites, and at events. It is the largest consumer survey of its kind. In that survey’s US Destinations Fort Lauderdale was the 5th highest, and Miami tied with Orlando for the 10th highest.

The Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus will hold Open Auditions beginning at 1 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 27, in the Music Suite on the second floor of the education annex of The Sunshine Cathedral, 1480 S.W. 9th Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Those auditioning must arrive no later than 1 p.m. and should bring one piece of music with which to audition. Aspirants can use recorded music, or use the accompanist provided by the Chorus. Learn more about the audition and pre-register at www.fortlauderdalegaymenschorus.org/auditions.htm; or contact Bradley Bush at 954-832-0060; or email auditions@ftlgmc.org. Now in its 22nd season, the Chorus is proud to be recognized as one of the premier performing arts organizations in South Florida, and the longest-running gay performing arts group in the state. Fresh off a 2006-07 season featuring sold-out performances at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Chorus has launched its ambitious season yet. It kicked off Monday night in front of a wildly enthusiastic Au-Rene Theater audience as the Chorus welcomed Broadway legend Barbara Cook to the Broward Center. Next up is “Holiday Treasures” at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 19, in the Amaturo Theatre, Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $20, $30 and $40 and are on sale now from the AutoNation Box Office (954) 462-0222; or online at www.ftlgmc.com. The Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. It is composed of more than 80 performers of all ages and from highly diverse professional, ethnic and economic backgrounds. While many members have previously performed professionally, the Chorus is a volunteer organization that thrives on the continued hard work, dedication and loyalty of its members and numerous supporters. Learn more at www.ftlgmc.com.

Links to ads from our bar and nightclub supporters

Now Open! Mark's List Feature Index   ¶  Out in Florida Gay and Lesbian nightlife, political, entertainment and lifestyle news. ¶  The Book of Tens Mark's List presents the best of Florida in a weekly LGBT Top Ten List. Categories include everything from best pizza and LGBT movies to hottest bartenders and Go-Go dancers. So check out our Book of Tens and find the best of the best. ¶  The Mad Paparazzi Florida Gay and Lesbian party and nightclub photos. ¶  At the Movies Independent and Hollywood Blockbuster Movie Reviews and Movie Theater Show Times at Regal Cinemas, Muvico Theaters and Sunrise Cinema's throughout Florida. ¶  The Art of Life Gay and Lesbian arts, theater, dining, home & garden, and leisure activities outside of the bars. ¶  Below the Belt with Gio Gay adult entertainment news, interviews and feature articles.   Regional Events Sponsored by Mark's List   ¶  AIDS Walk Florida 2009 ¶  Stars of the Rainbow ¶  HRC Florida Events ¶  Pridefest of the Palm Beaches 2009 ¶  White Party 2009 ¶  Winter Party 2009   Weekly Gay and Lesbian Bar and Nightclub Events   ¶  Bill's Sexy Fridays ¶  Bill's Mighty "T" ¶  Click Sundays ¶  Debutante ¶  Evolution Fridays ¶  Flash Saturdays ¶  Heaven, a Julie G Event ¶  Hump at JetSet ¶  Icandee Productions ¶  Ka ¶  Life's A Drag ¶  Martini Tuesdays ¶  Noche Latina Fridays ¶  Noche Latina T Dance ¶  OAG Parties ¶  Room 727 ¶  Pandora Events ¶  Planeta Macho ¶  Simple Life Thursdays ¶  Siren Saturdays ¶  South Beach Social Club ¶  Steam Fridays New to Mark's List! ¶  Trannie Palace ¶  Vixen  New!   Gay and Lesbian Nightclub and Bar Bullets The following bars and nightclubs support Mark's List and keep it free for you. We hope you will return the favor and support them above all others. ¶  Aero Bar ¶  Bill's Filling Station ¶  Boardwalk ¶  Boom ¶  Buck 15 (Thursdays) ¶  Chelsea Nightclub  New to Mark's List! ¶  Coffee District ¶  Creme Lounge ¶  Discotekka ¶  Dolche ¶  G. Bar New to Mark's List! ¶  Georgie's Alibi (St Pete) ¶  Georgie's Alibi (WilMa) ¶  Halo (Miami) ¶  Halo (Washington, DC) ¶  Honey Pot New to Mark's List! ¶  Jackhammer ¶  JetSet ¶  Johnny's  ¶  Lips  ¶  Living Room Nightclub ¶  Mansion ¶  Matty's On the Drive ¶  Naked Grape Wine Bar ¶  New Moon ¶  The Palace New to Mark's List! ¶  Purgatory ¶  Revolution ¶  Rosie's ¶  Sawmill Camping Resort ¶  Scandals ¶  Score ¶  Sea Monster Now Open! ¶  Sidelines Sports Bar ¶  The Stable ¶  Stilettos ¶  Steel ¶  Tea Cruise ¶  The Lounge ¶  Torpedo ¶  Twist New to Mark's List! ¶  Voodoo Lounge ¶  Yuca (Monthly Parties) b p

The US debut concert of Spain's new sensation, BUIKA, on Wednesday, October 24, at 8:00 P.M. at the Manuel Artime Theater, 900 SW 1 Street, Miami - Tickets are $25 advance: Visit www.rhythmfoundation.org or in person at BASE (939 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach), or Books and Books (265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables) or $30 at the door. 

On Thursday October 25th Big City Video and Flavamen present a birthday blowout for party for DJ T-Promix at Torpedo with free give-a-ways all night long. 

The Stonewall Library and Archives’ Book Club will hold its next meeting on Thursday, October 25, at 7:30 p.m.  Moderator Jesse Monteagudo (“The Book Nook”) will lead a discussion of “Man in the Middle,” former NBA star John Amaechi’s provocative and inspiring autobiography.  Membership in the Stonewall Library Book Club is free and Club meetings are open to the public.  The Stonewall Library and Archives is located at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida, 1717 North Andrews Avenue, in Fort Lauderdale.  For more information phone SLA at (954) 763-8565.

World renowned COLT Magazine is coming to Torpedo on October 26 for an after hours party that will not soon be forgotten.  COLT Magazine is sending supermodel Luke Garrett for a live performance at 3am. He’ll be handing out COLT Wristwatches, Calendar’s, DVD’s, and T-shirts, absolutely free to all Torpedo guests. 

On Saturday October 27th Blending Cultures presents a car wash in the Georgie’s Alibi parking lot from 10am to 2pm.

Danceteria Saturdays at Steel presents DJ Bill Hallquist on Saturday October 27th with $3.50 well and Domestic and a $10 Beer Bust all night long.

On Monday October 29th, Main Street Gym and Spa presents the 2008 Charity Calendar Launch Party with the proceeds to benefit the GLCC and Broward House. The party starts at 7pm and will take place at the GLCC with a live celebrity DL, a fashion show, Silent Auction, autograph signing, door prizes and more.

Starting Wednesday October 31 through Saturday November 3 the Boardwalk presents video star Ralph Woods live with 2 shows nightly.

Next "Tea Cruise" takes place on Sunday, November 4th, To purchase tickets, or for ore info calll 954-649-1107. Good news the Coast Guard has approved the newly renovated Musette Yacht for sailing. The newly renovated "Musette" is now three stories with a salon and observation deck. Now all in white with decorative trim, suggested dress is "Sailors in White.” Welcome aboard to another special guest D.J., the fabulous Nikki Adams, their favorite dancers and some new dancing hosts. Chef Sherry is planning a special welcome back menu for this grand return to the "Musette."

This holiday season, Latino Boys Magazine is proud to present an event to raise funds to bring joy and happiness to kids at shelters and here’s your chance to a part of that.  “GO-GO-GO for Sonrisas” will be held at Xtreme Indoor Karting in Fort Lauderdale on December 11th at 7pm.  You are invited to participate by getting behind the wheel of your own cart and going for the gold! The LBM TV will be there to capture your win and broadcast it out!  For an entry fee of $100 they will provide you with everything to race in style: cart, clothes and helmet.  Of course there are some ground rules: 1) You must be 18 years or older to sign up, 2) Although a driver’s license is not necessary to race, you must sign and agree with the terms and conditions, 3) You must understand that this is a high speed race and you have to be responsible such as not drinking and driving. They also invite local business to support this cause by having their racing team on the track. 

To sign up or for more information, please feel free to reach them at (954) 790-7067 or info@latinoboysmagazine.com.

City of Miami Beach Announces First Annual "Sleepless Night" Event The Cultural Takeover of Miami Beach which is a First of its Kind in the United States. The City of Miami Beach announced today the production of a unique citywide celebration of innovative and daring culture and entertainment called "Sleepless Night."  The all-night, free event in Miami Beach has been scheduled for Saturday, November 3, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.  making it a 13-hour night due to the end of Daylight Savings Time. This night was chosen because it fits in perfectly with the City's "25/7" marketing campaign ("Miami Beach 25/7: So much to do you need the extra hour."). The diverse program includes indoor and outdoor arts exhibits and installations, performances, fashion shows, tours, dance, music, film, and other cultural offerings all presented without admission charge.  Free public transportation will connect the four major zones of activity - NorthBeach, Collins Park, Lincoln Road, and Ocean Drive.