Florida Agenda

Fort Lauderdale

VEGAS NIGHT—CHIPS FOR CHARITY

Wilton Manors Council and Gay & Lesbian Business Exchange (GLBX) announces its first fundraising reception. Vegas Night – Chips for Charity, will take place on Thursday, Jan. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. Admission is $40 per person and includes tastings from local restaurants, five hours of gaming, live music, and open bar service. The event will raise money for the Chamber and Kids in Distress. For more information, call 954-462-4911 or e-mail Dan@FTLChamber.com.

TONY TRIPOLI: I SH*T MY PANTS

Comedian/actor Tony Tripoli, who has shared on-screen laughs with Kathy Griffin, Charlie Sheen and Bo Derek, will perform his newest show, “I Sh*t My Pants,” Dec. 17-19. The show will take place at 23 NW Fifth St., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $20. For more information, call (954) 647-2409 or visit www.andrewslivingarts.com.

“NEEDS WHEELS” BENEFIT FOR FATHER BILL COLLINS

Join the South Florida community on Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. for the “Needs Wheels” It’s a Wonderful Benefit for Father Bill Collins of the Poverello Center. The benefit will take place at Johnny’s, 1116 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Monies raised will be used to purchase a new car for Father Bill. Dale Madison and Russel of Stable will host the benefit. There will be incredible performances from some of the most well-known local celebs in the business and a silent auction with over $8,000 in items from our sponsors. For donations, call (954) 554-4912 and make all checks payable to Poverello Center, memo New Car.

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”

What would Christmas be without Charles Dickens’ beloved tale. The Empire State Theater at 1140 North Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, is presenting a oneman version Thursdays – Sundays until Dec. 25. Scott Sowers, who recently appeared in HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire,” plays all the parts. For showtimes, tickets and information, call (954) 678-1496 or visit www.empirestage.com

Miami

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR

It’s time for the Miami International Art Fair (MIA) in Miami Beach, Jan. 13-17, 2011 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Hall D, 1901 Convention Center Drive. Come experience America’s most exciting mid-winter contemporary art fair. MIA will be an inaugurating, intriguing and unique new model this year, combining a highly selective art fair with a strong, central curatorial vision, in addition to independently curated projects. Highlighting MIA in 2011 is the special installation Museum of Modern Ice, bringing Canadian artist Gordon Halloran’s dazzling paintings in ice to sunny South Florida for the first time. Tickets are $50 in advance and $75 at the door. For more information, call (239) 949 5411.

JUMP! SUNDAYS

Edison Farrow, Omar Gonzalez and Tony Ferro present JUMP! Sundays, South Beach’s new hot spot on Sunday nights. Doors open at 10 p.m. with free Svedka vodka drinks until 11 p.m. Admission is $10. JUMP! takes place at Lux (formerly Liquid Niteclub), 1439 Washington Ave., Miami Beach.

GEORGE BALANCHINE’S “THE NUTCRACKER”

Miami City Ballet presents George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 17-23 at the Adrienne Arsht Center Ziff Ballet Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. This production is a magical treat for young and old. Miami City Ballet’s production boasts beautiful sets, lavish costumes and magical special effects. A large, talented cast present a holiday treat for the entire family. For ticket information, call (305) 949-6722. Prices vary.

MDGLCC TOY DRIVE & HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Please join the Miami Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for a toy drive and holiday celebration on Thursday, Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the LGBT Visitor’s Center, 1130 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Please bring an unwrapped toy to benefit the Miami Beach Police Toy Drive. There will be an open bar, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a DJ, a visit from Santa Claus and other special surprises. Please RSVP to Stephanie@tma-pr.com or call (305) 673-4440.

Bay Area

UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY

On Saturday, Dec. 18, Flamingo Resort presents its first Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. If you haven’t received one already through the years, hit the thrift stores, craft stores, hardware stores and find (or make) the most hideous Christmas sweater you can imagine for a chance to win cash and prizes. Prizes in three categories: Overall Ugliest Sweater, Most Creative Ugly Sweater and Sexiest Ugly Sweater. Contest runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Flamingo Resort, 4601 34th St. S., St. Petersburg. Come out and celebrate in an ultra-festive environment and share your holiday cheer.

POST- CHANUKAH HOLIDAY MIXER & WINE TASTING

Mindy Solomon, of the Mindy Solomon Gallery, is holding a mixer to bring together Jewish LGBT community together for a post-Chanukah Holiday Mixer on Thursday, Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at her gallery at 124 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. Sponsoring the event are: The JCC Suncoast, myQmunity.com, Blue Heron Café and PRP Wine International. There will be light food and a wine tasting. Admission is free. The mixer is designed to get people meeting, sharing and having fun.

FUNDRAISER FOR THE ST. PETERSBURG MEN’S CHORUS

The GayStPete House will he holding a fundraiser for the St. Petersburg Men’s Chorus on Thursday, Dec. 23 at the GayStPete House, 4505 5th Ave. North, Saint Petersburg. Enjoy a relaxing evening poolside with incredible eats, full open bar, live entertainment and plenty of holiday cheer. No gifts but please make a donation to the Chorus. All of your donation goes to the chorus. For more information, visit www.stpetemenschorus.com.

STEAM FRIDAYS CHRISTMAS PARTY

DJ Manny Lehman will headline at the Steam Fridays Christmas Party to be held at The Honey Pot, 1507 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City. The party will be held on Friday, Dec. 17 from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Lehman is one of the biggest DJ’s in the world and will celebrate the holiday in style. The club will be transformed into the “Nutcraker Suite” and will come to life with aerialists performing and so much more. Doors open at 10 p.m. with no cover until 10:30 p.m. and $10 after. Drinks are $1 from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Central Florida

“BROADWAY CHRISTMAS 4”

Blaze Adonis and Kai’ja Adonis present “Broadway Christmas 4,” a benefit for The Trevor Project on Thursday, Dec. 16 from 9 p.m. to midnight at Revolution Nightclub, 375 S. Bumby Ave., Orlando. The evening will be filled with music and comedy from many of your Broadway favorites, old and new. There will be a VIP reception starting at 8:30 p.m. with wine and hors d’oeuvres. Showtime begins at 8:30 p.m. and is hosted by Baby Blue. There is also a cast of over 50 of your favorite LGBT entertainers. All of the proceeds will benefit The Trevor Project, the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youth. A $10 donation gets you into the VIP reception, show and Revolution for the after-party.

WINTER BEACH PARTY

The Winter Beach Party will be held at Revolution on Saturday, Dec. 18 from 10 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. at Revolution, 375 S. Bumby Ave., Orlando. The Winter Beach Party is a night for girls who love girls and the friends that love them. Ladies of the Majestic Theater Show at 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. featuring Baby Blue, Desiree Demornay, China and special guest Poison Ivy, direct from South Beach. There will also be a sultry burlesque show with the sexy Les Vixens at midnight. Drinks are $1 from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., no cover until 11 p.m. for those 21 and over (18+ welcome).

“GOD HELP US, EVERYONE”

Ashton Kutcher, Lucille Ball, Joan Crawford, Miss Piggy and Cher (or at least their impersonators) present “A Glittering Star- Studded Christmas Carol” on Saturday, Dec. 18 starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Footlight Theater at the Parliament House, 410 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando.

“THE NEARLYWED GAME”

… at Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18. This is a fun and new twist of the classic TV game show, “The Newlywed Game.” Each month, six couples (same-sex and opposite sex couples) will compete to see who knows, or thinks they know, each other the best. The couple with the most matching answers will win fabulous prizes. No subject is off limits — mature content and not for the faint of heart. The 8 p.m. show this month will be a normal couples’ round, and the 9:30 p.m. show will consist of gay men coupled with their best female friends (a.k.a. fag hags). For more information, visit www.hamburgermarysorlando.com

Fort Lauderdale

TOYS STORY: A NIGHT FOR GIVING

Put a smile on a child’s face this holiday season by taking part in this event on Thursday, Dec. 9 at The Manor in Wilton Manors. Tickets are $10 and all of the proceeds will go to Broward House Pediatrics. All new, unwrapped toys will be distributed to Kids In Distress and a local Battered Woman’s Shelter. Performing at this event will be the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus, Local cirque acrobatic acts and The Fabulous DELFRIDA. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and only 500 tickets will be sold. Tickets are available at The Manor, Broward House, Source Salon & Spa and online at www.BrowardHouse.Org. For more information, call Ken Fritz at (954) 599 0124 or Marc Silverstone at (954) 801 8448.

RIBBONS FOR THE CHILDREN

Children’s Diagnostic Treatment Center’s presents its Fifth Annual Ribbons for the Children, on Friday, Dec. 3 at the Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Art, 1 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. For more information, call (954) 525-5500.

SCREENING OF “THE SILENCE IS DEATH: UNHEARD VOICES”

This documentary focuses on the intersection of homophobia, the Black Church and high rates of HIV among the Black MSM (Gay) population. The screening will take place on Thursday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. Muvico Parisian 20 at City Place, 545 Hibiscus Street, West Palm Beach. To RSVP, call (561) 722-8876 or (813) 391-6710.

DEC. 10 & 11 A NIGHT WITH ACTRESS LESLIE CARON

The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLiFF) hosts two evenings with Oscar® nominated actress Leslie Caron. Fans can join Caron on Friday, Dec. 10 for a tribute film and book signing event at Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale; and on Dec.11 for the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade. Tickets for the FLiFF tribute evening are $30 in advance/$35 at the door. FLIFF Member price is $25 in advance/$30 at the door. Tickets for the Winterfest Boat Parade are $150 for general admission/$125 for FLiFF members, and must be purchased in advance.

Miami

THE SMALL WORLD OF WILLARD WIGAN

Now thru Dec. 6, the enchanting world of Willard Wigan makes its debut in Miami for Art Basel with 58 pieces – most formed in the eye of a needle, visible only by high-powered microscopes in custom cases. Highly anticipated pieces include Little Miss Muffet, Cameron Diaz, Mega Yacht “Hope” and the first showing of Cupid – arguably the smallest piece of art ever created. Also on display will be his homage to the Miami Heat and “The Three Kings.” LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh will be playing in the smallest arena yet – the eye of a needle. This event takes place at 3252 NE First Ave., Miami. Call (786) 398-4295.

ART MIAMI 2010

Miami’s longest running contemporary art fair, Art Miami, returns to the City of Miami thru Dec. 5 with a compelling array of modern and contemporary artwork from more than 100 international galleries and prominent art institutions. Exhibitions include paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography and prints from Europe, Asia, Latin America, India, the Middle East and the United States. Hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. At Art Miami Pavilion, 3101 NE First Ave., Miami. Call (520) 529-1108.

THE FUEL GIRLS PERFORM LIVE

Direct from the United Kingdom, Mary D & Girls in the Night present The Fuel Girls live on Saturday, Nov. 27 at Club Play, 1045 Fifth St., Miami Beach. Call (305) 532-4340.

WHITE PARTY

The crown jewel of HIV fundraisers where thousands dressed in white dance under the Miami moon. Celebrity performances, top deejays, a food court filled with some of Miami’s hottest restaurants, local bars, and casino on the most breathtaking renaissance gardens in the country. VIP bar and casino bar with wristband. D.J. David Knapp. Saturday, November 27 at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 S. Miami Ave. in Miami from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m.

For more info: visit www.whiteparty.org.

WHITE HORIZONS

The only official morning party, White Horizons is a true dance event that provides the absolute best in sound, lights, and deejays. With no lack of energy or spirit in the crowd, this event is a must for true dance music enthusiasts. Sunday after-after hours/Monday morning party, Mon., Nov. 29 at Nocturnal Nightclub, 50 NE 11th Street in Miami.H out in florida

Bay Area

“SANTA PARADE AND SNOWFEST”

Every year the wonderful St. Petersburg Santa Parade starts off at 10 a.m. traversing Bay Shore Drive from Fifth Avenue NE. Once the parade has come to a halt, the real party begins with the Snowfest, held in Straub Park. After Santa’s annual 10 a.m. trek down the street with the rest of the parade, take a romp in the snow. The Santa Parade and Snowfest will take place on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

BLACK & WHITE BALL

The Black & White Ball, a benefit for the MAC AIDS Fund, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 5 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. It will take place at The Honey Pot, 1507 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa. This will be the first in what will become an annual tradition of glam, beauty, music and fun for a good cause. The MAC AIDS Fund was established by MAC Cosmetics to support men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS worldwide. For more information, visit www.macaidsfund. org.

FLAMINGO TURNABOUT

The first-ever turnabout at the Flamingo Resort will take place on Thursday, Dec. 9 from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. at the Flamingo Resort, 4601 34th St. South, St. Petersburg. All the money raised will benefit A.S.A.P. Don’t miss this event as it will be the only time you will see most of the staff dressed up and performing.

PRINCE POPPYCOCK LIVE NBC’s

“America’s Got Talent” finalist Prince Poppycock will make a live appearance this Friday, Nov. 26 at Steam Friday, 1507 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City. If you haven’t seen him, check him out on YouTube. Doors open at 10 p.m. with $1 drinks from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. To reserve a table, call (352) 284-8500. There will be a meet-andgreet following the show.H HOLIDAY HOOPLA The Gulfport Merchants Association presents Holiday Hoopla on Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Operation Santa, The Gulfport Senior Center Foundation and Get Rescued. Admission is free. Brighten your holidays with a visit to Beach Boulevard in Gulfport at the Holiday Hoopla. For more information, call (727) 322-5217 or visit www.gulfportma.com.

Central Florida

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A GHOST STORY OF CHRISTMAS

Charles Dickens’ classic tale ushers in the holiday season and the wonderful sprit (or spirits) of Christmas. Film and television star Dennis Neal portrays the miser Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve and awakens the next day a changed man. Will be performed Dec. 3 – 19 at the Garden Theatre, 160 West Plant St. in Winter Garden. Tickets are $24 ($20 seniors/students). For more information, visit www.gardentheatre.org.

WORLD AIDS DAY WORSHIP SERVICE

To be held on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. at the sanctuary of St. Luke’s Methodist Church on Apopka/Vineland Road just south of Conroy-Windermere Road. Two panels of the AIDS Quilt will be on display. Come out and remember those you have lost and celebrate the long-term survivors.

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO TOWN

The hysterical Leslie Jordan show “Deck Them Halls, Y’all,” a new show from the Emmy Award-winning performer on Thursday, Dec. 2 and Friday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. Reserved seat tickets are $34 at the Footlight Theatre at the Parliament House in Orlando.

NICE JEWISH GIRLS GONE BAD & THE FLORIDA SUNSHINE TOUR

Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad is a refreshing mix of comedy, music, spoken-word and show-stopping burlesque, featuring the gals who learned to smoke at Hebrew School, got drunk at their Bat-Mitzvahs and would rather have more schtuppa than the chupah, featuring performers seen on Comedy Central, HBO and late night TV. The event takes place on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. at Vain, 22 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information, call (407) 835-3590.

“SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER”

Nov. 19 – Dec. 19. This boisterous comedy of mistaken identities has delighted audiences for over two centuries with its gorgeous language, elegant costumes, and outright hilarity. Sparks fly when young urbanite Charles Marlow arrives at a country estate to court Kate Hardcastle, only to take her father for an innkeeper and her for a saucy barmaid. Performances are at the Mad Cow Theatre, 105 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. Tickets are $24 regular and $22 for seniors/students. Call (407) 297-8788.