Tag Archive | "Arts United"

Matt Zarley Blows Into Town

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Broadway star, former Chicago singer showcases new CD

By DMITRY RASHNITSOV

Matt Zarley’s career began as an actor with Tony the Tiger in a Frosted Flakes commercial. He’s come a long way baby! Now an acclaimed singer, Zarley is coming to Fort Lauderdale as the latest installment in the ArtsUnited concert series. He is performing Tuesday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m in Broward Center’s New River Room, 201 SW 5th Ave in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets for  are $15 general admission and available by calling 954 462-0222 or online at www.browardcenter.com.  After the commercial exposure, Zarley took a long and heralded turn on Broadway, appearing in Joseph The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cats and Chicago among others before touring as one of the singers with the iconic 70′s band Chicago. Zarley spoke to the Florida Agenda about his new album, the partner who can steal his heart, and what it takes to look as handsome as he does.

1. Tell me a little bit about your new CD, While You See a Chance (Part 1), whats new compared to your previous songs?

- Well, this is a cover first of all. It’s the classic Steve Winwood song from 1980. It was recorded with the intent of being a dance single. Most of my songs start as pure pop songs; then we remix them afterwards.

2. Have you ever performed in Fort Lauderdale? What are you most excited for about coming to South Florida? What can audiences expect from your show?

- I played Miami w/ CATS about 20 years ago….and CHICAGO about 5 years ago.

3. Who are some of you biggest influences? Which of today’s popular artists speak to you?

-My biggest influences were prob Whitney Houston, George Michael, Kenny Loggins, and Babyface. They were the most influential when I was trying to discover my own my style. Today, my favorite artist is probably India.Arie. I think she is BRILLIANT and highly underrated. I also love this new Australian artist, Ricki-Lee and Daniel Merriweather.

4. Tell me a little about your personal life, are you single? If taken, tell me about your partner, if single tell me about the type of guys you are into?

- I am currently single. Been single for the past year. I’m really attracted to guys that are passionate about something, kind, thoughtful, and romantic. I’ll take sexy over pretty any day. I have a penchant for scruffy guys these days. A cute guy w/ an edge. Don’t ask me why. :)

5. Do you think gay artists should stay in the closet for fear their albums won’t sell? (IE Ricky Martin)

- I think they should do what feels authentic to them. For me, it wasn’t an option. I think one’s sexual identity is THEIRS. They should treat it the way they see fit. For me, honest living is the best living.

6. How do you relax? Whats your recommendations for people to get inspired in their life (just like how you are inspired to write your songs)?

- I relax at home w/ my dogs, go hiking, spend time w/ friends and family. A perfect day is lounging by my pool with good friends while sipping on a margarita. :) Inspiration comes from living. I think a nice hike by yourself or a long car ride by yourself have been ideal places for me to clear my mind in order to write. I’ve wrote many songs en route from LA to Las Vegas. :)

7. What are some tips for gay men to achieve a handsome man of mystery look similar to yours?

- HAHA. Take care of yourself physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Be good to yourself. Surround yourself w/ good energy and people who help make u a better person. And if u have thick, wavy, annoyingly course, get it cut every 3 weeks. :)

For more information visit http://www.artsunitedonline.org/PerformingArtSeries.html

ArtsUnited Celebrates 10 Years of United & Proud

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ArtsUnited will present it’s 10th annual “United & Proud” member art exhibit celebrating Gay Pride Month at the Broward County Main Library Gallery 6 from June 7-25.

In June of 2001, the Broward County Library Outreach Service asked the fledgling gay artist group, ArtsUnited, to produce a visual arts exhibit in June for Gay Pride Month. “United & Proud” has since become an annual showcase for the organization’s members. ArtsUnited will celebrate the ten year anniversary of the exhibit with over 60 gay, lesbian, bisexual, and gay-supportive artist members showcasing their best work.

This year’s show will be judged by Vee Corallo, curator for ArtServe Gallery and curator for numerous Avante-Garde  art shows in New York’s East Village in the 80′s including Andy Warhol, Keith Herring, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Prizes will be awarded for Best in Show, Best in Class for Painting, Photography, Mixed Media/ 3-D and Drawing/Print, and Judges Recognitions. Additionally a People’s Choice Award will be selected the night of June 9 at the Artists Reception.

The exhibit will run from June 7 through the 25, with the Artists Reception to be held on Wednesday, June 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Gallery 6 of the  Broward Library is located on the 6th floor at 100 S. Andrews Ave in Fort Lauderdale. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For more information visit www.artsunitedonline.org

Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For more information visit www.artsunitedonline.org

ArtsUnited’s mission is to present a positive message about the gay and lesbian community through the diverse performing and fine arts. They strive to accomplish this mission in many ways including: organizing art exhibits and performances by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) artists and performers in public venues; sponsoring book signings and appearances by LGBT authors; conducting educational seminars and artists workshops; conducting collaborative outreach programs to benefit other non-profit organizations, and encouraging programming inclusive of LGBT issues, artists, and audiences. Each year ArtsUnited presents over 40 programs.–FA

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