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