Florida Agenda

By Cliff Dunn

If this is at least your fifth or sixth Holiday Season on earth, you’ve probably by now heard all the variations on this theme: Commercialism is Killing Christmas. (In fact, this jeremiad has been so familiar, for so long, one wonders if it was being bandied about in the Holy Land, circa the Year 1: “All this gold, myrrh, and frankincense is ruining Hanukkah and the Saturnalia!”)

The lament, of course, has merit, depending upon whom one is speaking with at the time.

Those with deeply religious convictions may mean much the same thing when they remind us to “keep Christ in Christmas.” Individuals who have had it “up to here” with efforts to charm, solicit, implore, or seduce them into purchasing the new iPad/Kindle/Nook clone may be feeling the stress of trying to keep up with Number One at a time when they’re being paid like ‘number two.’ And we mustn’t underestimate the recessive

Scrooge-Gene which seems to become all-too-dominant in many of us when December 1 rolls around.

Much like we know inherently that it’s wrong to do certain things (like killing, or lying, or behaving hurtfully), there’s a sense in most people of what “the right things to do” are; most often, these values are drummed into us during our childhoods. And at the heart of these values is the high “value” most of us naturally place on connecting with one another on a fundamental, human level.

Along with this, I like to think that a spirit of giving exists in each of us. Like most traits we are born with, life has a way of either helping to hone them, or to dull their once-promising edge. When I listen to people kvetching about the state of the world, or the seeming lack of “Holiday Spirit” in those around them, what I hear is an unarticulated longing for a bygone time when they believed in the lessons they learned as kids in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” (or “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” for that matter), but that life’s varied experiences have tarnished.

What some people need is a catalyst to remind them of the true meaning of the Holidays: that we should try to love one another, even if it’s for a few weeks at year’s end.

Whatever your Holiday flavor there’s an outlet to exercise those invisible muscles that enable us to feel that sense of connection. It could be The Manor’s “A Toy’s Story 2;” the holiday gift drive at Shawn & Nick’s Courtyard Café; the Marine Corps’ Harley-borne Toy Ride; the Gamma Mu Foundation’s HEAT 12 fundraising weekend, which raises money that provides direct assistance to people with HIV/AIDS, primarily in rural America, as well as bestowing trade-school, under-graduate, and advanced-degree scholarships to deserving gay men; donating your time to help in a Food Pantry, or pediatric HIV unit; the watchword this Christmas (and Hanukkah, and Kwanza) should be Connect.

Easier said than done, I know. But in an era of 15-second TV commercials, do you really have the time to be visited by three ghosts this close to the Dolphins-Patriots game? I think that if each of us would endeavor to “keep Christ in Christmas” (or “Han in Hanukkah”), then, like Scrooge at the end of his Trial by Spirits, “it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge.” God Bless Us, Every One.

Cliff Dunn

CLIFF DUNN is the Editor of the Florida Agenda. He can be reached at Editor@FloridaAgenda.com

LIGHTED INN TOUR
The holidays hit historic Key West with their Lighted Inn Tour on December 9. Get into the holiday spirit by touring the historic inns including Rose Lane Villas (522-524 Rose Lane), Cypress House (601 Caroline Street), Tropical Inn (812 Duval Street), Mermaid & The Alligator, (729 Truman Avenue), Wicker Guesthouse (913 Duval Street) and Artist House on Fleming (1016 Fleming Street). Participants can visit the inns on their own each evening or in conjunction with a holiday trolley tour presented by CityView Trolley Tours. Tickets are $25 per person for the tour itself or $40 per person with the trolley tour. For more information, call 305-295-1334.

HOLIDAY CONCERT
On Friday, December 9, The Keys Chorale at Florida Keys Community College will present its annual Holiday Concert which while feature holiday favorites from all around the world. The evening will include selections such as “Gloria” by Antonio Vivaldi and will be accompanied by an instrumental ensemble. Tickets are $30 for reserved seating and $20 for general admission. Staged at the Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Road. Call 305-296-1520 for more details.

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE
Schooner Wharf Bar will be presenting their 21st annual Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, December 10. Decorated boats from rowboats to yachts will be cruising around Key West’s Seaport and harbor areas. Prior to the parade at 6 p.m., the Gerald Adams Elementary School Steel Your Heart Band will entertain the audience with songs of the holiday season. Holiday revelers can watch and applaud from bars, restaurants and resorts in and around the Historic Seaport. For more information, call 305-292-3302.

SOUTHERNMOST CHRISTMAS TREE CELEBRATION
On Sunday, December 11, board the Conch Tour Train to go to the Southernmost Point in the continental United States to check out the southernmost Christmas Tree at sunset overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This is an annual party presented by the Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens. The fun starts at 1401 Seminary Street. For more information, call 305-294-9526.

HOLIDAY MUSIC/HARBOR WALK OF LIGHTS
On Saturday and Sunday, December 17 and 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. both evenings, enjoy traditional Christmas music under the stars on the Key West Harbor Walk of Lights.

Classical violin and Celtic fiddle compositions of favorite holiday tunes are to be performed by “Violins in Motion” from Fort Lauderdale, consisting of talented 4 to 18 year-old South Florida and international students. The event is free, but donations will be accepted for the fight against childhood diabetes.

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.

“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 Thursday – Saturday 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.

“BROADWAY BOUND” BY NEIL SIMON The Boca Raton Theater Guild Presents “Broadway Bound” by Neil Simon Jan. 7-16 at the Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park, 301 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Showtimes are at 8 p.m. (Wednesday – Saturday) and 2 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday). Tickets are $18. For more information, call (561) 948-2601 or visit www.brtg.org.

“ROCK OF AGES” Broadway Across America presents the highly-acclaimed “Rock of Ages,” Dec. 28 – Jan. 9 at the Broad Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $21. “Rock of Ages” is an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, facemelting hits of JOURNEY, NIGHT RANGER, STYX, REO SPEEDWAGON, PAT BENATAR, TWISTED SISTER, POISON, ASIA, WHITESNAKE and many more. Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on featuring some of the greatest hits of the ’80s. For more information, call (954) 462-0222 or visit www.browardcenter. org.

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 midwinter 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.

BARTON G PRESENT CHEYENNE JACKSON The star of “GLEE,” “30 ROCK” and BROADWAY’S “XANADU” will be on hand to ring in the New Year on Friday, Dec. 31 & Saturday, Jan. 1 Tickets are $75 and $95and are available by calling (305) 357-7900 or visiting www.preludebybartong.com. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Venue is located at 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Stepping up to a new arena of entertainment which now counts three successful restaurants, The Villa By Barton G (former Versace Mansion) and a corporate events division that services national and international clients, New Year’s Eve will mark the entry of restaurateur/hotelier Barton G. Weiss’ newest venture, PRELUDE BY BARTON G PRESENTS.

GEORGE BALANCHINE’S “THE NUTCRACKER” Miami City Ballet presents George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 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.

BAY AREA

DRAG BINGO BENEFIT Nicky Summers Drag BINGO Benefit night on Wednesday, Dec. 29 from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grill Tampa, 1600 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City. Proceeds from this night to benefit Nicky Summers in her quest to capture the title of “Miss Large and Lovely.” Come support your hometown girl as she prepares to compete in something she truly believes in. BINGO starts at 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Amy Demilo (“Miss Heart of Florida”). Free Jello shots and performances by the girl of the hour. Reservations are highly recommended. Call (813) 241-6279 or Nicky at (813) 447-5786.

MASQUERADE BALL AT FLAMINGO Friday, Dec. 31 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. at Flamingo Resort, 4601 34th St. S., St. Pete. The event will star comedienne Chtistine O’Leary at 10 p.m. Evening includes a mask contest and Burlesque show at 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. amd a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. Holiday buffet dinner for $24.95. For reservations, call (727) 321-5000. Two seatings: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Party in the Blu Room until 5 a.m. Visit www.FlamingoFLA.com for more information.

“NEW YEAR’S EVE IN WHITE” PARTY Hosted by Steam Fridays/Tease Saturdays at The Honey Pot, 1507 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City on New Year’s Eve from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Join over a thousand of your closest friends and ring in the New Year at Tampa Bay’s biggest LGBT party. Honey Pot will be all decked out in fabulous white with special lighting and effects along with three floors of entertainment, great dance videos in the main room and Hip Hop/Top 40 on the third floor. A special drag show at 11 p.m. with the state’s top divas, lots of free party favors and champagne toast at midnight followed by an amazing production number by Macaviti and Company. White attire suggested. Doors open at 9 p.m. with no cover before 9:30 p.m. and $10 cover after 9:30 p.m. Enjoy $1 drinks from 9 p.m. to10 p.m.

DRAG QUEEN BINGO FOR GAGME 2011 At Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grill, 1600 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City on Wednesday, Jan. 5 from 8 p.m. to midnight. Most everyone knows the fun at Mary’s on Wednesday nights, so head out there for the first Wednesday of the New Year and enjoy some fun Drag Queen BINGO. The cost is $10 per set of BINGO. Invite all of your friends as the proceeds for this event will directly benefit GAGME 2011 and the charities that it supports.

CENTRAL FLORIDA

FELIZ NAVIDAD Christmas Eve Celebration: Feliz Navidad on Friday, Dec. 24 from 10:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. at Revolution Nightclub, 375 S. Bumby Ave., Orlando. Orlando’s hottest Christmas Eve celebration with no cover until 11 p.m. for 21+ (18+ welcome). Free drinks from 11 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Ladies of the Majestic Theater Shows at 11 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. featuring: Lisa Lane, Maya Andrews, Selena, Susan Whitney and special guest Kimora Santi. D. Lui Lou spinning Latin house, freestyle, salsa, merengue and dance in the main room. DJ Infinite dropping the hottest beats in hip/hop, top 40s, old school and more in the Hydrate Video Bar.

PULSATE CHRISTMAS Saturday, Dec. 25 from 10 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. at Pulse, 1912 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. Complimentary valet. Come and check out your favorite things and have a chance to win fabulous gifts. 18+ welcome, 21+ no cover before 11 p.m. DJ Scott Robert with “The Official Night of House Music.” Showtime at 12:30 a.m. hosted by Blade Mathews and Roxxxy Andrews with Tyra Sanchez and Axel Andrews. Featuring the Pulse dancers, Orlando’s hottest dancers up close and personal.

SIP’S NEW YEAR’S BLOWOUT Party at Sip, 724 Virginia, Orlando from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Everyone is invited to party it up big time at Sip this New Year’s Eve. DJ Di will let you sing away 2010 with karaoke and then DJ Sketchy will mix it up to dance into the New Year. Free champagne at midnight and party favors for all guests.

MASQUERADE BALL New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball at Pulse, 1912 S Orange Ave., Orlando from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. Free champagne toast at midnight. DJ Scott Robert spinning the top hits from the past 10 years. Showtime 12:30 a.m. hosted by Angelica Sanchez, Roxxxy Andrews and Blade Mathews. Great New Year’s drink specials and more.