Florida Agenda

Fort Lauderdale

UNITARD

The wildly twisted, brilliantly outspoken, hilariously fecund tested, ready, now comedy trio comes to Fort Lauderdale Jan 20- 23rd at 8 p.m. as part of the ALA Comedy Series. Tickets are $25 and available by calling (954) 647-2409.

TERI WILSON PERFORMS AT THE TORCH CLUB IN WILTON MANORS

Jazz & Blues Singer Teri Wilson takes the stage at 9 p.m. every Wednesday and Thursday at The Torch Club, 2155 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors. The performances start at 9 p.m. Wilson has been a South Florida favorite for many years and is best known for her dynamic vocals and electric performances. Admission is $10. For more information, call (954) 588-5001.

EMPIRE STAGE PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIER OF ‘SEX AND VIOLENCE’

“Sex and Violence” will run at Empire Stage Jan. 13 through Feb. 13. Shows are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. Empire Stage is located at 1140 N. Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale. Set in 1979 and present day, the 90-minute play is inspired by the true story of a New York transsexual who kept a corpse in her closet for 15 years. “Sex and Violence” begins as a simple story about Jack Shepherd, a successful writer who goes against the wishes of his publisher and begins to research the “corpse” story for a possible book. Shepherd embarks on a journey that takes him places he never thought he’d go and finds himself in the middle of a twisted tale of greed, power, love and lust. The play ends in a shocking and bloody climax that involves body parts, a chainsaw and garbage bags dripping with blood. For tickets and information, call (954) 678-1496 or visit www.empirestage.com.

‘NAKED’ AT DENNIS DEAN GALLERIES

The work of famed photographer Henning von Berg will be on display at the Dennis Dean Galleries in an exhibit titled, “Naked,”Von Berg’s specialty is “character portraits” and “fine art nudes” photographed in unique locations with natural light. The former architect-turned-photographer likes to photograph his models in beautiful architectural settings, many of which are castles in old-world Europe. He also works with both male and female amateurs of all ages. The Dennis Dean Gallery is located at 2440- B Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.

Miami

FINE ART FAIR

Visit the Florida International Fine Art Fair (FIFAF) from Feb. 2 through Feb. 12. The fair is A showcase of international galleries featuring a wide range of work including contemporary design, decorative arts, and antiques. The fair takes place in the Miami Midtown Arts District. For more information, visit www.fifafmiami.com.H

MIAMI-DADE GAY & LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Business Builders Luncheon – Upper Eastside – January 20, 2011 – MDGLCC presents its monthly networking program on Jan. 20 at Soykas Restaurant, 5556 NE Fourth Court, Miami. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with luncheon/networking from noon to 1 p.m. Cost for MDGLCC members is $30 per person and $40 for potential members ($10 applied to new membership). Includes seated-style lunch limited to 20 people. Please bring a friend. RSVP by calling (305) 673-4440 or mdglcc@bellsouth.net.

GAY & LESBIAN WALKING TOUR OF SOUTH BEACH

The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Greater Miami Convention Visitor Bureau, and the Miami Design Preservation League, present a 90-minute guided Gay & Lesbian Walking Tour of South Florida on Friday, Jan. 28. Tour departs at 5 p.m. from the Art Deco Welcome Center at Ocean Drive and 10th Street, and ends at the Lords South Beach Hotel, 1120 Ocean Drive, where a refreshing drink will be provided. Reservations are not required. Tickets are $20, and can be purchased at MDGLCC or at MDPL’s Art Deco Welcome Center at Ocean Drive and 10th Street. FREE to MDPL and MDGLCC members.

GLBT BOWLING LEAGUE

The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Lucky Strikes Bowling Lanes Miami Beach (1691 Michigan Avenue) present their “Bowling League” Networker for the LGBT community and friends. The 10- week tournament will start on Feb. 1 and end on April 5. Two games played every Tuesday night starting at 7 p.m. Teams of four persons each (limited space available). $190 total per person (includes shoe rental). DJ, menu & drink specials, fabulous prizes! Open to MDGLCC members & friends. Inquiries & team sign-ups call (305) 673-4440 or email mdglcc@bellsouth.net.

Central Florida

VETERAN’S FLAG POLE PROJECT DEDICATION CEREMONY

Please join the Executive Director and Board of Directors of the GLBT Center of Orlando on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Dedication Ceremony of the Veteran’s Flag Pole Project. The Veteran’s Flag Pole Project is to honor all U.S. Military Veterans, particularly those who have served our nation in silence as gay and lesbian service members. Please RSVP by calling The Center at (407) 228-8272 or by visiting the event’s Facebook page by Jan. 20. The Center is located at 946 N. Mills Ave., Orlando.

BOXERS VS. BRIEFS

Third annual Boxers vs. Briefs at Revolution, 375 S. Bumby Ave., downtown Orlando, on Thursday, Jan. 20 from 10 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Orlando’s No. 1 gay college night brings you a cash underwear contest. No cover ‘til 11 p.m. for those 21+, no cover ‘til midnight with college or theme park employee I.D. Free drinks from 11 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Showtime at midnight featuring Kai’ja Adonis and Kitana Infiniti with special guests Axel Andres, Serenity Lopez, Luckyz and Morph Infiniti.

DRAG RACE SEASON 3 KICK OFF PARTY

Orlando’s official season 3 Launch Party for RuPaul’s Drag Races on Sunday, Jan. 23 from noon to 4 a.m. Meet Alexis Mateo from Florida, Yara Sofia from Puerto Rico and Mariah from Atlanta at the Parliament House, 410 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando. $1 well and beer until midnight, plus three shows with the world famous Footlight Players.

SING-A-LONG SUNDAYS

Join the fun for a great Sunday happy hour at Revolution. Jimmy has the bar open at 4 p.m. and Karaoke with Crazy John starts at 5 p.m. with a huge potluck dinner and prizes. What a greatway to top off the weekend. Revolution is located at 375 South Bumby. H I LOVE THE ’80S PARTY At the Parliament House, jump on board the ’80s Super Train on Saturday, Jan. 29. Come dressed and enter the ’80s costume contest and win 2 Scissor Sisters tickets and a P-House Hotel stay. The Footlight Players will be in full ‘80′s mode for both shows at 10 and 12. Come early and have a great meal in The Rainbow Cafe. Don’t forget it’s always free parking and the disco will be in full swing ’til 3 a.m. Enjoy $1 shots from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Bay Area

EL GANCHO

The main event of Gancho Tampa Gasparilla Weekend featuring DJ Abel, is the El Gancho Party on Saturday, Jan. 29 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. at the historic Ritz Ybor Theater. An amalgam of heavy tribal beats and diva anthems, spectacular lighting and eccentric performances will make this circuit event unlike anything Tampa has ever seen. For tickets and more info about other Gancho Weekend events, visit www.ganchotampa. com. A portion of proceeds will benefit Metro Wellness & Community Centers. First 100 tickets sold are only $35, after that prices go up to $45; $55 at the door. Purchase tickets directly from the Ritz Ybor box office by (813) 247-2555 to avoid Ticketmaster fees. VIP floor is $125 and VIP balcony is $150, both include bottle service and private seating area.

CIRQUE TUESDAYS

Once again, the Flamingo Resort is bringing a whole new event to St. Petersburg as they proudly present Cirque. Starting Jan. 11 (10 p.m. to 4 a.m.) and continuing every Tuesday to follow, experience a whole new Flamingo for 18 and over. DJ Elix will be spinning the best music. They are putting on a whole new experience that will make the club kids of New York scream with envy. There will be special events and Conun Drum hosting the show. Be ready to experience a night that will leave you craving for more. The Flamingo Resort is located at 4601 34th St. S., St. Pete.H

SUNCOAST CLASSIC RUN

Sign up for the 9th Annual 10K/5K Suncoast Classic which will be held at Baywalk in St. Petersburg, Florida. The USATF-Certified 10k/5k will start promptly at 8 a.m. followed by the Pelican Mile at 9 a.m. and the Kids Fun Run at 9:30 a.m. The run is a benefit for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The race will be held on Saturday, Feb.

12. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay provides comfort and care to children and their families by supporting local Ronald McDonald Houses, its cornerstone program, and by making grants to other local not-for-profit organizations that help children in need. Volunteers are needed to assist with registration, packet pick-up, venue setup, water stations, course marshals and other general duties.

GAY BOWLING

First Thursday of each month from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Dunedin Bowling Lanes, 405 Patricia Ave., in Dunedin. For more information, call (727) 736- 1282.

WILTON MANORS – The work of famed photographer Henning von Berg will be on display at the Dennis Dean Galleries in an exhibit titled, “Naked,” beginning Saturday, Jan. 15.

“The exhibition will showcase wellknown eye-catchers from 1997-2010,” said von Berg. “Some very typical photos for my style.”

Von Berg’s specialty is “character portraits” and “fine art nudes” photographed in unique locations with natural light. The former architect-turned-photographer likes to photograph his models in beautiful architectural settings, many of which are castles in old-world Europe.

He also works with both male and female amateurs of all ages. His oldest model is a 108-year-old woman.

One of his very first photographs was chosen to be featured in the 1999 reference book, “Exposed – A Celebration of the Male Nude From 90 of the World’s Greatest Photographers.” He appeared with iconic names Eadweard Muybridge, Robert Mapplethorpe, Andy Warhol and Man Ray. Von Berg quickly gained attention by his social political statements with unusual group shoots. In 1999, he organized “Naked Berlin – The Liberal Capital,” the world’s first and only male nude photo shoot inside a German Parliament building. His favorite subjects are aristocrats and prostitutes, disabled people and athletes, common folks and celebrities.

There will be a “Meet the Artist” reception on Saturday, Jan. 15 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Dennis Dean Gallery is located at 2440-B Wilton Drive (second floor above New Moon Bar) in Wilton Manors.

It brings me great pleasure to have the opportunity to bring to you, on a weekly basis, Florida’s only statewide LGBT newspaper which covers international, national and Florida news along with our now-number-one ranked in the United States, LGBT entertainment and news web site, “Mark’s List”. According to Alexa.com, www.jumponmarkslist.com now receives 5,000-7,000 visitors per day from people all over the world. We are also very proud to bring to you Florida’s fastest growing magazine that we renamed earlier this year, “Mark”.

My vision over the years has always been to create a media company that could offer our readers and advertisers every component available in the marketplace from newspapers, magazines, websites, social media outlets, etc. I am proud to say we are reaching our goals.

We are now excited to announce that we are growing again and can now provide our readers and advertisers any printing needs they may have — from post cards, business cards, flyers to posters and banners — you name, it we can do it. This is made possible through our new relationship and infrastructure merger with “Planet Press/Copy This,” South Florida’s premier print shop located on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. This infrastructure merger allows us to offer a one-stop shop environment for every marketing need an advertising client could ever have.

We also welcome our loyal readers and online viewers to benefit from any of our printing services as you may need them from time-to-time.

Our entire team is so happy to call Wilton Drive our home and to have our entire infrastructure and staff “ON THE DRIVE.” This something I wanted years ago when I entered the multimedia marketing business.

On behalf of Mark Haines, Kevin Hopper, Dennis Dean, Brad Casey and our entire staff, we say a big thank you for all your amazing support and continued encouragement as we strive to bring to you, on a weekly basis, the very best media outlets in the world that service our LGBT communities.

Wishing all our local residents, visitors and all business owners a wonderful season, all the best,

Bobby Blair

CEO

Multimedia Platforms, LLC