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.

By BOB KECSKEMETY

Photo: El Gancho (right), takes place during Tampa’s Gasparilla Festival Weekend, Jan. 28 – 30. Courtesy, Wikimedia.org

El Gancho, a new circuit party weekend to be held in Ybor City, will take place during Tampa’s Gasparilla Festival Weekend, Jan. 28 – 30. Famed circuit master DJ Abel will headline the event, which will benefit the nonprofit Metro Wellness and Community Center that recently opened in Ybor City.

The weekend starts on Friday, Jan. 28 when DJ Power Infiniti takes hold of the Whips & Chains Party from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. at the Castle Ybor.

The El Gancho party itself will be held on Saturday, Jan. 29 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. at the Ritz Ybor Theater. DJ Abel will make this an event something that Tampa has never seen before with heavy tribal beats, diva anthems, spectacular lighting and eclectic performances.

Photo: (above Courtesy, JeffreySanker.com) DJ Abel spining at White Party.

Other events during the weekend include happy hour receptions on both Friday and Saturday afternoons at the Don Vincente Inn and a VIP pre-party Saturday evening right before El Gancho at the Ritz Ybor Theater. DJs Abel and Power Infiniti will hold a meet and greet at the VIP pre-party and there will also be a fashion show, food and music. The weekend wraps up at a Farewell Party to held at Hamburger Mary’s/Ybor City on Sunday, Jan. 30 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“It’s something that’s been running around in our heads for a couple of years,” said Tony LaColla who, along with Manny Alvarez, are producing the event. “It’s something that Ybor City really needs. Ybor City has really come around as a gay and lesbian neighborhood, especially with the GAYbor District.”We figured this would be the perfect weekend to do it. It would give people something new to do, attract new people to visit the area and really experience what Tampa has to offer.”

LaColla says El Gancho will bring something new to Ybor City and attract people to the area who might not have come otherwise. He expects to draw as many as 1,200 people the first year of the event. Alvarez, a promoter, adds that Tampa and Ybor City will be the place to be during Gasparilla weekend.

“It’s time for Tampa to take its place as a circuit destination and what better time of year to make that happen than during Gasparilla,” said Alvarez. “This circuit event will help promote Ybor City nationwide, benefit a local nonprofit vested in Ybor City, and provide a party unlike any other. With D.J. Abel, the best circuit DJ in the country, there is no other place to be than Tampa over Gasparilla weekend.”

Founded in 1904 and often thought of as Florida’s Mardi Gras, the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion and Festival is an annual celebration held in Tampa and celebrates the legend of José Gaspar, a Spanish pirate captain who operated in Southwest Florida. The theme is an “invasion” by Gasparilla and his men, which begins when the “Krewe” (made up of residents of the city) arrives on a 165-foot long pirate ship in Tampa Bay and lands near downtown Tampa.

The mayor of Tampa then lends the key of the city to the pirate captain and a parade ensues down Bayshore Boulevard. Much like the New Orleans Mardi Gras, the “pirates” throw beads, coins and other items while shooting blank pistols from floats during the parade. The average attendance for the event is over 500,000 people.

Fort Lauderdale

FLAMINGO FEST AT FLAMINGO GARDENS

Flamingo Gardens hosts Flamingo Fest, a celebration of all things Flamingo, Jan. 15-16. The fun starts at 9:30 a.m. and goes until 5 p.m. both days. All the Flamingo art will remain on display in the Gardens and Gallery through Feb. 28. Admission to Flamingo Gardens is $17 ages 12 and up, $8.50 ages 4-11, and free for children 3 or younger and members of Flamingo Gardens. Admission includes the 60-acre Botanical Gardens, Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary, the Wildlife Encounters shows and tours of the historic Wray Home. Narrated Tram Tours through the park are additional. Local artists will exhibit original works of art, sculptures and art installations inspired by the pink birds throughout the Botanical Gardens and Gallery. There will be Flamingo art, crafts and merchandise for sale, Flamingo educational programs, kids crafts and food. Performances include music by local Indie-music favorite Alex Nelson on Saturday, the Charlie Steiner Jazz Trio on Sunday, and the Rainbow Circus’ Flamingo Stilt Walkers at noon both days Flamingo Gardens is located at 3750 S. Flamingo Road, Davie. For more information, visit www.flamingoGardens.org or call (954) 473-2955.

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. For tickets and information, call (954) 678-1496 or visit www.empirestage.com.

‘KILLING OF SISTER GEORGE’

The 1964 play about an abusive lesbian relationship, the Killing of Sister George titillated and amused audiences in the ’60s. Move over Baby Jane … Here comes Sister George. The play runs Jan. 14 – Feb. 11, with performances on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. It will be performed at Rising Action Theatre, 1480 SW Ninth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. For ticket information, visit www.risingactiontheatre.com or call (800) 595-4849.

Miami

WHOOPI GOLDBERG LIVE

On Saturday, Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. at the Ziff Ballet Opera House (Adrienne Arsht Center), 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. One of the very few extraordinary artists honored with Oscar, Tony, Grammy, Golden Globe, and Emmy Awards, Whoopi Goldberg’s comic wit surpasses even her stunning list of accolades. Her wise and witty repartee is a daily treat on ABC’s “The View,” and her many stints as host of the Academy Awards are the stuff of comic legend. Goldberg’s talent as an actress spans the breadth of Broadway hits including “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Xanadu;” featured television roles on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “ The Cleaner,” “Hollywood Squares;” and unforgettable film performances in the comedies “Sister Act” and “Soapdish,” and stirring dramas “The Color Purple” and “Ghost.” Goldberg’s inimitable style and outstanding body of work have become part of the tapestry of great American artists and entertainers who both inspire and delight. For more information, call (305) 949- 6722 or visit www.arshtcenter.org.

ART DECO WEEKEND

Art Deco Weekend will take place Jan. 14 – 16, and the Ocean Drive Parade will take place on Saturday, Jan. 15 at 11 a.m.. The Grand Marshal for 2011 will be the renowned Miami Beach celebrity Elaine Lancaster. The Art Deco Dog Parade will join along with the main Art Deco Parade. Dog participants and their owners are encouraged to dress in their most glamorous costumes and meet at 10:30 a.m. on Jan.15 at Sixth Street and Ocean Drive just north of the yellow wash house in Lummas Park. For more information, visit www.mdpl.org.

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

Bay Area

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

A one night only event on Sunday, Jan. 16 at 10:30 p.m. in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African American civil rights movement. Also the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other nonviolent means. At Club Tropix behind the Tropical Car Wash, 810 Skagway Ave., Tampa.

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.

OF MONTREAL WITH KID SISTER

Of Montreal with Kid Sister will be at The Ritz Ybor, Saturday, Jan. 15 from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. It has been said that an original artist is not a person who emulates no one, but rather is somebody that no one can emulate. Over the last 15 years, Of Montreal has imitated everyone (86 covers and counting) while developing its own inimitable sound — a unique mixture of indie-pop, glamrock, funk and R&B. The performance will be at The Ritz Ybor, 1503 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City.

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. 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.

Central Florida

CANDY LAND ‘KICK OFF PARTY’

Come join the Glitter Gurlz and Club S.N.O.N. at their Candy Land “Kick Off Party” on Tuesday, Jan. 18. Join the new cast: Twila, Summer Holiday, Jem Stone and E. Vayne Viper. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. for and free drinks until 11 p.m., $5 cover for this event. 18+ to enter, 21 to drink. Come chute your ladders as the Infiniti Dancers; Cali, Skylar and Dash tear up the dance floor with sick beats and breaks. Guest performances by Kitana Infiniti and Kiana Thomsa and Alana Adonis. Glitter Gurlz drag show at 11:30 p.m. Nightly dance contest, sex toy giveaways, drink specials all night. Club S.N.O.N/CoCo’s, 11370 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando.

CAZWELL LIVE AT THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE

See Cazwell live in concert on Saturday, Jan. 15 at 1 a.m. His hits include “Seen Beyonce at Burger King,” “Tonight,” “Watch My Mouth” and “Ice Cream Truck.” A great night, don’t miss it. Parliament House is located at 410 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando.H K.I.S.S. Saturday, Jan. 15 from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Revolution’s own DJ Infinite in the Hydrate Video Bar spinning hip-hop and R&B. DJ Pat Pat from South Beach taking over the dance floor with Top 40, house and dance. Special guest DJ Joey Paranoia from Raxxy’s Takeover bringing the hottest House, Electro on the patio. 21+ free before 11 p.m., $5 after. Shuttle from UCF Arena – $10 includes admission. Revolution is located at 375 S. Bumby Ave., downtown Orlando.

BOXERS VS. BRIEFS

Third annual Boxers vs. Briefs at Revolution, 375 S. Bumby Ave., downtown Orlando, on Thursay, Jan. 20 from 10 p.m. to 3:30 a.m 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.

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.