Florida Agenda

By DALE MADISON

See George Knittel’s face, and you instantly recognize him as one of South Florida’s iconic bartenders who continues to please crowds with a smile that is just as big as his heart. “I moved here 26 years ago, having grown up in Philly,” Knittel says. “My grandparents owned a bar, and I sort of grew up in the industry.”

Like Woody Allen’s “Zelig,” Knittel has seen his share of landmark happenings. “I actually started bartending in the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel [in Philadelphia], which was where so many fell ill in 1976 to Legionnaires’ disease. I started working there once the complete remodeling took place,” Knittel adds. “I had always been ‘curious’ about being gay, but in the 1970s you just didn’t act on it,” Knittel recalls. “My first gay bartending job was at Steps in Philly, on Delancey Street, and I walked around with a tool belt around my waist for two months.

“One man came up to me and asked if I was a bartender or a construction worker,” he remembers, laughing. “I did that job working Happy Hour for two years. Then a man by the name of Alan Kachin came to me and asked me to work for him in a new bar called Equus, and I worked for him for the next 10 years.” Equus became one of the city’s hottest disco night clubs of the 70s and 80s.

“Kachin then moved,” to South Florida, Knittel recalls, “and opened Hombre in South Beach, and then later The Eagle in Fort Lauderdale, and we have been good friends ever since. My first bartending job here was at the Breakers Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, and I was there for five years.”

Locals may remember the original Georgie’s, on West Sunrise Boulevard, in the location now occupied by Slammer. They may also recall seeing a familiar face slinging drinks behind the bar there.

“I was at the original Georgie’s on Sunrise, along with entertainer Tony Griffin and the late Lee McCall. Following that stint, I opened Every Nook and Cranny, a restaurant, but after eight years I got the itch for bartending again, so I went back to a little bar on Wilton Drive simply called the Martini Bar, and then over to the original Bill’s Filling Station on 13th Street.” His own personal “bar crawl” would lead him to Matty’s on the Drive, where friends and fans can now find him. “Now I feel like I am home at Matty’s,” he beams.

Knittel’s signature cocktail is a “Goose Cosmo.” “Start by chilling the glass, and in a shaker, mix two-and-a-half ounces of Grey Goose vodka, a dash of Stoli Orange, a dash of Cointreau (triple sec), a dash of cranberry juice, and garnish with an orange slice. Try one!”

Catch George Knittel weekends at Matty’s on the Drive, 2426 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, and tell him you heard about him and Matty’s in Agenda.

By Dale Madison

The road to being an “award-winning bartender” has been a long and winding one for Georgie’s Alibi bartender Scot Newell. For example, Newell laughingly notes that he got into bartending through “necessity.” “I was working in New York as a lighting designer, and it certainly helped to propel me into the creative area that I am now in, but it just wasn’t paying the bills,” he recalls.

“Anyone who has ever lived in New York knows what the bills are like. One day, I was offered a job doing lighting at Caroline’s Comedy Club. They explained that there were not too manyw hours available for lighting and stage management, but they could offer me a few shifts bartending.” His first leg on that road had begun.

“I was at Caroline’s for several years, before I decided I really wanted to get out of New York,” Newell remembers. “I had an offer to go to Provincetown to redo a retail store. I moved to do the job, and there I got another offer to redo the Post Office Café. I really never planned to stay in P-town, but I ended up there for eight years. After finishing the decorating projects, I really didn’t know what I was going to do.

I was at the A House—which is a very well known bar in P-Town—for eight years. During the summer months, it was great. People called it ‘Little Bar Scot.’ “The winter months weren’t so pleasant,” Newell says. “It was cold, rainy, snowy, and there was not a lot to do. So after eight years, I decided to winter one season in Florida. I had met George Kessinger—the creator of Georgie’s Alibi—in P-Town, and had known of the reputation of the man and the bar.

I applied for work while I was down here, but like a lot of other people, I didn’t hear a word.” Newell laughs. “But I wouldn’t quit trying! I kept bugging Georgie to the point that it had become a joke. It was either ‘I was going to get a job,’ or there would be a restraining order issued,” he half-jokes. After getting his job at Alibi, Newell again decided to pursue his creative side, and in 2002, he presented his design portfolio to the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.

He enrolled that day, and completed the four year program in just three years, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design. In 2004, he incorporated his Great Scot Enterprises brand. In 2010, Newell got a call from his former employer, George Kessinger, who was living in Palm Springs, California. Kessinger had previously sold the Wilton Manors Alibi, and moved to the desert, opening Azule and the Palm Springs Alibi.

In partnership with the Tourism Board of Palm Springs, Stoli Liquors, and LoGo TV, they created the Palm Springs Stoli Summer Splash Cocktail Challenge, events held across the U.S. and Canada at the top LGBT bars and nightclubs, with favorite local bartenders competing against one another to stir up the best signature cocktails, and win a trip to Palm Springs for the finals, which was precisely what Scot did.

After winning the regional competition, held in Fort Lauderdale, he captured the national first prize. Today, Newell holds court at the original Georgie’s Alibi in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors every Saturday morning, beginning at 11 a.m., and he can be found there throughout the week, as well.

Here is the recipe for his award winning cocktail: 3 oz. of Absolut Citron 1 oz. of pomegranate liqueur A splash of each of the following: sour mix, cranberry juice, and 7UP. Garnish with a lemon wheel and Pomegranate seeds. Do you have what it takes to be our “Bartender of the Month?”

Email: dalemadison@guymag.net. Cheers!

By Dale Madison

It’s hard to imagine any business surviving and thriving for over 30 years in South Florida. Through changes in location and ownership, the bar that was once called Johnny’s Village Inn—a small beer and wine (and stripper) bar on 2nd Street in Fort Lauderdale, in the current digs of Dicey Riley’s—has persevered and adapted to changes in times and tastes. Sean David, who purchased the landmark nightclub from original owner and founder Johnny Moses, says that managing the only gay nightclub in downtown Fort Lauderdale is “a delicate balance.”

David has conducted several major expansions at its present and permanent West Broward Boulevard venue—which also prides itself in a brand new sister location in downtown Miami, but more on that later—including upgrading the bars and redecorating the interior in both major club rooms. “We have illusionists, entertainers, DJ’s— and, of course, we have the dancers,” notes David, explaining the many and diverse tastes to which his club caters. “I try to make everyone happy. It’s a tight rope to walk. But, we try to keep it upbeat,” he adds. That diverse entertainment includes hot dancers seven nights a week, as well as Johnny’s Friday night Illusionist Show (which is followed by the always crowded Hip Hop Party).

On Saturday, Johnny’s showcases the dancers for which the club has become synonymous, hosted by Gemini Storm. Sundays, bartender Mike hosts Sinful Happy Hour with no cover charge, and then karaoke commences at 9 p.m., hosted by DJ Miik. Sunday night is also Johnny’s world famous Amateur Strip Contest. David, a native of Israel and a former co-owner of the Boardwalk Bar and Nightclub, says that his success merits returning something to the people who keep him in business. “One thing that I have also tried to do is always give back to the community,” David offers.

“We do fundraisers [at Johnny’s] all of the time.” A much abbreviated list of the charities and service organizations to which David and Johnny’s contribute includes Kids’ in Distress, Disaster Relief, local agencies serving the HIV/AIDS community, and The Poverello Thrift Store and Food Bank. “You might remember that when Father Bill from Poverello needed a new car to continue his ministry, we held the benefit at Johnny’s,” recalls David. “Father has been a friend to many of those who have needed comfort over the years. It was an honor and privilege for us to provide a forum to raise money for him to continue to provide his service,” he adds, noting that Father Bill has been a local treasure for a quarter century.

“We invite any non-profit that wants to stage a fundraiser, either inside the club or in the parking lot,” David says by way of invitation. “A car wash, a dunk tank—anything that we can do, we are here for the community.” David says that a major focus of his efforts is promoting awareness of the dangers of substance abuse, especially among young gays. David’s expansion has included opening a location in downtown Miami, near the city’s arts district. Now fully one year old, Johnny’s Miami presents world class talent and adult entertainers, and a weekly schedule to keep you coming back over and over again (and when you do, please let them know you heard about them from the Agenda).

By Dale Madison

Marvin Nathan is a performer whose time has come over and over again. For nearly 37 years, the multi-talented Nathan has been entertaining people in every medium from live performance to television. As “Cousin Ira” on the hit CBS series “The Nanny” starring Fran Dresher, Nathan came to Cher’s rescue when the legendary performer was trapped in the show’s Sheffield househo¬d following a little cosmetic “touch up.”

To distract her fans and enable Cher to escape from the house, Nathan as “Cousin Ira” impersonated Cher—complete with Bob Mackie gown—in a sidesplitting stroll down the mansion’s grand staircase. Nathan began his entertainment career on July 4, 1976—America’s bicentennial.

“It was the Eight Thousand Resort in Miami, and Dana Manchester put me in drag. It was the most successful show at that time,” he relates. That success led to some professional choices from the newlyminted drag diva. “I decided it was time to move on. My mom was ill in Scottsdale, Arizona. I packed up and started a show in Phoenix, and within six months, we were a huge hit. I had an offer to go to California, so I packed Mom up and we moved.”

In California, Nathan found himself in the center of a bidding war for his talents. “I got an offer from ‘La Cage’ in Hollywood to perform, but I instead chose to go to the [luxury liner] Queen Mary, and I was there for 10 years.” The death of his mother was especially hard. “I was devastated,” the entertainer admits. “She was my best friend.

“Three days after Mom died, I got a call from Norbert Aleman [the legendary producer of ‘La Cage,’ then the world’s preeminent female impersonation show], who wanted me to come to Las Vegas and star in his revue,” says Nathan. “I never auditioned, I was just told ‘Be here for two shows daily.’” It was back on the road for the performer. “I packed up my Cadillac Fleetwood and headed to Vegas. I was at ‘La Cage’ for four years doing my ‘Queensized Cher,’” he says.

Later, Nathan made the TV talk show rounds, appearing on “Maury Povich,” “Sally Jesse Rafael,” “Talk Soup,” “The Man Show,” and many others. After appearing on the island of Cyprus and in Amsterdam, Nathan received a call from a fellow drag entertainer from “La Cage.” “Frank Marino was opening a show in—of all places—Kansas City, Missouri.

So, once again I packed up the gowns and off I went. I became the show director, revamped the show, and it became a huge success. Then I packed up and went to Atlanta. I was there for a year and then I moved back to Fort Lauderdale and took a position at Dudes,” where he performed for a year until a format change by management altered the venue’s entertainment. “I hate when they do that,” he concedes. “But you roll with the punches.”

“Now I am back here and I hope that this is the last move for a LONG while,” Nathan laughs. Back in South Florida on a “permanent” basis, Nathan will be delighting fans old and new with performances on May 21 at “Dancing with the South Florida Stars II” (he is also a judge) benefitting the not-for-profit Brian Neal Fitness and Health Foundation. He will also be on the June 3 Gay Tea Cruise in Fort Lauderdale. Any spot in the world, Nathan’s star still burns brightly.

From its host hotel base at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport, 1870 Griffin Road in Dania Beach to the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds on Davie Road in Davie, the 2012 Sunshine Stampede is a four-day event that mixes klitz and gravel. “I’ll be in the dirt,” Kami laughs, referring to her royal stint at the rodeo competition where she’ll act as Assistant Arena Crew Coordinator under Barry Richardson, who’s from the Missouri Gay Rodeo Association (MGRA)—which Kami represented when she won her crown.

“I came to the Sunshine Stampede last year as a competitor from Missouri where I got my start with the gay rodeo and royalty program as Ms. Missouri Gay Rodeo Association. Last year at the rodeo, I was one of three Women’s Junior Bull Riders,” Kami told Guy Magazine. “Unfortunately, after my ride I was out of commission for the remainder of the weekend. But the Florida Gay Rodeo Association took great care of me.”

The appreciation seems to be mutual. “My girlfriend is the vice-president of the FGRA, and the Assistant Rodeo Director. In the short time I have been back in Florida, the association has made feel at home and part of the family,” Kami said.

Thursday night, the party begins with “Rhinestones & Wranglers,” an all-star celebration featuring 17 performers from the local Fort Lauderdale/Miami talent pool as well as IGRA and state titleholders. Look for Kami, ‘cause she’ll be there working the room, along with Nicolas Isaac Wells St. John, MsTer IGRA 2nd Runner-up. The fundraiser runs from 9 to 11 p.m. at The Manor in Wilton Manors, with no cover charge.

Friday afternoon, the Welcome Pool Party and Mixer runs from 2-6:30 p.m. at the Hilton pool deck. It’s your chance to meet the cowpokes and cowgirls that have followed the sun to Fort Lauderdale. There is a cash bar at this non-ticketed event, which is immediately followed by Rodeo Registration in the hotel’s ballroom from 6-9 p.m.

Friday is a busy night with the HomoRodeo.com Meetand- Greet Party and Model Search happening at the Stable, 205 E Oakland Park Blvd. in Oakland Park, from 7-11 p.m. Scrub up and see if you make the cut as a model for the latest “Men of HomoRodeo.com” calendar. HomoRodeo.com is an off-shoot of gay.com’s cowboy chat room.

The official Opening Night Parties are split between two venues this year. Both Ramrod and Tropics will be official host bars for opening night, with free shuttles available to move cowboys—and girls—between the two clubs. 9 p.m. until closing.

Saturday is the first day of the Rodeo Competition. For first-time riders, there is a mandatory meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds. Gates open for ticketholders at 8:45 a.m. with the first round of riding events scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tickets for the rodeo are $15 in advance, $20 on the day of the event. There a special package offer as well: both days for $25 in advance, $35 on the day of. For those whose cowboy boots were made for prancing, the Midway Tent opens for dancing and entertainment at 1 p.m.

Saturday night you can expect the traditional Hoedown. At press time the location was still a mystery. Wherever it’s held, it begins at 8 p.m. It’s always been a hot night of line-dancing and fraternizing, giving new meaning to yippie-yi-yo-ki-yay. Check www.fgra.org/stampede for the latest word.

Hopefully, you won’t stay out too late, for on Sunday the rodeo gates are flung wide at 8:45 a.m. for more competition and midway dancing. On Sunday afternoon, the alwaysa- hit “Scarlet O’Hara Race” will be run, complete with complimentary costumes. “This is a fun charity event where everyone, including those in the stands, can compete,” Kami told Guy Magazine. Teams are composed of three entrants.

The “Gone with the Wind” theme insures that it’s impossible to overdress. “You pick an outfit from a trunk, be carried over ‘water,’ and ride in a wheel-barrow across the finish line.” There’s a $20 per team entrance fee, and the winner gets ½ of the money collected.

At sundown, rinse off the dust in the nearest stream and put on your good chaps and spurs for the official Awards Ceremony and Dinner, held in the ballroom of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport. Starting at 7:30 p.m., this special event requires a separate dinner ticket available at the rodeo grounds or Friday night’s registration.

Wrap up the weekend, present perfect, with “Rodeo Roundup,” the official Closing Night Party at The Manor.

The shiny new buckles that will be on display are the result of a lot of hard work by the fortunate few who won the top prizes in categories like Junior Bull Riding, Calf Roping on Foot, Breakaway Roping, Chute Dogging, Pole Bending, Barrel Racing, Flag Racing, Bull Riding, Team Roping, Goat Dressing, Steer Decorating, and the Wild Drag Race. If you see Rodeo Director Voni Whitaker making the rounds, a standing ovation is not out of order. Such is the reward for a job well done.

Money raised by the IGRA this year is earmarked by the Royalty Team for the “It Gets Better” anti-bullying campaign created by Dan Savage and his partner Terry Miller, as well as “Get Real with Teal” an awareness effort from the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation. “Members of the IGRA Royalty team hand out teal and purple ribbons, and sell pins and other items to raise awareness of these causes as well as donate to each group at the end of the 2012 rodeo year,” according to Kami. Royals can never truly rest. Not even at the rodeo.