Florida Agenda

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.

TONY TRIPOLI: I SH*T MY PANTS

Comedian/actor Tony Tripoli, who has shared on-screen laughs with Kathy Griffin, Charlie Sheen and Bo Derek, will perform his newest show, “I Sh*t My Pants,” Dec. 17-19. The show will take place at 23 NW Fifth St., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $20. For more information, call (954) 647-2409 or visit www.andrewslivingarts.com.

“NEEDS WHEELS” BENEFIT FOR FATHER BILL COLLINS

Join the South Florida community on Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. for the “Needs Wheels” It’s a Wonderful Benefit for Father Bill Collins of the Poverello Center. The benefit will take place at Johnny’s, 1116 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Monies raised will be used to purchase a new car for Father Bill. Dale Madison and Russel of Stable will host the benefit. There will be incredible performances from some of the most well-known local celebs in the business and a silent auction with over $8,000 in items from our sponsors. For donations, call (954) 554-4912 and make all checks payable to Poverello Center, memo New Car.

“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 Thursdays – Sundays 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

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 mid-winter 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.

GEORGE BALANCHINE’S “THE NUTCRACKER”

Miami City Ballet presents George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 17-23 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.

MDGLCC TOY DRIVE & HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Please join the Miami Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for a toy drive and holiday celebration on Thursday, Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the LGBT Visitor’s Center, 1130 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Please bring an unwrapped toy to benefit the Miami Beach Police Toy Drive. There will be an open bar, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a DJ, a visit from Santa Claus and other special surprises. Please RSVP to Stephanie@tma-pr.com or call (305) 673-4440.

Bay Area

UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY

On Saturday, Dec. 18, Flamingo Resort presents its first Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. If you haven’t received one already through the years, hit the thrift stores, craft stores, hardware stores and find (or make) the most hideous Christmas sweater you can imagine for a chance to win cash and prizes. Prizes in three categories: Overall Ugliest Sweater, Most Creative Ugly Sweater and Sexiest Ugly Sweater. Contest runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Flamingo Resort, 4601 34th St. S., St. Petersburg. Come out and celebrate in an ultra-festive environment and share your holiday cheer.

POST- CHANUKAH HOLIDAY MIXER & WINE TASTING

Mindy Solomon, of the Mindy Solomon Gallery, is holding a mixer to bring together Jewish LGBT community together for a post-Chanukah Holiday Mixer on Thursday, Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at her gallery at 124 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. Sponsoring the event are: The JCC Suncoast, myQmunity.com, Blue Heron Café and PRP Wine International. There will be light food and a wine tasting. Admission is free. The mixer is designed to get people meeting, sharing and having fun.

FUNDRAISER FOR THE ST. PETERSBURG MEN’S CHORUS

The GayStPete House will he holding a fundraiser for the St. Petersburg Men’s Chorus on Thursday, Dec. 23 at the GayStPete House, 4505 5th Ave. North, Saint Petersburg. Enjoy a relaxing evening poolside with incredible eats, full open bar, live entertainment and plenty of holiday cheer. No gifts but please make a donation to the Chorus. All of your donation goes to the chorus. For more information, visit www.stpetemenschorus.com.

STEAM FRIDAYS CHRISTMAS PARTY

DJ Manny Lehman will headline at the Steam Fridays Christmas Party to be held at The Honey Pot, 1507 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City. The party will be held on Friday, Dec. 17 from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Lehman is one of the biggest DJ’s in the world and will celebrate the holiday in style. The club will be transformed into the “Nutcraker Suite” and will come to life with aerialists performing and so much more. Doors open at 10 p.m. with no cover until 10:30 p.m. and $10 after. Drinks are $1 from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Central Florida

“BROADWAY CHRISTMAS 4”

Blaze Adonis and Kai’ja Adonis present “Broadway Christmas 4,” a benefit for The Trevor Project on Thursday, Dec. 16 from 9 p.m. to midnight at Revolution Nightclub, 375 S. Bumby Ave., Orlando. The evening will be filled with music and comedy from many of your Broadway favorites, old and new. There will be a VIP reception starting at 8:30 p.m. with wine and hors d’oeuvres. Showtime begins at 8:30 p.m. and is hosted by Baby Blue. There is also a cast of over 50 of your favorite LGBT entertainers. All of the proceeds will benefit The Trevor Project, the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youth. A $10 donation gets you into the VIP reception, show and Revolution for the after-party.

WINTER BEACH PARTY

The Winter Beach Party will be held at Revolution on Saturday, Dec. 18 from 10 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. at Revolution, 375 S. Bumby Ave., Orlando. The Winter Beach Party is a night for girls who love girls and the friends that love them. Ladies of the Majestic Theater Show at 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. featuring Baby Blue, Desiree Demornay, China and special guest Poison Ivy, direct from South Beach. There will also be a sultry burlesque show with the sexy Les Vixens at midnight. Drinks are $1 from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., no cover until 11 p.m. for those 21 and over (18+ welcome).

“GOD HELP US, EVERYONE”

Ashton Kutcher, Lucille Ball, Joan Crawford, Miss Piggy and Cher (or at least their impersonators) present “A Glittering Star- Studded Christmas Carol” on Saturday, Dec. 18 starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Footlight Theater at the Parliament House, 410 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando.

“THE NEARLYWED GAME”

… at Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18. This is a fun and new twist of the classic TV game show, “The Newlywed Game.” Each month, six couples (same-sex and opposite sex couples) will compete to see who knows, or thinks they know, each other the best. The couple with the most matching answers will win fabulous prizes. No subject is off limits — mature content and not for the faint of heart. The 8 p.m. show this month will be a normal couples’ round, and the 9:30 p.m. show will consist of gay men coupled with their best female friends (a.k.a. fag hags). For more information, visit www.hamburgermarysorlando.com

Fort Lauderdale

THAT ‘70’S PARTY

That ‘70’s Party, a SMART Ride fundraiser for Team #995 will be held on October 7th from 9:00 p.m. to closing at The Manor Entertainment Complex, 2345 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Remember the magic of the ‘70s? Well, it’s all coming back, at least for one night so come out and dance your ass off. ‘70’s attire is recommended. Walk the red carpet with Joan Rivers (a.k.a. Joe Posa) into the ‘70s with legendary Studio 54, Palladium and The Saint deejay, Robbie Leslie. Live performances by the rock band, Styxx with Chuck Panozzo, Jennifer Cand and Tony Cruz. 100% of all money raised ends up going to six different HIV/AIDS charities in the state. Come out to help the The Manor/Geovax SMART Ride team and their 165 mile bicycle trek from Miami to Key West. Suggested $20 donation at the door.

BEAR NATION: DRINK + DANCE + BE HAIRY

Join the hottest bears, cubs, otters and, of course, their admirers at “Bear Nation: Drink + Dance + Be Hairy”, South Florida’s only all-bear high-energy dance party. Friday, October 8 from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. No cover and $3 domestic beer from 10:00 to 11:00 p.m. and “Bear Specials” all night: $4 domestic beer, $5 imported beer and $7 well drinks plus a 2-for-1 happy hour from 1:00 to 3:00 a.m. Features sounds by D.J. Pabel Lima and hosted by Tony Lima.

BOYS OF LEATHER POOL PARTY

Come join the South Florida Boys of Leather as they host an all-male pool party at the Inn Leather, 610 S.E. 19th Street in Fort Lauderdale. Come out and celebrate Leather Pride in Fort Lauderdale as the boys will have light food and drinks. Demos throughout the party include an underwater bondage and many other fun boyinspired things. Sunday, October 10 from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. Door proceeds go to support Poverello.

ROCKTOBERFEST

Friday, October 15 from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd Street in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The event will include six live bands, free beer and food samplings from area restaurants. Admission is $20 prepay and $25 at the door. Prepay at www.GoRiverwalk.com. All proceeds go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Riverwalk Trust charities.

MIAMI

JUMP SUNDAYS

Starting Sunday, October 17, three of South Beach’s hottest promoters, Edison Farrow, Omar Gonzalez and Tony Ferro, have come together to create the highly-anticipated Sunday night party of the year at one of South Beach’s sultriest venues, Lux (formerly known as Liquid) from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Deejays Jarell and Bryan Zero will be keeping the dance floor alive. There will be no cover charge for the grand opening night and the doors will open at 10:00 a.m. with free Svedka vodka drinks from 10:00 to 11:00 p.m. The evening will be hosted by: Gerry Kelly, David Bromstad, Craig Stevens, Chyna, Chris Aguilar, Aaron Gillego, Michael M, Larry Candelario and Maiko Xavier. Lux is located at 1439 Washington Avenue on Miami Beach.

EXPLORE/EXPO & TASTE OF MIAMI FUNDRAISER

The Third Annual Expo and Second Annual Scholarship Fundraiser (Taste of Miami) will be held on October 23rd at the Miami Beach Convention Center – Hall C. There will be many special surprises in store this year ranging from entertainment and special guests so mark your calendars to attend this free community event. Visit our Expo Website at www.gogaymiamiexplore.com for all the latest information or to register.

HELLROTIKA SAVE

Dade presents: Hellrotika: Circus of Lost Souls, the annual Halloween Extravaganza, will be held on Saturday, October 30 starting at 8 p.m. at The Awarehouse, 550 NW 29th Street in Miami. This year’s event is envisioned as a perfect combination of dance party, mingling forum and themed spectacle, with an aim to attract a diverse group of individuals from within the community. Event guests will be treated to an immersive, multi-media experience with macabre interactive “circus” performances, a costume contest, food vendors and the latest dance music played by world class deejays. Tickets are now on sale for “Hellrotika” — general admission tickets are $25, VIP tickets are $45. VIP tickets give you access to unlimited cocktails at the Grey Goose-sponsored bars. There is a discount for tickets purchased prior to October 1st. You can get tickets at Hellrotika.com.

“THE SIMPLE LIFE” THURSDAY

Edison Farrowhas hosted this weekly party for five years with D.J. Daisy D spinning a mix of hip-hop, ‘80s, rock and dance. $5 well drinks 10:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. At Buck15 Lounge, 707 Lincoln Lane on Miami Beach.

BAY AREA

TAMPA BAY BUSINESS GUILD EXPO AND ART FAIR

Tampa Bay’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the Tampa Bay Business Guild will be holding their Expo and Art Fair this Sunday, October 10 from noon to 5:30 p.m. at the TECO Plaza, 702 N. Franklin Street in Tampa directly across the street from the Tampa Theatre. Over 2,000 people attended last year so don’t miss out on this year’s Expo.

“AN EVENING WITH MR. JOHNSON”

Gypsy Productions Inc. at the L Train Theater will open the world premiere of “An Evening with Mr. Johnson: It’s Even Harder Being a Gay Dick!” a new, edgy, heartfelt comedy by Tampa Bay playwright Michael A. Matteo. The play will run through October 17 with performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. “An Evening with Mr. Johnson: It’s Even Harder Being a Gay Dick!” is an offshoot of a play about a man and the heterosexual relationship with his penis that causes him to lose his fiancée. Matteo realized after writing, producing and directing the play that it could also work very well as an alternative lifestyle play about a gay man and the relationship he has with his penis and how its influence can, and does, sabotage his relationships. Infidelity is a universal theme whether a person is gay or straight and by writing the play for gay and straight people, the playwright is “Hoping to help people realize that no matter what your orientation, people are really not that different when it comes to the ‘voices’ our genitalia have, in terms of how we act in relationships.” The L Train Theater, Beer & Wine Lounge is located at, 900 Central Avenue Suite 25B, in St. Petersburg and reservations may be made by calling (727) 374-9440 or by sending an e-mail to tickets@gypsyproductions.org. In celebration of Gypsy Productions, Inc.’s 7th year anniversary, they are rolling back ticket prices to $15. Reservations are strongly suggested as seating is limited. For more info, visit www.gypsyproductions.org or www.TheLTrain.com.

TAMPA BAY INTERNATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL

Running through October 17. It took a year of work and planning which culminated into an amazing selection of film, stars and parties. For more information and tickets, visit www. TIGLFF.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA

GAY FILMS OF THE ‘80S

In celebration of Gay History Month, Gallery Q at The Center presents “Gay Films of the ‘80s”, a cross-generational retrospective. Through Oct. 29, five gay films of the 1980s will be showcased with an amazing collection of movie memorabilia including original posters, press kits, photos, scripts and more. The Center is located at 946 N. Mills Avenue in Orlando. For more information, call (407) 228-8272.

COME OUT WITH PRIDE ORLANDO

This year, celebrate “Heroes in Sports & Athletics” through the “10-10-10: A Pride of Olympian Proportion” theme. Four big events are planned this year. Opening Ceremonies, Thursday, October 7, 7-10 p.m. at Plaza Cinema Cafe Courtyard, 155 South Orange Avenue in Orlando. A night of comedy and celebration. Come watch the lighting of the flame and the grand parade of local LGBT organizations, sporting groups and civic non-profits at the Plaza Cinema Cafe Courtyard. Free, but $20 for the VIP section which includes 2 drink coupons and light appetizers. Brunch in the Park, Sunday, October 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Eola (at Robinson Street) in Orlando. Sit by the pond, enjoy mimosas and watch the parade participants getting ready for their big show and watch the floats come by from the comfort of your chair. Virgin Brunch (includes coffee, soft drinks and Fuze) $20, all-you-can-drink mimosas $30. Reservations only — space is limited and you must buy tickets in advance at www.comeoutwithpride. com/tickets. Parade and Festival, Sunday, October 10, 12 noon – 6 p.m. at Lake Eola, 195 N Rosalind Avenue in Orlando. Free event. Entertainment starts at noon, parade starts at 2 p.m. 100+ vendors, food court and 8 bars. VIP Experience includes tent with food and a Meet and Greet with Grand Marshall, Greg Louganis. Buy tickets now at www.comeoutwithpride.com/tickets.

FROM BROADWAY!

Catch the Central Florida premiere of “[title of show]” (yes, that’s the name), an original Broadway musical that has become a nationwide cult phenomenon at the Parliament House, Saturdays through the 23rd at 7:30 p.m. and Monday, October 25, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. (Industry Night). Presented in the Parliament House’s Footlight Theater. Reserved tickets are $14.H