Florida Agenda

By DALE MADISON

Matt Auslander is no stranger the bar and grill business. For years, he was the general manager at venerable Wilton Manors staple Georgie’s Alibi. Thinking that the grass might be greener out west, Auslander decided to pull up stakes and give Las Vegas a spin. As he likes to put it, he soon learned “there ain’t much grass in Vegas.”

After about a year in the arid Intermountain West, he returned to Fort Lauderdale. It wasn’t his first stop on the ‘service train,’ one that first pulled away from the station almost 30 years ago. “My first foray into the hospitality business was in 1985,” the native of Manhattan recalled. “There was a restaurant in my neighborhood that I frequented. I was in one night and the maitre d’ came up to me and asked, “Do you want to work here?” Auslander turned out to be a “quick study.”

“I began as a server, then two days later I was promoted to bar back. I worked in that position, and then two days later I started bartending. I worked one summer for Julius in [Greenwich] Village [located about a block from the historic Stonewall Inn]—which was a real happening spot and I then in 1994 I moved to Fort Lauderdale.”

Auslander worked at Club Elektra in Fort Lauderdale, and eventually to that Gayborhood standard, the Alibi. The experience would leave an impression. “Having worked for George at the Alibi, it gave me the freedom to go to another part of my career. I got to work in Saint Pete, and then opened Alibi Palm Springs, which was a great experience, but I really wanted my own place.”

That place would be Matty’s on the Drive, which he would locate at the northern tip of Wilton Drive, within throwing distance of Five Points. Auslander is proud of his accomplishment. “Since we opened four years ago, we have won ‘Best New Bar’ in 2008, in 2009 we won ‘Best Signature Martini,’ and in 2012, ‘Best Bar,” he noted before adding, “and now onto the next frontier.”

Ironically, that next frontier takes him back to where it began. “We recently purchased the former Oscar Wilde bar,” in New York City’s Manhattan, “and while we are still working on the details, we are very excited about the addition,” Auslander says.

Even as he plans for expansion to the New York tavern, Auslander is determined to provide great service to his existing local patrons. “We have our employee Turn-About show coming up October 15, and we will be heavily involved with Wicked Wilton Halloween on the 31st, including a dance floor and”— now hear this—“a castle we are building to coincide with the theme,” he said, adding ‘wickedly,’ “Anything can happen in the Castle.”

Last Sunday, September 23, Auslander celebrated a birthday, which he insists makes him one year closer to 40. That “extra” year has made him a little wiser, too, and made him one of the community’s business owners who help make Wilton Manors a destination spot. Stop in and say hi to Auslander at Matty’s on the Drive, located at 2426 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors.

By Brad ‘Scoop’ Casey

One of South Florida’s entertainment success stories is Matty’s on the Drive in Wilton Manors. The club celebrates its 3rd anniversary on Monday, August 22nd. It will be a weekend of festivities leading up to the big night on the 22nd, including the finals of the 2012 Charity Calendar Contest.
The popularity of Matty’s even surprises its owners. “We were looking to have a small neighborhood bar,” said Matt Auslander. “Yes, we were surprised and humbled at the response from the community.”

Matty’s opened as an 1800 square foot, no smoking bar on August 22nd, 2008. Over the past three years, it has grown into two extra bays totaling 3600 square feet and will soon open the long awaited deli.

What are the ingredients of success for Matty’s? Auslander credits its staff, the no smoking policy and its customers. Expect one heck of an anniversary party.

Celebration of Life Get Together

Mona’s bar is having a Celebration of Life get together in memory of the late John ‘Mary’ Lyons on Thursday, August 25th. Mona’s owner, Jerry Schultz, is planning an upbeat and happy gathering for the popular mixologist who passed away recently. “It’s going to be a heavenly celebration and remembrance of John,” said Schultz. An open mic will be available, plenty of drink specials and a cookout. Festivities will begin at about 2PM on the 25th.

Victor Zepka in The Hot Seat

We will roast loveable Victor Zepka of Boardwalk fame on Sunday, August 21st. The Celebrity Roast will be held at The Manor starting at 8PM. Victor is a longtime fixture in the South Florida entertainment scene, having the first Boardwalk in North Miami Beach and promoter of the Miss Florida Pageant.
Victor has legions of friends who are dying to take the stage and tell a few tales. Joe Posa, as Joan Rivers, will be Master of Ceremonies. A pre-fix dinner special will be available at $25.00. We urge you to call in advance to reserve a table.

Congratulations to Bobby Blair

Bobby is one of the hardest working guys I know. He has a positive energy and tends to see the good in everyone and everything. Last week, Bobby Blair’s good fortunes came to fruition when it was announced that Multimedia Platforms, LLC had merged with Cybermesh International, a technology based company based out of California. Bobby’s duties have expanded and he will become the CEO of this company. Congrats, Bobby, and expect some earth shattering news over the next few months.

Short Takes
• Club Entrepreneur Mark Lowe has found a location for his new Miami club. Expect an opening in November.
• Bill’s Filling Station hosts Emmy Award winner Leslie Jordan on Monday, Aug. 22nd, at 9PM. No cover!
• Belated birthday wishes to my good friend Pompano Bill.
• Our very own Electra held over in Atlantic City where she has had a fabulous three month gig. Electra has been playing to packed houses.

Thanks for picking us up this week and remember: To have a friend, you must first be a friend.

If you have a “scoop” for Brad Casey, please e-mail your information to BradC@jumponmarkslist.com

Grammy’s Peter Rauhofer Headlines Weekend!

By Brad Casey

Photo: DJ Manny Lehman will headline the Annual White Fort Lauderdale at Revolution Live

One of the pleasures of our long warm summer months are the three 3-day weekends we have: Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day weekends. Memorial Day weekend is here. Let’s take a look at some of the FUN this weekend.

FORT LAUDERDALE

Alibi: Hawaii comes to the Alibi for the annual Memorial Day Weekend Luau sponsored by Bacardi Rum! Alibi will have plenty of leis to hand out. Jennifer McClain on Friday night and Florida’s own Dame Edna on Monday night in the Manchester Room. Also, drop in for an award-winning burger and fries over the weekend.

Bill’s Filling Station: Friday night is Bear Appreciation Night and a jammed club it will be.

Boardwalk: Erotic film star Josh Logan will make appearances this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Also, grab a bite at Beefcakes Café. Boardwalk has a stable of beefy male dancers to keep your eyes entertained all weekend.

Adult film star, Josh Logan, will be appearing at The Boardwalk

Depot: A true indoor/outdoor Sunday T-dance – the way it used to be – this Sunday poolside from 2PM to 6PM. A pleasant way to spend Sunday afternoon cruising a bevy of beauties with your favorite beverage… pinkies up, please.   DJ Scott Mann will keep the energy flowing. The Depot offers the only indoor/outdoor Sunday Tea Dance, poolside. Bring some tanning gel!

Gryphon at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino: One of the main attractions this weekend is the Sunday night performance of Grammy Award winning producer and renowned DJ Peter Rauhofer at the Gryphon night club located at the Hard Rock Casino complex. This state-of-the-art dance/cruise club is like no other in South Florida. There is a fabulous light show and acoustics and plenty of room. Doors open 11 PM. And you may want to visit the casino while you are there.

Johnny’s: Plenty of men on the floor this weekend. The In crowd is talking about Saturday nights! Watch out… anything goes!

Living Room: Join Renee Graziano from VH1’s hit show Mob Wives at Living Room this Friday night. No cover and enjoy open bar from 10:30 – midnight.

Mob Wife Renee Graziano will be at Living Room this Friday

The Manor: Warms you up for the White Party with a White Toga Party this Friday night. A $500 cash prize for the sexiest toga, plus cabaret shows throughout the night starring Kitty Meow and others. On Saturday, DJ David Knapp will electrify a packed house for a White Party official event, White Angels.  Doors open at 10PM.

Matty’s on the Drive: One of Ft. Lauderdale’s HOT neighborhood bars.  Kick off the long weekend at its  jammed Friday Happy Hour till 10PM where drinks are half priced. Also, a great Sunday spot for Bloody Mary’s, Screwdrivers and Mimosas … “light on the Tabasco, please …”

Mona’s: Fort Lauderdale’s most eclectic neighborhood bar. Fashioned from the wood of church pews, this bar is always busy with eclectic people: Doctors, lawyers, carpenters, plumbers and the like and everyone mixes well. Owner Jerry Schultz is cool!

Grammy Award winning producer and renowned DJ Peter Rauhofer will spin Sunday night at Gryphon

Ramrod: A cruisy bar for the levi-leather crowd. You take a walk on the wild side when you enter this bar.  Sunday, the Cast Party for Two Boys in a Bed on a Cold Winters Night! (boy, that’s a long one)! The party is from 9 to 11PM.

Revolution Live: Gary Santis and Hilton Wolman present the 13th annual White Fort Lauderdale Festival this Sunday with DJ’s Tracy Young, Manny Lehman and Kidd Madonny. This spectacular event will feature members of  the New Century Ballet Company, Kitty Meow with Red Carpet coverage by Joe Posa as Joan Rivers. Channel 7 news anchor Craig Stevens hosts the event.   Doors open at 8PM and limited general admission tickets ($25) can be purchased on line. Google: White Fort Lauderdale.

Rosies: Always a busy weekend for this jewel on the Drive, especially this Sunday and Monday, Memorial Day.

A great menu and fabulous frozen drinks makes this a sure stop over the weekend.

Tea Cruise: A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon cruising the waterways of Fort Lauderdale. The party boat  begins boarding at 12:30 PM and sails at 1PM for three hours of FUN. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 day of cruise. Call Peter Burke, cruise coordinator, at 954-649-1107 for advance ticket sales.

MIAMI

Some of the best beaches in the country, Key Biscayne, Ocean Drive and Haulover Beach make the long Memorial Day Weekend a bit cooler and refreshing. Let’s take a look at the happenings in Miami/Miami Beach.

Discotekka: This mega downtown Miami club knocks ‘em out on Saturday nights. This week, the original creators of the White Wear Party Ft. Lauderdale,  presents White Wear Party Discotekka style. Entertainers TP Lords leads a list of entertainers. Music is fabulous, lights are from the universe and the club hops!

DJ Tracey Young will headline the Annual White Fort Lauderdale at Revolution Live

For more information on other events and bar happenings this weekend, visit www.jumponmarkslist.com

Have a SAFE?and HAPPY?Memorial Day!

A Touch of New York on Wilton Drive

(Picture: Matty’s in standing in front of his ‘celebrity wall.’)

Having expanded into what was a wine store last year, next week, Matty’s On the Drive opens their long-awaited deli. Matty Auslander, owner of Matty’s said the deli will be New York-style.

Matty’s On the Drive opened in 2008 in the Strawberry Plaza on Wilton Drive next to New Moon and has grown in popularity. Matty feels the addition of the deli is the next logical step in growth.

Sandwiches will include the traditional hot pastrami, brisket and corned beef and most sandwiches will be “over-stuffed” with 1/3^rd pound of top-of-the-line meats. Though not a typical “Jewish-style” deli, he does plan to offer more traditional Jewish foods such as knishes and homemade matzo ball soup. There will be no grill or hood in the new deli, so hamburgers will not be available. All meats and sandwiches will have to be steamed or toasted and not grilled.

The deli will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. daily. Prices will range from $7 to $8 a sandwich which Matty says is reasonable and you can expect to pay $22 for the same sandwich in New York. Deserts such as New York-style cheesecake will also be available.

One eye-catching aspect of the deli is the ‘celebrity wall’. “When you go to delis in New York, they always have pictures on the wall of celebrities who have eaten there.

We’re using our regular customers,” said Matty. “It’s become a crazy thing, everybody wants their picture to be on the wall. I have over a hundred more to hang and I can see us filling the entire wall soon.”

Stefan Pinto stars in the play Escorts at Rising Action Theater in Oakland Park from June 2-June 6. (Photo by Robert Figueroa)

Thursday 05.27.10

THE MDGLCC’S MONTHLY NETWORKING PROGRAM

MDGLCC presents a networking program for the Downtown membership group. Hard Rock Café Bayside Restaurant 401 Biscayne Blvd #R200 (behind the Bayside Marketplace), 305- 377-3110.; registration 11:30 a.m. with luncheon/networking from noon to 1:00 p.m. Cost is $30 per person including seated style lunch. Limited to 30 persons; RSVP to 305-573-4000 or mailto:mdglcc@bellsouth.net. Get your seat early.

SIZZLE 2010

Originally a one-day occurrence, Sizzle has evolved into a 5-day smorgasbord of captivating daytime events, and pulsating nightlife. Hit the beaches of Miami This Memorial Day Weekend.

MANHUNT 2010

Boardwalk hosts Manhunt 2010. This is a ten week Playgirl Semi-Finalist contest with a $1,000 Grand Prize and a sponsorship. 1721 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. (954) 463-6969.

Friday 05.28.10

OUT GIRLS MOVIE NIGHT

It’s an OUT Girls movie night (screening and discussion) at the Stonewall Library and Archives at 7 p.m. A mutual attraction develops and the two unlikely characters explore the uncharted territory of unexpected love. Free Admission. 1300 E Sunrise Blvd Fort Lauderdale. (954) 763-8565.

KIM ZOLCIAK AND DJ TRACY YOUNG LIVE

Living Room Nightclub hosts the Silver Party 2010 with Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak and DJ Tracy Young. Don’t miss Kim’s “coming out” party. 300 SW 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Doors open at 10:30 p.m. Celebrate the Memorial Day weekend these two ladies.

JANICE DICKINSON

As part of the 2010 White Fort Lauderdale Weekend, Janice Dickinson hosts The White Angels Fashion Showat The Manor. The Manor is located at 2345 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Dickinson was one of the original supermodels in the early ‘80s and her over-the-top personality will rock out!

Saturday 05.29.10

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BETTY ANN PRISCAK

A Memorial Service will be held for long-time WIN member Betty Ann Priscak.at the Sunshine Cathedral at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers please either send a donation to The Sunshine Cathedral or to the “Prayer Garden.” Lauderdale.

THE SUM OF US

The Sum of Us is a love story about a widowed father and his gay son, who’s trying to find Mr. Right. After meeting in a local pub, Jeff and a young gardener, Greg, hit it off and begin to date. When he meets Jeff’s stubborn, opinionated Dad however, Greg begins to back off. The show stats at 8 p.m. Tickets: show only: $35.00 ; show and dinner package – 3 course Dinner at Primavera Restaurant (located across the parking lot): $60.00. Rising Action Theatre, 840 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park. (954) 561-2225.

CONNIE FRANCIS

Join the City of Fort Lauderdale and legendary singer Connie Francis at the Great American Beach Party. This free event features live bands, a classic car show, family beach activities and a 50th Anniversary screening of Where the Boys Are, presented by the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the beach (A1A and East Las Olas Blvd.)

Sunday 05.30.10

VAN GOGH: BRUSH WITH GENIUS

Discover a Van Gogh you’ve never seen before: serene and radiating with love of life as he retraces his footsteps through his letters. In this passionate voyage, you are thrown into a unique visual experience where the paintings spring to life before our eyes, so near us that we can feel the painter’s energy, the wind in the branches of a cypress, the dazzling Southern sun. The film offers us the unique joy of seeing and getting to know, with ever increasing admiration, the man whose energy and freedom are intrinsically bound to the great beauty of his work. Museum of Discovery & Science and AutoNation® IMAX® Theater. 401 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale.

POVERELLO BENEFIT

The Matty’s On the Drive vs. New Moon Water Balloon Fight benefiting Poverello begins at 4 p.m. Water balloons $1 each. 2426 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL, 33305, 954- 564-1799. Come out and join this fun-filled event. Wear something that you won’t mind getting wet.

LAFFING MATTERZ

Laffing Matterz, a live, original, musical comedy revue spoofing current events, is currently playing in Fort Lauderdale at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts . 4:30 p.m. Call 954-462- 0222.

SUDS

SUDS is a bubbly 60′s musical about romance in a Wash-O-Rama. From Chapel of Love to Don’t Make Me Over, SUDS is the show to see. The story of three girls trying to find love in a laundromat, SUDS bubbles over with fluffy. Sun-2pm & 7pm. $42. Broward Stage Door. 8036 W Sample Rd.

954- 344-7765.

FLAMINGO GARDEN TOURS

Flamingo Garden Tour is from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Flamingo Gardens, Botanical Collections & Wildlife Sanctuary located in Davie. Tours are presented by knowledgeable volunteers. 2955. $15 for adults. 954- 473-2955. Many spectacular sides are awaiting

Monday 05.31.10

THE WORLD OF GIANT INSECTS

Keeping in line with its commitment to entertain as well as educate, Miami Metrozoo presents The World of Giant Insects from at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. These animated robotic insects, enlarged 40 to 600 times their actual size, will present a different view to the onlookers. miamimetrozoo.com. (305) 251-0400

THE CHAT NOIR CLUB

There is finally a reason to go out on Monday night. Be a part of the interactive and surreal playground of performers that include contortionists, models, burlesque, drag, fetish, spoken word, live music and a few more surprises. 10 p.m. Entrance is $20. Dream Nightclub is at 1532 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. 305-674- 8018.

MIAMI BEACH BOTANICAL GARDEN TOURS

This is a fantastic way to spend your Memorial Day Weekend with your partner. Take a free guide tour of the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens from 11 a.m. to noon. Miami Beach Botanical Garden is at 2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach. (305) 673-7256. Come for the beauty, stay for the serenity.

Tuesday 06.01.10

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80

Around The World In 80 Nights, part of its Knight Arts Challenge, is designed to enrich the community and provide incite into a variety of ethnic cultures through a combination of film, art, fashion, music and/or cuisine. 5:30 p.m. Reception | 7:00 p.m. Film & discussion. Admission: General Admission is free. Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6 St., Fort Lauderdale. Details and advance tickets: www.fliff.com. 954-525- 3456. Parking: Free after 6:00 p.m. at meters and in the Courthouse Garage.

FLORIDA MARLINS VS. MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Cheer on the Florida Marlins as they take on the Milwaukee Brewers at the Sun Life Stadium. 2267 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami Gardens. 7:10pm. Admission: $40-$48. Let’s play ball.

SALSA CLASSES

Celebrate the beauty of Salsa through connection with the music and body movement. Students learn to express themselves through the rhythm of Classes are from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Casa Salsa Dance Studio in Oakland Park. (954) 588- 8085. Dance up a storm and hit those moves.

Wednesday 06.02.10

IMOGEN HEAP

Imogen Heap is in concert at 8 p.m. at The Fillmore Miami Beach At Jackie Gleason Theater, Miami Beach, Florida. Watch as the artist Imogen Heap performs all of her hottest songs. $58. 1700 Washington Avenue Miami Beach.(305) 673- 7300.

WIN MONTHLY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

You are invited to attend the WIN (Women In Network) general membership meeting at The Pride Center at Equality Park from 7 to 9 p.m. It’s All About the Women. 2040 N. Dixie Hwy,.Wilton Manors. 954-463-9005

ESCORTS

“Escorts” returns to the Rising Action Theatre. Last performed a year ago, this new, streamlined, preoff Broadway version is back. David Leddick has written a book about male escorts. The show reveals the stories of sixteen male escorts in words, song, and dance and in the flesh. With libretto and lyrics by David Leddick, music by Andrew Sargent, direction by David Kingery and produced by V. J. Colonna, musical theater doesn’t get any sexier. The Rising Action Theatre. 840 East Oakland Park Blvd. 1-800-838-3006. 8 p.m. General Admission Tickets: $25-$30 VIP Tickets $65-75. Enjoy the show.