“Magic Hour” (Casablanca), Scissor Sisters’ fourth studio album, has all the necessary ingredients to cast a spell on their devoted fans, and to earn them plenty of new ones. Album opener “Baby Come Home” has a comfortable familiarity, and even a touch of classic Prince. The galloping “Only The Horses” is a perfect summer single, the kind of Tea Dance anthem that is sure to fill dance-floors. The irresistible “Let’s Have A Kiki” and “Keep Your Shoes On” broaden both the horizons of Scissor Sisters and their followers.

The Agenda’s Gregg Shapiro spoke this month with front-man Jake Shears.

FLORIDA AGENDA: I’d like to begin by talking about the cover art on “Magic Hour,” which is reminiscent of the album covers that British design team Hipgnosis did for Pink Floyd and others.

Scissor Sisters covered Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” on the self-titled debut: Would it be safe to say that there is a connection?

Jake Shears: It’s definitely not a coincidence. Hipgnosis was always a huge influence for what we were doing.

There’s been a running theme on all of our sleeves. The link is there’s always something happening in the middle and there’s somebody turning away from you. The fact that we changed it from a person to an animal was another thing. We like our covers to have a subtle mystery, and the color and mood that go along with it. “Night Work” was no exception. It’s totally influenced by Hipgnosis. It’s also a reference to the fact that we’re still—fortunately or unfortunately—an album band.

FA: “Magic Hour” is being released domestically on Casablanca, a record label known for its association with the seminal days of disco music. Is this significant to you and Scissor Sisters?X

JS: [Laughs] We’re happy to have a label in America that wants to put us out at all! It’s super exciting to put it out on Casablanca, just because of the history. I’m happy that they revived the imprint, it is super cool. And I like our label-mates.

FA: Scissor Sisters is considered a New York band, but it sounds like California has found its way in on songs such as “San Luis Obispo” and “Year of Living Dangerously,” which includes mention of the “freeway,” something that conjures Los Angeles. Is Southern California competing with New York for your attention?

JS: I had some really amazing times in Southern California this last year, and made some great friends. I love being in L.A. I also spent some time in San Francisco last year with the musical “Tales of the City.” I have a hard time calling myself a New Yorker anymore. I live out of a suitcase, and will continue to live out of a suitcase for quite a while. I have a house down in Tennessee now. I have a house in London now. I’m a bit all over the place [laughs].

FA: Drugs make a number of appearances throughout “Magic Hour”—in songs such as “Baby Come Home,” “Keep Your Shoes On,” “Inevitable,” and “Shady Love.” Is this cause for alarm?

JS: [Laughs] It depends on who you’re asking, and about whom. No, drugs have always been a theme through the lyrics that I write. I think they’re ever present in our lives, whether it’s alcohol, or pot, or club drugs, or antidepressants, or Ambien, or whatever. Everybody’s on something, and they affect all of us in different ways. They can ruin lives, they can save lives. In American culture, especially, they’re omnipresent. Substances and chemicals are everyplace, whether it’s espresso or crystal meth, it’s everywhere.

FA: “Let’s Have a Kiki” is the kind of song that makes you smile and dance at the same time. Is the voice mail message that opens the song real or was it scripted for the song?

JS: It’s all improv. We wanted to create a setting, to set up a story for where you would have, or why anyone would have a kiki, or what would make you feel like having a kiki. Somebody’s having a bad night, but it’s all going to be better when you go with your friends. We wanted to give it the setting before the song kicked in. It was important for us to set that place, and that answering machine monologue was the device that we used to do it.

FA: “Baby Come Home” and “Self Control” are songs that reflect relationship uncertainty, while “Best In Me” is a wonderful example of musical domestic bliss. Do you prefer writing and performing songs about healthy or unhealthy relationships?

JS: It’s a lot harder to write something uplifting than it is to write something melancholic. It’s really hard to write something uplifting about subject matter that’s really a bummer. That’s my favorite thing. To write happy-sounding songs about things which aren’t necessarily that. I like writing happysounding songs about relationships and situations that are necessarily something to get happy about.

FA: This year has seen the loss of a number of important musical icons, including dance music legends Donna Summer, Whitney Houston, and Robin Gibb. Do you have any thoughts or comments?

JS: I think when stuff like that happens, it makes me reflect on what an artist has brought to the culture, to pop culture, to the world, and how they’ve influenced and inspired people. It’s a great moment to reflect on that, and honor those people for what they’ve done in their lifetimes. It also reminds me of everyone’s mortality. When it all comes down to it, Whitney Houston was just a person—as are all of us, as are any of the biggest legends around, who will live and die. We’re all just people, nobody’s superhuman, nobody’s immortal. It constantly reminds me, especially with Whitney’s death in particular, that we’re all just people. There are some that do incredible work, and it’s great to honor the work that they’ve done when something like that happens. But it definitely just makes me think of mortality, and the fact nobody lives forever—but the music can.

FA: Scissor Sisters is known for amazing live shows. What can fans can expect from the ‘Magic Hour’ Tour?

JS: It’s so exciting, because we get to throw out a lot of songs that we played for 10 years! There are going to be some songs that people will not hear (laughs) that they might expect to, which is thrilling for the band (laughs).

Having four albums now- It’s like, “Oh my God, we don’t have to play this song anymore!” It feels like a brand new show, because we have brought in album tracks from previous albums that haven’t been heard in a long time. Likewise, there are songs that have been heard throughout our tours over the last 10 years that we have not taken out of the show and replaced with really amazing stuff off of ‘Magic Hour’. The set list is wicked – It’s really cool! It’s a fun show and I know the band has been having a blast playing these songs.

Cire Citron, the Creative Director behind Johnny’s Nightclubs, is a name that keeps coming up in conversation. Most interestingly, many people don’t realize he has a rather long history as alter ego DJ TPROMIX. We dug a little deeper to uncover the secrets of his success and how reaching a milestone twenty-five years behind the turntables feels.

Where did you get your start?

Wow, many moons ago, I was just a young boy with a fake ID trying to befriend a DJ at the largest club in Washington DC called Tracks.

I got really lucky one night and was asked to fill in for the VJ room. It was a very bumpy ride. I learned in front of people and fast!

From there, I moved to New York City and eventually played every major venue available. Hey, did you hear that the legendary Limelight Disco (former church turned nightclub) was purchased by IHop to become its new 24-hour Manhattan location in 2012… times have changed!

DJing in New York at all those big clubs in the magic era of house music, you must have a good story or two?

It was a great time period, so much uninhibited dancing. I do miss people going out to actually hear music they don’t know! We used to love that. I mean if I just wanted to hear the radio, I already have a radio. That’s not why I go out!

Being able to DJ for Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Bette Midler, Lil’ Kim, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson… I have been blessed.

And you have remixed for many big names as well.

Everyone from Arthur Baker and Beyoncé to Michael Jackson and Niki Minaj.

I even worked on a couple of TV/Film Project remixes for the  Celluloid Closet, MAD TV, Star Wars, and the one that started it all, Wonder Woman. Yes, that remix was me.

I get emails and requests daily for one particular track. My mix of Masters At Work’s The Ha Dance. That one’s still getting sampled.
The list is long, I plan on uploading a lot of the really rare tracks to Sound Cloud soon for my fans.

What brought you to Miami?

Having such great success in NY with my MILK party, which ran for eight years and then Cuchifrito at SPLASH, which ran for six years under my helm and is still running as OCEAN, there wasn’t really a way to top myself. I started traveling back and forth to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, DJing at Coliseum here for a couple of years before I finally moved in 2005, did several events for Score, Sizzle and Space… I just love the weather. The winters in Manhattan can be brutal.

How did you get the coveted position of directing all of the Johnny’s boys?

(Laughs) I kept crossing paths with owner Sean David. It turned out, we have similar nightclub visions and work well together. It is a dream job in many ways, like things have come full circle. I do love DJing, but creatively I have always done all of the photography, graphics and advertisements for my events as well. It feels good when someone desires your participation in making their venue a success.

But you know what feels best? Seeing the vision become reality. We are very grateful that so many people are loving Johnny’s as much as we do.

Are you ready for your birthday parties?

Always prepared for a party… and in this case, three!

You can catch up with DJ TPROMIX and join him in celebration at the following events:
Thursday, October 20 at Torpedo in Fort Lauderdale for the six year anniversary of Tastee.
Friday, October 21 at Johnny’s in Fort Lauderdale for the 2DayBday part 1.
Tuesday, October 25 at Johnny’s in Miami for the 2DayBday part 2.

To find DJ TPROMIX on the web, facebook or twitter, just search “TPROMIX.” There’s only one!

The one place hotter than beaches this summer is our nation’s dance floors. Here’s a selection of the blazing new jams you should be slamming to.
“Taste the Night”
Dalal
A song about sexual tension in the dark, “Taste the Night” was originally written as a ballad. It’s an artful song with powerfully heartfelt and romantic lyrics. However, when combined with Dalal’s exuberant vocals and Tony Moran’s hard thumping beats, the ballad flourishes into a surefire club anthem.

“Can I Love You More”
Tony Moran
(featuring Trey Lorenz)
Tony Moran’s love note to the dance floor is everything clubbers expect it to be: euphoric, lush, hard-pounding and exhilarating. Penned by the Grammy-nominated producer and remixer, the celebratory track features power house vocalist Trey Lorenz and hard-hitting remixes by Ralphi Rosario, Loverushuk and longtime Moran collaborator, Warren Rigg. Tony Moran’s love for dance music shines in this record and will surely inspire others to hear the beauty in the beat.

“See the New Hong Kong”
Josie Cotton
“See the New Hong Kong” is another superior crafted, brilliantly executed, expertly produced and highly intelligent pop track from the artist that first rose to fame in the eighties with “Johnny R U Queer”. Josie Cotton is as absurd, outlandish and as much a vocal dynamo as Cyndi Lauper. Remixes are by Love Rush U.K., CCW and Baggi Begovic.

“All About Sex”
Sariah
“All About Sex” is prime Sariah, packed
with aggressive house beats, playful melodies and a colorful hook. The single recalls the synth ambience of Britney Spear’s Blackout, one of the most influential pop albums of the last five years. Like Spears, Sariah’s lyrics are craftier than they appear, packed with hidden meanings and double entendres. Sariah’s digitally processed moans are particularly alluring; especially when she sings, “I can’t even try to take him in away.” The song will inspire clubbers to swap sweat on the dance floor and isn’t that all we all really want in a song?

“I Miss You”
Maniacalm (featuring La La)
The sonically stirring “I Miss You” is the follow-up to “Never Forget You,” LaLa’s debut track that caught fire in dance clubs and rose to #5 on the Dance Radio Airplay charts. The song is reminiscent of Dido’s “White Flag” but with its own brand of fierceness that will speak to an entirely new generation of dance music fans.

“Mr. Romeo”
Emii (featuring Snoop Dogg)
Emii’s latest track is a fast-thumping party pleaser with playful lyrics that encourage clubbers to look past Mr.

Right for Mr. Right Now. Snoop Dogg lays down a couple of slick rhymes, but it’s Emii’s polished vocals and the song’s melodic verses that are the real showstoppers in this summer treat.

“Fetish”
Faith Michaels
It’s one thing to admit you’re into fetish, it’s another to sing about it; but when you do both, and go so far as to admit it is feet you are into, now that’s pop visionary. Faith Michaels knew if she was going to get the attention she deserves on today’s crowded dance floor, it was time to crank up the scandal, and she doesn’t hold back. “Fetish” is this generation’s “Erotica”. Like Madonna’s ode to kink, Faith Michael’s track is dark, underground, seedy and devilishly delectable. It dares you to submit to it and once you do, you will be begging for more.

“Fade”
Kristine W
Kristine W, the artist Billboard Magazine named as one of the top three dance icons of the first decade, is back with her seventh and final release from the Power of Music album. “Fade” is patented Kristine W, complete with soaring vocals, stomping beats and superior dance production. Just try to stand still while Miss W is tearing through the speakers; you won’t be able to. Maxi single includes productions by Buzz Junkies, Johnny Vicious, Royaal, Alex Acosta, Subgroover and DJ Chico.

Twist of Love
Kimberly Davis (D1 Music)
“Twist of Love,” featuring club remixes by John Rizzo, Twisted Dee and Keith Kemper, is a feverishly catchy dance anthem that is redefining the ‘twist’ track for the twenty-first century. It landed on Billboard’s top ten a few weeks ago and shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Enjoy it while you can; great twist tracks only come around once every fifty summers.

“When the Lights Go Down”
Grace
It’s easy to see what drew American Idol’s Randy Jackson to discover Grace.
Her debut dance track unleashes a throbbing bass line and pulsating kick drum that put her in league with Kesha’s “Blow” and Brit’s “Til the World Ends”. It’s a crowd pleasing single, balancing club-ready verses and a soaring pop chorus with steamy lyrics like “Your lips could be my lipstick” and “You’ll see what I can do with a microphone when we’re alone”.
“Trying To Leave Now”
Aiden Leslie
“Trying to Leave Now” proves Leslie is no one-hit wonder. The lyrics to his follow up of “World’s Away” may try to push us away, but the song’s soulful rhythm lures listeners in. It’s complicated, but Leslie proves so are the contents in his head. He pours out another smart, smooth love groove with an extremely catchy chorus that is way above most other summer tracks in its musicality, yet leaves us questioning Leslie’s emotional availability.

“Gave Up on Love”
Kelli
Kelli gives new meaning to the term bitch track in this erotically charged, flavorfully angry unlove dance anthem. The former reality star (Bravo’s “NYC Prep”) sings how she’s not only fed up with love, she is ready to do whatever she has to in order to stamp a dramatic end to it. Kelli’s no-nonsense lyrics are paired with soaring grooves and ferocious beats courtesy of two masters of the remix, Michael Grant and Tony Moran.

“Beautiful”
D Alexander
Following this season’s Glee invasion comes the first male solo artist to boldly go where no male artist has ever (successfully) gone before: Divadom. A few years ago (maybe even months ago), a song like Beautiful would not have been taken seriously. A guy singing “move to the beat, I intend to get naughty”? But this is the age of Darren Criss’ Blake serenading Kurt and dance floors are ready to recognize talent in whatever package it comes in – especially one as attractive as D Alexander.

KEY
SP: Shane Phoenix
RB: Ray Boltz
FS: Frank Sperduti (Ray’s Partner)

Winner of the Out Music Awards for “Album of the Year”, “Songwriter of the Year” and “Spiritual Song of the Year”
for his brand new album, “True,” International Recording Artist Ray Boltz has sold 4.5 million records worldwide. Once adored by millions of Christian Fans around the world, in 2008 he came out to the world. Now Ray faces a new life, a new career and new hope! His new CD, “True,” tells us his story, a story millions of LGBT people share with him. He took time to sit with Shane Phoenix, a music review writer and reporter for multiple music and entertainment magazines.

SP: After millions loved you, after hundreds of thousands sent you hate mail, where did you find the strength, courage and self-esteem to write new songs? And was this the inspiration for “True”?

RB: When I was married and singing Christian music, I was struggling, it was a tough time. In 2004, I was sitting at the kitchen table with my kids and my wife at the time, Carol. My family has always been keen to my emotional state, we are very close. My son looked at me and asked, “Dad, what going on with you, what’s wrong”? So, I have been struggling with what was in my heart: Knowing I was gay. I tried to not be gay; try to be what I wasn’t; I tried to pray that I wasn’t gay; I confessed in hope that I could not be gay; all these things that they tell you to do, I tried to do for 30 plus years. So when my son asked me that question, I decided to be honest, to be authentic. I could die and my own family wouldn’t even know who I was. I thought to myself, ‘if I cannot be honest and authentic with my own family, the ones who I love the most, then who could I be honest and authentic with?’ So I told them, “I’m Gay”. And that’s where I think “True” was born

SP:What was the feeling like the very moment you uttered those words out loud for the very first time?

RB: It was overwhelming, but surreal; there was no super joy, or excitement or pride in it. It was the truth and sometimes being that honest with those you love and who love you so very much can be hurtful. I am very thankful my family and I are so close.

SP:How did your family react?

RB: We knew things would change, we knew tough times were ahead, not only for my career but for us as a family. We also knew that the one thing that wouldn’t change was our love and commitment to our family. My wife Carol and I would end up separating and obtain a divorce, but now she is part of Soul Force, a nonprofit organization that helps families like ours and others from oppression of anti-homosexual religious peers (read more at www.soulforce.org). My kids and I remain very close, and now my grandchildren, as well.

SP:You were selling millions of albums each year, about 4.5 million copies. How badly was your career hurt by your coming out?

RB: At the time I came out publicly in 2008, I didn’t think it would be that big of a deal. I was kind of wrong there. I received a lot of hate mail, lots of youtube videos were put up against me and me coming out. I was told that I was going to burn in hell – all sorts of negative things were said. At the same time, a lot of great things were being said from other people and friends.

SP:Was this when you started writing songs again?

RB: When my wife and I separated and we were all going through this very tough time, I decided to do what I always did.  I picked up my pen and paper, tuned the guitar and started to put down how I was feeling. That’s where all my songs come from, deep within me.

SP:We know you have sold millions as a Christian singer, now that “True” is out and nowhere near that number, how do you look at that?

RB: Well I did not do this album for money, it was about being authentic, about being true, not only to myself but to my fans. We have sold a bunch of records for “True,” but for me it’s not about the sales, it’s about the letters I am getting from so many who say, “Yea that’s exactly how I feel right now”, “Thank you Ray for saying what I needed to hear”, “Finally someone who knows how I feel”. That’s what “True” is about; it’s about those who listen to it and understand that living an authentic and “True” life may not always be easy, but is better than living a lie.

SP:Your partner Franco and you have been together almost 5 years, where did you meet and has he been a part of the album?

RB: Franco and I met through a friend at the MCCC Church Softball league. Yes, there is a song on the album called “You Came To Me”. It was written for him, he is like a big teddy bear. He cry’s every time I play it on stage.

SP:Franco, so what is it like being with a celebrity of Ray’s stature?

FS: Well I didn’t even know who Ray Boltz was. I met him as just a regular guy, not until later did I find out about his singing.  Ray is just Ray to me. He doesn’t act like a celebrity or anything like that, he is just Ray, so I know him and love him for who he is, just Ray – a very caring and loving nice man. Not for Ray the celebrity.

SP:Franco, what was it like the first time he sang “You Came to Me” on stage in front of you?

FS: I cried. It is such a beautiful song. Ray and I talked about it being on the CD, and it almost didn’t get to be on it, but I know what the song means and know what

it can mean to so many others.

SP:What artist do you like to listen to?

RB: I like Adam Lambert, Lady GAGA, Rufus Wainwright, but I haven’t listened too much lately.

SP:Since you live here in the Ft. Lauderdale, where is your favorite place to hang out at?

RB: (laughing) There are a lot of places, but I find I go to Scandals a lot. I like the Lady Fancy show they have, and the atmosphere there as well.

FS: The softball field (laughing) every Sunday – that’s my church.

SP:Wilton Manors has an influence on the new CD as well, doesn’t it?
RB: Yes there is a song called “American Queen” on the cd. It talks about a guy walking past Five Points and Georgie’s Alibi and talks about all the great things I love about Wilton Manors.

SP:How does it feel to be the most nominated and then win The Out Music Awards?

RB: I was overwhelmed at the response, not only to the Album, but at the outpouring of good wishes and the wonderful responses to it. I have been nominated for awards before, and have won 3 Dove awards, but The Out Music Award wins are like an acceptance into the community.  Like they are saying, not only do we love your music, but we appreciate your efforts, as well. I am so very thankful to all my fans and family.

SP:You are going to appear at The Stonewall Street Festival and Parade on June 19th, 2011. Will it be any different now that you are an Award winner?

RB: No it will be an authentic and “True” show just as before.

SP:If equal marriage was allowed, would you and Franco be married?

RB: I think that would be up to us. I think we should have that choice already. Not IF we should have that choice.

FS: I don’t think it’s anyone’s business. If Ray and I want to get married it should already be our choice and not something we should have to ask anyone’s permission to do!

SP:Anything you want to say to our readers here at the Florida Agenda?

RB: I would like to thank each one of them if I could. I love the fact that there is a publication out there that reaches so many and has some really great content.

SP:Thank you, Ray Boltz, for your time, compassion and music.

RB: It’s been a pleasure, Shane. Thanks so much for having me here.

You can reach Ray Boltz for comment or questions, or to listen to his Multi-Award Winning Album online at www.rayboltz.com.

Shane Phoenix is an independent music review writer and international talk show host of “South Off with Shane Phoenix” and contributes regularly to Billboard Magazine and several Music Blogs around the world.  He can be reached at Shane@prideshows.com

By Charlie Rockafort

Don’t hate him because he’s beautiful. Once a runway model, Hector Fonseca has transformed himself into one of America’s hottest DJs. In addition to headlining some of the most important parties around the world –New York’s Black Party, Miami’s Winter Party, and Circuit Festival in Barcelona – Hector has released two top selling compilation albums and remixes for pop artists like Katy Perry, Kelis and Lady Gaga. The matinee idol returns to Gay Days on June 4th to spin the ultimate dance event of the summer, Matinée presents Ibiza Rising at Universal Studios.

Tell us a bit about your spinning style – what can we expect at Ibiza Rising?

Expect the unexpected! I’m all about live mixing and re-mixing. I tend to play tribal progressive with vocal samples and classics worked in. I also preview remixes and productions I have been working on. I never play the same set twice so my dance floor is always a unique experience.

What are you most proud of in your career?

My production work. There are a lot of DJs out there.

I can honestly say I bring something unique to the table with my original music. It’s rare in this business and I’m proud of it.

What is it like to be a Matinee idol?

I can’t complain! I’m very fortunate to do what I love.

Have your looks ever gotten in the way?

When I started dj’ing, people looked down on the fact that I had been a model. That made me work really hard on my music with less focus on my image.

Let’s talk about your music. What are you working on now?

I am now doing official remixes for artists like Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, but that’s not where it ends for me. I would like to write some original music for them someday and win awards for it.

With all of your success, do you worry you may have reached your peak?

While I’ve done a lot in a relatively short amount of time, I definitely have not peaked. I look at my predecessors like Danny Tenaglia, Victor Calderone and Abel and I know I have not reached their level. I am on my way, though. Finish the sentence: A good night out starts with… A sexy beat. It ends with… A sexy someone you meet.

Tony and Gloria are a much loved, and revered cabaret husband and wife team that have been a greatly loved fixture within the gay community for many years. The Agenda caught up with them to find out how they stay relevant and why they love working in the community.

You have had amazing careers, please tell the Agenda readers a bit about your backgrounds.

Tony and I have both had long careers in different musical backgrounds. Tony started in jazz playing with big bands touring the country and small Jazz ensembles in NYC. Gloria started in the church singing with her sisters and moved on to pop and contemporary and Jazz since working with Tony.

What brought you and kept you here?

We moved here after a few years working in Key West along with many of our friends.    We’ve stayed because we feel comfortable and safe.

You have remained ever popular here in Wilton Manors. How do you maintain your following?

By trying to always expand our repertoire and please our audience.

What would you say has been the highlight of your time here?

Meeting and becoming close friends with the great composer Murray Grand. Guess Who I Saw Today? is his most well-known composition, but he has composed over 800 songs

Any cringe moments?

Sure, when we’re playing outdoors at Festivals and it starts to lightning.

If you weren’t doing your act what would you do instead?

Gloria would draw and paint and Tony would teach guitar and play and practice and play and practice.

You clearly support the gay community. How do you feel you help the community?

We have played and volunteered at numerous events and charity functions here and in Key West.

How do you feel attitudes towards the community are changing?

We are seeing a more diverse audience from the US and all over the world.

What are the advantages of working within the gay community?

We love that people here appreciate and are enthusiastic about music, culture and the arts.

What disadvantages do you feel there are here?

It’s starting to become expensive.

What do you have planned for the future? What exciting things can we look forward to from you both

We are in the process of working on a new CD of all original material; Gloria is preparing for a show of her artwork.

Tony & Gloria’s Weekly Live Schedule: Thursdays and Saturdays from 7-11  at Tropics, Friday 6-9 at Dudes,  Sundays 5-7 at Lips.

You are having your Birthday bash on Sunday, how exciting.

I’m beyond excited. I’ve spent the last year of my life creating my new showplace, Hollywood Events, so it could be ready for my 38th birthday bash on May 1. (Ok, my 48th – whatever!)

Tell us more about the grand opening of Hollywood Events.

It will be an evening of great entertainment with people I’ve worked with and admired, like Mickey Havens, Nicky Adams, Joe Posa (as Joan Rivers), David McBride and others, along with wonderful food and surprises.

I’m proud to be opening Hollywood Events. It’s an elegant event hall; the décor is antique mixed with a contemporary style. We have two beautiful bars, a stage, nice lighting and sound system, dance room and seating and a private dressing room.

A lot of love went into this place; I’d love for you to stop by and check it out. It’s a great place for hosting parties,
seminars, wedding or fundraisers. I’m also offering it to other entertainers  that have a following so they may also put on their own events. We can also accommodate you with hotel rooms.

How long have you been performing in Wilton Manors?

I’ve been performing in this wonderful community for over 6 years. I’ve gone from Hamburger Mary’s, where I lost the title of “Hamburger Mary” to a drag queen (even though they say I’m a drag queen in a female body), to Dudes, where I performed with lots of almost naked guys, to Chardees, The Mix, Galanga, Scandals, Monkey Business and now at the Alibi every Tuesday, and MoJo on Wednesdays.

What do you enjoy most about performing?

I love the variety of music that I am able to perform in front of the most appreciative audiences imaginable in South Florida. I love seeing my audience react to songs arranged in new and creative ways by my long-time producer Eddie Montilla, who works with stars like Queen Latifah, Little Wayne and Usher.

What is the benefit with working within the gay community?

The joy of acceptance and affection. I think the gay audiences can relate to me and vice versa, because there is admiration for our unique styles … plus, I get to be “NASTY” at times, knowing it is ok with my audience.

You have a line of personal greetings cards. What made you come up with the idea? How are they doing?

My greeting cards are the result of my love of the process of song writing. I love the collaboration with others in producing songs that directly cover different occasions … from break up to make up, from birthdays to condolences, my line of greeting cards combines original songs on a CD inserted into a greeting card. The cards are geared toward all relationships. Channel 7 news featured them on their Styles section.

Are there any disadvantages to working within the community?

None that I’ve encountered, other than not being “hit on” too often (just kidding … I’m an old married lady with a great hubby who even allowed me to donate all of our wedding loot to Tuesday’s Angels.)

When you look back over your career here, what has been the  highlight?

Having my sweet mommy live to see me perform for large audiences. (She passed recently and I miss her sweet face … whenever I sing “I’m Tired” from Blazing Saddles I channel that Fraulein, my mother).

Now, what’s the biggest cringe moment?

When a rubber outfit I was wearing slipped below my nips and no one told me and I performed for a half hour not knowing … well you can imagine the rest …

What social influences do you think affect your popularity and how do you think your show helps the community.

Having lived in the 60′s and right up through Lady Gaga. I have been blessed to be able to sing so many different types of music without sounding dated. People seem to compare me with Bette Midler and I am flattered. I have been influenced by so many entertainers and the issues they confronted in their lives. I think my benefit shows like Stonewall and “Broward Bares It” have been most rewarding. Volunteering is inspiring to keep the spirit going until there is full equality for everyone.

Tell Agenda readers a bit more about your long awaited CD “Night Secrets”.

“Night Secrets” is a sexy collection of tunes that set a mood. The CD is romantic and mellow with foreplay, during play and after-play as a theme. I love turning men on … all men!

So what’s next for Debra?

Lots of events at my new show place and a brand new show called “Boobalicious”.

Debra’s Birthday Bash May 1st at 7:30pm Hollywood Events 101 North Ocean Drive,  Suite 132, Hollywood FL (954) 929-9494

A remake of Katy Perry’s recent Hot 100 No.1 hit ‘Firework’ represents the “Glee” cast’s highest debuting title this week.

By MATTEO BLANCO

Summer is defined by that one song, that one epic song that makes it all worthwhile to get out on the dance floor and groove. Expert DJ’s Seth Gold, Mike Rizzo and Escape let us know what their op hits are for the summer and what you can expect the bad boys and girls to be spinning.

What do you predict will be the dance floor song of the summer?

Seth Gold: “Rude Boy” by Rihanna. It’s got a total summer feel to it and my crowd loves it. What makes it stand out in the clubs is the heavy bass line and extremely catchy chorus.

Mike Rizzo: Alexis Jordan “Happiness”. It has a great soulful vocal.

Escape: Christina Aguilera’s “Not Myself Tonight.”

How does today’s dance music compare with the dance music of five and ten years ago?

Rizzo: Today’s dance music is a bit more on the electro/progressive side.

Seth Gold: Artists are now making dance songs that start out as dance songs and don’t need to be remixed. That’s what’ s popular today.

Are the stars of yesterday’s dance – Kristine W, Deborah Cox, Pepper Mashay – relevant today?

Escape: Hell yeah.

Seth Gold: Kristine W and Deborah Cox will always have a place on the dance floor.

Mike Rizzo: Once a Diva, always a Diva.

Are the indie divas able to compete against the pop divas on today’s dancefloor?

Mike Rizzo: I hear and play indie artists like Kristine W and Erika Jayne in all my sets.

Seth Gold: Part of the edge that the indie divas have is that they have an extremely dedicated following that adores them and always will. Gaga and Kesha will have to work extremely hard to maintain their success.

Who or what is to thank for making dance popular again?

Seth Gold: Lady GaGa brought dance music back to the forefront. If there’s anyone to thank, it’s her.

Escape: Also, Akon for promoting her so heavily.

Is there a dance artist that we should be keeping an eye on?

Seth Gold: BOB has a great CD with some fun music on it. Great hip hop infused with pop, jazz and lots of other styles.

Mike Rizzo: Veronica. “If You Wanna Fly” soars.

Escape: I’ll second that. Veronica.