Florida Agenda

GASPARILLA WEEKEND – FLORIDA’S MARDI GRAS

January 27 through 29, tickets available at www.GANCHOTAMPA.com or at Urban Body (SoHo – 711 S. Howard Avenue. Tampa); MC Film Fest (Ybor – 1901 North 15th Street); Hamburger Mary’s (Ybor – 1600 E. 7th Avenue).

MAIN EVENTS:
- “Havok” with DJ Abel at Amphitheater Ybor, Friday, January 27, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., $30 in advance, $35 at the door.
- “Urban Body” at Gasparilla Headquarters Party at Urban Body, Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Free.
- “Gancho” with DJ Ralphi Rosario at Ritz Ybor, Saturday, January 28, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., $45 in advance, $55 at the door.
- “Mutiny” Afterhours with DJ Power Infiniti and DJ Scorpio following Gancho, 2:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., 5718 E. Adamo Dr., $20 at the door.
- “Unleashed” with DJ Oren Nizri at Rise Sundays, Sunday, January 29, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., $3 at the door.
- Hamburger Mary’s Balcony Pre-Pary each night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Free.

COSMOPOLITAN
Cosmopolitan, a Square One Creative Event, will be held at The Ritz Ybor, 1503 E 7th Ave. in Tampa on Friday and Saturday, November 18 and 19. The largest and most popular, award-winning art event in Tampa: Square One’s 4th annual fall 2011 Creative and Performing Arts Showcase expands to two nights and will revolve around an international world theme. Friday, November 18 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.–Over 75 local artists on display with ten other participating venues. Saturday, November 19 – The Main Event with over 75 local artists on display and live performances from VYB Dance Company, Jeremy Gloff, The James-Lange Theory, On Carlton Row and more with a debut fashion show by Ricky Lindsay. From 7 p.m. to midnight. Proceeds of this event to help benefit Pediatric Cancer Fund (PCF).

For more information, please visit www.squareoneflorida.com/cosmopolitan.html.

gancho weekend tampa 2012
January 27 through 29, 2012 in the Ybor City Historic District. Main events include “Havoc” with DJ Abel at the Amphitheater Ybor on Friday, January 27, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. “Gancho” with DJ Ralphi Rosario at the Ritz Ybor on Saturday, January 28 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. “Unleashed with DJ Oren Nizri at Rise, Sunday, January 29 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. and “Urban Body” Gasparilla Headquarters Party at Urban Body, Saturday, January 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For tickets, hotels and info visit: www.ganchotampa.com.

the sunday bbq
Ybor Resort and Spa, 1512 8th Ave. (15th Street) in Ybor City. Every Sunday at 5 p.m. Lots of hot flavorful guys here lining up for some buns, wieners and other tasty items. Come on down and put some sun on those buns in our open-air tropical Asian-themed patio with Jacuzzi. Remember: what happens at the resort, stays at the resort.

THE NEARLYWED GAME
Every Thursday night from 8 to 11:55 p.m. at Hamburger Mary’s (1600 7th Avenue in Ybor City). With host Michael Dixon. You won’t want to miss all the fun and laughs as couples who think they know each other find out if they really do. Come watch, or get in on the fun. If you want to be a contestant, call (813) 241-MARY. Reservations are highly recommended!

COSMOPOLITAN
Cosmopolitan, a Square One Creative Event, will be held at The Ritz Ybor, 1503 E 7th Ave. in Tampa on Friday and Saturday, November 18 and 19. The largest and most popular, award-winning art event in Tampa: Square One’s 4th annual fall 2011 Creative and Performing Arts Showcase expands to two nights and will revolve around an international world theme. Friday, November 18 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.–Over 75 local artists on display with ten other participating venues. Saturday, November 19 – The Main Event with over 75 local artists on display and live performances from VYB Dance Company, Jeremy Gloff, The James-Lange Theory, On Carlton Row and more with a debut fashion show by Ricky Lindsay. From 7 p.m. to midnight. Proceeds of this event to help benefit Pediatric Cancer Fund (PCF). For more information, please visit www.squareoneflorida.com/cosmopolitan.html.

THANKSGIVING “BARE AS YOU DARE” BLACK LIGHT BODY PAINT WEEKEND
November 24 through 27 at Sawmill Camping Resort, 21710 U.S. Highway 98 in Dade City, FL. Spend Thanksgiving with “family” and then dance that turkey off with D.J. Skittles over the weekend. This is the last “Bare as You Dare” so don’t miss it. Make your cabin, RV or tent site reservations now by calling 352-583-0664. Free Thursday or Sunday night with your paid weekend reservation. Day and evening passes also available.

NINA FLOWERS – LIVE!
Nina Flowers will be performing live at Georgie’s Alibi, 3100 3rd Ave. N in St. Petersburg on Friday, December 2, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Never a cover.

2ND ANNUAL MANAGERS BALL
December 2 through 4 at the Sawmill Camping Resort, 21710 US Highway 98 in Dade City. A full weekend of free entertainment including the hysterical Sherry Vine singing twisted parodies of your favorite songs. Other entertainment includes Phil Garris (from Talentquest Florida), Eland Wilson (former backup singer with Nathalie Cole, Ray Charles and Micheal Bolton), Kristen Hernandez, Matt Androsiglio and Danielle Holloughbah (2009 Talentquest National Country Winner). Also included is a complimentary Gospel Brunch Sunday at noon with Denise Tyler, Pasco County Health Department HIV Testing, non-denominational Candlelight Vigil at Ricky Lake for HIV Victims, heated clothing-optional pool. Make your reservations now for this yearly member favorite weekend at 352-583-0664. Day and evening passes also available.

GANCHO TAMPA WEEKEND 2012
January 27 through 29, 2012 in the Ybor City

Historic District. Main events include “Havoc” with DJ Abel at the Amphitheater Ybor on Friday, January 27, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. “Gancho” with DJ Ralphi Rosario at the Ritz Ybor on Saturday, January 28 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. “Unleashed with DJ Oren Nizri at Rise, Sunday, January 29 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. and “Urban Body” Gasparilla Headquarters Party at Urban Body, Saturday, January 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For tickets, hotels and info visit: www.ganchotampa.com.

the sunday bbq
Ybor Resort and Spa, 1512 8th Ave. (15th Street) in Ybor City. Every Sunday at 5 p.m. Lots of hot flavorful guys here lining up for some buns, wieners and other tasty items. Come on down and put some sun on those buns in our open-air tropical Asian-themed patio with Jacuzzi. Remember: what happens at the resort, stays at the resort.

Flamingo Bingo
Thursdays hosted by Kevin Johnson. Win free drinks and prizes from 8 to 10 p.m. Code Bar opens at 7 p.m., the Video Bar opens at 10 p.m. and don’t miss Girl’s Night in the Blu Room, which opens at 11 p.m. with $3 Miller Lite longnecks. The Flamingo Resort is located at 4601 34th St. S in St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.flamingofla.com.

Gay Bowling
First Thursday of each month from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Dunedin Bowling Lanes, 405 Patricia Avenue in Dunedin. For more information, call (727) 736-1282.

FREE DRAG QUEEN BINGO
Every week, you can play BINGO for free and win drinks and prizes at the Flamingo Resort, 4601 34th St S in St. Petersburg.

THE NEARLYWED GAME
Every Thursday night from 8 to 11:55 p.m. at Hamburger Mary’s (1600 7th Avenue in Ybor City). With host Michael Dixon. You won’t want to miss all the fun and laughs as couples who think they know each other find out if they really do. Come watch, or get in on the fun. If you want to be a contestant, call (813) 241-MARY. Reservations are highly recommended!

LABOR DAY EXTRAVAGANZA  AT SAWMILL
A huge celebration each year at Sawmill Camping Resort, 21710 U.S. Highway 98 in Dade City, Florida, September 2nd – 5th  The weekend includes Sawmill’s favorite “10th Concession,” Staggard Strait country band, laser light clothing-optional pool party, sensational guests and house deejays, delicious food and drink specials all weekend long. Cabins, RVs, tent sites plus day and evening passes available.

MIMI IMFURST FROM  RUPAUL’S “DRAG RACE”
Labor Day Weekend Blowout Party on Friday, September 2nd from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Hamburger Mary’ s, 1600 E.

7th Avenue in Tampa. Don’t miss Mimi Imfurst from RuPaul’s “Drag Race” performing live. Two shows at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. RSVP now to ensure seating, as these shows will fill up fast: (813) 241-6279.

HUNK UNIVERSITY
Don’t miss the Hunk University Party on Sunday, September 4th, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at G-Bar, 1401 E. 7th Avenue in Ybor City. Hunk University is G-Bar’s back-to-school theme party with the world’s hottest porn stars. Come early to enjoy $1 drinks from 9 to 11 p.m. Sexy male dancers all night and Tampa Bay’s sexiest young men partying along side the porn stars. Free DVDs, porn and lube giveaways all night long. Billboard Magazine reporting deejay Greg Anderson spins your favorite dance/pop remixes in the main room, while V.J. Charles plays all the best music videos in the lounge.

aids walk st. petersburg 2011
Saturday, September 10, registration is from 8:00 a.m. Walk Starts at 10:00 a.m. from the North Shore Park in downtown St. Petersburg. Join them for the 2011 AIDS Walk St. Petersburg in sunny downtown St. Petersburg to benefit members of our community affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. Watch for more information.

the Sunday BBQ is back
Ybor Resort and Spa, 1512 8th Ave. (15th Street) in Ybor City. Every Sunday at 5 p.m. Lots of hot flavorful guys here lining up for some buns, wieners and other tasty items. Come on down and put some sun on those buns in our open-air tropical Asian-themed patio with Jacuzzi. Remember: what happens at the resort, stays at the resort.

Flamingo Bingo
Thursdays hosted by Kevin Johnson. Win free drinks and prizes from 8 to 10 p.m. Code Bar opens at 7 p.m., the Video Bar opens at 10 p.m. and don’t miss Girl’s Night in the Blu Room, which opens at 11 p.m. with $3 Miller Lite longnecks. The Flamingo Resort is located at 4601 34th St. S in St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.flamingofla.com.

gay bowling
First Thursday of each month from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Dunedin Bowling Lanes, 405 Patricia Avenue in Dunedin. For more information, call (727) 736-1282.

FREE DRAG QUEEN BINGO
Every week, you can play BINGO for free and win drinks and prizes at the Flamingo Resort, 4601 34th St S in St. Petersburg.

THE NEARLYWED GAME
Every Thursday night from 8 to 11:55 p.m. at Hamburger Mary’s (1600 7th Avenue in Ybor City). With host Michael Dixon. You won’t want to miss all the fun and laughs as couples who think they know each other find out if they really do. Come watch, or get in on the fun. If you want to be a contestant, call (813) 241-MARY. Reservations are highly recommended!

HOT LEATHER NIGHTS/MR. SAWMILL LEATHER & SAWMILL LEATHER BOY CONTESTS
Friday, August 19, from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Sawmill Camping Resort,
21710 US Highway 98 (Off of Hwy 75 between Tampa and Orlando) in Dade City. Prizes: $1,200 retail prize package including $200 cash, $10 all-you-can-drink beer bust, “Dominatrix” starring Sofonda Cox, guest appearance by Kamden Wells, poolside demonstration by TLC, Boot Black Dire. 15% off accommodations for TLC members. Laser light pool party Friday night with 2-4-1 drinks ‘til midnight, clothing optional pool.

Aids Walk St. Petersburg 2011
Saturday, September 10, registration is from 8:00 a.m. Walk Starts at 10:00 a.m. from the North Shore Park in downtown St. Petersburg. Join them for the 2011 AIDS Walk St. Petersburg in sunny downtown St. Petersburg to benefit members of our community affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. Watch for more information.

The sunday BBQ is back
Ybor Resort and Spa, 1512 8th Ave. (15th Street) in Ybor City. Every Sunday at 5 p.m. Lots of hot flavorful guys here lining up for some buns, wieners and other tasty items. Come on down and put some sun on those buns in our open-air tropical Asian-themed patio with Jacuzzi. Remember: what happens at the resort, stays at the resort.

Flamingo Bingo
Thursdays hosted by Kevin Johnson. Win free drinks and prizes from 8 to 10 p.m. Code Bar opens at 7 p.m., the Video Bar opens at 10 p.m. and don’t miss Girl’s Night in the Blu Room, which opens at 11 p.m. with $3 Miller Lite longnecks. The Flamingo Resort is located at 4601 34th St. S in St.

Petersburg. For more information, visit www.flamingofla.com.

Gay Bowling
First Thursday of each month from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Dunedin Bowling Lanes, 405 Patricia Avenue in Dunedin. For more information, call (727) 736-1282.

FREE DRAG QUEEN BINGO
Every week, you can play BINGO for free and win drinks and prizes at the Flamingo Resort, 4601 34th St S in St. Petersburg.

THE NEARLYWED GAME
Every Thursday night from 8 to 11:55 p.m. at Hamburger Mary’s (1600 7th Avenue in Ybor City). With host Michael Dixon. You won’t want to miss all the fun and laughs as couples who think they know each other find out if they really do. Come watch, or get in on the fun. If you want to be a contestant, call (813) 241-MARY. Reservations are highly recommended!

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