Florida Agenda

VEGAS NIGHT
Saturday, August 20, starting at 8 p.m.  to 12:30 a.m. This is always a great-time event and a great benefit for Hope & Help. Play the real games: Blackjack, Roulette, Slots and Craps. Win a $500 gift card to Seminole Hard Rock and Casino. The first runner-up will win a Pride Weekend stay and show at the Parliament House. The Footlight Players perform a Las Vegas spectacular with shows at 10 and midnight.

MISS QUEEN OF COMEDY
To be held at the Parliament House (410 N Orange Blossom Trail (W Livingston St) in downtown Orlando) on Monday, August 22 at 9 p.m. For contestant information and seating, contact Loc Robertson at www.facebook.com; Miss Comedy Queen.

Other upcoming pageants at the Parliament House:

MISS GAY ORLANDO – Monday, October 17, at 9 p.m.

SUNSHINE STATE ALL AMERICAN GODDESS and ALL AMERICAN GODDESS AT LARGE – Monday, November 14, at 9 p.m. Official state preliminary to Miss All American Goddess and All American Goddess at Large. For contestant information, contact Derek at www.sunshinestateaag.com.

MISS METROPOLITAN CONTINENTAL PLUS and ELITE – Monday, December 5, at 9 p.m. Official preliminary to Miss Continental Plus and Miss Continental Elite.

For contestant information, contact Jim Demundo at (407) 281-2820.

RED-LIGHT, GREEN-LIGHT PARTY
Monday, August 22, from 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at Revolution Nightclub, 375 S. Bumby Avenue in Orlando. No cover ‘til 11 p.m. for 21+ (18+ welcome), $3 before 11 p.m. $8 after 11 p.m. (18-20 yrs.). Wear red if you’re taken, wear green if you’re single and ready to mingle. Free drinks 11 to 11:30 p.m. plus additional drink specials. Free Latin buffet. D.J. Lui Lou spinning the best in Salsa, Merengue, Raggaeton, Bachata and more. The hottest Hip/Hop and Reggaeton mixes in the Hydrate Video Bar. Orlando’s hottest Latin diva show at 12:30 a.m. featuring Lisa Lane, Sexia Lopez, Maya Andrews and Shantell d’Marco.

HRC CONNECT
Human Rights Campaign invites you and your friends to the August edition of HRC Connect at Steel Nightclub-Orlando on Tuesday, August 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. Steel is Orlando’s hottest new upscale nightclub featuring nightly happy hours, amazing dejays playing all your favorite dance beats, monthly theme events, hot dancers and divas. HRC Connect is a monthly free event and is a great way for the Orlando LGBT community and straight allies to get together in a social environment for a worthy cause: equality and lots of networking. For more information on this event or for volunteer opportunities, email orlando@hrcconnect.org or visit www.hrc.org/orlando.

ORLANDO BEAR BASH
Thursday, September 15, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Sheraton Orlando Downtown Hotel. Orlando Bear Bash is a unified gathering of Bear, Leather and Uniform men and their respective admirers. The event is being held from September 15-18, 2011, in sunny Orlando, Florida. With a consistent theme of unity, Orlando Bear Bash endeavors to bring these communities together. They will provide the attendees with a blend of circuit headliners and local talent through a packed schedule of events that bring you so much of what Orlando has to offer. The packed schedule of events include pool parties, leather and uniform cigar parties, The Big Gay Game Show, Karaoke, our own BLU (Bear, Leather and Uniform) Ball, and many other events. Check out their full schedule of events and check back regularly because events will be added. Visit http://www.orlandobearbash.com.

ORLANDO PRIDE
October 7 through 10. Nationally recognized celebrities and entertainment, respected speakers, scores of vendors, and the longest parade in the history of Orlando Pride all have contributed to this special event that continues to break records for Orlando LGBT festivals in which attendance has doubled or tripled each year. The Come Out with Pride committee is comprised of volunteers who are dedicated to bringing a free, world-class event to Central Florida. For more information, visit www.comeoutwithpride.com.

ADELE
Thursday, October 13, at Hard Rock Live Orlando, October 13, 2011,  from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 22. Ticket prices are: $115 reserved lower balcony; $85 reserved upper balcony; $65 general admission standing floor.

BACK DOOR BUMBY
Revolution Nightclub (375 S. Bumby Ave (408) in Downtown Orlando) along with GRINDR (iPhone App) and MyFlexRadio presents: “Back Door Bumby: Enter Through the Back” every 3rd Thursday of the month. No cover when you show your GRINDR or MyFlexRadio App. No cover ‘til 11pm for those 21+ (18+ welcome) and no cover ‘til 12 midnight with college or theme park ID. Performances by: Shantell D’Marco and Macaviti. D.J. Joanie on the decks in the disco area and V.J. J.B. Burgos in the Hydrate Video Bar.

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