Next 033116 issue 332 by Multi-Media Platforms

CONTENTS

MARCH 31, 2016 | VOL 332

22. HE'S STILL HERE

Our interview with Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, directors of the new Robert Mapplethorpe documentary premiering on HBO April 4, 2016.

THE NEXUS

11. Gay D.D. 12. The Week in Photos 14. What's Next | Fashion: American Eagle 16. What's Next | Nightlife: Vagabundos

FEATURES

20. Finery: Gary M. Wolf 30. Men, Music, Fashion - Mind Blown 34. Brandon Voss Redefines Drag Brunch 42. Spotlight: Sam Lansky 44. The "Macho" Men Have Arrived 48. Last Call: Robert Nichols

NEXT STEPS

52. Fitness: Monday Workouts 58. Travel: Destination Philadelphia 64. Dining: The Continental Miami

NEXT WEEK 68. Calendar of Events

72. SHOT IN THE DARK

68 6

On the Cover Robert Mapplethorpe

03-31-2016 Issue 332 PUBLISHER

Kevin Hopper EDITORIAL

Alexander Kacala - Coordinating Editor Jameer Baptiste - Features Editor

DIGITAL Christine Kolenik - Digital Editor / Social Media ART Kevin Broady - Art Director Dennis Dean - Director of Photography Leo Winter - Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTORS Tom Bonanti, Mitchell Kuga, Patrick Robert & Gregg Shapiro PHOTOGRAPHERS Adrianna Cortez & Michael Davis ADVERTISING Silvio Carvana - silvio@wirld.com Kenyon Clemons - kenyon@wirld.com NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media National Ad Representatives 212-242-6863 ADMINISTRATION Jamie Forsythe - Accounting Shawn Palacious - Assistant to the CEO A publication of Multimedia Platforms Worldwide LLC CORPORATE

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THE

GAY D.D. · WEEK IN PHOTOS · WHAT’S NEXT

Pool Party Vagabundos is back at Vagabond on April 3 and better than ever. PAGE 16

COMMENT OF THE WEEK:

PHOTO CREDITS: TODRICKHALL.COM (TODRICK HALL), ITRAINTHEREFOREIEAT.COM (BEYONCE), FULLHDPICTURES.COM (ELLEN DEGENERES), TVDAILY.COM (JOE MANGANIELLO)

“Kanye West, jump in! You could win this thing!” Bette Midler wrote on Facebook regarding the election.

Did the Beyhive get an Emmy nomination for being weird with Todrick Hall? BEYHIVE BUZZ The Beyhive is buzzing that Beyonce’s album may drop any day now. As of press time, Beyonce’s album had yet to drop, but Twitter account Shady Music Facts was doing some digging. Jezebel reported, “While there is no screenshot of the downed iTunes page, I can at least confirm that a search for Queen Bey’s page on Vevo lists her uploaded video total as 117, but when all the videos in each category column is added up, it amounts to 130 in total. This leaves 13 videos unaccounted for.” SMITHERS IS OUT The Simpsons’ biggest open secret is finally being revealed to everyone, as Waylon Smithers is set to officially come out of the closet. Smithers’ sexuality – and unrequited love for his boss Mr. Burns – has been one of the show’s longest running jokes, but an April 3rd episode will address it head-on according to a new episode description. CONSPIRACY THEORY We all cheered when Michael

Sam was drafted by the St. Louis Rams two years ago, but a new report claims that his eleventhhour selection might have been part of a backroom deal with the league. Sports journalist Howard Balzer cites “multiple sources” claiming that the Rams struck a deal with the NFL to draft Sam, and in exchange were kept off HBO’s annual Hard Knocks series for the year. Sam tweeted that it’s plausible. EARWORM Steve Aoki, Felix Jaehn and Adam Lambert released a new track, “Can’t Go Home” and it’s catchy. “The Original High singer’s wistful, understated vocals about not giving up on love are offset by breezier dance production than we’ve come to expect from Steve in particular,” Idolator reported. ELLEN ON TOP The Ellen DeGeneres Show has emerged as the top pick under the Talk Show category in the recently announced 43rd Daytime Emmy Nominations. NBC’s most popular show has managed to defeat other programs with an

incredible 10 nominations this year. WEIRD SHIT “I mean, I was on True Blood for years. There’s some really, really weird shit written about that show. So listen, man, “weird” is my middle name. I’m ready for anything. The weirder, the better,” Joe Manganiello told A.V. Club about his new role on Peewee’s Big Holiday, the Pee-wee Herman reboot/comeback flick now streaming on Netflix. ONE DIRECTION WHO? Zayn Malik released a moody video for his laidback song “Befour.” The song appears on his debut solo album Mind of Mine, which was released last Friday. 15 MINUTES When learning what not to do, Todrick Hall looked to other former Idol contestants “To put out an EP or an album, so many finalists do that, and it didn’t really work for them,” Todrick Hall told Billboard. “So I was, like, ‘What can I do to make people to notice me?’”

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL DAVIS

THE WEEK IN PHOTOS

Lots of bunnies gathered at Rumors Bar & Grill on Easter Sunday for a big basket giveaway..

The 2nd Annual Bunny Ball at The Manor on Saturday, March 26 was a wild good time.

PHOTOS OF ADRIANA CORTEZ

(left to right) Irwin Drucker (Board of Directors of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce), Leor Barak (co-owner New York Grilled Cheese Co.), Fred P. Horhberg (president, Export Import Bank), Richard Hack (VP of Content, Multimedia Platforms Worldwide), Victor Flores (owner, Fast Printz LLC).

WHAT’S FASHION

An April Fool's Day Joke or Body Positivity?

merican Eagle appears to be celebrating body positivity and diverse beauty standards in its new campaign for its men’s underwear line – but we’re not convinced. The #aerieman campaign picks up from last year’s #aeriereal, which saw the company’s lingerie brand Aerie ditch airbrushing and celebrate diverse body types. Now men are in on the action, with a campaign that introduces four different guys to share the message that “The real you is sexy.” The videos are… a little odd at times. There’s Doug, who uses it as an excuse to show off his yoga moves; or Kelvin, busy blowing bubbles in the bath. It’s hard to know exactly how seriously we’re meant to take it… not least as it arrived just a few days before April Fool’s Day. There was a web page linked to the campaign, but that’s since disappeared, and The Huffington Post spotted that some of the images even included the word ‘spoof’ in the file names. Best bet right now is that this is an April Fool’s campaign that accidentally leaked a week early. The only question then is: what’s the joke? Is it just Aerie poking fun at itself? Or at body positivity? Or the idea that men might benefit from more diverse representations in fashion too? You be the judge and see for yourself on American Eagle's YouTube channel. – Dominic Preston

ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT’S

Make A Splash, Vagabundos Is Back

et beach body ready because the pool party that commands over 300 to 400 attendees, is back from its winter hiatus on April 3. And just like last year, the anticipation of the monthly steaming hot one-day water retreat is at its peak.

The huge bar will be flowing with libations and Kettle One, the spirit that tends to be the crowd's favorite, will be the vodka of choice. And when your appetite kicks in, Flip It And Zip It will be on dock with their Columbian style burgers, hotdogs and tasty ice cream.

Vagabundos Pool Party is the brainchild of the retro 1950s hotel Vagabond. The hotel’s senior staff wanted to create something cool and fun, a whole new type of Sunday T-dance so they enlisted the help of Roman Molina, the event’s promoter, to spearhead the affair. And he blew it out of the water!

The Vagabond's own onsite restaurant will be open for brunch from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and then 6:00 pm for dinner. Walk-ins are welcomed; just remember to get dressed before dining.

PHOTO COURTSEY OF VAGABOND HOTEL

The first event in August 2015 brought in around 200 excited pool boys and just within a couple of months the crowd grew to roughly 400 partygoers in October. You might be thinking, “Gee, that’s a lot of men!” But the newly renovated hotel’s sleek pool area is so spacious that the large number of hunks only seems like a small intimate crowd. The friendliness of the overall group really makes for a great time. Plus, the sea of men that attend the pool party is an eclectic bunch. You’re bound to meet someone or a group that mesh well with your persona and perhaps your desires. It’s a very good mix of men in their 20s to 40s. The talented DJ AJ Reddy will be back with his superb dance and party beats.

Make your way to Vagabundos every first Sunday of the month. Come early or late from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Valet is only $7 and the pool floats are always up for grabs. Just remember the poolside beds are first come, first served. First 100 people to RSVP on Vagabundos' Facebook event page gets in free, everyone else pays the well worth it $12 entry fee. Need a new swimsuit for the party. Then stop into Creative Male (3227 NE 2nd Avenue Miami FL 33137; 305-573-3080) offering 20 percent off in-store and online until April 10 with promo code VAGABOND. --- Jameer Baptiste VAGABOND HOTEL 7301 BISCAYNE BLVD MIAMI, FL 33138 305-400-8420

WHAT’S EVENT

"Dancing with the South Florida Stars “ Returns April 25 Wirld.com announces "Dancing with the South Florida Stars,” Season 6, an annual fundraiser to support The Wirld Foundation.org (formally The Brian Neal Fitness and Health Foundation) is taking place on Monday, April 25, 2016. The tradition lives on as the LGBT community comes together for a great cause. The "who's who" of our community, including business superstars, local leaders and South Florida entertainers will be on stage in the Epic Theatre at The Manor Complex, located at 2345 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. The current line-up of talent represents Boardwalk Bar (Champagne Bordeaux and Jason Allaman), Progress Bar (Albert Pierantoni and Louis Mendez), Rumors Bar (Mia Patryk and Kaio Nigro), Unite (Phillip Marshall and Rolly Villaverde), Hunters Bar (John Howe-Herrera and Natasha Ribas), Fast Printz (Alandra Matthews and Victor Flores), Wolfe Real Estate (Bob Young and Deja Devonier), World AIDS Museum (Ed Sparan and Ron Cox), plus Club One Athletics (Chase Brendle and Rianna Petrone). Celebrity judges are Gary Santis, Elaine Lancaster, Dean Trantalis, and Troy Quast.

Photographer Pompano Bill will receive the Making a Difference Award, while Styk bassist Chuck Panozzo will receive the Game Changer Icon Award. Each celebrity team will contribute $500.00 by filling a ten-seat table. Every penny of the tax-deductible donation will go to the Wirld Foundation.org. Additional VIP tickets are available at $40 each for a special 4 top-table seating on the nightclub floor and fans and admirers of the celebrity contestants can also purchase $10 general admission tickets to gain access to a prime balcony viewing spot! An opening cocktail reception, red carpet walk and silent auction will kick off the event from 6:30-8:00 pm. This year's event will be hosted by event producer Tiffany Arieagus along with Bobby Blair and Shawn Palacious. ---Richard Hack

For event sponsorship opportunities, contact Shawn Palacious at 786-317-7977 or email to: shawnpalacious@wirld.com.

FINERY Gary M. Wolf Jr. @Style_By_G

BY JAMEER BAPTISTE IF YOU HAD TO ASSOCIATE YOUR LOOK WITH A FAMOUS PERSON WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY? David Beckham, I love his style! It's effortless yet stylish. He looks great in anything he wears and always looks comfortable. It's always tailored and well fitted. And to me that makes the outfit. IS EVERYTHING ON YOU RIGHT NOW TAILORED OR OFF THE RACK? It was all off the rack but then I had it tailored to my body. A wellfitted outfit is 50% of the look. HOW OFTEN DO YOU DRESS IN THIS STYLE? Everyday, I actually feel weird dressed down. BE HONEST, HOW HOT ARE YOU IN THIS OUTFIT RIGHT NOW? AND I MEAN SWEATY HOT. I’m not that hot. I've gotten so use to dressing like this in Florida weather. I feel like Miami is missing out on style due to the weather and I won't let it hold my creativity back. WHO TAUGHT YOU HOW TO DRESS LIKE THIS? I can honestly say myself. My family is always asking, “Where did I come from?” It's my personality just in clothes form.

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PHOTO CREDIT: ROBERT MAPPLETHORPE FOUNDATION / COURTESY HBO

HE’S STILL HERE

ON THE COVER KACALA: How did this journey begin?

BY ALEXANDER KACALA

“…My whole point is to transcend the subject. …Go beyond the subject somehow, so that the composition, the lighting, all around, reaches a certain point of perfection. That’s what I’m doing. Whether it’s a cock or a flower, I’m looking at it in the same way. …in my own way, with my own eyes.” – Robert Mapplethorpe Now, it is Mapplethorpe’s turn to be the subject. The prolific New York City photographer is the subject of Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato’s latest documentary. The creative forces behind production company World of Wonder, the duo are established as innovative story tellers, profiling icons Tammy Faye, Michael Alig, and Chaz Bono, to name a few. BailEy and Barbato have turned their lens on Mapplethorpe in Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures premiering on HBO Sunday, April 4. They opened up to us about their journey on this film, living out loud and why Mapplethorpe mania has captivated us all.

BAILEY: Well, Sheila Evans at HBO, she is the queen of all documentaries. We have made many films with her over the last couple of decades. She said, “You know you should look into Mapplethorpe.” We went off and started investigating and discovered the LACMA and Getty were planning these two huge retrospectives. We then realized if we wanted to do this we had to get on with it. It feels like we are having a Mapplethorpe moment. He would have been 70 this year. There seems to be a resurgence of interest in that time - New York in the 70’s and 80’s. Pre-internet. Pre-gentrification. Pre-AIDS. Pre-social media. People are interested in this period of history and it was a perfect moment. KACALA: I read somewhere that you said our interest in male eroticism is very heightened right now, especially in the LGBTQ community. That also feeds into this Mapplethorpe mania, right? BAILEY: Absolutely. Yes. He was a pioneer of that. He was not afraid to be naked. To shoot explicit sexuality at a time when even though everyone in the art world was gay, a lot of people were in the closet. He was very open about it and willing to shoot photographs about that life and make people look at them as art. Not pornography. BARBATO: In general, he is a major pioneer in the LGBT community. Where we are today, we fortunately have so many rights. There has been a huge evolution, but it’s important not to forget some of the key pioneers to get us where we are at. The ones who were pushing on the fringe, whether it’s Mapplethorpe or the drag queens. The people who aren’t necessarily – and who may never be in the mainstream. The cultural shape shifters, who from the outside in the mainstream were pushing our agenda forward in a non-overtly political way. Because as you know Mapplethorpe was not a political activist by any stretch of the imagination. Continued on next page.

p THEN AND NOW: Robert Sherman and Ken Moody

KACALA: I have heard you say before that a lot of your subjects – Tammy Faye, Monica Lewinsky – they live out loud. What you just mentioned is a representation of that as well. Mapplethorpe was living out loud because he was overt with his sexuality in his art. Right? BARBATO: Yes. When we started making this film, we initially had some ambivalence about him because we didn’t really know him. We knew of his art work. We knew of his ambition. We knew things on a surface level. Fenton and I - we didn’t know if we liked him. That is an unusual way for us to start a film. We are usually really into it. We have very strong feelings about our subjects from day one. We knew we admired his work and he played an important role in our tribe. But we didn’t know if we personally liked him. Over the course of making the film, that was the very thing. The daring way in which he lived his life out loud. His commitment to living an authentic life. Not editing the brutal honesty of his ambition. The way he led his life was mirrored in the way he approached his art. It was a 360 experience. He was his art and he put it all out there. When Fenton and I really came to understand that, we realized we like this guy. People still don’t put it all out there. People pretend and edit and don’t tell it like it is. But 30 years ago, when most gays were still in the closet, he was photographing golden showers and fist fucking.

KACALA: Sounds like a great Tuesday to me! BARBATO: (Laughs) Right? It’s not about what he was photographing. It’s not about your moral position on golden showers. That’s not what Robert Mapplethorpe is about. He is about challenging you to expand the way you look at the world. That’s what his art was about then and that’s what it’s about now. It’s as important if not more important than 30 years ago. RuPaul says this all the time, keep your pistol in your pocketbook. Be ready. Because the pendulum is back and forth. We think we have all these freedoms. It can take just a minute for that pendulum to swing the other way. KACALA: Right. Ru says, “That doors open and doors close.” That life is very circular and it moves in cycles. I have heard her say this regarding Drag Race. That right now this door is open for her, so I’m going to keep walking through it. But she said she knows that door will close. BARBATO: Totally. It does feel like we are on this cusp of things shifting. The rise of Trump. The closing of the borders. All the rhetoric. BAILEY: It’s about close mindedness and closed hearts. And Mapplethorpe was on the reverse. He wanted to open things up.

KACALA: I’m actually a huge fan of Just Kids. It’s probably the last book I read all the way through. What was your experience with the book and Patti through this process? BAILEY: Love the book. Read the book. Loved it. It’s a great account. It’s her account of their story. I think she says in the foreword: It was a deathbed promise she made to Robert. He wanted her to tell his story. BARBATO: It turned out he asked a lot of other people to tell the story. We are a huge fans of Patti Smith’s and huge fans of that book. BAILEY: Her book helped keep Robert in the public eye. BARBATO: We think that book is a chapter in his story for us. It was important to start with him. When we made this film we interviewed 50 people but we maybe spoke with 100 - for pre interviews and stuff. We really wanted to track down any archive and audio of him and really let him tell the story. They had an important relationship. She is important to his story. But we wanted it to be his story, not hers. BAILEY: In his own words. Of all the people in the film, he is the one who speaks the most. He is the number one interview. It is his voice. KACALA: That reminds me of the Amy documentary. That was told from her vantage. Do you see that parallel between

your film and Amy? BAILEY: I love that film. BARBATO: We were mid-way finishing our film when we saw it but we loved it. KACALA: The other thing about Robert was that he was a survivalist. He was committed to doing whatever he had to do to create art. That was seen in his relationship with Patti Smith and later on in his relationship with Sam Wagstaff. That’s interesting too. His ability to be this survivalist. I will do whatever I have to do to create my art. BAILEY: Absolutely. Now, some people get caught up in that and say, “Oh well. He was a nice person.” But I think on the other hand it’s an inspiration. Weirdly, I was thinking about this the other day. You said survivalist and I do think of the show Survivor. The tagline of the show is, “Outwit, outplay, outlast.” Although he died very young, everything Mapplethorpe did has ensured that he has outwitted, outlasted, and outplayed many of his contemporaries. You know? The way he planned his final exhibition that caused a big scandal, his foundation. It was all very carefully planned. KACALA: And I mean we are still talking about him today. BAILEY: Exactly. n

u DIRECTORS : Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey

Men, Music, Fashion Mind Blown BY JAMEER BAPTISTE

NIGHTLIFE

rnesto Arambatzis is doing something amazing for pride and you’re definitely going to want to be a part of it!

be performing her latest song GLTCHLFE. And Rilan, an up and coming music sensation, will be performing his new hit, Chemical.

When Arambatzis said he wanted to change the landscape of the LGBT culture to include something fresh and new, he wasn’t playing. Just recently his first successful transformation to the LGBT landscape with co-creator Tony Ferro came in the form of his undeniably fun-crazed Friday club night, 3rd Eye.

Like we haven’t name-dropped enough, closing out the show and transitioning into the dance party will be superstar DJ Hector Fonseca. There are rumors that Jordan Sparks will be in attendance along with the other Miami Beach Gay Pride performers. Our local stars will be part of the production as well.

He hasn't stopped there. In fact, he's still making moves and yet again in true Arambatzis form, he is pulling out all the stops with his next big project that we Floridians have the pleasure to be the first to experience. Men, Music, Fashion is Arambatzis' invision of a new way to party for the gays who are either tired of the circuit scene or just have never been into it. His new event will tour the great prides of the world starting with Miami Beach Gay Pride then off to New York Pride and a good possibility of landing at Los Angeles Pride is a combination of all our leisurely loves combined in one. “I’m building a home for the fabulous,” Arambatzis insisted. “I want to create a gay market that is not just about sex.” The concept is quite simple but has never been really done with a central focus on the LGBT community. That’s where Arambatzis steps in. Men, Music, Fashion will showcase designers and entertainers both well-known and local in which the event is taking place. To kickoff the event, prolific celebrity underwear designer Marco Marco will showcase his creative designs with a highly anticipated fashion show at Icon Miami. The MC of the star-studded event will be none other than South Florida drag darling Elaine Lancaster. The event will also showcase beats by legendary London powerhouse DJ and music producer Jodie Harsh who remixes for Beyoncé, Sia and Lady Gaga. Taryn Manning will

Max Selene, Daisy Deadpetals and Calypso Monroe Lords have earned their place on the Marco Marco catwalk – handpicked by him personally. Florida's first elected gay State House Representative David Richardson will be present as pride's historical rep. “I can’t say it enough that I want to work with the local community and get them involved,” mentioned Arambatzis. Arambatzis’ event is so appealing that Macy’s, the high-end department store, has come onboard as the leading sponsor. In honor of the event, Macy's will be hosting a Marco Marco Popup Store at their Lincoln Road location (April 1 – 17). The lead-in event to Men, Music, Fashion will be hosted at the Marco Marco’s Popup Store in Macy's on April 9 at 6:00 pm. Enjoy light bites and refreshments, while Taryn Manning spins. Text Ferro your name at 305-600-9494 to RSVP for the Marco Marco Pop Store Pride Celebration. For tickets to Men, Music, Fashion on April 10 at 9:30 pm visit website www. wantickets.com/MMF - $30 general admission and $35 for front of the line admission. Four seater VIP bottle service tables available. Stay tuned for the next big thing, AMEN, coming soon in spring/summer 2016, brought to you by Arambatzis and Ferro. ICON MIAMI 1235 WASHINGTON AVENUE MIAMI, FL 33139

BRANDON VOSS Redefines Drag Brunch in South Beach BY ALEXANDER KACALA

FEATURE

randon Voss has become the king of nightlife in New York City. His company Voss Events produces some of the most spectacular happenings in the Big Apple – from Drag Race premiere parties to New Year’s Eve galas. Now, he’s bringing his patriarchy to South Florida, starting off with a weekly drag brunch at Señor Frogs in South Beach on April 3. Voss Events is a marketing, special event and production company building experiences for brands and consumers through lifestyle, entertainment and nightlife. Live production has become a signature of Voss, consistently delivering superior entertainment for stars like Cher, Lady Gaga and Kyle Minogue. Before event production, Voss was a bartender and then an investment banker. “When I was in school at NYU, I was always bartending all over the place at different spots,” he told us. “Excel, Splash. I knew everyone in the industry. After college, I was working at Lehman Brothers during the height of the mortgage crisis back in 2009. I lost my job because the company went out of business. There weren’t jobs at that time for investment bankers. No one was hiring us because there were a million unemployed.” “So instead of fighting that impossible job market, I had a buddy who was struggling with a lounge in Midtown,” he said. “I decided to throw a party there for fun while I was unemployed. It was the first nightlife event I really did on my own. I ended up running that party for years.” From there, Voss forgot about investment banking and produced an array of other successful nightclub gigs. But that’s not his business model anymore. “Three or four years ago, we started to transition out of nightclubs to more special events and client based business.” This includes producing the official RuPaul’s Drag Race premiere and finale parties, events for Fire Island, happenings at W Hotels, and their

own events around the special holidays like Halloween and Pride. “One thing I do with W Times Square is I help them with a monthly networking event in New York, Señor Frogs approached me to do something similar there. I replied, ‘No. I don’t think this is a place for after work professionals.’ But then I got thinking about something we could do there, and I came up with the idea of a drag brunch.” “Señor Frogs in New York is huge with an off-Broadway theatre sized stage. So we came up with the idea of drag brunch. It became a huge thing. We do 600 to 900 brunches a week. The first few weeks there was a line around the block. It’s funny because nightclubs are such a dying breed right now. Millennials don’t really go to clubs - at least in New York. But we are doing this.” Because of the brunch’s success in New York, Voss is bringing it to other Señor Frogs locations across the country. “It’s done really well in New York and they wanted to bring it to all their locations. I said let’s start with Las Vegas and Miami – two markets I know well. I have worked there before so it’s the best place for me to start.” Vo s s involved Edison Farrows, the South Beach promoter who has been working in the c o m munity for 15 plus

ELAINE LANCASTER

years now. "Brandon reached out to me because we had worked together before," he told us. "It sounded like a really exciting event so I was happy to jump on board."

ADORA

TP LORDS

EBONEE EXCELL

"We have an amazing cast that will be performing every week. Everyone I speak to in the gay community of South Beach is really excited to have another weekly event here. It's going to be a fun exciting brunch that is bringing us back to one of the most missed and nostalgic gay venues in Miami beach history." Like Farrows said, the South Beach location of Señor Frogs has some history. “That location was the former Warsaw, this giant gay mega disco club,” Voss remembers. “People like Elaine Lancaster use to work there and now it’s a Señor Frogs. It’s a sign of the times how nightlife is declining but a least we have a drag brunch there.” Speaking of the fabulous Elaine Lancaster, she will be hosting with show times at 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm. Unlimited cocktails are served from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. These aren’t your measly brunch cocktails declares Voss. “The drinks at Señor Frogs are serious,” he promises. “It goes for four hours so you can get really f*cked up if you want to.” Performing in the first week’s show are Adora, Angie Ovahness, TP Lords, and Ebonee Excell. “They perform group numbers so they actually have to rehearse,” Voss adds. “All the right pieces coming together are a challenge for any event but drag queen events can be a challenge because you have to manage all of these big personalities.” At the end of the day, Voss articulates that his brunch will be somewhere where can people just really let loose and have fun. “It’s a place where you can act like an idiot - like us.”

ANGIE OVAHNESS

Count us in, Señor.

SPOTLIGHT

SAM LANSKY:

27 AND SOBER

BUT NEVER DRY BY ALEXANDER KACALA

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SHERVIN LAINEZ

wo 20-something gay men walk into a bar and order seltzer water with lime. This isn’t the beginning of a corny joke but the beginning of an intimate conversation between two men who have honestly labeled themselves as addicts, as depicted in Sam Lansky’s recently released memoir, The Gilded Razor. The book honestly reveals the debut author’s tumultuous affair with alcohol, drugs, and older men during his late teens in New York. Praised as “the addiction memoir for the next generation,” the acclaimed memoir has been featured in People magazine, Vanity Fair, and on Entertainment Weekly’s Must List. Lansky is also the cultural editor at Time, interviewing celebrities like Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, and Adele. I didn’t have the opportunity to walk into a gay bar with Lansky, but I did have the opportunity to chat intimately with the 27-year-old author. During our hour-long chat, we discussed recovery, dating sober, and what happens when you say no to Madonna.

You and I actually have something in common. I stopped drinking two and a half years ago myself. Oh wow. Congrats. I had a really bad problem. I’m sorry to hear that. Been there. As you know. I know. What did your journey into sobriety look like? I sort of document towards the end of my book my experiences in substance abuse treatment and ultimately getting sober when I was 19. Looking back on it - what I can see I didn’t even realize how much every step along the way for me, everything I learned,

every rehab I ended up in, every false start, every relapse was bringing me to this point where I could finally be ready to let that go. To let that part of my life go now so I could step into this new sober identity. So much of my identity was wrapped up in being this messed up kid - that was a really hard thing for me to let go of. Once I was ready, I was really, really ready. There is no one-size fits all approach to addiction, treatment, or recovery. A lot of different things work for a lot of different people. I am not an advocate, necessarily, for being completely sober. It’s what’s worked for me. It’s what’s allowed me to have what feels like a really truthful and gratifying life. I can only speak from my experience and say

what has worked for me. I think there are pressures facing young gay men especially in relation to drugs and alcohol and also body image which I write a lot about in my book. For me, it was really important to be a voice to come through from the other side of that stuff. Even in my 20s, I have seen my friends grapple with substances abuse, addiction and body image issues. To be on the other side - to have come through a pretty gnarly addiction to now be in this place where I have been able to (knock on wood) stay sober for almost eight years. It’s really cool to be able to share my experiences of how bad it was. How gruesome it really got for me. To be on this side of it saying you can get to this side. No matter what you've done. No matter how screwed up your experiences were. No matter how dark or gnarly it got. You can still have a really great life. I totally agree. I think that’s why I have been so drawn to this story is because it is incredible that you are living this moment out loud. I feel that a lot of people, come to this realization that they need to make a change and that change is rehab or recovery or sobriety or whatever it is. But then I feel that there is a shameful silence associated with that process. I think our community needs more of an example of this - to see someone young who they can relate to and see that there are multiple paths. That is something I really wanted to project with my story. I do know for me being young and gay and living in New York, it felt like the way to establish my identity was to go out a lot and party and do a lot of drugs and sleep with older guys and that made me feel cool and edgy. Ultimately, I feel so much stronger in my identity now. You know? That’s not saying everybody needs to be sober. You can still have your own path and make your own mistakes. But I didn’t see a lot of examples or role models doing it a different way. If I am able to do or be that for people now, that is an incredibly moving thing. What about your dating life? How is that? Well I think it’s pretty good. I don’t at this point think in my life it’s not an impertinent to get me to date or go out and have a good time. The one thing I do hate about being sober is I can never make a move and then

blame it on being drunk. You know? I can never send a text and then apologize for it the next morning. I have to own everything I do all the time. I never have that excuse. You should blame it on something else like sugar. Blame it on Red Velvet Cake. Right. Like, “I’m on a juice blend. I was not thinking straight. I’m so embarrassed. Please forgive me.” But besides that, being sober – I am sure there are dudes out there who are like, “I don’t want to deal with having a sober boyfriend because he is not going to be any fun.” But that’s not someone I probably would be interested in to begin with. Do you have any incredible stories from any of your celebrity interviews? When I went to interview Madonna before Rebel Heart, she was playing a drinking game with all of the reporters she was meeting with. So she had shot glasses set out and a bottle of tequila. So I go and sit down with her and she is like, “Here’s the deal. If you ask a terrible question and I say it is a terrible question, I have to take a shot. And if I give a terrible answer and you say it is a terrible answer, then you have to take a shot.” I totally panicked. Here I am in this room with Madonna on camera and she is telling me to drink. I was like, “What I am going to do?” I have been sober for so long, I can’t blow that now. Even for Madonna. So I looked at her and just said, “I’m really sorry. I don’t drink so I can’t play this game.” She then asked,” What do you mean you don’t drink?” I then just said,” I stopped drinking a long time ago.” And then I saw in her eyes that she got it. She just instantly got it. I didn’t have to say anything else. I could tell it made her warm up to me. We ended up having a really good conversation because I told her. It was one of the most intense moments of my life, though. Telling Madonna no. Last question: what would your Real Housewives tag line be? Let me think about this. I want to get the phrasing exactly right. Ok. I would say, “For me the party might be over, but the drama’s just begun.” LANSKY’S MEMOIR THE GILDED RAZOR IS OUT NOW FROM GALLERY BOOKS.

BRIEF ENCOUNTER

The "Macho" Men Have Arrived BY JAMEER BAPTISTE

ComingOutCuba in association with MyGayMiami.com has created a male pageant in the effort to raise money not only for the ComingOutCuba Foundation but to also give back to the community by donating some of the proceeds to other local LGBT nonprofits. The MACHO – Beautiful Inside and Out pageant is searching for the right Latin-American who embodies the essence of what it means to have outer beauty while still possessing a heart of gold. The winner announced during the pageant on Friday, April 8 at Mokai Lounge (235 23rd St, Miami Beach, FL 33139) starting at 8:00 pm will not only receive cash and prizes but they will also receive the precious gift of a generous donation made by ComingOutCuba to a charity of their choice. Take a gander at the first four contestants and read why they desire the title of MACHO. Come to see the unveiling of the remaining contestants sponsored by Next magazine – Florida at ComingOutCuba’s free MACHO Press and Artist Night - Cocktail Reception on Thursday, April 7 at Albion Hotel (1650 James Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139) starting at 8:00 pm. 44

Camilo Gómez

Ramón Aular

PROFESSION: Magazine Editor, TV Host, Copywriter HOBBIES: Traveling, working out, eating out, learning new things, helping my community. ACTIVIST WORK: I've helped and done volunteer work for different organizations such as Save and St. Jude.

PROFESSION: Visual Artist HOBBIES: Painting, traveling, enjoying time with friends and family and dedicating my time to my bestfriend Gugi. ACTIVIST WORK: I started to volunteer for Best Buddies International shortly after I met Gugi as we were both connected by renown pop artist and philanthropist Romero Britto. The relationship that Gugi and I share, gave me a better grasp about the needs for those individuals with intellectual disabilities and how art can be a great form of therapy.

What's a Macho man to you? Macho has always been associated to the concept of masculinity, but in our current society, I believe being a macho speaks more to other values that really make a true man (or woman) like compassion, altruism, kindness, chivalry, courtesy and a strong spirit to fight for all those who need it, whether it be a group of people in need or a whole community fighting for their rights or equality. That’s what makes a true macho. What makes you a Macho man? I believe being a macho is about having the courage to fight for the right causes and what's right, especially when it comes to a community that is at a disadvantage. Having the drive to give your "arm strength" to help and bring positive change and the creativity to find the way to get people engaged and involved these are qualities I strive for everyday.

WHAT’S A MACHO MAN TO YOU? A Macho man to me is a man whose family values and life experiences have molded him into a role model, someone who can be trusted, someone that gives without thought and who loves unconditionally. WHAT MAKE YOU A MACHO MAN? What makes me a great contestant is the fact that I'm already a winner, because of the amazing life experience I have endured thus far because of Gugi and Best Buddies International. The gracious donation that The ComingOutCuba Foundation will grant me will help so many others who need to reach a higher level of acceptance, comprehension and love.

Logan Toledano

Alex Aguiar

PROFESSION: Certified Critical Care Nurse @ Ryder Trauma Center in the Trauma/Burns Intensive Care Unit. HOBBIES: Painting, working out, dancing and hanging out with close friends and living my life to the fullest. ACTIVIST WORK: The Children's Burn Foundation of Florida, Special Olympics, Give the Kids the World, and I am also a member of the Lion's Club where we volunteer in many different ways in the community such as feeding the homeless.

PROFESSION: Creative Producer, Host and Editor HOBBIES: Music, deejay, working out and dancing. ACTIVIST WORK: I studied at The Kabbalah center for six years and volunteered in numerous events. “Spirituality for Kids” - A program that helps children tap into their inner strengths and see that the power to overcome challenges lies within them. I also produced videos for the center. Also, since I’ve started TV I have felt the importance to support our LGBTQ community by covering stories on “The White Party,” “Azúcar Night club,” “The Saint nightclub,” “Unity Coalition event,” “Score nightclub,” and Tea Dances, Drag Queen wrestling, and so on.

WHAT’S A MACHO MAN TO YOU? Any man that can go through a traumatic event in life and learn and grow from it. A man that was once thrown to the streets with only a trash bag with clothes but still manage to rebuild his life, build a successful career and a new family. One that proved his family wrong. One that was told as a child you’ll never be successful if you choose to be gay. WHAT MAKES YOU A MACHO MAN? My ability to LOVE WITHOUT FEAR at all cost!

WHAT'S A MACHO MAN TO YOU? To me a Macho man is someone with dignity, does not gossip, treats everyone with respect, cares and spreads positive energy. WHAT MAKES YOU A MACHO MAN? I have a big heart and care about people. I like to spread positive energy, help people when I can and love to make them laugh.

For tickets to MACHO – Beautiful Inside and Out visit ticketbase.com/events/macho-beautiful-insideout (Enter promo code MACHO for 20% off ticket price). Reserve your spot at the free MACHO Press and Artist Night - Cocktail Reception at ticketbase.com/events/macho-press-artist-night-cocktail-reception.

E IST AN APT IS DE B R N E E EN JAM BY D BY S O OT PH

LAST CALL

obert (Robby) Nichols is more than just your average bartender. He is a combination of multiple personas. The 25-year-old is a professional by day and a festival kid by night with some much more in between. From loving EDM to working closing with the Impulse Group, there’s practically nothing that Nichols doesn’t enjoy including bartending.

ost recently as a freelance bartender, Nichols has been selected to compete in the preliminary challenge to represent Florida (Miami) for the annual title of Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic. Get to know a little bit more about the charismatic chameleon with these 10 random questions.

• Netflix & Chill or Night Out? Netflix & chill, then go out. • EDM or R&B? I enjoy all music when it’s created with passion and intention. • Straight up or with a chaser? Makers or Hendricks on the rocks - all day baby! • Which celebrity makes you cringe? Donald Trump. • What’s your birth sign? Sun Sign: Sagittarius. Rising Sign: Virgo. Moon Sign: Gemini. • If you can go anywhere where would you go? Patagonia or Machu Picchu • Planner or fly by the seat of your pants? Fly by the seat of my short shorts. • What’s your strongest sense? Proprioception and equilibrioception. • What’s one thing about you that most don’t know? I have sincere insecurities about how I am perceived. • Hopeless romantic or single & ready to mingle? I generally do what feels right until it doesn't. Cheer Nichols on during the Florida preliminary challenge q VAGABOND HOTEL (7301 BISCAYNE BLVD., MIAMI FL 33138; 305-400-8420) ON APRIL 4 AT 7:00 PM.

FITNESS • TRAVEL • DINING

FITNESS Monday Workouts: The Key to a Successful Week BY TOM BONANTI 51

FITNESS Yes, it’s Monday morning again. Rise and shine and greet the new week with plenty of vim and vigor and renewed optimism! Yeah, right. You can overcome those Monday blahs and it’s not as hard as you may think. Exercise, whether it’s an early morning run, a few laps in the pool, or getting your butt to the gym, can help you start your week off on the right foot. This first workout is the key that will keep you motivated Tuesday, Wednesday and every day after that. Here’s how it can work for you! MONDAY WORKOUTS RECOVER FROM A LIVELY WEEKEND Working out on Monday is the best way to recover from a lively and taxing weekend. Sure, Saturdays and Sundays should be all about chilling and relaxing after the pressures of a hectic work week. The reality is that many folks use the weekends to party hard, stay up late, and eat badly. Too much clubbing, too many Long Island iced teas, and mounds of junk food can take their toll. Working out at the beginning of a new work week sets the tone for new habits and new perspectives. Doing cardio and pumping iron helps sweat out the toxins, burn the extra calories, and clear the mind for a successful week ahead. MONDAY WORKOUTS BEAT STRESS AND ANXIETY Monday workouts are a super effective way to help you beat stress, anxiety and depression before they get the best of you. One great benefit of exercise is that it facilitates the release of endorphins and enkephalins, the body’s feel good hormones. A vigorous bout of cardio can lessen the generalized anxiety that often accompanies a new week. A high intensity workout with weights will get you pumped and help dissipate the depression that can accompany job stress. Also, when you exercise, you feel pumped; your self-esteem soars and you’ll feel better about life in general! MONDAY WORKOUTS BOOST WILLPOWER Working out on Monday is a great way

to boost willpower and build self-discipline. It takes determination and sacrifice to get out of bed first thing and get to the gym, track or pool. But if you can successfully take that first step so early in the week, you’re more likely to stick with other healthy habits i.e. eating clean, drinking less and giving up cigarettes. MONDAY WORKOUTS IMPROVES SLEEP Monday workouts have been shown to improve sleep and bolster mental capacity. Resistance training can help reboot your circadian rhythm. This leads to more improved and uninterrupted sleep patterns. The better your sleep cycle, the clearer your head will be the next day. Who can’t use a fool proof memory, sharper problem solving skills, and a happier disposition at work? MONDAY WORKOUTS PAY OFF ON ALL LEVELS Monday exercises pay off on all levels. Besides the improvements to your health and physical appearance, several studies report that good gym habits could mean better pay on the job. Think about it, wouldn’t you hire and accountant, doctor, lawyer or pool boy who is fit and buffed over a couch potato slug? So what’ll it be, get up, lift weights and take the world on like a champion? Or stay in bed that extra hour and face the drudgery of another work week without reinforcements? Don’t miss out on all of the good things that come from those Monday morning workout sessions!

Tom Bonanti is a certified personal trainer and licensed massage therapist (MA#40288) with his own one on one training and massage studio, Pumpn’Inc. Gym www. pumpnincgym.com at 1271 NE 9th Avenue in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. 333o4. Contact Tom with all of your fitness questions trainertomb@aol.com or call today (954) 557-1119 to set up a free consultation!

HEALTH & FITNESS

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joel

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HEALTH & FITNESS

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VISITPHILLY.COM

Destination: Philadelphia Where to EAT, STAY, PARTY & PLAY in the NON-STOP city of Philadelphia. BY ALEXANDER KACALA

Lonely Planet just released its list of the 10 best places to visit in the United States in 2016, and Philadelphia, the country’s first and only World Heritage City, ranked No. 1. Just an affordable two and a half hour plane ride away, the City of Brotherly Love is perfect for a weekend gay getaway with your boys or boo.

WHERE TO STAY: In historic Old City, the sophisticated Hotel Monaco (monaco-philadelphia.com) is a popular home away from home with a phenomenal view overlooking the Liberty Bell, a nightly wine hour, a hopping rooftop bar, and rooms starting at $183. For a more affordable stay in the Gayborhood, the 48-room Alexander Inn (alexanderinn.com) is a homey, unpretentious place to rest your head. Located in a red brick building dating back to 1901, this boutique hotel features original architectural details and stained glass windows. Room rates range from $119 to $159 per night.

WHERE TO EAT: Formerly a gay porn theater, Double Knot (doubleknotphilly.com) has really upped the neighborhood’s cool factor with a bar and coffee shop on the first floor and a down-

stairs sushi bar and restaurant accessible only by hidden stairs. Right next to his Asian eatery Sampan and its back-alley Graffiti Bar, Michael Schulson’s new venture is an all-day affair: coffee and pastries in the morning, fast-casual Japanese for lunch, after-work drinks at the bar, and sushi and grilled dishes in the evening. In 2015, partners Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran debuted their fun and funky Bud and Marilyn’s (budandmarilyns.com) just below The Independent Hotel in the heart of the Gayborhood. Known for its refined comfort foods, the mid-century-informed American spot is open for lunch, brunch, and dinner. Menu highlights include the outrageously popular cheese curds, bacon-topped skillet bread, fried chicken, and kielbasa with pierogies. Philly’s cheesesteak spots tend to be tourist traps, so opt for something healthier at vegan eatery Vedge (vedgerestaurant.com). Husband-and-wife chefs Richard Landau and Kate Jacoby have opened one of the nation’s best meat-free eateries in the historic Tiger Building. Dine from “The Dirt List,” because

TRAVEL there’s some serious magic in those fresh, seasonal vegetables. Christopher Bartlett, executive director of William Way LGBT Community Center, swears by an Italian lunch at Mr. Joe’s Cafe in South Philly, followed by cannoli across the street at Termini Brothers (termini.com).

exhibitions. Some of the city’s best shopping is just steps away on Chestnut and Walnut Streets.

WHERE TO PLAY: When you spy the rainbow-colored crosswalks and street signs you know you’re in the city’s Gayborhood. From Chestnut to Pine Streets and Juniper to 11th Streets, this is where you will find most of the city’s gay-friendly bars, cafés, and shops. Stop in and browse Philly AIDS Thrift at Giovanni’s Room (phillyaidsthriftatgiovannisroom.com), the oldest gay and lesbian bookstore in the country. The Barnes Foundation (barnesfoundation. org) is a beautiful 93,000-square-foot, two-story art museum and is not to be missed during your stay. The current special exhibit, Picasso: The Great War, Experimentation and Change, explores Picasso’s work between 1912 and 1924, highlighting the tumultuous years of World War I, when the artist began alternating between cubist and classical modes in his art.

An architectural gem, the Mütter Museum (muttermuseum.org) is America’s finest museum of medical history. Dead junk, medical oddities, and anatomical and pathological specimens are all on display. Highlights of the strange collection include Albert Einstein’s brain and the tallest skeleton on display in North America. Pop a squat and picnic in Rittenhouse Square, one of Philadelphia’s most beloved neighborhood parks. With fabulous people watching, the picturesque area is also the site of many annual flower markets and outdoor art

WHERE TO PARTY: Popular for its daily happy hour, gay sports bar Boxers PHL (boxersphl.com) has two floors, a pool table, outside terrace, brick oven pizza, and many plasma screens for you to enjoy whatever game happens to be on. If you’re in town on a Thursday, you’re in luck: Bob and Barbara’s (bobandbarbaras.com), a dive bar in the South Street West neighborhood, is home to the longest running drag show in Philadelphia, hosted by the fabulous Miss Lisa Lisa. Everyone attends the 11:15pm show—from rowdy straight Penn boys to drag queen wannabes. Order a Citywide Special: Three bucks and change gets you a shot of whiskey and a cold can of PBR, a Philly bar staple. A talented pianist takes over the keys every night at Tavern on Camac (tavernoncamac. com), an historic watering hole beloved by nostalgic queens. Sit back with friends and sing along with everything from Lady Gaga to Cabaret. If you’re down for something dirtier, hit the Bike Stop (thebikestop.com), Philly’s hometown leather bar. You never know whom you’ll meet in the dark and cavernous basement. Most bars close at 2am, early compared to New York standards, but you can keep the party going at after-hours spot Voyeur Nightclub (voyeurnightclub.com) or Midtown II Restaurant (midtown2restaurant.com), where everyone gathers for munchies and the best post-club gossip.

DINING

THECONTINENTAL BRINGING ACCESSIBLE COMFORT TO SOUTH BEACH BY ALEXANDER KACALA

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CARMA PR

DINING

ccessibility is not something you think of when it comes to South Beach. The traffic can be overwhelming. There are lines and dress codes to get into the better clubs. Grabbing a table on a Saturday can be tough and expensive. While the glitz and glamour of South Beach is what makes it so appealing, so is straight forward comfort. Found in the heart of the vacation destination, Continental Miami provides a familiar and comfortable vibe, perfect for locals or tourists who need a repute and looking to chill. Inspired by the original in Philadelphia, The Continental is an evolution of the much-loved staple which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. The Continental is one of Starr’s newest restaurants in South Florida, following the success of Steak 954 and Makoto. “Continental was my first restaurant, and it’s like my first child. It will always have a special place in my heart,” says Stephen Starr, CEO and Founder of Starr Restaurants. The ambiance is one of the things that makes Continental Miami a unique standout among all the competition. Designed by Shawn Hausman Design, the Continental brings style and bright vintage taste to the iconic mid-century landmark building. Taking inspiration from its natural surroundings, the restaurant’s expansive dining room is mostly outdoors with seating for 225 people. Inside or out, you are in the midst of a tropical oasis with lush vegetation that surrounds you. Cocktails are a driving force behind the success of the original Continental, and the cocktail list in Miami continues that tradition. Focusing on quality classic and inventive craft cocktails made from boutique liquors and fresh ingredients, there is something for everyone. To begin our meal, my date and I ordered the Cheesesteak Eggrolls ($17). This a must when you visit. Taking the Philadelphia culinary cliché and adding an Asian twist, these crispy egg rolls overflow with gooey American cheese, cherry peppers, and diced rib eye steak. Also to start, we had the Grilled Short Rib Empanadas ($14) with onion, egg, olive, and aji. For dinner, we ordered the Backyard Burger ($17) with aged cheddar, Nueske’s bacon, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard served on a Kaiser roll with French fries. This yummy and messy concoction reminds of a hot summer’s day BBQ with ketchup and grease rolling down your wrists. We also shared the Korean Fried Chicken ($24) with spicy soy-garlic

lacquer and pickles. This Korean Fried Chicken was incredibly juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, just like fried chicken should be. To accompany our main plates, we had a slew of tasty side vegetables to share on the side. Roasted Heirloom Carrots ($10) dipped in yogurt and quinoa to Crispy Artichokes ($16) served with lemon and an aioli, these bites were a light accompaniment to the heaviness of our main entrees. At our meal’s conclusion, we ordered a Crackerjack Sundae ($11). Smothered in caramel sauce, this sundae comes topped with caramel covered popcorn and toasted peanuts; the perfect ending to a laid back meal. The Continental also offers a popular brunch on the weekends. From 10:00 am to 3:00 pm both Saturday and Sunday, lots of delicious brunch entrees and libations are served.

CHEESESTEAK EGGROLLS

THE CONTINENTAL MIAMI

2360 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Reservations: 305-604-2000

WEEK

WHAT TO SEE & WHERE TO BE APRIL 01 THROUGH APRIL 07

CONTACT JAMEERBAPTISTE@WIRLD.COM IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED. LISTINGS ARE FREE AND SUBJECT TO EDITORIAL DISCRETION.

Diego and Drew Say I Do runs through April 10 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. 67

FRIDAY APRIL 01 OF MONTREAL. Culture Room 3045 N Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale FL 33306; 954564-1074, cultureroom.net. Experience the sounds of the flamboyant indie-pop band new album, “Pillar Point.” BALANCE AND ESCAPE, DUAL ART SHOW. Sirona Fine Art Gallery at Gulfstream Park 600 Silks Run #1240 Hallandale Beach FL 33009; 954-454-9494,

sironafineart.com. It’s a dual exhibit opening of artist Jessica Pisano’s and Samantha French at 7:00 pm. RSVP at info@sironafineart.com. SPRING FLING. Manor Complex 2345 Wilton Dr. Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-626-0082, themanorcomplex.com. The Manor is heating it up again with spectacular shos, novelty acts and seductive dancers. It’s their Bubble Gum Friday.

OUR FAMOUS TRAIN GAME. Mona’s Cocktail Lounge 502 E Sunrise Boulevard Fort Lauderdale FL 33304; 954-525-6662, monasbar.com. Get into the train game everyday. When a train passes by on Dixie Highway, pick a number from 1 to 20. The winning number gets a free drink on Mona’s.

SATURDAY APRIL 02 DEVIOUS SAINTS. Tedd Arts Work 2422 N Dixie Highway Wilton Manors FL 33305; 703269-8244. A photographic art exhibition by Coco Alarcon. Also featuring art from Hilma Koleman and Susan David and new artwork in the gallery’s lounge. 6 pm to 9 pm.

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE. Cubby Hole 823 N Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale FL 33304; 954-7289001, thecubbyhole.com. The drinks are flowing at Fort Lauderdale’s butch bar with a buy one get one free drink special on Saturdays between 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

SPREAD EM… Rumors Bar and Grill 426 Wilton Dr. Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-565-8851, rumorsbarwiltonmanors.com. Every Saturday dance to the beats of DJ Joshua Atoms while you sip on $5 Bacardi drinks and $10 Bacardi Buckets.

STRIP. The Manor 2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors FL 33305 954-6260082, themanorcomplex.com. The Manor promises to deliver a night of mischievous unexpected delights with beautiful dancers and productions. DJ Monty Q spins with $3 well drinks from 11:00 pm to midnight.

LOVE AMERICAN STYLE. United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale 2501 NE 30th Street Fort Lauderdale FL 33306. The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida will perform a concert entitled, "Love American Stye. DIEGO AND DREW SAY I DO. Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, 954-462-0222, BrowardCenter.org. An interactive gay wedding comedy comes to the Broward Center through April 10.

SUNDAY APRIL 03 SUNDAY DRAG T-DANCE. FlipFlops Dockside Eatery 3051 NE 32 Avenue Fort Lauderdale FL 33308; 954-567-1672, flipflopdocksideeatery.com. Have some fun with entertainer Amanda Austin and her rotating cast while you dine on the intercostal, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Accessible by Water Taxi. DRAG BRUNCH EXPERIENCE. R House Wynwood 2727 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127; 305-5760201, rhousewynwood.com. Every first Sunday of the month

watch stellar entertain by host Athena Dion, performer Max Selene and others as you jam out to the beats of DJ Pride (Yvette) and enjoy great food and bottomless brunch drinks. 11:30 am to 5:00 pm. THE ULTIMATE HANGOVER DAY PARTY. The News Lounge 5580 NE 4 Court=t #6 Miami FL 33137; 305-438-8269, thenewslounge.com. Kiah of jus kiah Ent. Partners with Miami Maddness to give you an urban day experience with great food, happy

hour cocktails and a live DJ from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Different host off and on. $10 admission. SUNDAY PATIO T. Scandals Saloon 3073 NE 6th Avenue Fort Lauderdale FL 33334 954-567-2432, scandalsfla. com. There’s plenty to like at this T-dance. DJ Cliff R will get the party going at 4:00 pm. Happy hour prices all day and $10 Beer Blast at 3:00 pm. Karaoke starts at 9:00 pm.

MONDAY APRIL 04 RAINBOW FLAG RAISING CEREMONY. Miami Beach Gay Pride at City Hall 1700 Convention Dr. Miami Beach FL 33139; 305-4967635, miamibeachgaypride.com. Join city officials and Miami Beach Gay Pride staff as the open pride week with a raising of the pride flag on the grounds of Miami Beachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City Hall at 6:00 pm.

MISS MIAMI BEACH GAY PRIDE. 2016 Pageant Score Nightclub 1437 Washington Avenue Miami Beach 33139; 305215-7270, miamibeachgaypride. com. Watch Miss Miami Beach Gay Pride 2015, Athena Dion, pass her crown off to the next winner at 9:00 pm. Doors open and silent auction at 8:00 pm.

STOLI KEY WEST COCKTAIL CLASSIC. Vagabond Hotel 7301 Biscayne Boulevard Miami FL 33138; 305-4008420. See which Florida bartender wins the coveted title to rep Miami (Florida) at the Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic Finale. Special performance by T.P. Lords. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

a mingling and network event at 6:00 pm. Complimentary nibbles courtesy of the hotel. Cocktails courtesy of Bacardi and GREY GOOSE Vodka. Cash bar for all others.

ington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 twistsobe.com. With seven different bars, DJs and drag queens keep things lively at Twist. On Tuesdays, DJ Carlos G host Globoy with $5 shots of Fireball.

TUESDAY APRIL 05 SPOTLIGHT MEGA-MIXER. Shore Club South Beach 1901 Collins Avenue Miami Beach FL 33139; 305-496-7635, miamibeachgaypride.com. MiamiDade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce kicks off Miami Beach Gay Pride with

GLOBOY. Twist 1057 Wash-

WEDNESDAY APRIL 06 THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH OPENING PRIDE CEREMONY. Miami Beach Gay Pride Ocean Drive and 12 Street Miami Beach FL 33139; 305-496-7635, miamibeachgaypride.com. The City of Miami Beach is hosting a ceremony to install the first rainbow sign topper in honor of Miami Beach Gay Pride on Ocean Drive and 12 Street at 4:00 pm.

THE STARS OF HOLLYWOOD. Aventura Arts and Cultural Center 3385 NE 188 Street Aventura FL 33180; 305466-8002, aventuracenter.org. Indulge in the Broadway Concert Series with award winning performer Jennifer Holiday. With explosive vocals, this show is a must see.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS. Cloud 9 Lounge 7126 Stirling Road Hollywood FL 33024; 954-499-3525. The urban hip hop club with a mix of gay men and lesbians offer $1 vodka and gin drinks all night until closing at 4:00 am. Get in free before 11:00 pm, $10 thereafter.

THURSDAY APRIL 07 FREE FIRST THURSDAY STARRY NIGHTS. NSU Art Museum One East Las Olas Boulevard Fort Lauderdale FL 33301; 954-5255500, nsuartmuseum.org. PNC Bank sponsors free admission into the NSU Art Museum every first Thursday of every month from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Enjoy perks like 2-1 wine and craft beers, light bites, handson art projects and drawings for prizes.

MIAMI BEACH GAY PRIDE CABARET KICK OFF. National Hotel 1677 Collins Avenue Miami Beach FL 33139; 305-496-7635, miamibeachgaypride.com. Performances by Lindsey Alley and hosted by David Sexton, Ed Guedes, John Barone and Peter Morales (pending approval of all three) with special Guest Hostess Elaine Lancaster. $25 tickets at miamibeach-

gaypride.com/events. Starts at 8:00 pm. TOWEL NIGHT THURSDAYS. Le boy 1243 NE 11th Avenue Fort Lauderdale FL 33304; 954-368-8786, leboytonight.com. Starting up again every Thursday are the hot Go-Go boys in nothing but a towel dancing to the sounds of DJ Frank-O.

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2nd ANNUAL BUNNY BALL AT THE MANOR

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THIRSTY FOR MORE? OF COURSE YOU ARE. CHECK OUT ALL OF THE PHOTOS YOU CAN HANDLE AT NEXTMAGAZINE.COM!

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