Central Florida Edition February 2018
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Central Florida Edition February 2018
Gloria Estefan’s Very Gay Year Pop icon and emblem of perseverance has a queer movie, queer award and now a queer daughter.
content: • • • •
What’s Hot Central Florida Hot Bodies Queens We Love Hotspots Hotties
this month’s features: • Gasparilla Invasion & Parade • 2018 Monster Energy Supercross CChampionship • The Center Orlando • Porn to be a Star
hot shots •Southern Nights Orlando •Around Tampa Bay with Amy DeMilo •Southern Nights Tampa •New Year’s Eve St. Pete
What’s HOT ...everything you need to plan your month
by chris azzopardi
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Why of course global queer icon Gloria Estefan – subject of Broadway musical "On Your Feet", and muse to drag queens worldwide – has a daughter whoisnotstraight. To close out 2017, Gloria's 23-year-old daughter, Emily, celebrated – for the first time publicly – her one-year anniversary with girlfriend Geremy Hernández via Instagram. Emily's snap of the couple was captioned, “Happy anniversary to my delicate, bold, intelligent, important, honest, loving, funny (but not funnier than me), brave, compassionate, patient, badass, talented, and the mostbeautiful… MoonFlower. Iloveyou.” Considering Gloria's everlasting love and support for the LGBTQ community, Emily's refreshingly matter-of-fact coming out, then, must've been the sweet, sweet icing on her poplegendmother'salready-queeryear. Gloria, who left an indelible stamp on '80s pop music with trailblazing crossover hits like “Conga” and “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” starred in last year's seemingly made-for-Trump-voters, empathyspurring dramedy "A Change of Heart", winner of the OUTshine Film Festival Audience Award for Best Feature. The Queen of Latin Pop portrays Dr. Fajardo (her “alter ego,” as she originally studied psychology at the University of Miami and planned to be a doctor), the therapist who advises Jim Belushi's bigoted, Fox News-watching dad character, Hank, as he comes to terms with the foolish possibility that his new heart from a recent transplant is, as Gloria puts it, “pumping gayness intohim.” Hank's youngest daughter, Josie (Aimee Teegarden), also just happens to be a lesbian, but
neitherEstefannorherhusbandEmilio(bothproduced the film, while longtime Gloria-collaborator Kenny Ortega directed) never mentioned Emily's own queerness when we met up at a red carpet event at the festival in late April in their hometown of Miami to discussthequeer-themedproject– thewokeEstefans know you let your children make that statement when they're good and ready. But they did express, as always, their passion for equality, with Gloria acknowledging – because she is officially Global MothertotheGaysnow– “Ijustfeltnaturalintherole.”
“The gay community was one of the first communities that supported us...the gay community is usually a little bit ahead of trends...” “To us we're allies because we're human beings,” Gloria simply stated. “That's the bottom line. Everybody is a human being. We're all the same. We always see everyone as the same, whatever their preference is for love, sex, religion, culture. That's alwaysbeenimportanttous.” That creed extends to their roles as equalopportunity business owners. Regarding Estefan Enterprises, which comprises their entertainment company, restaurants, hotels and a beach resort, Emilio says, “(Whether) you're Latino or gay – you have to see somebody based on the kind of work
they're gonna do, and I think that's happening now. I think it's a lot better – much, much better.” Gloria's life- and career-long commitment to stand for racial and economic justice, immigration equality and marriage equality, culminated in October 2017, when Gloria was honored by the National LGBTQ Task Force (Miami) with the National Leadership Award for being a staunch LGBTQ ally and “for her work to support … the issues that affect their lives every day,”thepressreleasenoted. “Her recent work, such as "A Change in Heart", serves as a testament of her humble beginnings as a Cuban immigrant and as an artist who has always held her LGBTQ fan base in her heart,” said Josue Santiago, chair of the Task Force'sMiamiGala. Gloria's gay-aligned ventures don't stop there: Given her 2017, the singer's contribution to the queer update of Netflix's endearingrebootof"OneDayata Time" – the show's theme song, advising that you “keep doing whatyoudo”– seemsrightinstep withhergay-adjacentcareer. Her musical roots are, after all, steepedinqueerfandom.
“The gay community was one of the first communities that supported us because we were huge in the clubs and in the gay clubs, particularly, because the gay community is usually a little bit ahead of trends and musicaltrendsandfashiontrends,”sherecalls. DJ Pablo Flores, remixer of Gloria's megahits “Dr. Beat” and Conga,” spunsongssheproducedwithEmilioataPuertoRicangayclubduringthe onset of her career with the Miami Sound Machine, when she joined in 1977 as the band's frontwoman (talk about gay – the band was originally called the Miami Latin Boys). Gloria describes Flores and the gay clubs who took them under their wings in the '80s as “cutting edge and very supportiveofusandourmusicinthebeginning.” Gloria was spurred to action on behalf of the LGBTQ community around
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The 2017 OUTShine Film Festival (Miami Gay Lesbian Film Festival) presented the annual Ally Award to Emilio and Gloria Estefan. that time, when AIDS took the lives of many of her dearestfriendsandmusic-businesscolleagues. “In the '80s, when the AIDS epidemic was huge, we were losing a lot of our top people and people were becoming even more scared,” she recalls. “We lost many close friends and coworkers. I just think when someone is under attack, anything I can do to supportthemisagoodthing.” In a statement to press, Gloria said, “I feel incredibly honored to be receiving the National LGBTQ Task Force's Leadership Award and feel doubly blessed that it (is) in my beautiful hometown, Miami Beach. I look forward to the day when no task forces are necessary in order to ensure that each individualisconsideredequalineveryrespect.” On Dec. 26, 2017, Gloria was recognized yet again for her unwavering support and empathy for
every kind, becoming the first Cuban-American to receive the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor Awardduringtheevent's40thyear. Her now-out daughter, Emily, a fellow musician, attended with her girlfriend and performed Gloria's inspirational official song for the 1996 Summer Olympics, “Reach,” a dreamer anthem with strong ties to people within the queer community. Two of Gloria's biggest singles, “Always Tomorrow” and “Coming Out of the Dark,” have also long served as LGBTQlifelines. “(Gay people) tell me wonderful things, but not just because they happen to be gay, but because they were going through tough things in their lives and my music inspired them to push forward or to stay positive in a situation,” Gloria reflects, passionately. “My fans – I have a lot of gay fans. I still look out into the audience and I have fans from 2 years old to 80. I have very young kids on my Twitter – young gay kids who for some reason my music speaks to them. Maybe the empowerment, or they use it to get through tough moments. That's what music is about. That's what makes me happy about gettingtomakemusic.”
As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach him via his website at www.chrisazzopardi.com and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi).
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Get Ready for the 101st Gasparilla Invasion & Parade
The 2018 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest is scheduled for 9:00am to 9:00pm on Saturday, January 27, in Tampa and will feature the 101st Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of the Pirates presentedbyYeMysticKreweofGasparilla. The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch at the Tampa Convention Center provides the best view in town of the historic Gasparilla Invasion, as the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla sail up Seddon Channel aboard the Jose Gasparilla accompanied by a majestic flotilla, docking tableside at 1 p.m. at the TampaConventionCenter. The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch, includes live entertainment, a buffet brunch with cash bar and reserved table seating for one of the most unique and colorful spectacles found anywhere in the world. Gasparilla Invasion Brunch (Adults: $98 plus tax, Child: $78 plus tax) and Brunch/Parade COMBO tickets (Adult COMBO $128 plus tax, Child COMBO $108 plus tax) are available at GasparillaTreasures.comor(813)251-8844. Following another successful invasion by the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, the focus shifts to beautiful Bayshore Boulevard and South AshleyDriveindowntownTampa. Aftersuccessfully capturing the Key to the City (once again), the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla celebrate with a victory parade that begins at 2 p.m. at Bay to BayandBayshore. The4.5mileGasparillaParadeof the Pirates, which has been presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla annually since 1904, winds its way along Hillsboro Bay into downtown Tampa, with
over 140 units – featuring one-hundred three (103) floats, three (3) marching bands and over fifty (50) participatingsocialorganizations(i.e. krewes). Reserved Gasparilla bleacher seating tickets are $45 in advance, (plus tax). For additional information or to purchase Gasparilla Invasion Brunch, Reserved Gasparilla Parade tickets and/or officially licensed Gasparilla merchandise, please log onto GasparillaTreasures.com. Tickets can also be ordered over the phone by calling EventFest's Gasparilla Ticket Line at (813) 251-8844. A ticket representative will be available between 9 a.m. and 5p.m.,Monday– Friday. Their Extremely Limited First Mate reserved chair seating has been expanded in 2018 to include the FIRST MATE SOUTH – located on the water side of Bayshore Boulevard, between Ardson and Carolina, and FIRST MATE NORTH – located on the land side of the parade route on Bayshore Boulevard, between Beach and Platt Street. This single row, chair seating provides guaranteed front-row fun at Tampa`s historic Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates. First Mate Seating Tickets are $60 per person (plus tax) in advance, and are expected to sell out well in advanceoftheparadesagainthisyear. Reserved Seating for the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch and Parade of the Pirates is limited and available on a first ordered, first reserved basis. All reserved tickets are assigned in the order they are received, therefore guests should order their reserved tickets early to best accommodate any seatingpreferencetheymayrequest.
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hot shots photos by hannah jordan
Southern Nights Orlando Flex Fridays
what’s hot everything you need to know
to plan your month
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Happy 2018, Hotspots Central readers! Welcome once again to the What's Hot column, where we keep you in the loop with lots of important nightlife events in Tampa Bay, Orlando, and points in between. We're also your connection to many activities and events organized by local LGBT service organizations and chambersofcommerce. Want to know What's Hot in February?Readmoreandfindout!
Friday, January 26 The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents Masters of Illusion, America’s largest touring magic show. They return with their “Believe the Impossible” tour!
happy valentine’s day!
Nothing beats the experience of seeing a magic show in person. You will see grand illusions, levitating women, appearances, vanishes, escapes, comedy, magic, sleight of hand and beautifuldancersallrolledupinto one live show! Only the best, most unique, amusing, astounding and amazing performers have been chosen to perform in this huge stage phenomenon. The show starts at 7p.m. with tickets startingatonly$21. Chhoy Sutimek presents “Latin Blowout” which always takes place the last Friday of every month. Tonight’s show at 12:30a.m. is hosted by Lady Janet, and stars Michelle Divine, Jasmine International. And Shannel (from Miami). There is no cover before 10p.m. for21andup. FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando presents Riverdance: 20th Anniversary Tour at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from todaythroughSunday,January28. Drawing on Irish traditions, the
combinedtalentsoftheperformers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imaginationofaudiencesacrossall ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland - in rock, music,theatreandfilm-nothinghas carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance. Riverdance - Tickets: start at $34.25
Saturday, January 27
2018 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest is scheduled The
for 9am to 9pm on Saturday, January 27, in Tampa and will feature the 101st Gasparilla
Invasion and Parade of the Pirates presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. For reserved Gasparilla Parade tickets and/or officially licensed Gasparilla merchandise, please log onto GasparillaTreasures.com Neema presents his upscale Latin night, AMOR, at Stonewall Orlando. Tonight catch live in concert Yaire singing her hit “Tu Mayor Tentacion,” and more. The night will also star Lisa Lane and Yeisa. Doors open at 8p.m. with no cover before 9 p.m., from 911p.m. its $10 and after 11p.m. its $20. Show time at 12a.m. This is a 21+event! The Metropolitan Business Association invites everyone to attend the 2018 Board of Directors Installation Reception at Hard Rock Orlando. All tickets are just $45, and include FREE admission to Hard Rock’s Classic Albums Live Hotel California, immediately following the reception. This will be a special night of awesome
food, cocktails, and conversation astheyintroducetheir2018 Board and Executive Officers, and hear from MBA’s new president about their plans and focus for the coming year. Space is limited and tickets will not be sold at the door. To purchase tickets go to: mbaorlando.org. Swank Saturdays at Southern Nights Tampa presents “Walk The Plank,” with a drag show at midnight starring Jade Embers, Desiree Demornay, and Axel Andrews, along with DJs Chris Tavi and Dutch and Nig booty
dancers. Thereisnocoverbefore 10p.m. for21+. Dr. Phillips Center For the Performing Arts added a second show at 10p.m. for Trevor Noah, who was the most successful comedianinAfricaandisthehost of the Emmy® and Peabody® Award-winning “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central. This year “The Daily Show” was nominated for a Writers Guild Award (Comedy/Variety Series). Noah alsorecentlywonBestHostatthe 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards, as well as a Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Variety Series for his hosting role on “The Daily Show – Between The Scenes.” He joined “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” in 2014 as a contributor. In February 2017 Noah debuted his 9th comedy special “Afraid of the Dark” on Netflix. Ticketsstartat$39.50.
Monday, January 29 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in association with Bill Blumenreich presents
Vice President Joe Biden: American Promise Tour. Joe Biden has always believed that when given a chance, ordinary people can do extraordinary things. As a scrappy kid from Scranton who rose to the Office of Vice President, he is no exception. During his 45 years of public service, one of Vice President Biden’s greatest strengths has been his ability to bring people together, even in crisis, even across difficult divides, all the while, respecting everybody at
the table. Pre-sale tickets start at: $68 (VIP Package: $325) and includes a copy of Vice President Joe Biden’s new memoir, Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship,andPurpose. The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents the Magic of Adam Trent. Direct from Broadway, Adam Trent, the breakout star of the world’s bestselling magic show The Illusionists, brings his signature brand of magic and illusion to this nonstop spectacle. The Magic of Adam Trent is an immersive
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entertainment extravaganza of magic, comedy and music perfect for the entire family. Don’t miss the next generation of magic! Ticketsstartat$45.
Thursday, February 1 Thursdays Just Got Fiercer at Join Gays On The Move weekly as they cheer, play trivia and watch the new season of Rupaul's Drag Race All Stars 3 every Thursday! Grab
Stonewall Bar Orlando!
Tampa Bay Idol. $4000 in total prizes, including a $2500 cash prize.
Saturday, February 3 Southern
Nights
Tampa’s
Swank Saturdays goes pink as they present Meangirls hosted by Jonathan Bennett (star of Mean Girls the movie) and starring
Roxxxy Andrews, Natalie Nayles, Jade Embers, Cara Cavalli, and MrmsAdrien. Saturdaysare18+!
Wednesday, February 7 Join the Metropolitan Business Association the first Wednesday of every month for a very special networking opportunity with Orlando's premier your best girlfriends and answer questions about the seasons, stars, and sickening cultural impact of “RuPaul's Drag Race" for a chance to win a $25 Bar Tab! Bring your charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent every Thursday and they'll start your engines with fun games, prizes & surprises! Thepartystartsat7:30
Friday, February 2 NeiBEARhood takeover at Southern Nights Tampa presents
“Leather and Levi’s: Return to the Full Moon,” starring DJ Walter Winston. The night will also feature a Sexy Cowboy strip contest at 1a.m.. Thereisnocoverbefore10p.m. and thisisa21+event. Tampa Bay Idol at The Flamingo Resort, is a seven week competition, starting tonight to see who has what it takes to be the first
LGBT & Allied business professionals. Tonight it’s held at Marriott Orlando Downtown (400 w. livingston street) from 6-8p.m. and will feature Hors d’oeuvres and a Cash Bar. Admission is free formembers,and$20forguests. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents “Travis Wall's Shaping Sound: After The Curtain,” starring Travis Wall and Featuring So You Think You Can Dance winner Lex Ishimoto, Second Runner-up
Taylor Sieve and past winners Gaby Diaz and Nick Lazzarini. ThroughhisEmmyAwardwinning work on So You Think You Can Dance, Travis Wall has established himself as one of America's favorite choreographers. His artistic direction of Shaping Sound has already produced one spell-binding show in Dance Reimagined, which has captivated audiences all across North America. Now, Travis and Shaping Sound are back with their brand new show, After the Curtain. These visual musicians continue to dazzle audiences as they tell the story of a man fighting to find his creative voice after the death of his one true love. Heart-wrenching, breath-taking and ultimately uplifting, this is one dance show that audiences will remember forever. Ticketsstartat$16. 50 Shades of Mary! Hamburger Mary’s Ybor is teaming up with Pure Romance for an unforgettable evening of exploration, fun and surprises at an exclusive
wedding rehearsal! Experience the climax before anyone else! This is an 18 and up event. 5 p.m. is the VIP Pre-party; 6p.m. general admission; at 7:30p.m. is an exclusive red room experience and 9:30p.m.is the after party. Wedding attire is encouraged! This event will also feature goodie bags, giveaways, games, red room shopping experience, 50 shades themed male entertainer show a photo
areaandmore!
Thursday, February 8 Southern Nights Orlando presents in honor of Arianna
Grande a Dangerous Women Show with special guest from RuPaul’s Drag Race Phi Phi O’hara, along
selling solo artist. In 2016, the Library of Congress selected "Piano Man" for preservation in the National Recording Registry for its "cultural, historic, and artistic significance.” Tickets startat$95 The Flamingo Resort presents “Turnabout” as a benefit for Tampa Bay AIDS Walk, The night will feature some of your favorite staff members starting at 11:30p.m.
Heart In San Francisco” form part of the fabric of American musicculture.
Monday, February 12 ANR productions presents the
11 annual Miss Large and Lovely National Pageant at Parliament House honoring the current
Saturday, February 10
Swank Saturdays with Roxxxy Andrews, Axel Andrews, Kai’Ja Adonis and Mrms Adrien along with DJ dlux. This is an18andoverevent!
Nights
Ta m p a
at Southern p re s e n t s
“Gasparilla Night Parade: Davey Jones locker” with a dragshow at 12 reigning Miss Large and Lovely Chelsea Pearl. The night will also celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Jocelyn Summers. Doors open at 7p.m. with pageant starting promptly at 8p.m. For tickets or more info gotoANRTickets.com
Friday, February 9
Billy Joel will return to Tampa’s Amalie Arena on Friday, February 9 at 8 p.m. Billy Joel has sold out Amalie Arena seven times. Having sold 150 million records over the past quarter century, scoring 33 consecutive Top 40 hits, Billy Joel ranks as one of most popular recording artists and respected entertainers in history. The singer/songwriter/composer is the sixth best-selling recording artistofalltimeandthethirdbest-
Tuesday, February 13 am starring Jade Embers, Roxxxy Andrews and Alexis Mateo. 18 + welcome. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall welcomes back 19-time Grammy Award®- winner Tony Bennett! With albums selling both Platinum and Gold and a Citizen of the World Award from the United Nations, Tony Bennett epitomizes the phrase ‘a living legend’. Tony continues to touch the hearts and souls of audiences with his legendary vocals and charming stage presence. Among his long list of achievements and awards, spanning over 60 years, is the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, making this artist a true international treasure. His signaturetunes,suchas“Steppin’ Out With My Baby” and “I Left My
Anita Waistline and Southern NightsTampa presents Miss Bible Belt Comedy Queen, an official preliminary to Miss Comedy Queen National at 8p.m. The pageant will be hosted by Pepe and Addison Taylor and hosted by Miss Comedy Queen Amanda Punchf@!? And the current reigning Miss Bible belt Mrms Adrien. Categories include: outrageous gown, presentation (gooder than grits), comedic talent and 60 sec spokeswomen. Doors open at 7p.m. andcoveris$518+welcome.
Dancing with the Stars: Live! comes to two location in Central Florida. One of TV’s hottest shows is coming back on tour across to light up the night. This all-new production showcases ballroom and contemporary
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dances from ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars, including sizzling group numbers, steamy duets and over the top original pieces. Presented at the Van Wezel on February 13 and the Dr. PhillipsCenteronFebruary18.
a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. The Lion King also features the extraordinary work o f To n y A w a rd - w i n n i n g choreographer Garth Fagan and some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like The Lion King. Tickets:startat$35.25. Andrea Bocelli in Concert at Amalie Arena. The world’s beloved tenor delivers this
Wednesday, February 14 Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando presents the return of Disney's The Lion King at Dr. Phillips Center For the Performing Arts from tonight until March 11. Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. More than 90 million people around the world have experienced the aweinspiring artistry, the unforgettable music and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular—one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage. Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Lion King brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on
special Valentine’s Day concert after his sold-out 2016 performance at Amalie Arena. Andrea Bocelli, hailed as one of the most romantic voices of our time, performs an evening of beautiful arias, popular songs and crossover hits perfectly designed to celebrate the day of love. Ticketsstartat$149.75 Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom Of The Opera makes its triumphant
Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life
return to Tampa’s Straz Center for the Performing Arts as part of its North American Tour starting tonight and going through Feb 25. . Critics are raving that this
breathtaking production is “bigger and better than ever before” and features a brilliant new scenic design by Paul Brown, Tony Award-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award winner Paule Constable, new choreography by Scott Ambler, and new staging by director Laurence Connor. The production, overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh, boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier. The beloved story and thrilling score - with songs like “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask Of You” and “Masquerade” - will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this Phantom one of the largest productionsnowontour. Tickets startat$40. TheBeachBoys returnbypopular demand to the Van Wezel PerformingArtsHall. Havingtallied up dozens of hits and sold albums by the tens of millions with hits including "I Get Around," "Good Vibrations" and "California Girls," The Beach Boys changed the musical landscape forever! The BeachBoyscontinuetocreateand perform with the same bold
Imagination and style that marked theirexplosivedebutover50years ago, join them this Valentine’s Day forsome“FunFunFun!”
Friday, February 16 Grammy-, Emmy- and TonyAward-winning pop music icon
Mattel, Latrice Royale, Trinity Taylor, Thorgy Thor, Derrick Barry & Eureka O’Hara. Warning – Adult Comedy. Tickets start at $25.15 and can be purchased at StrazCenter.org.
Sunday, February 18
Barry Manilow makes his debut in Sarasota at The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in celebration of his latest album, This is My Town: Songs of New York. Hear Manilow perform his greatest hits like “Copacabana” and “Mandy” as well as songs from his album on the intimate Van Wezel stage. This show is the featured performance of the 17th Annual Van Wezel Foundation Gala. Don’t miss out on one of the most spectacular events of the season which includes cocktails by the Bay, live & silent auction, an elegant dinner, Golden Circle seating for the Barry Manilow performance and an exclusive after-party! This year’s Gala will also include a chance drawing for an all-new 2018 Jaguar XE sponsored by Wilde Jaguar Sarasota. For additional information on gala reservations and sponsorships visit www.vwfoundation.org or contact the foundation office at (941)366-5578.
Saturday, February 17 Murray and Peter present the
Hater's Roast, The Shady Tour at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. This tours is Hosted By: Ginger Minj and Stars: Trixie
Get a grip on better sexual practices by joining Impulse Orlandoas they present #TouchIt. Impulse has enlisted the help of some of the gay adult video industry's top performers to ensure you have the most upclose and personal educational experience (because we all know teacher knows best, right?!). You'll be guided through 4 stations, each featuring various educational resources. Check out the Impulse Group Orlando
Awards (plus a staggering 32 nominations), a 2012 Golden Globe nomination, and five American Music Awards, Blige is a global superstar. In the ensuing years, the singer/songwriter has attracted an intensely loyal fan base—responsible for propelling worldwide sales of more than 50 million albums. Ticket start at $47.25.
Friday, February 23 Starting tonight and going through Sunday, The Parliament House features International DJ Sensation, Nina Flowers taking overthedancefloor. facebook event's page for more information and ticket sales. Sponsored by AIDS Healthcare Foundation, The Venue Orlando, andWetPersonalLubricants.
Wednesday, February 21 Your local Ford Dealers and Amalie Arena welcome Mary J. Blige to the Ford Concert Series at 7:30p.m. Iconic Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige is a figure of inspiration, transformation and empowerment making her one of the defining voices of the contemporary music era. With a track record of eight multiplatinum albums, nine Grammy
Saturday, February 24 The Flamingo Resort presents th the 7 anniversary of Code Bar from 9p.m. to 3a.m. The night will feature sexy male dancers and the Code Enforcer 2018 contest at 1a.m. hosted by Alexis De La Mer. For contest information c o n t a c t J o n a t Jon@Flamingofla.com
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A strolling affair discovering a world without HIV Unlock the experience! Dress in your best hat or headdress for a night of food, drinks, and dancing inn a Steampunk-Rouge Theme Strolling Event
MARRIOTT WORLD CENTER 8701 World Center Drive Orlando, Florida 32821 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd, 2017 6:00p Registration & VIP Pre-Party 7:30p Imaginarium 10:00p After-Party (For All)
$250 $500
GENERAL ADMISSION VIP ADMISSION*
$20,000 $15,000 $10,000 $5,000 $2,500
EXECUTIVE VIP SPONSOR* DIRECTOR VIP SPONSOR* PARTNER VIP SPONSOR* PATRON SPONSOR COMMUNITY SPONSOR
*Includes VIP Pre-Party, Gift Bag, and More!
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Feld Entertainment announced that tickets for the 2018 Monster Energy Supercross season are now on sale. The 2018 season will be the most exciting and entertaining of all-time as a new era of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, will change the battleground forever with a revised points system, the addition of three Triple Crown Monster Energy Cup-style events, two 250SX East/West Showdowns, four Supercross Amateur racing events and the elimination of semi racesinqualifyingfortheMainEvent. As the most competitive and highest-profile motorcycle racing championship in the world, Monster Energy Supercross has entertained millions of fans for 43 years inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America. Without a past champion potentially on the gate in 2018, the international field is wide open for the world's most elite athletes to become a firsttimeMonsterEnergySupercrossChampion. For the first time in over two decades, the 2018 season will debut an all-new points system to evenly allocate points over all 22 finishing positions. While st nd rd the gap between 1 , 2 and 3 has not changed, the new points system will ensure that the race to the
championship will be much more competitive throughout the season as the rewardisgreaterforabetterfinish. The elimination of semi races will add further pressure to qualify as the world's most elite endurance athletes will have just two chances to ensure a spot in the Main Event through one of two heat races or a last chancequalifier(LCQ). Thisyear,theTop9in each heat will qualify directly into the Main Event while positions 10-20 will have one last chance to make it through the LCQ. Previously, only five positions would transfer to the Main Event from the heat races and all others would be transferred to a semi race. Eliminating the semi races will make for longer heat races and last chance qualifiers, allowing for more intense battles on the track forthefans. Along with format changes, every track in 2018 will have a distinct personality that tells the story of each city's Supercross history datingbackover43years. At each Monster Energy Supercross event, fans are treated to unprecedented access to the sport's multimillion-dollar athletes, their teams and sponsors while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the daylong, pre-race Pit Party, which opens Saturday afternoon at 12 p.m. and costs $20 at the gate. Or get FREE access by simply recycling an empty can of Monster Energy.
Restrictionsandadditionalchargesmayapply. For the fifth consecutive year, fans living in the United States and Canada can watch all of the racing live on the FOX family of networks (check locallistings). 2018 Monster Energy Supercross Championship takes place at the Raymond James Stadium (4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy) on Saturday, February 24 with the pit party at 12 noon; the opening ceremonies at 6:30p.m.;andtheracingstartsat7p.m.
For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, or to purchase tickets please log onto SupercrossLIVE.com, the official website of Monster Energy Supercross, or follow via social channels. Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
hot bodies by tom bonanti
Fight Those Nasty Toxins in Your Body
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You adhere to a consistent workout program, eat organic foods, and try to get out in the fresh air and sunshine every day. On the surface you're doing everything correctly. You should be full energy,readytotakeonlifelikeatiger. Butthetruth is, you often feel listless, and crappy. You seem to pickupeverycoldandfluthat'smakingtherounds. Somehowyoujustcan'tfigureoutwhy. You may be overlooking things in your life that can stress your body harder than you realize. Too much weekend partying, not getting enough sleep, skipping breakfast and eating too much junk are all factors that can take their toll on that healthybody. Combine these factors with stress at work, not drinking enough H2O and breathing in “God knows what� from the atmosphere and its no wonder you don't always feel like Superman. In
radicals comes from simple lifestyle changes. Quit smoking. Drink less. Cut saturated fats and other junk fromyourdiet. Supplementation with antioxidants is also vital to your battle with free radicals. Antioxidants are natural foods or carefully compounded supplements that “kick ass” on free radicals and help restore normal function to your body and its tissues. As with any supplement, check with your doctor first. Here is my listoffavoriteantioxidants.
“Too much weekend partying, not getting enough sleep, skipping breakfast and eating too much junk are all factors that can take their toll on that healthy body.”
fact,youmaybemoretoxicthanyourealize. Any of the above factors can cause a build up in your system of evil villains called free radicals. These bitches are highly toxic mutant oxygen molecules that can be found in the atmosphere, in foods, and in you. Free radicals cause chemical imbalances in the body referred to as “oxidative stress”. This condition has been linked to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, tissue inflammation, and a host of other illnesses. Free radicals also speed up the aging process by causingwrinkles,muscleatrophyandimpotence! The best way to counteract the ravages of free
Vitamins C and E help reverse oxidative stress by ridding the body of free radicals thereby returning it to optimal homeostasis. This is crucial for anyone who wants to be in tip top shape by maintaining a healthy heartandmetabolism. Wild blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, bilberries and pomegranates are all potent antioxidants and loaded with vitamin C to boost the immunesystem. Green tea is one of the most powerful antioxidants known to man in its ability to prevent 1) viral and bacterial activity, 2) lung cancer due to smoking, 3) skin damage and skin cancer due to radiation (sun damage)andahostofotherage-relatedmaladies. Ginko Biloba has been shown to 1) reduce blood clots, 2) regulate blood pressure, 3) prevent the formation of free radicals, 4) increase the flow of blood to the brain, and 5) improve alertness and short-term memory.
For more information on nutrition and exercise, contact trainer tomb@aol.com. Check out www.pumpnincgym.com or contact Tom (954) 5571119 today to schedule a free intake. Holiday Gift certificates are available! Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
Blending a familiar feeling of community, with a fresh sense of freedom and opportunity. At The Nolen, it’s all part of the plan. Make Clearwater’s hippest address your own.
thenolen.com • 727-308-4169
Love where you live.
Skyline Fifth. On the corner of hip and cool.
skylinefifthapartments.com 727.327.1444
around tampa bay
by amy demilo
Blake and Carlos
Kanyla Ebanks and Amanda D’Rhod with their friends looking gorgeous!
Everyone’s Feeling Cheerful at
Bradley’s on 7th!
Ma working Hamburger Mary's balcony
Miss Daytona Beach Continental Elite, Lorna Vando,crowned by me!
queens we by brett yancey photos by allison tran, dj dlux, cara cavalli and black haus photography
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What was the first drag show you saw and tell us about the experience? My first drag show was at firestone watching Maya Andrews and a few backup dancers doing a BeyoncĂŠ mega mix and I thought I literally had just witnessedtheMessiahitwassoflawless.
When did you decide you want to do drag and when did you realize it would be a profession? I was always working in the club scene and being surrounded by men and dresses and I really just fell in love with the performing aspect and the transformation. I got put in drag for a "turnabout" event at southern nights and no shade I was gorg and performing was so much fun I knew in that moment That i was gonna make this a serious profession.
Who is your drag mother and how did she become your mother? I'm lucky enough to have two drag mothers, Jade Embers and MrMs Adrien. Adrien was the first person to ever put me in drag and really just teach me the craft of stoning outfits, making mixes choreographing numbers etc. Jade really spent so much time with me perfecting my makeup and trying to really creative my own brand of performing styles and noticing what I was good at. Both have been nothingshortofincrediblementorsandmothers.
Natalie Nayles
Who is your favorite queen(besides your drag mother) and why? IhaveALOTtobehonest,butRoxxxyAndrewsishands down my favorite drag queen. She isn't only my bestfriend, she has been such an incredible mentor and guide to get to where I have gotten today. Not to mention her skills in makeup, hair, costuming and performing are incredible and admirable. I wanna be likeherwhenIgrowupnoshade.
What is your favorite number to perform and why?
“I'd love to maintain the reputation I've earned and stay as humble as possible and hopefully inspire people in our community to try and experience the art of drag!�
YA GIMME THAT GOOD THANGGG (my friends will getthatjoke) Honestly I don't repeat too many songs but I absolutely love performing dialogue from YouTube videos. It's more of a comical vibe and allows me to really make a humorous connection with the audience. ButnormallyIjustloveperformingAriana or cute pop songs that are super stereotypical but hey,Ilikeit!
What is the best thing that has happened to you in drag? I have been extremely fortunate and blessed in my drag career and it has only been two years since I've started drag. Walking for Marco Marco last year in Miami was probably the most gratifying and humbling experience I've ever had. It was unreal feeling like such a supermodel and getting to walk onarunwayamongstdraglegends.
What differentiates you from other queens (what makes you unique)? I'm a butch Barbie. I'll give you biceps and bawwwdyyy. I like to think of myself as a WWE female wrestler.
What does the future hold for Natalie Nayles? Staying humble and thankful to everyone who continues to book me and help me on this twisted journey. Rupaul would obviously be amazing and I'm going to continue to try out so keep your eyes peeled! But realistically I'd love to maintain the reputation I've earned and stay as humble as possible and hopefully inspire people in our community to try and experience theartofdrag!Youseethatpageantansweryasss(but I'mserious).
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
How long have you been together? Almost 6 years
How long have you been married? We'll be married two years in April
How did you guys meet? We originally met about 9 years ago while working at the same real estate firm in Downtown Orlando.
Who asked the other one out first?
Photos by J.D. Casto Promotional Items Provided By: TheRuffRider.com Russ Fowler with Fields BMW Winter Park
Mike asked Justin out first....depending on who you ask. After a night of dancing at Pulse we shared our first kiss on the dance floor - one of Justin's favorite spots to be.
Favorite place for date night? ​We are both huge Thai food junkies so we love going to Oudom Thai and Sushi.
Who proposed to who? Mike proposed to Justin
COUPLES EDITION
Justin Dalrymple & Mike Hirsch
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
...................................... Big or small wedding? We planned a big wedding but ultimately decided to have a small, intimate affair with immediate family. It was a very special and important day for us.
Something that Justin absolutely loves about Mike? It's hard for me to pick one thing because there are so many things I love about him. If I had to choose, it would be how unconditionally loving he is and how supportive he is of me in anything that I do. It feels amazing to know someone has your back, no matter what.
Something that Mike absolutely loves about Justin? I love Justin's zest for life. He keeps me motivated and ready for life's next adventure. Most of all I love Justin's friendship. It forms the foundation of our relationship and there's nothing in the world like having a lover in your best friend. It's something I'm incredibly grateful for every single day.
Favorite vacation spot? It’s a toss up between the city lights of New York and the sunny beaches of Mexico.
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“It feels amazing to know someone has your back, no matter what.�
The Center Orlando Marks Its 40th Anniversary!
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On January 13, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Central Florida, Inc., d/b/a “The Center” held their annual board retreat and elections. Continuing as President is Jeff Buak, Quintairos, Prieto, Woods & Boyer; Vice-President Joanne Grant, Mills 50; Treasurer Timothy Vargas, NeuLion; and Secretary Roxy Santiago, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly. Continuing Directors include Pat Michaels, Willie Williams, Lolita Jerido and Sarah Elbadri. Newly elected to the Board of Directors was James Drew, Bowen, Miclette & Britt of Florida, LLC. President Jeff Buak says, “The Board of
Directors of The Center is proud to continue The Center's commitment of serving the LGBT+ community and look forwardtoanexciting2018.” During the annual retreat, the Board of Directors approved a legal name change of the organization from Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Central Florida, Inc. to The LGBT+ Center Orlando, Inc. Executive Director George Wallace stated, “Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Central Florida, Inc. was renamed in 2000 from Gay and LesbianCommunityServices,Inc. and was originally named Gay Social Services, Inc. in its original
1978 inception. As we begin our 40th year, we felt it important to change the name of the organization to better reflect our expanding community”. The website will remain TheCenterOrlando.org and the dba willbecomeTheCenterOrlando. Along with the new name comes an updated celebratory logo (attached) marking the 40th anniversary. Wallace continues, “The anniversary is no small milestone and we feel it important to celebrate being one of the oldest LGBT Center's in the United States.” Wallace also notes that there will be planned events throughout the year marking the anniversary of The Center's incorporationinNovember1978.
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
hot shots photos by brett yancey
Southern Nights Tampa Turnabout
by scott holland photos by david ayllon
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When Chris Harder left North Dakota for New York City to pursue a career on the Broadway stage, he had no idea what twists and turns his career would follow. While taking auditions, he paid the rent as a go-go boy at gay clubs and later, by becoming a sex workerinthegayadultmovieindustry. Harder's story begins two decades ago in North Dakota, where he was the awkward queer boy who played with his sister's dolls, proving the road to gay stardom is paved with Barbies. He doesn't regret any of the choices he'smadesince. PorntoBeAStarisdirectedbyDavidDrake, the writer and performer of the hit show, The NightIKissedLarryKramer. It was a pleasure to sit down with Chris just afew weeks before he brings his show to CentralFlorida.
Were you always an actor, even as a kid? Yes! I think my first role ever was playing a bunny doctor in kindergarten. I'm sure there was some kind of larger metaphor at work! I really fell in love with theater in high school though and was lucky to have several teachers who were amazingly supportive of me and my queer, queerness. In college I also started writing plays and as part of my senior thesis I wrote and directed a one act play called "Steel and Snow" which was about two young gay men coming out to each other and falling in love. It ran for two nights and sold out both shows and I remember just being thrilled that queer people were coming to see my show and that there was a need and a desireforthatkindofwork.
What was your first professional or paid gig? I was really lucky when I first moved to NYC nine years ago. My first summer in the city I was cast in a re-staging of Amiri Baracka's The Toilet, originally written during the Black
Arts Movement of the 1960's. We performed the show-which is a phenomenally written play with queer, interracial undertones--in a park and were continually heckled by teenagers. I loved every minute though. Then, shortly when that show ended, I was cast in the dazzling role of... the Old Sheep in a children's theater production of Charlotte's Web. I essentially left New York for three months to play some really beautiful theaters and some very brightly lit cafeteria auditoriums in a giant purple sheepcostume. That'sshowbusiness!
How old were you when you left North Dakota to go to NYC, and how did you make that decision?
I moved to New York when I was 22. I spent the summer before my senior year of college working as many jobs as my body and sleep schedule could handle and then bought a one-way ticket. I graduated in May and left in June. At the time, I actually was considering staying in North Dakota one more year because I was in love with my college boyfriend and part of me really wanted to stay and wait for him. One day during my shift as a barista, a regular customer who was a grungy, English expatriate artist who never combed his hair convinced me to seize the moment and move to New York. I'm really thankful I listened to him and I still have a thing forEnglishaccents.
producing a five-show run in NYC, again directed by David Drake and the feedback and reviews have all commentedonthegrowthanddevelopmentofit.
Are you excited to be making your regional premiere in Orlando? Yes,especiallybecauseit'sfreezinginNYCrightnow!
What should the Central Florida Audiences expect from Porn to be a Star”? The main response I always get from audience members who are completely new to my work is that Porn to be a Star totally surprised them and exceeded their expectations. The show has as much
How was it to Go-Go boy at Gay Clubs? I loved go-go dancing. I did it all through my twenties in all kinds of clubs and gay bars. There's really a whole other one man show just in those years. I think what dawned on me once I moved to New York was that I could actually be 1) valued for my looks and body and 2) potentially make a living from them as well. It had just never occurred to me that I was one of "those guys." The idea that people would want me was so foreign, not because I felt ugly or hated in ND, but because I was actually really a late bloomer in termsofcomingintomybody.
How did you get into the Adult Male Entertainment Industry? By my late twenties--around 27--I had been go-go dancing and also working as a burlesque dancer non-stop for over 4 years. I loved both my nightlife worlds but I was also getting burnt out and really, just wasn't making enough money. Through nightlife I had met all kind of sex workers both male and female as well as porn stars who would make appearances at clubs. Porn started to sound really enticing to me. Not just for the money but also because I was becoming more of an exhibitionist. I also became aware especially of Francois Sagat and his transformation from porn star to artist and actor, and I felt like I could combine my nightlife persona and work with the adult world and sort of become thisultimate"adultentertainer."
What made you decide to write this show, and when did you write it? I started writing Porn to be a Star shortly after I finished workshopping my first solo show (#Big Bright Star) in Ft. Lauderdale last August. I decided to take the parts and characters of my former show that I really loved and restructure them into a play that was more of a slice of life of the gay adult movie industry and not just my own story. Porn to be a Star now centers around five different stars, each trying to win the coveted Dirty Dish Best Porn Star of the Year Award. The show still has its sharp humor and also plenty of surprises (and skin), but I'm much happier with this current script. I just finished
“The show still has its sharp humor and also plenty of surprises (and skin)...” heart as it does comedy—a lot of folks also tell me the moment I play my mother is one of their favorite parts. Ultimately, I think audiences will see the gay porn industry from a completely different point of view. Ofcourse,italsohelpsthatI'minajockstrap!
Porn To Be A Star comes to the Footlight Theater at the Parliament House for one night only on Saturday, February 3 at 7:30p.m. To purchase tickets which are $25 for VIP and $20 for general admission go to: PHouseOrlando.eventbrite.com Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
hot shots photos by tony fowler
New Year’s Eve St. Petersburg