Wire Magazine Issue #25, 2012: TWIST 19 Year Anniversary by Wire Media Group

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PRETTY IN PINK

AUSTRIA GOES PINK FOR PRIDE

WOW! SO MUCH FUN DINING AT MANGO’S

SCISSOR SISTERS WORK THEIR MAGIC HOUR

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ISSUE #25 | 06/21/12

E X C E P T I O N A L . B E C A U S E W E ’ R E M A D E T H I S W A Y. h a n d -h a rv ested, h a n dcr a f ted a n d e s t a t e b o t t l e d si n c e 1 8 7 0 .

H e r r a d u r a® T e q u i l a. N e v e r c o m p r o m i se.

EDITOR IN CHIEF’S NOTE I LOVE MIAMI BECAUSE MY DREAM CAME TRUE remember when my mom and dad first brought my brother and I to Miami and Miami Beach. I was so exited as a young boy to get on a plane and travel to sunny Miami. For a kid from Costa Rica it was fascinating to get a glimpse of all the glitz, glamour, and excitement that I later saw depicted in Miami Vice when “Sonny” Crockett and “Rico” Tubbs, two MiamiDade Police Department detectives working undercover, tackled the mean streets of Miami and the Beaches - while I watched their show yearning of some day living the Miami lifestyle. Never in my wildest dreams did I believe that the fantasies of that young boy would some day become a reality, and that I would get to live the Miami lifestyle far more extensively than I ever could have dreamed of. It pays to dream big! I came to the United States to study at the United States Coast Guard Academy and later went to the University of Connecticut for a Master in Economics and Harvard Business School for my Master in Business Administration. I was fortunate to receive an amazing education that opened incredible professional doors for me. Even though I dreamed of Miami as a kid, I did not know enough to dream of walking the famous hallways of the Coast Guard Academy and Harvard Business School. I also could have never dreamed back then of working on Wall Street, doing business consulting for some of the world’s top corporations, meeting the likes of Warren Buffet, and living and working in some of the best cities in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. Life has been very good to me. So good that it came full circle to my childhood dreams of Miami. I am not a fan of cold weather and always wanted to move here some day. So when I got a call from a headhunter about an executive position in Miami I gladly took the call that later changed my life and allowed me to buy an apartment right next door to the very colorfully striped building on Brickell Avenue I saw at the beginning of every episode of Miami Vice. That building is called Villa Regina. I own my apartment next door at The Palace and I actually almost bought an apartment at Villa Regina before I saw the one I decided to buy and live in. Amazing how life works sometimes! I enjoy Miami and the Beaches so much that I have decided to expand our Dining section in Wire Magazine to Dining and Nightlife. There is so much to do and enjoy in Miami and Miami Beach that I want to share with our readers. It goes well beyond what we may typically do because we forget to step out of our comfort zone. Case in point, I went to Mango’s Tropical Cafe this week for my dining column, and I had one of the best, most fun nights in a long time. Mango’s, loved by so many tourists; it’s a Miami Beach institution that truly represents so many of the wonderful things I loved about our City. Everyone who works at Mango’s was having a great time on Tuesday. The staff was super attentive, and the dancers and entertainers were fantastic. Why? Because they love what they do. I love Miami because my dream came true! Rafa Publisher & Editor in Chief rafa@wireweekly.com (Soon to be rafa@wiremag.com) 4 | wire magazine | issue #25, 2012 | www.wireweekly.com | facebook | twitter

Rafa Carvajal Publisher/Editor in Chief Associate Publisher Jesse Spencer Editor James Cubby Associate Editor Antwyone Ingram Design & Production Director Jose Gonzalez Columnists Alfredo Barrios Alyn Darnay Dane Steele Green Ken Hunt Dr. Gregg A Pizzi Michael Sasser Kevin Wynn Writers Neil Andrew Frias Staff Photographer Henry Perez Official Photography Studio Image1stmiami.com Photographers Javi Giovanni Luis Santiago Dale Stine Local Advertising advertising@wireweekly.com National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media | 212-242-6863 Editorial Submissions editorial@wireweekly.com Contact Information Tel: 305.520.WIRE | Fax: 786.272.0123 Email: info@wireweekly.com 1541 Brickell Avenue, #2004, Miami, FL 33129 Wire Magazine is published, produced, and owned by Wire Media Group L.L.C. All Rights Reserved Distributed in Miami, The Beaches, and Fort Lauderdale Cover Photo by Henry Perez

ON THE GO TRAVEL: AUSTRIA

PRETTY IN

PINK BY DANE STEELE GREEN

Friday Night Fun

@ TWIST

photos by Henry Perez, Wire Magazine Guests enjoyed a fabulous night at TWIST with delicious beats by DJ Scott Mann and a crowd that was sure to please. Seven different bars, stiff drinks, beautiful dancers, and, of course, the only place where there’s “Never a cover...Always a groove.” will be the first one to admit it: Austria does not immediately spring to mind as a summertime destination. Yes, the cities Vienna, Innsbruck, and Graz are gorgeous year-round, and who doesn’t like the idea of a stroll, or roll, in an Alpine meadow? But let’s face it, when you think of Austria, you think of skiing. No more. On the placid shores of Lake Wörthersee in Austria’s province of Carinthia stands the town of Velden am Wörthersee, whose small size belies the fact it, as site of the Pink Lake Festival (August 23-25), is actually a well known, if rural, stop on Europe’s summer Pride Season. Have no doubt that as Pride events go, this one is seriously laid back, more the equivalent of an informal backyard shindig with the locals than a circuit party extravaganza with a cast of thousands. This is one of those “get there before the tourists do” events on the European Pride Calendar. That being said, be prepared for an international crowd: The Pink Lake Festival regularly pulls in crowds from both West and East Europe, hosting folks from Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and the UK, and is so deep in Austria’s south that for boys in Slovenia and Croatia, Velden is a day trip. Consider the four-star Hotel Villa Bulfon the epicenter for the fun. A time warp to 15th Century imperial Europe with a private beach on Lake Wörthersee, the Bulfon and its Pago Beach Club are where things rev up on August 23, albeit with a distinctly Alpine twist. If you’ve got a fetish for Lederhosen and Dirndls, are you ever in the right place. The Almdudler Folkwear Party puts a hard gay spin on all your Hansel (and Gretel) fantasies — and be honest, aren’t you even just a little titillated at the idea of a horny Hansel? Better brush up on your yodeling skills… On August 24, the party heads out across the water with the TROJKA Pink Boat Cruise Party. And while the stately lakeside landscape overlooked by the Alps is majestic indeed, chances are the onboard fleshscape-with-thumping-music-accompaniment will hold your attention, among other things, a little more firmly. Hands off the crew. At least until you’re back at port. Things end with a Mediterranean bang at the rollicking Casino Velden, which practically put the town on the map. On August 25, DJs Mark Neo and Eduardo de la Torre import the sounds of Ibiza, giving a techno shot in the arm to Velden’s mountain-man charm. For more information, go to http://www.pinklake.at/en/. Steele Luxury Travel has a strong relationship with Austrian Airlines to save you money on your next flight to Austria. Contact us at 646.688.2274 or email us at info@steeletravel.com. Live Your Indulgence, in a Pink Lake. 6 | wire magazine | issue #25, 2012 | www.wireweekly.com | facebook | twitter

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LOOKING GOOD MINDING YOUR GYM MANNERS BY KEN HUNT

very so often it’s a good idea to look around and remember you are not the ONLY person working out at the gym. So here are some simple suggestions to make your gym experience a good experience for you—and for everyone around you. I call it “Ken’s Rules of Gym Etiquette.” Share: If you’re doing multiple sets on a machine, it’s common courtesy to let others work in during your rest periods. This may not always be practical, but offer to share whenever you can. Clean up: Please don’t walk away from a machine, leaving a pool of sweat behind. Always bring a towel with you and wipe the machines down when you’re finished. No one wants to work out in a pool of sweat, least of all yours. Leave No Trace: Don’t you just love the person who leaves four million pounds on the leg press machine? Pick up after yourself. Your mother isn’t around to do it for you anymore. Always put your weights back when you’re finished. Machine Hog: Some gyms have time limits on cardio machines during busy hours. There’s a reason for that, and you should obey it. And no, throwing your towel over the display doesn’t fool anyone. We know how long you stay on the treadmill. If you want to do a marathon run, then choose a time when the gym isn’t so busy. Keep it down: Most gym-goers I know have seen “that Guy” or “that Girl.” And you know who I mean. The one pumping away on the treadmill or stepper while screaming into a cell phone. Is someone really that important? Unless it’s an emergency, save your chats for after your workouts. Cover it up: I respect the confidence that allows some people to walk around the locker room naked. Know what else I respect? Seeing you wearing a towel after your shower. Try and keep the locker room a comfortable place for everyone. Even though you look great naked, save it for that special person in your life. What’s that smell? When you’re headed to the gym, please go easy on the cologne and perfume. If someone is reaching for that last burst of speed on the treadmill or pushing for those last few reps, they need oxygen, not the latest designer fragrance. It’s almost, but not quite, as bad as body odor. And while we’re on the subject, please take your gym clothes home and wash them. If you work out more than three times a week, change your workout clothes. On behalf of everyone at the gym, thanks in advance.

Ken Hunt is an AFI-certified trainer and owner of Steel Gym in New York City and Fire Island Pines. Ken’s articles have been featured in The New York Times, Horizon Barcelona, Diversity Rules, Men’s Fitness, Genre, HX, Odyssey Magazine, Gooth Magazine, Stonewall News and EXIT South Africa, and he’s a frequent guest on Sirius OutQ Radio. Ken travels the country lecturing and giving seminars on health and fitness programs for major corporations. He is currently finishing his new exercise book and is in development for a forthcoming cable TV series.

DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

BY RAFA CARVAJAL

WOW! SO MUCH FUN...

THE VERY ESSENCE OF MIAMI Images Credit: Mango’s Tropical Café

he first time I stepped into Mango’s Tropical Café I was fascinated by the high energy and the fun in the air. I remember thinking to myself, “how very Miami this place is!” I had walked past Mango’s several times and noticed how busy it always was inside and out. For some erroneous reason I thought of it as just another Ocean Drive tourist trap designed to entertain tourists looking for a glitzy experience in Miami Beach. I must confess that failing to get past my misconceptions had kept me away from a Miami Beach institution that truly knows how to entertain everyone who walks in the door.

Mango’s Performers

It was my brother Rolando who asked me to come with him to Mango’s the first time I was there and we had a fantastic time. My brothers and my mom love Mango’s, so I have gone with them a few times when they come to visit me in Miami. This past Tuesday I decided to check it out once again to experience their dinner and show and I had an awesome time. I very much enjoyed the food, the cocktails, and especially the live shows and the warmth of the staff – everyone around us had a really fun time, including Mango’s bartenders. The energy during our dinner and the live shows was truly off the charts. We enjoyed first-rate live performances by extremely talented dancers, singers, and performers while nibbling on tasty Smokehouse BBQ Sliders, followed by their Churrasco & Shrimp Deluxe, and sipping on a Mango Mambo frozen cocktail and a Coconut Mudslide with Hershey’s chocolate syrup. Executive Chef Angel Ramirez’s extensive Continental, Latin, Caribbean and Italian menu made it difficult to choose from the many options available. Mango’s cocktail selection, designed in-house

Coconut Mojito

Coconut Mudslide

Churrasco

by Joshua Wallack, delighted us with a wide variety of handcrafted specialties that include mojitos, shooters, caprioskas, caipirinhas, daiquiris, high octanes, blasters, martinis, and margaritas. Mango’s entertainers are professionally trained and required to attend choreography classes on a weekly basis. Some of the main bar shows included a Cuban-style cabaret, a Michael Jackson “Thriller” troupe, conga shows, salsa and belly dancers, and a couple who were excellent ballroom dancers. These people can dance and have amazing bodies! The shows were accentuated by Mango’s vibrant décor, illuminated

Picada palm trees, veranda, tropical foliage paintings and multiple themed rooms designed to resemble the famous Tropicana Club in Havana - circa 1920s. So, if you love living in Miami for the essence of its culture and its people – like I do – stop by Mango’s to enjoy their shows, cocktails and food. My friend Ray and I had a fantastic time on Tuesday thanks to a group of very talented entertainers and a very warm staff that reminded me that I sometimes forget how much fun Miami nightlife can be if you step out of your comfort zone. Stop by the Wire Magazine Facebook and YouTube to see some of my photos and videos from my night out at Mango’s.

COVER STORY: TWIST “NEVER A COVER ALWAYS A GROOVE…”

By James Cubby / Images Credit: Henry Perez Joel Stedman, Richard Trainor JD Bower, Yubi Herrera Valentino Eriksen

ars and nightclubs come and go but the legendary bar known as TWIST has not only remained but through the years has also transformed into a bigger and better bar. Like no other bar, TWIST has seven bars and never has a cover. When I first arrived in South Beach in 1995, TWIST was the very first bar I visited and I felt at home from that first visit. In those days TWIST was half the size but it was always the place to start or end an evening. If you’ve read my novel, South Beach Star, you know TWIST was one of the very friendly bars that the main character visited – quite often. TWIST is a place where memories are made and good times are had. Through the years I remember so many bartenders that have come and gone (does anyone remember the hot blonde twin bartenders that worked the upstairs bar) and performers like Kevin Aviance and Lady Bunny that have brought the house down. I remember how we’d all rush to TWIST to see the new look every year after it was remodeled. While TWIST has always been a great place to party and meet people, the anniversary parties have always been memorable and an event not to miss (I have a collection of CDs from many past anniversary parties). It almost seems like everyone who has ever been to TWIST returns for the anniversary parties. It’s one of the greatest parties on the Beach where you can see people that you haven’t seen for years and, like always, meet new friends. A visit to TWIST is always a good time, often lasting longer than intended since at TWIST you can barhop from bar to bar without ever leaving the building. This year TWIST celebrates its 19th Anniversary. That’s 19 years of good times. Owners Richard Trainor and Joel Stedman are wonderful hosts and it’s always a joy to run into one of them at TWIST. The staff of TWIST is one of the friendliest you’ll ever meet, from the guys at the door to the managers. Wire Magazine took the opportunity to chat with two of the managers of TWIST about the history of TWIST, the owners, the club, the music, and why TWIST is such a success. JD Bower, Operations Manager, comes to TWIST after running several bars in Provincetown and Miami Beach. Yubi Herrera, Bar Manager, has managed a variety of bars including Vlada Lounge and has been an Event Coordinator for White Party Week.

COVER STORY: TWIST “NEVER A COVER ALWAYS A GROOVE…”

Do you work closely with the owners? JD: The owners of TWIST are Richard Trainor and Joel Stedman. I work very closely with both, as they are very hands-on owners. They are both involved in all aspects of running the club, plus, they are good friends of mine. Yubi: The owners play very active and vital roles in how TWIST runs and are in constant communication with the staff and with the managers. They are amazing people, very easy to talk to and always share their guidance whenever required. Especially with some of the bartenders that have been there for years, there is a very strong bond with staff, managers and the owners. What do you know of the history of TWIST? JD: When TWIST first opened its doors 19 years ago in 1993, it was comprised of two bars; the Video Pub and the main upstairs dance bar. The open air Patio Bar, which has since been enclosed, followed. I’ve heard TWIST was a big success right from the start. Several years later the property next door became available and TWIST was about to double its size. The former Lulu’s Restaurant and a beach bungalow were gutted and renovated into three more bars. A landscaped outdoor garden with two giant 50foot palm trees at its center connected the bars. In 2003, the Garden Bar opened in the space under the back stairs. TWIST reinvents itself every year and is ever evolving. Improvements and changes are always underway and as soon as one anniversary is over - ideas are developed for the next. But you never know with Richard as one of the owners, there may be something up his sleeve, the sky’s the limit. Or is it? Yubi: I’m still putting together pieces told by Joel, Richard, Valentino and the many loyal patrons that have been going there for years. I know in its early days, Bar Five (the Latin Room) was a restaurant called Lulu’s, before TWIST took it over. Bar 3, overlooking the Garden, was once open to the elements and served frozen drinks. TWIST started as a small bar and has grown and evolved to what it is today!

How has TWIST been remodeled for this celebration? JD: Richard and Joel have spent a lot of time on the renovations for this year. There is a lot of work and coordination that goes on behind the scenes that people do not see. First, the entire club has been freshly painted inside and out. Selected bars have received a complete makeover. One of the biggest transformations is the Latin room. It will be completely different from what it was. It’s hard to describe the transformation: you will have to stop in to see for yourself. The Video Bar will have a completely new bar and woodwork throughout, as will the Bungalow Bar. Every bar will now have LED lighting and new dance lights will be added everywhere. There has been a very labor-intensive schedule to have everything completed on time without closing each bar down to complete the work. People have been in the building 24/7 to have this place in even better shape for the 19th Anniversary Party. Yubi: Many of the murals will be redone, stools reupholstered, bar tops changed and many of the fixtures replaced. With the input of our valued bartenders, loyal patrons and the creativity of the owners, TWIST is evolving and reinventing itself without losing its appeal as an international hotspot for tourists and locals alike. Tell us about this year’s anniversary celebration. JD: TP Lords will put on a special anniversary show that will blow you away, free drinks till 11 p.m. and the sounds of the infamous DJ J Felix. Yubi: Obviously, if I told you what I knew, it wouldn’t be a surprise! Will there be any special surprises? JD: There are always surprises at TWIST!!!!! Have you ever been to TWIST where you were not surprised? Why do you think TWIST is so successful?

JD: TWIST is the success that it is largely do to Is there a theme to this year’s anniversa- the efforts of Richard and Joel and the great team ry party and will there be special music they have hired to serve our guests. When it DVD giveaways? comes to special projects such as the renovation, Richard does not stop. I have never met anyone JD: Nathan (a long-time bartender and DJ) again with such a lust for life. has worked tirelessly to produce his original DVD mix of the hottest music videos this year at TWIST. Yubi: True to its slogan, “Never a Cover, Always I’m sure there will be some original, only seen at a Groove” TWIST has been and will always be TWIST, productions on that one! We only have the place to go to any night of the week. We are 300 copies, so get there early and Nathan will the only venue with multiple rooms. Each room have a special surprise for you. has a different personality, a different vibe, but

JD BOWER Operations Manager YUBI HERRERA Bar Manager

COVER STORY: TWIST “NEVER A COVER ALWAYS A GROOVE…”

it is all under one roof. Letting the bartenders have hands-on control of the music and/or lighting at their bar creates a personal touch and allows for better interaction with their guests. TWIST is the only place you can find any type of person all mixed into one location. You really can’t find that anywhere else! Describe TWIST for those who have never had the opportunity to visit TWIST. JD: It’s like going to a very large family reunion, with male dancers!!!! You will see people here that you have not seen in years from all over the world standing next to the people in your everyday life. There is such a diverse crowd that walk through the doors every single night. All are welcome and continue to come back, day after day and year after year. TWIST is the type of bar you can walk into not knowing a soul and walk out having met everyone, but it’s all up to you. What’s different about TWIST than any other bar? Yubi: TWIST has seven bars; each one is different than the other and offers a unique vibe. You can’t get that much variety in one location anywhere else, especially with NO COVER! What’s your fondest memory of TWIST? Yubi: So far, I have to say the most memorable time has been Miami Beach Gay Pride. Which is the most popular bar at TWIST (and why)? JD: I believe that the most popular bar at TWIST is the upstairs Video Bar. The owners and the bartenders have worked together to create a very comfortable space. Nathan goes above and beyond to track down the latest videos and he creates some amazing footage. The footage, combined with the amazing bartenders, provide an atmosphere and energy that people really seem to enjoy and stay for hours.

Yubi: I think the most popular bar at TWIST is the Video Bar. This is the bar that our bartenders are put to the test, providing their own playlist of music videos, which directly affects the energy and the flow of the room. Thanks to the talent of our amazing bartenders on the weekends, Mario and Nathan, you can barely walk through the dance floor because it is so packed! And everybody loves it! Through the years a lot of celebrities have stopped by TWIST. Can you share a few names? Yubi: We have had many celebrities at TWIST, some of the bigger names being Katy Perry, Jennifer Coolidge and Queen Latifah. TWIST has quite a roster of entertainers that appear weekly. Who are they and what do they do? Yubi: On Monday nights we have Arrasando in the Latin Room hosted by our very animated bartender Nick Torres, who invites many performers such as Asia Aviance, Poison Ivy and Justice Divine. On Tuesdays we have Daisy D spinning Hip Hop but she also puts on a severely funny show at the main bar dance floor. On Wednesdays the legendary TP Lords performs on the main dance floor as well, and Nelly Norell performs in Bar Five during Karaoke with Sean Brady and Mario. On Thursdays, Adora spins Latin music for all the salsa and merengue lovers, alongside bartender Aquiles in Bar Five. On Sunday and Monday nights, you can catch Pussila hosting her infamous Booty Contests in the Bungalow Bar, where someone is bound to come out with a red handprint on their booty. Who are some of the star DJs that come to TWIST? Who are the weekly DJs and what kind of music do they play? JD: Our weekly DJ staff, in my opinion, are the star DJs. We have some of the best DJs around including DJ Mika, Brian Zero and DJ Paulie. Throughout the year, Joel and Richard bring in some amazing DJs

from all over the country, including two of my favorite P-Town DJs: DJ Mary Alice and DJ David Lasalle. Yubi: Some of the DJs that TWIST hires includes George Figares, Michael Tank, Bryan Zero, Brad Sushiman, Scott Mann, Paulie, Cindel, Mika, J Felix and many more. All these DJs are very talented, with a passion for music and love playing at TWIST. One of my favorite DJs is Mika on Saturday nights. An experienced DJ who knows the industry well, Mika has played music equal to that at a huge circuit event, making the dance floor at TWIST impassable. What can we look forward to this year at TWIST? JD: You will have to keep checking with Wire Magazine and TWIST’s webpage to find out all of the special events that we have throughout the year. You never know what crazy idea we will come up with next. Yubi: TWIST hosts big events during long weekends and during festive weekends, such as Winter Party Festival and Miami Beach Pride. One of the best unique events that TWIST hosts is the Turn About event, where all of the bartenders dress up in drag and do a number on the stage of Bar Five. Every year, every bartender tries to outdo the other, and the night “turns out” to be one of the funniest and most creative nights of the year. Is there anything else you’d like to share with Wire Magazine readers about the TWIST experience or TWIST’s Anniversary Celebration? JD: We all hope to see you at the anniversary party and look forward to your feedback on how much you love the new additions to TWIST!

TWIST celebrates its 19th Anniversary

Wednesday, June 27

DAILY GRIND: POLITICS

BY MICHAEL W. SASSER

CAN BEACH BRAND SURVIVE BILLBOARDS? iami Beach’s Deco Bike is a rarity in local municipal lore – a program that benefits residents, visitors and the city’s financial coffers all at once. Since its launch, it’s been embraced by a wide range of people and institutions – and not just for its Green appeal: its supporters aren’t all self-righteous urban “environmentalists” who pretty much applaud any intention, whether or not the practicality accomplishes anything at all. But Deco Bike is not a municipal service. If so, union labor would have destroyed it as it has the nation’s manufacturing industry, Miami Beach’s budget and the, uh, entire state of California. And, although I don’t want to send waves of confusion through progressive business students, businesses are in the business of making money. Unlike the public sector, the private sector has to actually achieve in order to continue to exist. There’s nothing wrong with Deco Bike being in the business of making money and its contract with the City of Miami Beach was negotiated specifically to do that.

to include the much larger kiosk ads under discussion. According to the folks at Deco Bike, they are losing money and the enhanced advertising option is the only clear way to enhance revenue and make sure the program continues. Critics on the other hand, assert that an independent look at Deco Bike’s books is needed to confirm the revenue assertion. Many feel the company crying wolf about money has been the plan from the beginning and that more complaints will continue to be made, forcing the city to continue to renegotiate a deal already in place. This certainly jibes with how public-private entanglements usually work. After all, out in flyover country, youngsters with no ambition or ability are told by their elders to get a government job; and businesses without the ability to function economically are advised to get government contracts.

To be fair and honest, I spoke to folks at Deco Bike last year and liked them. I like the program. I think that might Now, though, as most in town have heard, Deco Bike is be a first for the city’s usually incestuous relations with looking to expand its revenue base by having advertise- the business community. Usually the stink of corruption is ments placed on its rental kiosks around town. Although palpable. there are already ads on each bike’s12:37 basket, approvWire_HP_horiz_She_HP_horiz 5/19/12 PMcity Page 1 al is needed to expand the company’s marketing options That said, I think both sides have a point and, further-

more, I think it should be the public weighing all available information that should make a decision. There’s nothing wrong with independent verification of Deco Bike’s books. If indeed the program is not viable, then the public should weigh the benefits of enhanced advertising against the cost in terms of more visible advertising, and the encroaching into residential neighborhoods. It isn’t as if Deco Bike is asking for direct public funding, and the city would earn a portion of the new revenue. But there should definitely be an open and honest discussion. This should not be one of those items the city commission with its collective wisdom (sarcasm entirely intentional) acts on without substantial public input. Nor should it be something that neighborhood activists take a polarized position on without benefit of all the facts. Of course, “should” is just a political columnist’s pipedream. Hey, the city should privatize services and thus enable taxpayers to see their rates cut in half. What City Hall intends to do remains to be seen. Hopefully the city’s political class will see fit to include more than just the usual suspects when it comes to public input. This far out from an election, though, the motivation for elected officials to cater to rank and file residents is weak. Maybe that’s why it’s an issue this summer at all.

DAILY GRIND: ON THE SCENE YOU CAN’T SIT WITH US By ANTWYONE INGRAM Image Credit: Yuri Arcurs - Courtesy of Shutterstock

Discotekka’s 5 Year Anniversary @ Discotekka

photos by Henry Perez, Wire Magazine Discotekka brought us the Greatest Show on Earth as it celebrated its 5 year anniversary. Ringleader Vegas delivered a jaw-dropping production full of spectacles featuring TP Lords, Gina DiAngelo and statuesque Athena Dion. Sounds by international DJ/Producer Billy Lace.

ay people, leave it to you when I’m having a gloomy day to bring some light into my life with your snarky remarks, and shady antics. As we all know, it is Gay Pride Month and equality reigns supreme, yada yada yada. While that’s peachy and lovely (nonchalantly waving rainbow flag while typing), let’s be realistic – you’re pretty damn shady. If equality means equally shady, then I totally get it. If it doesn’t, someone help me out please. Gay people are always the first to “boo-hoo” when someone heterosexual discriminates against them and are ready to throw lawsuits, call the press, glitter bomb and whine about inequality. We’re fighting for equality in the “straight world” and that’s great, I’m all for it. But who is going to take the lead in fighting for equality in our own community? Hypocritical is the understatement of the year. How can you have such a strong voice when it comes to being treated equally about your rights but you won’t even glance in another gay man’s direction because he is not your type or he isn’t a carbon copy of yourself. The gay community is so divided, so it always baffles me when I see some gay people demanding equality. Stereotypes play a key role. Gay men hate when heterosexuals stereotype them but do it almost as excessively as straight people do. The gay social scene has turned into a big game of “you can’t sit with us.” The bears sit at the bear’s table, hairy and angry. The jocks sit at the jocks table, not speaking because they are tools and don’t know how. The black people sit at the black table, eating chicken and planning a robbery. The circuit queens are licking bath salts off of their table. And the twinks are chewing bubblegum and applying mascara. As ridiculous as some of these stereotypes sound, there are gay men who legitimately view other gay men as stated above. The gay social scene reminds me so much of high school, and everyone is too content with these “social rules” that have been laid out by (blink blink) beats me. Do a little bit of soul searching during Pride month and think about all of those who paved the way so we could do the things we are able to do now, because I’m pretty sure Harvey Milk wasn’t fighting for equality for only certain types of gays. 16 | wire magazine | issue #25, 2012 | www.wireweekly.com | facebook | twitter

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WIRED ON THE ARTS

BY JAMES CUBBY

JUNE 21 - 27 CONCERTS

DANCE

The Deering Estate’s Cabaret Concert Series continues with multi-award winning jazz duo Davis and Dow on June 23 at 8 p.m.

COMEDY

Sorry for Party Rocking Tour, featuring LMFAO and the Party Rock Crew with Far East Movement, The Quest Crew, Sidney Samson, Eva Simons and Natalia Kills, comes to the American Airlines Arena on June 22 at 7 p.m.

Siudy Between Worlds, a unique fusion of flamenco, urban rhythms and dance featuring Suidy Garrido and 22 flamenco and urban dancers, comes to the Arsht Center on June 23 & 24.

THEATRE

Legendary comedian Don Rickles brings his acerbic humor to the Hard Rock Live on June 21 at 8 p.m.

ning playwright Nilo Cruz plays at the New Theatre thru June 24. Alliance Theatre Lab presents Small Membership, a play about insecurity, at the Main Street Playhouse thru June 24.

Graphic Intervention: 25 Years of International AIDS Awareness Posters 1985–2010, exploring the role of the poster in efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS, continues at the Wolfsonian – FIU Museum thru September 2.

The hilarious musical, La Cage Aux Folles, the biggest hit of the 2010 Broadway season, comes to the Bro- ART Tom of Finland: Male Masterpieces ward Center thru June 24. continues thru July 31 at the World A Bicycle Country by Pulitzer Prize-win- Erotic Art Museum.

Stage Door Theatre brings us Death- EVENT trap, Broadway’s longest running mys- Film Life’s American Black Film Festival (thru June 23) returns with some of the tery, at the Byron Carlyle thru July 1. latest and best Black films from around Broward Center and City Theatre pres- the world at various theaters in Miami ent Standing on Ceremony - The Gay Beach. For schedule, visit www.abff. Marriage Plays June 21-24 at the Bro- com. ward Center. Eight short plays on the The 2nd Annual Overtown Rhythm & subject of marriage equality. Arts Festival, featuring R&B legend Freddie Jackson, singer Nicole Henry, OPERA Miami Lyric Opera presents Madama and jazz and gospel star Jonathan ButButterfly at the Gusman Center June 23 ler, is slated for June 23 from 11 a.m. – & 24. For more info, visit www.miami- 8 p.m. running down NW 3rd Avenue between 9th & 11th Streets. For more lyricopera.org. info, visit www.overtownfestival.com.

Visit www.wiredonthearts.com to view the contact information for all our Wired on the Arts venues.

Submissions for Wired on the Arts should be sent to: cubby@wireweekly.com

TOP TRAX

BY DJ FR8-O

SCISSOR SISTERS WORK THEIR MAGIC

Sunday T Dance

@ Palace

photos by Henry Perez, Wire Magazine Palace divas pack a punch every Sunday at the Palace Brunchic and T Dance with the most outrageous shows. Don’t miss the hottest spot on the ocean, with the sexiest people in town every Sunday on Ocean Drive.

ot too many artists get me all worked up for a new release like Scissor Sisters. Ever since they wowed me with their disco remake of the Pink Floyd classic “Comfortably Numb” in 2004 I’ve been spellbound by their funky throwbacks, falsetto vocals and general aversion to the ordinary. Now after two years of anticipation, the quirky quintet has once again pulled the proverbial rabbit from their collective hats and given us another set of surprises with their latest, Magic Hour. From the opening track, “Baby Come Home,” I figured I was in for another batch of Scissor Sisters upbeat alterna-pop numbers a la their previous albums. But that illusion quickly disappeared with the first beat of the Alex Ridha produced “Keep Your Shoes On.” The Caribbean club-banger suddenly shined the spotlight on a side of the Sisters we’ve been dying to explore. Before I could work up too much of a sweat, things cooled down with the Pharrell Williams produced “Inevitable” only to heat up again with “Only The Horses.” The track oozes with club-ready elements, the signature mark of a Calvin Harris collaboration. Once again the party is paused by yet another electro ballad, “Year of Living Dangerously,” and one I’m sad to admit should have been left off the guest list. Just as I was about to switch my listening to a more passive setting, I got an earful of “Let’s Have a Kiki” and found myself on The Palladium dance floor in New York City circa Junior Vasquez. The fierce cocktail of dark house beats, vocal drama and c*nty attitude were exactly the unexpected injection you’d be more likely to find on a Beatport artist than on a commercial release. Needless to say it’ll be making a steady appearance in my next few sets. The drama continues as lead singer Jake Shears (aka Krystal Pepsi) gives you his best Cazwell rap on “Shady Love,” another dance floor filler straight outta New York’s ‘90s house scene featuring rapper Azealia Banks. Not to be confined within the walls of a subtle transition, the Sisters slam on the brakes with the easy breezy “San Luis Obispo,” only to hit the gas again on “Self Control” -both are great tracks, just poorly placed. Another refreshing surprise, the reggae-rich “Best in Me” left me with a playful feeling I haven’t experienced since Gwen Stefani’s “Rich Girl.” Sadly, playtime was cut short by the somber “The Secret Life of Letters.” Although beautifully composed by longtime collaborator Stuart Price, it’s too much of a buzzkill for an album with so many uplifting dance tracks. Thankfully the closing number, “Somewhere,” although heavy in theme, leaves us stepping to an electro beat. Jake Shears described Magic Hour as “a sweet joyful mélange of beat-driven futurepop.” With the exception of one or two bumps in the road it managed to stay on course thanks to co-writers Scott Hoffman and Jason Sellards and producer Alex Ridha behind the wheel. It’s far from flawless, but it’s definitely worth taking for a spin around the dance floor. If you’re a recording artist, musician or producer and would like your work featured on TOP TRAX, hit me up at Alfredo@wireweekly.com. 18 | wire magazine | issue #25, 2012 | www.wireweekly.com | facebook | twitter

TO VIEW ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM THIS & OTHER EVENTS VISIT: WWW.WIREWEEKLY.COM

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YELLOW HACKY SAC BACKPACK FROM MARC BY MARC JACOB If you’re the type that likes to lounge outdoors in a park while indulging in a good book, or need a fashionable bag to complement your look during a summer stroll through the city, Marc Jacobs has come to the rescue. This vibrant polyurethane backpack is simple and lightweight with a foldover flap at the main compartment, tan drawstring closure, single carry handle in yellow with navy detail, zippered pocket at back, with card slots and cell phone bag in the interior. $240. Ssense.com

VINTAGE MESSENGER BAG BY GUCCI If you’re seeking a lavish alternative to the plethora of boring messenger/laptop bags, look no further than Gucci. This beautiful vintage messenger by Gucci is coated in the signature “GG” logo in beige/blue with blue/red/blue web and blue leather trim. The bag includes an adjustable shoulder strap, palladium hardware, and flap closure with magnetic strip. This medium messenger is ideal for business meetings and a chic bag for your laptop while traveling. $730. NeimanMarcus.com (also available at www. bergdorfgoodman.com)

DUFFIE TRAVEL BAG BY DIESEL

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THIS WEEK THURSDAY, JUNE 21

some delicious beats by DJ Scott Mann and a crowd that’s sure to please. Enjoy seven different bars, stiff drinks, beautiful dancers, and, of course, the only place where there’s “Never a cover...Always a groove.”

EROS LOUNGE: Presenting Latin Fuego Thursday nights! Get ready for an outrageous night hosted by Teresita La Caliente with shows starting at 11 p.m. Free parking and $6 Cuba Libres all night long. 8201 Biscayne Blvd. SATURDAY, JUNE 23 MOVA: Stop by for happy hour from 3 to 9 p.m., followed by Vanity Girl. Vanity Girl Thursdays gives you gorgeous girls, great music by DJ Zehno, $4 Miller Lites, $6 Finlandia cocktails, and a free Miller Lite when you buy the shot of the week. 1625 Michigan Ave.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Annual Donation Special Event photos by Juan Saco Mironoff Saturday night the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force presented its annual donation to the Miami Foundation’s GLBT Community Projects Fund. The funds, representing the proceeds from the two main Miami Task Force events, totaled over $211,000 - the most money that has ever been donated by the Task Force.

DISCOTEKKA: Get ready for VIDEORAMA as you dance the night away to sexy visuals and music videos alongside the sounds of DJ Mac. Doors open at 11 p.m. 950 NE 2nd Ave.

MOVA: Stop by for happy hour from 3 to 9 p.m., followed by FLASH Saturdays PALACE: Palace hosts Stiletto Nights with the hottest music videos and visual with fierce drag shows by host Missy entertainment by VJ Chris Racine till 3 Meiyakie and special diva cast mem- a.m. with $9 Grey Goose cocktails all bers. Show starts at 6 p.m. Enjoy weekly night. drink specials all night. 1200 Ocean Drive. PALACE: Join Palace all day for “Drags Gone Wild” with stellar performances by SCORE: Enjoy cocktails out on the patio Tiffany Fantasia and cast! Enjoy sounds and watch the famous Lincoln Road traf- by DJ Hans at 4 p.m. fic pass by. Later in the evening Score hosts Pop Fever Thursdays, celebrating SCORE: Don’t miss Score’s BIGGER the release of stripper film Magic Mike. Saturdays party! Tonight Score brings Fab beats by DJ Daisy D & AJ Reddy, you Summer Fusion. Featuring a show paired with an incredible crowd of deli- stopping set by DJ Gigi and DJ Paul De cious partygoers. Take advantage of $6 Leon. $6 Chambord cocktails all night Long Islands all night. No cover! 727 plus a free cocktail with paid admission Lincoln Road. til 1a.m. Hosted by Alex Prieto. No cover. TWIST: Don’t miss out on a fabulous night at TWIST with seven different bars, TWIST: Happy Hour 2-4-1 with Tommy DJ Sushiman, stiff drinks, and beautiful and the locals from 1 to 9 p.m. on dancers. And if you’re looking for some everything. Come tonight for MUSCLE hot papis, DJ Adora will be hosting BOY Saturdays and enjoy a full house Sabroso in Bar 5! Don’t miss the 2-4-1 of hot men and some incredible beats Special on everything till 2 a.m. “Never by DJ Mika. “Never a cover...Always a a cover... Always a groove.” 1057 groove.” Washington Ave. SUNDAY, JUNE 24 FRIDAY, JUNE 22 ANGLERS: If you are looking to nurse MOVA: MOVA: Join Join Edison Edison Farrow Farrow for for HYPE that hangover with some unlimited mimoFridays Fridays at at MOVA, MOVA, “where “where the the men men go sas and Bloody Marys, look no further out out in in South South Beach Beach on on Friday Friday nights!” than 660 at the Anglers. Enjoy great Delectable Delectable beats beats by by DJ DJ Bryan Bryan Zero, Zero, food and delicious libations in one of with with special special guest guest DJ DJ Nicole Nicole Baldwin the most beautiful boutique resorts Miami from from Brazil Brazil and and aa special special fashion fashion show Beach has to offer. 660 Washington by by Deep Deep Antiquity. Antiquity. Hosted Hosted by by the the zany Ave. Pussila. Pussila. Special Special treats treats provided provided by by Absolut Absolut Vodka Vodka all all night! night! No No cover. cover. MOVA: MOVA hosts the most scandalous party in South Beach, Out-n-Ugly PALACE: Tonight is Drag Madness with Sundays with DJ Latrice. Beginning at 9 fierce shows by some of South Beach’s p.m. with drag shows 11 p.m. - 12:30 most spectacular drag performers! Get a.m. Enjoy $4 Miller Lites, $5 Herradura ready for the biggest show on South Shots, and $6 Finlandia. No cover. Beach at 6 p.m. PALACE: South Beach’s most legendary SCORE: Tonight Penny Back Boyz host drag brunch will take place from 11a.m. one of the hottest parties in South Beach, to 4 p.m. with two seatings: 11:30 a.m. Filthy Gorgeous Fridays, with sounds by and 2 p.m. Enjoy over-the-top perforinternational DJ Willy G. mances by Noel Leon paired with a delectable menu. Afterwards, check out TWIST: Enjoy a fabulous night at TWIST. the sexiest Sunday T-Dance in SoBe with Get in for the free Happy Hour BBQ local DJs working the turntables. When at 6 p.m. Tonight get in the house for the T-Dance ends, the BAR CRAWL

begins, take the party to MOVA to finish off the Sunday fun.

Visitor’s Center. Play for the chance to win amazing prizes courtesy of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of SCORE: Stop by and test your vocals Commerce! with Karaoke tonight! Doors open at 9 p.m. Still happening upstairs, HIP PALACE: Stop by and “Dine With the SUNDAYS, in association with Club Boi Stars,” as Palace brings you the most 2.0, brings the best hip-hop, house, and iconic divas of all time with a full roster of R&B beats by DJs Gavin T & Diaz from impersonators and show-stopping perfor10 p.m. to 5 a.m. mances. Special guest hosts and performances every week, with dinner specials TWIST: Get in for 2-4-1 happy hour from starting at $19.95, which includes a 1 to 9 p.m. & the free BBQ at 6 p.m. Afterwards, see one of the most scan- glass of wine. dalous shows you’ll ever witness with Pussila’s amateur strip contest. Upstairs DJ Paulie will be working it out on the main dance floor. At TWIST: “Never a cover...Always a groove.” MONDAY, JUNE 25 KILL KILL YOUR YOUR IDOL: IDOL: Dustin Dustin Reffca Reffca prespresents ents GLITTER GLITTER BOX BOX MONDAYS MONDAYS -- South South Beach’s hottest Monday Mondaynight night party is Beach’s hottest party is celcelebrating 2ndAnniversary Anniversary of of Glitter ebrating thethe2nd Glitter Box Box Mondays Mondays at at Kill Kill Your Your Idol Idol with with multimultiple ple DJs, DJs, sparkling sparkling guest guest appearances, appearances, DJ DJ Smeejay, Smeejay, DJ DJ FR8-O FR8-O and and Maximus Maximus 3000. 3000. Don’t Don’t miss miss aa special special CD CD Giveaway, Giveaway, $1 $1 PBR PBR Beer, Beer, $2 $2 Jell-O Jell-O shots, shots, $4 $4 Jack Jack Daniels Daniels and and $4 $4 Vodka Vodka drinks drinks all all night! night! 222 222 Española Española Way. Way.

SCORE: It’s Planeta Macho tonight, the hottest Latin Party in Miami Beach, featuring Latin beats by award winner DJ George Ferrero. Watch amazing shows by Miami’s best female impersonators. Check out the dancers on the 2nd level hosted by Teresita La Caliente. Don’t miss this party - it’s South Florida’s Best Latin Party! TWIST: 2-4-1 Happy Hour from 1 to 9 p.m. on everything. Tonight TWIST presents Keeping It Real Fun With Daisy D. Get ready for ridiculous beats and $5 Jumbo Blue Long Island Iced Teas all night long. “Never a cover. Always a groove.”

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27 MOVA: Get ready to be a star at MOVA’s weekly SHOUT karaoke party with VJ AJ Reddy. Test your vocals and EROS LOUNGE: Feeling talented? enjoy half priced drinks all night long Every Wednesday starting at 8 p.m. is Eros Idol Karaoke. Happy Hour is from and $5 glasses of wine. 4 to 9 p.m. with $5 Long Island Iced Tea PALACE: RuPaul’s Drag Race may be all night long. over, but the drama continues! Get ready for Palace Drag Race taking over MOVA: Stop by for MOVA’s weekly Mondays at Palace hosted by the auda- College Night Wednesdays, hosted by cious Missy Meyakie LePaige with spec- the Penny Back Boyz. DJ Daisy D will be tacular appearances by RuPaul’s Drag working the turntables, while you enjoy Race Season 4 contestant, Latrice Royale! $5 Finlandia cocktails or grab five Miller Enjoy an Absolut open bar from 7-8 p.m. Lites for only $15 all night long. Divas in drag receive $4 Absolut cocktails all night long! PALACE: Tonight Palace presents Elite Nights. Sit back and enjoy live music SCORE: Swing by for one of the best and hilarious comedy presented by the happy hours in Miami Beach where all one and only Noel Leon. Sip on comdrinks are 1/2 price, followed by Video plimentary drinks from 8 to 9 p.m. and Freak where you can request your favor- get through hump day with a night to ite music videos and enjoy $5 vodka remember, show starts at 8 p.m. cocktails, $7 martinis and $3 beers. No cover. SCORE: Come and spend a pleasTWIST: Happy Hour 2-4-1 drinks ‘till 9 p.m. Then it’s Arrasando hosted by Marco Perez & Nicholas Torres with beats by house diva Justice Divine. Join Nathan in the Frolic Lounge for signature mix of Pop and Top 20 & DJ Bryan Zero’s fab beats on the main dance floor.

ant evening on one of Score’s outdoor couches as they host Martini Madness Night. A half-price Happy Hour runs till 9 p.m.

TWIST: TWIST: celebrates Celebrates its its 19th 19th anniversary anniversary with with Absolut Absolut OUTrageous OUTrageous and and aa special special anniversary show show by by the the legendary legendary TP TP Lords. Sounds TUESDAY, JUNE 26 Sounds by by the the infamous infamous DJ DJ JJ Felix, Felix, and free free drinks drinks til til 11 11 p.m. p.m. Come Come celcelMOVA: Join the outrageous Pussila ebrate 19 19 years years where where there’s there’s “Never “Never aa for DRAG BINGO, benefiting the LGBT cover, always a groove.” 21 | wire magazine | issue #25, 2012 | www.wireweekly.com | facebook | twitter

Glitter Box Mondays @ Kill Your Idol photos by Dustin Reffca

Dustin Reffca presents Glitter Box Mondays, South Beachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest Monday night party, at Kill Your Idol. This hidden gem has something for everyone, as partygoers kick back and enjoy manic beats by Deejay Smeejay & DJ FR8-0 while enjoying some of the best drink prices in town.