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CONTENTS
APRIL 21, 2016 | VOL 335
23. ON THE COVER
Actor and rising star Matthew Frias opens up about hard work and what it takes to achieve your dreams.
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THE NEXUS
11. Gay D.D. 12. What's Next | Music: Beyonce & Rufus 14. What's Next | Festival: Comic Cure 16. What's Next | Nightlife: Noche de Escandalo 18. Finery: Celebrity Chef Hamlet Garcia
FEATURES
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27. Director’s Corner: Three Q&As 38. Brief Encounter: Rapper Reijo Rych 44. Spotlight: Justin Tranter 48. Last Call: First Encore
NEXT STEPS
51. Fitness: Sharpen Your Focus 60. Travel: 4 Honeymoons To Take 66. Dining: Happy Hour For the Foodies
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NEXT WEEK 69. Calendar of Events
SHOT IN THE DARK 71. Party Pics
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Cover Photo By Florian Moret
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04-21-2016 Issue 335 PUBLISHER
Kevin Hopper EDITORIAL
Alexander Kacala - Coordinating Editor Jameer Baptiste - Features Editor
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GAY D.D. · WEEK IN PHOTOS · WHAT’S NEXT
Laughing Out Loud For A Good Cause PAGE 12
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COMMENT OF THE WEEK: “I deeply apologize,” American Idol’s La’Porsha Renae said after her anti-gay comments blew up the internet last week.
APRIL 21, 2016
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GOT GAY-TENTION DEFICIT DISORDER?
Did Rihanna surprise her cast mates with anal beads during a tribute video at Pride? SHINE BRIGHT Celebrities making public shows of support for the LGBT community is nothing new, but it’s a bit more surprising to see a major star take the time to help out a fan and keep it all private. That’s exactly what Rihanna did when she spoke to a closeted gay fan through direct messages on Twitter, encouraging them to come out. “Baby it’s okay to be scared,” she wrote back, “but it’s more important to be who you are! You don’t have a choice, really. That’s not a decision to be made! You are who you are…” A VERY JAZZY PRIDE Heritage of Pride just announced three Grand Marshals—Cecilia Chung, Subhi Nahas, and Jazz Jennings—for the 47th NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 26. At 15, South Florida resident Jazz Jennings is the youngest Grand Marshal in pride history. The co-founder of the Transkids Purple Rain-
bow Foundation is releasing a book this summer, Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen, and currently stars in the TLC docu-series I Am Jazz. HE’S GOT JOKES Speaking to E!, Jared Leto revealed that he sent all of his cast mates a friendly in-character gift while they were onset for DC’s upcoming Suicide Squad movie: used condoms and anal beads. “I did a lot of things to create a dynamic to create an element of surprise, a spontaneity and to really break down any kind of walls that may be there,” he said of the presumably unwelcome presents. “The Joker is somebody who doesn’t really respect things like personal space or boundaries.” PAYING TRIBUTE Margaret Cho is paying tribute to her Anna Nicole Smith nine years after she died from a drug overdose. In a new music
video titled "Anna Nicole," the 47-year-old comedian honors Smith. Cho opened up about her friend's final days on Sirius XM. "I think that her grief was overwhelming," she said. "So it has to do with some postpartum depression, some overwhelming guilt that her son had died. They both had an issue with prescription painkillers and different drugs like that. I don't know if there's anybody that's necessarily at fault." GAY PANIC Adam Lambert has argued that top music executives are still “scared” of gay men singing about other men, leading most gay singers to adopt gender-neutral pronouns. He told Digital Spy that the younger generation of fans and artists are ready to accept gay singers singing gay love songs as “people are becoming less ignorant,” but admitted that the decision isn’t always in the artists’ hands.
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WHAT’S MUSIC
Beyoncé is Bringing ‘Lemonade’ to HBO
The mysterious 'world premiere event' comes to HBO next weekend
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eyoncé has dropped a cryptic trailer for Lemonade, a mysterious new project set to premiere on HBO next weekend. Lemonade is billed a “world premiere event,” and that’s really about all way know about it beyond the slightly confusing footage released so far. “The past and the present merge to meet us here,” the trailer begins, before going on to ask, “What are you hiding?”, “Why can’t you see me?”, and “What am I doing, my love?” Whatever Lemonade is (Album? Music video? Film?) we’ll find out when it premieres April 23 on HBO at 9PM ET/6PM PT. – Dominic Preston
Rufus Wainwright Commemorates Shakespeare with New Album
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t was announced back in February of this year: the new release by baroque pop artist Rufus Wainwright, titled Take All My Loves: Nine Shakespeare Sonnets, would feature the talents of several other artists in addition to the openly gay performer, from the dulcet tones of Florence Welch and his sister Martha Wainwright to the spoken word prowess of actresses (and known friends) Helena Bonham Carter and Carrie Fisher. Inspired by a project Wainwright undertook back in 2009 before his Songs for Lulu record saw release, Take All My Loves (available April 22) sets several of The Bard’s most well-known sonnets to music. The result is at once grandiose and grounded, and features the same lushness and cinematic qualities of his Want One and Want Two albums—not surprising since Wainwright worked once again with those albums’ producer, Marius de Vries. - Stephan Horbelt
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PHOTOS: RICKYLEIS.COM
COMEDY
Laugh Out Loud For A Good Cause
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rothers Ben Leis and Richy Leis are bringing laughter to South Florida to benefit a slew of local nonprofits in the Greater Miami area. And on Sunday, April 24, the gay community will have a wealth of “HaHa” moments as 16 LGBTQA comedians take to the stage for a worthy cause. Comic Cure is the brainchild of the Lies Brothers with Richy as the funny man and Ben out on the pavement making sure the company thrives in order to give back, which is the essential purpose of the comedic company.
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“My passion is service in the community and my brother’s passion is comedy,” pointed out Ben. “We use laughter to inspire people in the community to become engaged civically.” Comic Cure’s mission is to raise funds, continue awareness and build engagement for local nonprofit organizations while supporting local comedians. The way that they support local comedians is by providing three programs: education, professional development and performing opportunities.
WHAT’S “My comedic roots developed in South Florida so the fact that we can help support the scene down here is great,” Richy mentioned with a grin. The brothers just started the company last September in 2015, and thus far have showcased over 150 comedians and there our still two more festivals to go. Each festival is a showcase of a group of up and coming comedians representative of the community the festival is appealing to.
Emcee and host comedy star
Jeff Jones
Their inaugural Pride Comedy festival will showcase 14 LGBTQA comedians who have three minutes each to make the audience laugh, since it’s their duty to pick their two favorite comedians. While the votes are being tallied to see which comedian wins funny man, Freddy Stebbins takes to the stage to keep the giggles flowing. Emcee and host comedy star Jeff Jones will announce the winner, who receives $150 cash prize and the honorary spot to open for the next festival’s headliner. This year’s Pride Comedy Festival will benefit the LGBTQ Initiative Implementation Committee of the University of Miami, one of South Florida’s largest private nonprofit schools.
The educational aspect is offered in the form of workshops like developing a career in comedian and how to be an emcee hosted by Richy. Professional development provides local comedians a nexus to industry leaders nationally and well-known comedians. The third component, performing opportunities, plays hand-in-hand with how they raise funding. Each year, they host seven comedy festivals for different segments of the community.
Since the Pride Comedy Festival falls on the same day as Miami AIDS Walk, it’s the Laughter After Party! Comic Cure has partnered with their developing organizations, Care Resource and SAVE, to give back to those LGBT nonprofits too. Come out to the laugh fest on Sunday, April 24. Doors open at 5:00 pm. Use promo code NEXT to get 10 percent of online ticket sales, available for purchase leading up to three hours before the event. --- Jameer Baptiste
FLAMINGO THEATER 901 BRICKELL BAY DRIVE MIAMI, FL 33131 786-564-2291
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NIGHTLIFE
A Little Latin Flavor Every Thursday
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he House of Lords is heating up the Drive with their new Latin nights, Noche de Escandalo, at Wolf Bar every Thursday. Some might think it’s a strange combination, but it’s actually the perfect union. “Wolf Bar is a neighborhood place where you are made to feel welcome,” commented Alexis Lords, the Icon Founding Father of the House of Lords. “So we know this night is going to take off, because everybody and anybody who comes by will feel welcomed and enjoy themselves.” Noche de Escandalo isn’t your typical Latin party that you are a custom to in Miami where the crowd is predominantly Hispanic and there is little-to-no spoken English by the patrons or the staff. The Lords knew that an environment like that in Wilton Manors would only be a disservice to the community. So they set out to make the rumba night one in which everyone could enjoy. The respected Florida house wanted not only to appeal to the Spanish community, but also to other members of our community. This includes those who enjoy the Latin culture whether it’s swaying to sultry Hispanic beats or admiring the erotic Latin physique. The staff every Thursday night is the same original Wolf Bar staff that has been serving amazing drinks since its conception so English is always on the menu. And iconic nightly host, Poizon Ivy Lords, will be showcasing performances with her rotating crew that add a Latin flair but also give you English and Spanglish acts. “We are going to make Thursday nights the new it Latin night in Broward,” a confident Alexis Lords promised. And why not, we ask? Who doesn’t like a little Celia Cruz with a splash of reggieton and some bachata thrown in the mix - all while grinding on a Latin lover who is winning you over with his seductive Spanish swag.
Poizon Ivy Lords Plus, getting to see the beautiful and talented Poizon Ivy Lords is a treat within itself. We’ve missed the legendary South Florida diva here in Fort Lauderdale since her reigning days at the once popular but now debunked Voodoo Lounge. Brush up on your salsa and make your way to Noche de Escandalo every Thursday starting at 9:30 pm. Did we mention there are $3 shots, $5 mojitos and bottle specials including birthday celebrations. There’s never a cover and the show starts around 11:00 pm. ---Jameer Baptiste WOLF BAR 2209 WILTON DRIVE WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 954-306-2510
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FINERY
Celebrity Chef Hamlet @chefhamletg BY JAMEER BAPTISTE
HOW TALL ARE YOU, MINUS THE HAT? 6’2” WE’RE IN THE SUN. ARE YOU USUALLY COVERED UP WHEN YOU DRESS? I love T-shirts but when I dressed to impress, I wear shirts to look elegant. Ones with different fabric inside the sleeves are perfect when rolled up. HOW OFTEN, IN GENERAL, ARE YOU COMPLIMENTED ON YOUR ATTIRE? Always, is it because I'm a tall Latin and people like how clothes fit me or I really know how to dress? I don’t know. DO YOU DO ANYTHING SPECIAL TO MAINTAIN YOUR GREAT SMILE? My gums are very sensitive to whitening treatments so I brush four times a day, floss every night and use whitening mouth rinse. WHAT ACCESSORIES CAN YOU NOT LEAVE WITHOUT? My sunglasses and watches. AS A CHEF, WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE ON COOKING NAKED? Wear an apron! Now, if you’re cooking for your other half when the timer buzzes just lift it up and say, “surprise.” Hamlet Garcia is a chef and host of the popular Spanish television show Seasoning for the World on Vme TV / PBS.
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MAIN STORE:1226 NE 4TH AVE • RAMROD ANNEX:1508 NE 4TH AVE • 954.761.1236 * Does not include boots, sale items or vintage goods. Not valid with any other discounts. Copyright © 2016 The Werks Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Werks, LeatherWerks, PaddleWerks and BootWerks are Registered Trademarks of The Werks Company, LLC.
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“The event of the year”
Friday, May 13 • 7 pm Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Cocktail Reception • Seated Dinner • Live Entertainment • Black Tie Optional Tickets $175 per person available at diversityhonors.com Special Presentation by Stuart Milk Global Human Rights Activist and MSNBC contributor
Guest Host Omar Lewis Weekend Morning Anchor, WSVN
Featured Performer Levi Kreis Tony Award-winning Actor/Singer
2016 HONOREES Peter Clark
Enbar Cohen
Dr. Mark Denker
Rae Franks, Esquire
Robert Runcie
Judge David Young
2016 Milk Foundation Milan Rosza Youth Award Honoree
Ryland Whittington
Presenting Sponsor
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Benefitting These Organizations:
For sponsor information and tickets: 954.463.9005, x105 or diversityhonors.com
Matthew Frias: A Rising Star
BY JAMEER BAPTISTE PHOTO BY COURTNEY PHILLIPS
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atthew Frias is a fresh face 20-yearold actor who is strict about his craft. But he also loves the fun of it all, which fuels his motivation to keep going in the hard knock entertainment industry. 24
“It’s like being a toddler again,” Frias mentioned about acting. “You get to create and not have a care in the world about anything else.” His commitment and love for what he does has earned him some amazing roles thus far. His big break came when he was cast in his first movie When The Game Stands Tall, a sports drama inspired by a true story of a coach’s ability to take his football team on an unprecedented winning streak of 151 games. It was the film that changed his life and positioned him in the right town to keep
ON THE COVER pursuing his passion of acting. To keep the momentum going after the film, his supportive family and manager encouraged him to make the move to Los Angeles just a couple years ago when the film was made. Since then Frias hasn’t looked back. The young actor is an extremely focused individual with a strict schedule. Nothing is going to hold him back from his art. Rejection for him is just the name of the game, especially in the industry. He has learned to take it with a grain of salt and move on without an afterthought. “I deal with rejection daily,” Frias commented. “It’s taught me to have thick skin and to not hyper-focus on the negatives. I don’t want to be a part of anything that doesn’t want me to be a part of.” The overwhelming support of his loving family has helped him along the way. It’s a commonalty he shares with his character Benny from the film Arkon, a story of two college boys who fall madly in love for each other with supporting families in the wake of tragedy. The film will be screening at MiFo at 5:30 pm on Saturday, April 23 at the Regal Cinemas South Beach (1120 Lincoln Road Miami Beach FL 33139).
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I DEAL WITH REJECTION DAILY,” FRIAS COMMENTED. “IT’S TAUGHT ME TO HAVE THICK SKIN AND TO NOT HYPER-FOCUS ON THE NEGATIVES.”
Frias has completed a total of three films since his first professional film. His film with Woody Harrelson, The Dual, was just picked up by Lionsgate. And his comedic-horror flick, Bad Kids of Crestview Academy, will be released this summer. Each film shows his versatility as an actor. He loves to play characters with emotional depth. Outside of acting, Frias takes time to enjoy nature whether he’s running, hiking, going to the beach or meditating. He also loves to spend his leisure time working on his physique and soaking in some mindless reality shows to give his brain a rest. We might even see a screenplay from him one day, as he likes to read and write too. There’s a lot more to come in this risingstar's future. And given his hard work, we are sure to see more and more of him on the big screen.
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Director ’s Corner
Take a journey into the minds of three talented filmmakers as you gain a little insight into their films showcasing at the 18th Annual MiFo LGBT Film Festival. MiFo runs from Friday, April 22 until Sunday, May 1. For a complete listing of MiFo events, show times and for ticket purchases visit mifofilm.com. BY JAMEER BAPTISTE 27
DIRECTOR
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Charles Dye
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DIRECTOR'S CORNER
harles Dye is a multitalented creator who has accolades in the music field with Grammy awards as a music engineer, mixer and producer mixing number one hits like Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca.” But when it comes to filmmaking, this is the 39 year old’s first film. Two Secrets, a 12-year-old girl’s coming of age story, debuts at 9:00 pm on Monday, April 25 at the Miami Beach Cinematheque (1130 Washington Avenue Miami Beach FL 33139). The movie is based on a true story that Dye started co-writing with his close friend in 2013. Dye’s love for directing stems back to when he was 12 years old when movies were magical to him. He recalls how they used to transport him to far away amazing places where his mind could wonder and dream. Now, he’s behind the scene making us dream. Find out what went into his creative process as we ask more about his first film. What does it mean to you personally that you get to showcase your film at MiFo? Honestly, it means everything to us. We are beyond honored to have been selected to be in MiFo. This was the film festival we were hoping for. We’re a gay themed drama, based on a true story about a girl from Miami, our film was shot partially here in South Florida and most of the writers and producers are from Miami. We were ecstatic when we received the news a few weeks ago. What inspired you to create the film? The life of one of my closest friends, Ali Dolan. Ali and I were working for the same company back in 2010 and one day, late after work, she began to share her life story with me. It’s truly an incredible journey she has taken in her young life. And it’s also incredibly inspiring. So when I took my screenwriting class a year later, I asked her if I could use her story as the basis for a script I would write for the class and she said yes.
What is your favorite part of your film and why? The climax of the film. The big confrontation between Janey, a 12-year-old girl, and her parent’s big secret that they’ve been keeping from her. Cassidy, the actress who plays Janey in our film, did a brilliant job on the entire film, but her acting in that scene is so real. And with great reason, Cassidy is also an adopted child who has had this same fight with her adopted parents many times. The fire in her performance is real. What advice do you have for inspiring filmmakers? Make your film no matter what. That’s what we did. We wrote this film and we were determined to make it. After we had the script, we started enrolling partners. We did crowd funding to finance it, and with the generous donations of many of our friends and family. we raised the money we needed to make it.
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DIRECTOR
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Dmitry Zhitov
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DIRECTOR'S CORNER
ive years under is belt as a filmmaker and 35-year-old Dmitry Zhitov has already created three documentaries and one short that have all received attention and awards within the gay community. And he’s still going.
The Russian-born filmmaker/photographer is ready to debut yet another one of his films. His documentary The M.O.B. Wives of Richmond will be screening at 9:15 pm on Thursday, April 28 at Regal Cinemas South Beach (1120 Lincoln Road Miami Beach FL 33139). The documentary explores the lives of real women living in Richmond, Virginia that live everyday lives as drag queens. Sounds odd, right? Well, once you learn the reason behind their desire to rep our style, you will truly fall in love with these flamboyant ladies. Learn more about Zhitov film as we ask all the important questions.
What inspired you to create the documentary? Anelica Mark-Harris, the head of The M.O.B. Wives of Richmond called me and told me that she loved my documentary South Beach On Heels and that I might find their story interesting. She told me that they created a group of Bio Drag Queens (biological women who do drag) called The M.O.B. Wives of Richmond, which stands for Magnificent, Outspoken and Beautiful. Her story was so fascinating that I wanted to meet them in person. The next day, I was in Richmond with my camera documenting their stories.
What is your favorite part of the film? There was a tragic moment in the family and the way they reacted and things they did at that moment were very touchy and emotional. I’m not revealing it here. What type of emotions do you think your film will provoke in people? There is a tragic moment, there’s drama and lots of parties so the audience will not get bored. Also, The M.O.B. Wives of Richmond is very inspirational so it will leave the audience in a great mood.
How long did it take you to create the film? Since I had to fly back and forth to Richmond, it took me about two years to create it. I spent most of the holidays with The M.O.B. Wives of Richmond to show the unusual and unique lifestyle of the family.
What is your personal reason for producing a LGBT film? There are a lot of stories to be told and shared, especially in the LGBT community. Coming from a country where being gay might cost your life, I feel it is my duty to create films that help the LGBT community be heard, understood and accepted.
What was the journey like in creating the documentary? It was an amazing journey that taught me so much. Yes, those ladies live in real time and to the fullest in the world that they have created, but at the same time they are able to live in the real world with their families, children, jobs and responsibilities.
What advice do you have for inspiring filmmakers? If you are thinking of becoming a filmmaker, stop thinking about it and just go for it! If you do not have equipment, use your cell phone. A talented artist can make a masterpiece with a pencil. It’s the same in filmmaking. You can always drop me a line if you need advice.
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DIRECTOR
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Robert L. Camina
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DIRECTOR'S CORNER
riter, director and producer Robert L. Camina is bringing us a lost tale of LGBT history that all of us ought to know about. His documentary Upstairs Inferno might not be a love story or a romantic comedy that bring us tears of joy, but it is a part of our history that will make us stop and think about the headway we have made in our struggles to gain full equity. He himself had to stop at one point in his life and think to what he owes his filmmaking career. After the tragic loss of his brother, he realized that life is too short to waste away in a career you don’t enjoy. He turned his back on the marketing field and pursued his childhood passion. Since 2010. Camina Entertainment has produced four films ranging from comedies to musicals to inspiring documentaries, all exploring the human condition. His documentary Upstairs Inferno will be screening at 3:00 pm on Sunday, May 1 at the Miami Beach Cinematheque (1130 Washington Avenue Miami Beach FL 33139). Find out what the man behind the film has to say as we peek behind his emotional veil. What inspired you to create the film? I thought I knew my Gay History. When somebody told me about this tragedy around four years ago, I was shocked! I asked myself the question, "Why isn't this story more prevalent in our culture?” It's as historic as the Stonewall Inn raid, but it doesn't exist in the common LGBT history narrative. I felt that needed to change. I believe it is crucial to acknowledge, preserve and honor our history as LGBT people. What was the journey like in creating the film? I encountered a lot of challenges while trying to tell a story that is more than 40 years old. I researched this story from scratch because I don't rely on anyone else's interpretations. With the passage of time, documents, precious photographs and contact information of victims' friends and families, have been lost. Add in Hurricane Katrina, and even more pieces of the puzzle were lost or destroyed. However, my faith and
determination uncovered many elements of the story that were once thought to be lost. What does it mean to you personally that you get to showcase your film at MiFo? I love Miami and Fort Lauderdale. For many years, I celebrated my birthday there. The communities are incredibly friendly and welcoming. I’m thrilled that I get to share another story from our LGBT history with the community. Together we’ll get to honor the victims of the UpStairs Lounge tragedy. What advice do you have for inspiring filmmakers? Take advantage of every opportunity to learn more about your craft. Take classes, read trade magazines/blogs, volunteer on other productions. If you don’t take time and make a concerted effort to grow, you will never develop as an artist. In addition, don’t think your job is over once you have the final cut of your film. Marketing and promotion is just as important as production.
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My Time To Shine: A Rapper's Come Up Story
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BY JAMEER BAPTISTE PHOTOS BY DENNIS DEAN
BRIEF ENCOUNTER
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apper Reijo Rych is in high pursuit of his dream and he’s not pumping the breaks for anyone. Standing at 5’4”, the unapologetic rapper has the hard knock life that makes for deep lyrics and a chest of steel. Born in the Bronx and raised in Brooklyn, the lyricist has had his fair share of struggles with an absentee father and a mother who crushed too hard on her lovers to care. But eventually, he made his way down to Florida with a wealth of tales and a rekindled love with his parents. Now his toting the line between professional by day and rapper by heart. All the while staying true to the LGBT community as he advances to the next level of the rap game. Dig deep into Reijo Rych’s lyrics as we flow with the pretty boy rapper.
Why move from an entertainment capital to live in Florida? My mom always chose her men over her children. When we were living in a shelter for two years, she decided to move to Florida for a man but I didn’t want to go so she left me. I stood in the streets for a bit until one of her friends took me in, but things just weren't working out for me, so I decided to move to Florida as well. Where did your love for music come from? I was brought up on Coney Island right off the beach where my Uncle Santos still plays and sings live music with his band. When I was young, he played the "Macarena" and I would get up and dance. Next thing you I knew, I was the star teaching people how to do the dance. How did you find your love for rap? My love for rap came when Nas and Jay-Z had their beef. I’m a fan of both so that allowed me to open my mind and write music from both points of view. How do you categorizes your rapping style? My rapping style is dope as hell. I am not going to front. I am my biggest fan and promoter. My favorite thing about my rap style is my flow. I can switch from slow to fast and vise versa. And my lyrics always vary; sometimes I tell it how it is and other times I like to have my listeners read between the lines. How do you balance being gay and a rapper? As a gay man, I don't believe I have to al-
ways make my music about being gay. With that said, I did write a song called Gay Liberation A.K.A. Unite that is about my coming out story. I have what society labels as "gay" lyrics. I use both male pronouns and non-specific pronouns. It’s all about how I’m feeling. If boy, papi or daddy sounds good, then I use them. Reijo Rych just recently performed with Mariah Lynn from Love and Hip Hop NY and dropped a new video, "Bend Ova." Check it out at youtube, spotify and amazon.
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SPOTLIGHT
JUST IN TIME Semi-Precious Weapons lead man Justin Tranter is now behind pop music’s biggest hits. BY GREGG SHAPIRO
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PHOTO COURTESY OF BLOGINITY.COM
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ven if you don’t know Justin Tranter’s name, you probably know his music. In recent years, the openly gay songwriter has written hits for DNCE (“Cake By The Ocean”), Selena Gomez (“Hands To Myself”), Justin Bieber (“Sorry”), Hailee Steinfeld (“Love Myself”) and others. Perhaps his most high profile project, Tranter co-wrote all of the songs on Gwen Stefani’s This Is What the Truth Feels Like album with Stefani and his longtime collaborator Julia Michaels. Tranter, who also has a career as a solo artist, as well as the leader of the glam/punk band Semi Precious Weapons, is a man of many talents, including being a jewelry maker. I spoke with Justin about his musical life shortly after the release of the Stefani record.
Justin, you received a 2003 Outmusic Award for your song “Blend In.” As a gay artist, what did that honor mean to you at that time and what does it mean to you today? It was and still is a great honor. If we want the rest of the world to fully accept us, we have to accept and encourage our community and ourselves first. When I interviewed you the first time 12 years ago, you had just released your second album Tear Me Together. Do you ever go back and listen to your early solo albums, and if so, how do you feel about them? How the time flies [laughs]! I do go back every few years and have a listen. Some of the songs I still love, and some terrify me. But mainly, I'm just proud of myself for being so boldly weird and queer in my lyrics at such a young age. How would you say you’ve developed as a songwriter since that time? I've become much more interested in helping other people tell their stories. Between my solo stuff and the band, I talked about myself for way too long. Four years passed between the release of Tear Me Together and the 2008 debut album by your band Semi Precious Weapons. What were you doing during that period? Collecting cans on the street, starting a jewelry line, hosting a night of LGBTQ artists at Sidewalk Cafe. Basically just doing anything and everything I could to make my living as an artist. I think I'm also partially responsible for the gentrification in Greenpoint, Brooklyn during that time [laughs]. My apologies. What is the genesis of the name for the band Semi Precious Weapons? It’s the contrast of masculine and feminine, and just good old fashioned word play. What was involved in the process of evolving from a solo performer to leading a band? The band was just all about recreating the over-the-top NYC I fantasized about and thought still existed when I moved there. But
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SPOTLIGHT everyone wanted to be in Sex and The City, not Blondie, by the time I arrived. Semi Precious Weapons released three full-length studio albums. Is there a fourth in the works? We are sadly on a semi-permanent hiatus. The life of an openly queer and happily femme singer in the major label world can be VERY exhausting and difficult. Our band faced so many obstacles that when the writing started happening, I decided to focus on that full time. But I made sure to hook my band members up with good jobs though. Cole is in DNCE and Stevy and Dan play with queen Gwen (Stefani)! Being in a band means that you have to be open to collaboration. You obviously are considering that in recent years, you’ve cowritten hit songs for artists such as Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez. What is it about your personality that makes it easy for you play well with others? I'm a very positive person who always dreams really big for everyone around me. Maybe that's it? I guess we would have to ask those I play with. How did it feel the first time you heard a song you’d co-written for someone else on the radio or in a club? It was magic. It was insane. For some reason, it felt even more gratifying than hearing myself. One of your recent big projects is the new Gwen Stefani album This Is What the Truth Feels Like, for which you co-wrote all of the songs. Were you a Gwen Stefani fan when she was in No Doubt or did you prefer her as a solo act? I was a massive Gwen fan in every era. She is one of the greats. And anyone who can combine brutal lyrical honesty with high glamour visuals is a hero in my book. What was involved in the process of cowriting the songs with Gwen? It was all about capturing exactly what Gwen was thinking, feeling and saying in the moment. It's Gwen's journey. We are all just lucky to be on it.
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Your regular collaborator Julia Michaels was also integral in the project with Gwen. How did the two of you come to work together as a team? We just met in a session put together by my publisher and it was creative love at first note. But to get the first note out, Julia had two panic attacks and a Subway sandwich. What’s next for you, Justin? Hopefully a lot more songs, signing and developing artists I believe in, hanging out with my parents and possibly breasts when I'm 70 [laughs]. N
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LAST CALL FIRST ENCORE BY JAMEER BAPTISTE I PHOTOS BY DENNIS DEAN When you’re featuring a different bartender every week, you can get lost in the faces. But we don’t want you to forget the many men that whisk our troubles away. The men who break the chip off our shoulders as we offer them a glimpse into our lives as our unofficial therapists. We thank each one of our local bartenders from West Palm Beach down to Miami for being the drink-makers they are. Follow us as we reignite the flame with some of our favorite faces behind the bars of South Florida.
Want to be featured as our NEXT Bartender of the Week or know someone who deserves the spotlight? Email jameer@ wirld.com. Submissions are subject to editorial discretion.
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FITNESS • TRAVEL • DINING
Sharpen Your Focus for Awesome Gains! BY TOM BONANTI
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FITNESS
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o you ever go to the gym hell bent on working out, but you just can’t seem to focus on pumping those weights? Perhaps you cut your exercise routine short or skip it all together because those mental to-do lists are weighing you down. The fitness lifestyle requires more than just brute strength and old-fashioned sweat to make you a success. Your gains require you to be mentally present and in the moment every time you hit the gym. Here’s five pointers to help you sharpen your mental focus to secure those monster gains.
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Leave your troubles outside! When you get to the gym, clear your mind and focus upon the work at hand. Holding on to cares and worries can diminish your performance and even cause you to cut your exercise sessions short. Working out can actually help you blow off steam. Take out your frustrations on the weights and put that nervous energy to work on the squat rack or leg press machine. Training hard will boost your self -esteem and help you to face any difficulty or challenge that comes your way once you leave the gym!
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Let music take you to a higher level. Most gyms provide high energy background music to inspire patrons. Your workouts can get an even bigger boost if you are more selective about your music. Choose high energy tunes with a positive message, songs that rev you up, music that will light a fire under your cardio, and make you pump that iron extra hard!
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When you are lifting, form is everything. You have all the rest of your life to lift more and heavier weights. If you’re sloppy and careless with your form, you’re risking injuries that could put you out of commission for weeks, months, or even permanently!
Watch yourself go through the motion, slowly, intently with each rep of each set. Focus upon every hard, deliberate muscle contraction. Be careful when performing negatives. Lift weight that is challenging, but never hazardous to the joints or those hard-working sexy muscles.
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Don’t be haphazard about cardio-vascular training. It’s great sometimes to just zone out while doing cardio. But if you really want to make gains, focus upon what you are doing--how well your body is working, how hard your heart is beating, how efficiently you are breathing. Know your target heart rate (220 minus your age) and work in that zone for at least 15 or 20 minutes. Pay attention to you posture and proper form. Make sure to cool down, stretch and drink water after each session.
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Don’t skimp on stretching. The protocol for stretching is that you do it extensively before a bout of cardio and between sets when you are weight training. Stretching can eliminate soreness since it allows tired muscles to get fresh blood and oxygen to fibers. Make sure to stretch safely and hold each stretch for 15 seconds. Flexibility is an important component of fitness and one that can show gains with just a few minutes of work each day. The time you spend in the gym is vital to your health and longevity. Don’t let distractions rob you of wonderful gains. Stick to your plan, sharpen your mental focus and full speed ahead! Tom Bonanti is a certified personal trainer and licensed massage therapist with his own gym and studio, Pump’n Inc. www.pumpnincgym.com at 1271 NE 9th Avenue in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. 33304. Contact Tom TrainerTomB@ aol.com with questions or set up a free consultation by calling him at (954) 557-1119.
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HEALTH & FITNESS
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HONEYMOONS TO TAKE BY ALEXANDER KACALA
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TRAVEL
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ow that you just spent lots of money on a wedding, where the hell do you honeymoon? The world really is your oyster. Take this into account – you want to pick a destination you and your mate both haven’t been to before. That’s where the fun and romance comes in. You get to explore uncharted territory together for the first time as official partners in crime. So take our advice and consider these four far off destinations for your honeymoon.
Lake Como, Italy Lake Como has been a popular retreat for aristocrats and wealthy people since Roman times, and a very popular tourist attraction with many artistic and cultural gems. Lots of celebs have or have had homes on the shores of Lake Como, such as Madonna, George Clooney, and Gianni Versace. Surrounded by beautiful villas and gardens, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a great respite during your stay. Facing directly towards the Bellagio, the five star resort sits where the two branches of the lake meet, against the rose-tinted backdrop of the Grigna mountains.
Santorini, Greece A stunningly beautiful Greek island in the south Aegean Sea, Santorini has long been celebrated as an LGBT destination. Imerovigli is a village there adjacent to the north of the island capital Fira. Mostly famous for its beautiful sunset that it is called “balcony to the Aegean,” stay at the Dreams Luxury Suites that represent a new concept of sanctuary.
Capetown, South Africa Sitges, Spain If Barcelona’s bang is too big for your buck, or if you have been there and done that - hop on the train for a 40-minute ride to Sitges. This gay resort town was once an enclave for artists like Picasso. Now, it welcomes an international gay community. Avenida Sofia Hotel is just round the corner from the gay beach. With a spa, rooftop pool and bar, its stylish rooms have contemporary decor and some offer fabulous sea views. Book early if your honeymoon happens to coincide with Pride in June.
Ready to share the adventure of a lifetime? Cape Town has lush beaches and a welcoming environment for LGBT travelers. In the heart of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront sits the One and Only Cape Town resort, South Africa’s most vibrant and urbane resort. Another destination to rest your head is the Pink Rose Guesthouse and Spa, a gay male bed and breakfast only a 30-minute drive from Cape Town. Stay in one of the four stylishly furnished apartments and enjoy your days hanging out at the “chill-out area,” where you can lounge by the clothingoptional pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi, or indulge in an extravagant massage.
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Happy Hour For The Foodies
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e all associate happy hour with drinks specials. But what most of us don’t know is that some restaurants don’t just limit their happy hours to cocktails and specialty drinks. They actually offer the honored tradition to food deals as well. From sushi joints to taco bars to topnotch eateries, we look at four restaurants that extend happy hour to their select menu items. BY JAMEER BAPTISTE
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m Tropics Restaurant (2000 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-537-6000) offer 2-4-1 Tuesday every week. What’s great about their cuisine is that their menu lists a variety of different-style entries from a New Orleans’ jambalaya dish to an Italian pasta primavera to a seafood surf and turf with a lot of other ethnic meals to choose from. Plus, the piano lounge offers varying entertainment each week. The dish prices are in the $20 range, but slash that in half and you leave satisfied for $10 bucks.
RA Sushi (201 SW. 145th Terrace Pembroke Pines FL 33028; 954-342-5454) is paradise for sushi lovers. And their menu happy hour specials are six days a week Monday – Saturday. From 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and then again from 10:00 pm to close, the Japanese restaurant offers select sushi dishes for as low as $4.00. The sushi joint is a warm and welcoming establishment with lively music and inventive cocktails. RA Sushi really lives up to its motto, “Happy hour at RA is a week-long deal.”
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Sangrias (221 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard Fort Lauderdale FL 33316; 954-533-1568) is a Fort Lauderdale Beach Mexican and Spanish restaurant that has some of the most affordable tacos every Tuesday. $1 tacos at the bar! Can you beat that anywhere else? Eat as many as you want. And wash them down with 2-4-1 drinks all day. The bogo drink special is actually every day. If you choose to enjoy your tacos during dinner, be prepare to also enjoy live entertainment by varying bands.
Yolo (333 East Las Olas Boulevard Fort Lauderdale FL 33301; 954-523-1000) is one of downtown Fort Lauderdale’s most recognizable restaurants. You Only Live Once is its slogan and they want to make sure you depart happy every day of the week from Monday – Friday. Their happy hour includes a special half-price appetizer menu from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Stay late and work off all that delicious food as the restaurant transforms into a party lounge.
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WEEK
WHAT TO SEE & WHERE TO BE APRIL 22 THROUGH APRIL 28
CONTACT JAMEER@WIRLD.COM IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED. LISTINGS ARE FREE AND SUBJECT TO EDITORIAL DISCRETION.
MiFo LGBT Film Festival We have your guide to the best MiFo happenings and events
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FRIDAY APRIL 22 FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE WITH RADIO-ACTIVE RECORDS, BENTON AND BANDS. Gramps 176 NW 24 Street Miami FL 33172; 305-699-2669, gramps.com. Slide into your weekend with banging music and a great atmosphere in Wynwood, Miami’s unique and lively art district. MIFO A HOLY MESS ( EN UNDERBAR JAVLA JUL). Colony Theater 1040 Lincoln Road Miami Beach FL 33139; 305-674-1040, mifofilm.com.
Tip to this comedic, cinematic tale of partners that start a family with their friend. It’s in Swedish with English subtitles. 8:00 pm. Check online for advance ticket prices and other film listings. MIFO OPENING NIGHT EVENT. Miami Beach Golf Club 2301 Alton Road Miami Beach FL 33140; 305-674-1040, mifofilm.com. Ring in the 18 Miami LGBT Film Festival with a kick off event that will have light bites and an open bar. 10:00
pm. For ticket purchase visit the website. HOT BODY CONTEST. Manor Complex 2345 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-626-0082, themanorcomplex.com. Bubble Gum Friday is getting steamy with a contest of sexy seduction. Open to the fellas and the ladies with Best Girl and Best Guy winners who receive $500 in cash and prizes. Doors open at 11:00 pm.
SATURDAY APRIL 23 MIFO SPA NIGHT. Regal Cinema South Beach 1120 Lincoln Road Miami Beach FL 33139; 844-462-7342, mifofilm.com. LGBT Film Festival. Spend the afternoon at the “spa” with David as you watch him explore his sexuality. In Korean and English. Showtime starts at 3:15 pm. Check out all scheduled film listings on MiFo website. PETER BISUITO IN “MY BIG FUNNY PETER.” Broward Center for Performing Arts 201 SW 5 Avenue Fort Lauderdale FL 33312; 954-462-0222, broward-
center.org. Enjoy the one-night only muscle bear’s standup comedy special in the Abdo New River Room. Tickets are $26 to $35. LATIN INVASION. Rumors 2426 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-565-8851, rumorsbarwiltonmanors.com. Take in the $5 Bacardi and $10 Bacardi buckets while you dance to a Latin groove. Carmen Adore, Natasha Danielle Hearts and Justice Perez will be in the house. HELLO SAILOR BEACH CLUB POOL PARTY. Sixty Hotel 1825
SUNDAY APRIL 24 HERE & NOW: QUEER GEOGRAPHIES IN CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY. Stonewall National Museum and Archives 1300 E Sunrise Boulevard Fort Lauderdale FL 954-763-8565, stonwall-museum.org. Explore the physical and emotional while you learn about queerness across America. Bold photography by Richard Rinaldi, Molly Landreth, and Elle Perez. MIFO SUITED. Miami Beach Cinematheque 1130 Wash-
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ington Avenue Miami Beach FL 33139; 305-673-4567, mifofilm.com. Explore the world of Bindle and Keep as they make custom made suits for gender non-conforming and transgender clients. Showtime is 3:00 pm. Tickets are available online or at the door. ACROBATS OF CIRQUE-TACULAR. Lauderhill Performing Arts Center 3800 NW 11 Place Lauderhill FL 33311; 954-7772055, lpacfl.com. The new performing art center brings
Collins Avenue Miami Beach FL 33139. It’s the premiere party by Ernesto Arambatzis and Tony Ferro. Host by Athena Dion and Adora on the turntables. 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. BOYS II MEN AND EN VOGUE. Lauderhill Performing Arts Center 3800 NW 11 Place Lauderhill FL 33311; 954-777-2055, lpacfl.com. It’s a blast with great performances by two legendary singing sensations. $10 off with promo code AGENDA. Show starts at 8:00 pm.
you a thrilling acrobatic show that is visually stunning and scenically unique. 7:00 pm. $5 off with promo code AGENDA. CLASSIC 54. Hunters Nightclub 2232 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-630-3556, huntersftlauderdale.com. DJ Richie Rich brings you back in time to the disco era of love peace and happiness. Every Sunday night dance your heart out.
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PHOTOS BY ADRIANNA CORTEZ
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MONDAY APRIL 25 TWERKIN GIRLS. Progress Bar 2440 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-5334916, progressbarsouthflorida.com. Join Twat Larouge and special guest for a viewing of the latest season of RuPaul’s Drag Race at the club’s viewing party. There will be drink specials!
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MIFO CHEMSEX. Regal Cinema South Beach 1120 Lincoln Road Miami Beach FL 33139; 844-462-7342, mifofilm.com. Go inside the lives of a group of London men living with HIV, drug addiction and finding acceptance in a changing world. Showtime is 7:00 pm. Check advance ticket pricings online.
ROCK HARD UNDIES NIGHT. Ramrod 1508 NE 4 Avenue Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33304; 954-763-8217, ramrodbar.com. Slip into your sexy undies and join the boys for a rock music night. Those in undies get to enjoy $1 well and drafts to from midnight until 1:00 am.
Cinematheque 1130 Washington Avenue Miami Beach FL 33139; 305-673-4567, mifofilm. com. MiFo, the Miami LGBT Film Festival, brings you their second round of men’s short films. Nothing but male love stories starting at 9:00 pm. Advance ticket pricings available online.
THE ARTIST EXPRESSION OF MEN’S SHORT. Miami Beach
2-4-1 TUESDAY. Tropics 2000 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors
WEDNESDAY APRIL 27 MIFO OTHER PEOPLE. Regal Cinema South Beach 1120 Lincoln Road Miami Beach, FL 33139; 844-462-7342, mifofilm.com. Miami LGBT Film Festival, Mother and son duo laugh in the face of death in a film about a comedic son who moves in with his sick mother to offer his help. Showtime is 6:45 pm. Check festival website for ticket prices.
CENTERPIECE CELEBRATION. The Wolfsonian-FIU 1001 Washington Avenue Miami Beach FL 33139; 305-531-1001, mifofilm. com. Join Director Robyn Symone at the MiFo Film Festival for the debut screening of Uncle Gloria. Then stay for the after party at 10:00 pm. There will be light bites, music, dancing and open bar. Check festival website for ticket prices.
HAPPY HOUR. Hunters Nightclub 2232 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-630-3556, huntersftlauderdale.com. There are $4 Cuervo margaritas, $8 Don Julio margaritas, $2 Bud Light and Shock Top Draft Beer. And it’s all night long 9:00 pm to close. The best happy hour on a Monday. FL 33305; 954-537-6000, tropicsswm.com. Enjoy their 2-4-1 menu entries every Tuesday with half price drink specials from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. This Tuesday they’ll also have a special Drag show to keep you entertained, as you munch on assorted cuisine like chicken dumplings, shepherd’s pie and jambalaya.
TONY & GLORIA LIVE. Georgie’s Alibi 2266 Wilton Drive Wilton Manor FL 33305; 954-565-2526, alibiwiltonmanors.com. Get into the smooth jazz sounds of Tony & Gloria while enjoying 2-4-1 drinks until 9:00 pm. They have been entertaining guests for over a decade.
THURSDAY APRIL 28 2-STEP DANCE LESSONS. Scandal Saloon NE 6 Avenue Wilton Manors FL 33334; 954-567-2432, scandalsfla.com. It’s your time to learn how to be a dancing machine. Get lessons on how to two-step and enjoy happy hour until 9:00 pm. Lessons begin at 7:30 pm. MIFO NORTH MOUNTAIN. Miami Beach Cinematheque 1130
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Washington Avenue Miami Beach FL 33139; 305-673-4567, mifofilm.com. The Miami LGBT Film Festival will showcase an intimate movie between two men out in the woods, one is a wounded ex-con and the other is a hunter who nurses him back to good health. Check online for advance ticket prices and other film listings.
2016 MERCEDES-BENZ CORPORATE RUN. Bayfront Park 301 North Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL; mercedesbenzcorporaterun.com. Join “Florida’s Largest Office Party” as the three circuit 5k Run Walk, will once again wind its way through Miami. A portion of the proceeds will benefit United Way. Entry fee is $40 per participant.
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ROADHOUSE RUBBER AT RUMORS
PHOTOS BY ADRIANNA CORTEZ
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OMW AT MANOR COMPLEX
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