HOTspots! February 15, 2024 (Issue 3904)

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The Cookout

A Black History Month Celebration

>> For more, visit us at HotspotsMagazine.com

Photos: JR Davis

By Scott Holland Photos By Nathan Johnson

Two stars of Lin Manuel Miranda's smash hits Hamilton and In The Heights combine forces as Mandy Gonzalez and Javier Muñoz perform together at The Parker on Saturday, February 17 at 8pm.

After making her Broadway debut in Aida in 2001, Mandy Gonzalez has played many attention-getting roles on Broadway including Elphaba in Wicked and Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton. She originated the role of Nina Rosario in In the Heights on Broadway and enchanted audiences with her sweet yet fierce performance that resonated

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deeply with many first-generation college students. A New York native, Javier Muñoz made his Broadway debut in the ensemble of In the Heights where he understudied Lin Manuel Miranda before eventually assuming the role of Usnavi.

History repeated itself when Hamilton opened on Broadway and Muñoz served as the Hamilton alternate for Miranda in select shows before taking on the title role for two years and reaping glowing reviews. Together, Mandy Gonzalez and Javier Muñoz celebrate today's greatest composers, including Lin-Manuel

always art around me, but it was never an option to go into professionally. In my freshmen year I would meet my actor friends at their rehearsal, but I never went into the theater. One random day I walked in and sat in the back, and I said to myself why am I not doing this. I got cast in the next show, and from there I knew this is where I belonged.

What was your �rst gig you got paid for no matter how much money?

J: It was in college, and I

believe I was 17 and I had just gotten an agent. My first audition was for a new musical and somehow, I booked it and it was called “Miss Lulu” at the John Houseman theater.

M: I did a show at the El Capitan for the movie Tarzan. They did a show beforehand, and I got cast for that.

Miranda, Stephen Schwartz and other extraordinary songwriters… and share stories and songs from their careers on stage, including music from Hamilton, In The Heights, Wicked and the best of Broadway, with musical director Dan Lipton at the Piano.

It was a pleasure to sit down with Javier and Mandy for this exclusive Hotspots interview:

At what age did you begin performing?

Mandy: It came to me very early in life as I would listen to

records with my grandmother who babysat us a lot. A lot of Judy Garland and Mel Torme, etc. and I fell in love with all that music and sang along with her. My grandmother realized I had talent and she found opportunities for me to perform. She then found a youth group for me to be a part of, which was my real start, as I fell in love with it and I wanted to be the best at it.

Javier: I took a roundabout way as I didn't catch the bug until I was about 13. Until then I was a science nerd.

However, everyone in my family is an artist so there was

When did you know performing would be your career?

M: I think it was when I

moved to New York from LA. I put the goal in my head that I would be on Broadway in 6 months. That didn't happen but it was what drove me. I did get an off-Broadway gig in the first 6 months and that feeling made me realize I wanted to do this forever.

J: It was with my first voice teacher, Eli Stone, when I was 18. She took me on as a student and she allowed me to pay for my classes by working with her as an

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assistant on Sundays. During lunch on one of those Sundays she laid out for me what I was up against as a minority in this business and she said how she was going to train me so I could keep working. She said as a minority I had to do everything. After that conversation, realizing how much she believed in me, I realized this is what I was meant to do.

When and how did the 2 of you meet?

We met when we both did the reading for “In The Heights.”

We then did the workshop together and that's when we really became friends.

Actually, we are more than friends, we are family.

You have both worked with Lin Manuel Miranda twice in “In the Heights” and “Hamilton,” tell me about Lin and those 2 experiences?

J: We created the role of Usnavi and

Hamilton together and I understudied him in both roles and then eventually took them over. We have a friendship that is so beautiful, deep, and real and that friendship comes first before anything.

M: I first met Lin when I was in a different short run show called “Lennon,” as he called me in for a meeting. I met a lot of people in the first meeting and we sang and then I made it to the reading and I remember sitting at the table and Lin stands up, and I could see the light in him and the way he wanted to share it in a very generous and loving way. That is just the joy of Lin Manuel, and I feel lucky to be part of his orbit.

Other than these 2 shows, what has been your favorite role so far?

M: One of the roles I loved to do is Elphaba

in Wicked, as I was so nervous in the rehearsals because of the whole scope of it.

J: I'm going to say when I was at the Oregon Shakespeare festival, and I got to play the Baker in “Into the Woods.” Sondheim gave permission for us to end the show differently than most productions.

What's your fantasy role (a role you haven't played but want to)?

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M: Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard.

Describe each other in 3 words?

M: (about Javier) – leader, determined,

and resilient J: (about Mandy) - role-model, fiercelyfierce, Universal-mother

What do you do for fun?

M: I go to the gym and spend time

with my family and friends.

J: The most important thing to me is being around the people I love. We can be doing anything, it's just that time together. I also love to dance; just put on the music. I also love to be in nature, particularly near bodies of water.

What should our readers expect from your show at the Parker Playhouse?

A musical celebration of the shows we have been in; lots of Broadway info; and New York through friendship and the connection we share. It's a night of family and friends (bring your best friend) and sing along with us as we want to have a good time with our audience.

Is there something I didn't ask you that you guys want to talk about?

Yes, the vocal choir is very important to us, and we use local artists in every single concert we do. We love connecting with fellow artists and sharing the stage with them. After our sound check we do a question and answer with the choir as we want to make sure that whatever it is these young people want to do a life in the arts is possible.

For more information on Javier, you can follow him at: Instagram.com/Javiermofficial, and for more information on Mandy, you can follow her at: Instagram.com/mandy.gonzalez.

For tickets or for more information, visit Parkerplayhouse.com or call 954-462-0222.

Pub On The Drive

Miss, Mr. and At Large Pageants

>>For more photos, visit us at HotspotsMagazine.com

Photos: Coco Alarcon

Victor Hugo Green (1892-1960).

Circa 1956-1958.

The Green Book: A Modern Version of The Black Travel Guide.

By Jameer Baptiste

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Green means go and that is certainly an unintended major aspect of the historical Green Book, better known as The Negro Motorist Green Book. The historically quoted bible of Black travel during the Jim Crow served as a directory of safe establishments that the Black community could frequent without being turned away or worse violated for attempting to patronize.

The Black community had to be extremely careful due to risk of life on where they could stop along their journeys when looking for services like lodging, a gas station, frankly any business, and unfortunately till this day circumstances as such still exist but as you can imagine it was so much more pervasive during our country's segregation era.

The Green Book was literally a lifesaving guide for the Black commu-

nity throughout their travels. And as likely as it may seem that the book was titled green for go, the color reference is the surname of the gentleman who founded the vital guide.

Victor Green published the first Green Book in 1936 and it remained a crucial part of Black travel for 30 years, fading away from the cultural landscape after the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The remanence of the once important travel guide still exists. In fact, the very magazine you're reading right now has characteristics of it. Essentially, the almost 4decade old HOTspots and many other publications of its day advertised establishments in which the gay community could frequent collectively with little to no fear of homophobia. To this day, the magazine has components of that very nature.

But there's little to no remanence of The Green Book in Black culture, currently. One can argue if it's even needed in today's time.

I would say, “why not?” If for any reason, education, is one reason I wrote this article.

Another reason, to honor the real-life guardian angel of his time, Victor Green, with my modern take on The Green Book.

A collection of local Black-owned establishments – a few of our modern day champions that build spaces stamped with an air of Black Excellence, Power, Endurance, and Resilience.

Kedna Ashly

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Managing Partner in her family-owned business, Alamod Caribbean Restaurant • 3942B Pembroke Rd. Hollywood, FL 33021 • 954.544.2525

Jasmine McKenzie

2

Founder and Executive Director of The McKenzie Project, building community and center spaces by and for Black transgender and nonbinary individuals. mckenzieproject.org • 305.846.3186

JT Tucker

3

Owner of Blades Barber Studio 2409 NE 11th Avenue Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.440.0915

Carvelle Estriplet

4

Owner of Carvelle Bikes, bike repairs, rentals and purchases 2917 NE 6th Ave. • Wilton Manors, FL 33334 • 954.406.1568

G Wright & Nik Harris

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Co-Founders of BLINC (Black LGBTQ+ Liberation, Inc.), providing programming and resources to help South Florida's Black LGBTQ+ community be bold in their truth, limitless in their purpose, and in control of their lives • www.blinc.love

Tatiana Williams

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Founder and Executive Director of Transinclusive Group, to protect and defend equality for all transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals in South Florida transinclusivegroup.org

Klifton S. Fehr, LMHC, CGP, ILM7

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Owner of Be Fehr Therapy; individual, family, couple and group therapy Call for Appt: 954.350.0097 Owner of Fehr Associates, executive coaching for individuals, business owners and entrepreneurs fehrassociates.com

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Ronald Perez

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Owner of Ronnie's Bake Shop, providing Trinidian bake goods for parties, restaurants and private events.

Ronniej36@gmail.com @ronnies_bakeshop

Lorenzo Robertson

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Founder and Executive Director of Ujima Men's Collective, grow a collective of Black same gender loving men through mentorship programs and conferences for the education, information, encouragement, and advocacy for themselves and the greater community • ujimamen.net

Terry Dyer

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Owner of Terry Dyer LLC Consulting, Strategic planning, development, and implementation for nonprofit and forprofit organizations with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. terryd@terrydyer.org • terrydyer.org

HOTspots/HOUT Art Gallery with Dennis Dean

Feb. Opening

>> For more photos, visit us at HotspotsMagazine.com

Photos: JR Davis

Hotties HOTSPOTS

Meet Our Cover Model

Photos by Dennis Dean Interview by Scott Holland

What city do you currently live in?

I am a Miami boy through and through. I live in the 305 with my husband.

How long have you been with your husband and what makes him perfect for you?

I've been married for about 2 years. I just know Julio was hand crafted by a higher being specifically for me. He is the best part of my day and I know he'll say the same.

What is your perfect date?

The perfect date is going to see the latest horror movie, then getting a blue Buffalo sandwich from NYGC, then ice cream from Wilton Creamery, and then walking all around Wilton Drive to burn off the calories.

What do you do for a living?

By day I am fitness trainer at BODY20. By night I am a drag queen performer that goes by Bonnie Builder.

What do you do for fun?

For fun I train legs every 3 days.

What does the future hold for you?

My future is looking bright. I have huge scholastic goals as well as huge drag goals and I am determined to get everything I want.

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ChazDunn BonnieBuilder

For more information on Chaz/Bonnie follow them at: Instagram.com/bodybychazdunn or @bonniebuilder

30 • Sagittarius Born & raised in Miami

My Hollywood Pride

Downtown Hollywood

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Photos: JR Davis

Diana Nyad

Stonewall National Museum, Archives and Library’s

Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes Gala Sat., Feb., 24th

By Scott Holland

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Stonewall National Museum, Archives and Library's (SNMAL) Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes Gala takes place at The Venue Fort Lauderdale on February 24, and will raise awareness and funds to support SNMAL's tireless, 50+ year fight to tell the stories of the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring it holds its place in the historic record.

This most significant LGBTQIA+ library, archives, and museum is a one-of-a-kind institution collecting and sharing powerful stories, hosting dynamic weekly events, launching fact based solutions to real world problems and mobilizing educators who face an ever more diffcult time educating students.

The Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes Gala expects 500+ guests and VIPS to attend this high-energy celebration of inspiring messages, delicious eats, entertainment, open

bar, awards, and live auction. Last year's Gala raised a record-breaking sum and was supported by major corporate sponsors nationwide and generated nearly 50% of their operating funds. It's fitting that Stonewall, which provides an inexhaustible historic record of achievements in the face of prejudice and hate, is recognizing courageous leaders and heroes.

ATTENDING HONOREES & SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDE: A Hero for Our Time Award—Iconic athlete

Diana Nyad, whose historic swim from Cuba to Key West inspired the just-released Netflix Biopic NYAD (from which Annette Bening and Jody Foster have earned 2024 OSCAR, Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe Nominations); will be honored and added to SNMAL's Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes traveling educational exhibit.

Fortitude & Resilience Award—Star & Director of the HBO Films documentary, The Stroll, Kristen Lovell who will be joined by fellow survivors and share an inspiring story of hope and resilience, ingrained in this community's legacy.

Courage in Leadership Award—Stacy Ritter,

who is the President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale, who, in a state that has banned books, banned gender affirming healthcare, divided families, challenged and demeaned educators, has risked much to keep Broward County a welcoming place for our community to visit, live, and work.

I asked Stacy her thoughts on receiving this

“

...My wish is for a time when it isn't considered courageous to stand up for marginalized communities but, until that time comes, I am deeply moved to be the recipient of this award.”

honor and she said: “I am honored and humbled to receive the Stonewall Museum and Archives Courage in Leadership Award. My wish is for a time when it isn't considered courageous to stand up for marginalized communities but, until that time comes, I am deeply moved to be the recipient of this award.”

I then asked my good friend, Richard Gray, Visit Lauderdale's Senior Vice President to tell me a bit about Stacy and he said: "Stacy Ritter has become one of the most progressive and visionary Destination Marketing Organizations CEO's in the USA for Visit Lauderdale. I am so proud of all Visit Lauderdale's accomplishments with Stacy at the helm.

Stacy is an incredible gutsy Leader and this destination is where we are because of her vision and leadership. I adore her.”

The gala will also feature special guest, outspoken influencer and LGBTQIA+ activist Zander Moricz. Zander rose to national media fame via viral videos of his High School Graduation speech opposing Florida's “Don't Say Gay” Law as well as his recent viral response to a Florida school board president, whose private antics created a media frenzy, and has been in the forefront of the Don't Say Gay statewide and national efforts.

To purchase tickets to the Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes Gala, for sponsorships or for more information go to: stonewallmuseum.org/11650-2

Zander Moricz

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By Scott Holland Photos By Shaun Vadella & Zack Knudson

In 2008, more than 30 million television viewers fell in love David Archuleta; with his angelic voice, bashful sweetness, and megawatt smile, over 44 million votes made him the first runner-up in Season 7 of American Idol - and a star at age 16.

Shortly after “Idol,” David's first single, “Crush,” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track sold more than 2 million digital copies to become double platinum. Three months later, his self-titled album, David Archuleta, sold more than 900,000 copies worldwide.

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With a faithful social media following (3.5 million Facebook followers, 1.1 million on Twitter, and almost 1 million followers on Tik Tok), David has toured all over the U.S., Canada, Asia and even in the Middle East. In 2017, he relocated to Nashville and released his seventh album Postcards in the Sky featuring all original songs that he had a hand in writing.

The gamechanger though was David's 2020 album, Therapy Sessions, which featured an inside look into his internal struggle with himself - a battle he has experienced for most of his life. He carried a heavy burden by trying to be something

by it I kept watching it over and over and singing the songs. And then my parents gave me other songs to sing, and they were amused about how into it I got.

What was your rst professional gig? And how much did you get paid?

“

It was probably when I was 10 years old and I went into the Utah talent competition and I won the kids division and I got paid $300, which was a lot for me.

I am so excited to be back in south Florida, where I was born.”

he was not, while knowing that who he really was would put him at odds with the church he grew up in. “I was going through therapy, and trying to apply the steps it took to escape the barriers I had created for myself,” he explains. “Music has always been healing for me and I hoped that what I created on that album would help people who were also struggling with who they were.”

In 2021, David came out as queer to the LGBTQ community and continues to navigate his identity. In the fall of 2022, David revealed to Good Morning America that he was experiencing a faith crisis and stepping away from the Church of Latter Day Saints, having been a Mormon his whole life. He then rounded out 2022 with the release of “Faith in Me,” his first song since having vocal cord surgery and, by far, one of his more personal songs. “It's about being OK with who you are and moving forward. Not caring about what anyone thinks, just letting go of baggage, forging your own path and finding joy.” says David.

About 2 weeks ago I sat down with David to find out more about him before his performance here in South Florida as part of Harmony Waves Rock the Block.

At what age did you begin performing?

I began performing at age 6 when we moved from Florida to Utah. To keep me busy my dad put on the PBS special of Les Misérables, and I was so captivated

I know it's been a long while, but can you tell us about your American Idol experience?

It was wild crazy experience. I felt like it was bootcamp for becoming an artist.

Suddenly you have millions of people watching you and you have a fan base sending me fan mail. I couldn't go anywhere without security and I wasn't prepared for it, but it was an amazing experience that I am grateful for.

You sang so many songs on Idol that people raved over, do you have a favorite (mine was your rendition of Imagine)?

“Imagine” was the moment that connected with everybody, and I connected to it as well.

I think it was because the message is beautiful. For me my

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favorite was for Dolly Parton Week when I sang “Smoky Mountain Memories,” as at that point I was really missing home so it hit home for me.

When did you know performing would be your career?

Probably not until into my 20's to be honest.

I had bursts of moments growing up, but they would come and go so fast I was skeptical. Even after American Idol I wasn't ready to be famous. It wasn't until I came back from being a missionary that I realized this is what I was supposed to do.

You had a hard time coming out due to your religious upbringing. Are you willing to talk to us about that struggle?

Actually, I am writing a book that discusses growing up religious and having to come to terms with my identity. It also talks about how I found peace with the two.

Now that you are out, is there someone special in your life?

I don't talk about my dating life but I am allowing myself to love and be loved the way I never have before.

Tell me about your Masked Singer experience?

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to give your best performance is just a joy.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Curious, spacey, and earnest.

What do you do for fun?

I do like to go to the gym, listen to DJ sets and dance. I also love to find good food to eat.

What should our readers expect from your Performance at Rock The Block in Wilton Manors?

I'm excited as I am going to have a blend of up-tempo songs and heartfelt meaningful songs. I have recently infused choreography in my performances, and I promise it will be fun for everyone. Also, I am so excited to be back in south Florida, where I was born.

To purchase tickets in advance ($5 suggested donation, there is a VIP option) for David Archuletta at Rock The Block, go to: tickettailor.com/events/ harmonywaves/1023567

For more about David, go to: davidarchuleta.com. Follow him at instagram.com/davidarchie

The clock is ticking and every second brings you closer to a bygone era when Lords of the Realm donned tunics, stockings, broad-brimmed hats, and puffed sleeve shirts, and their Ladies showcased era garb like laced gowns, strapped dresses, petticoats, cloaks, and aprons. Get ready for the 32nd annual Florida Renaissance Festival running through March 24th, at the beautiful Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach.

Each weekend promises a captivating inside look at a legendary time when Pirates, Vikings, evil villains, and unsung heroes ruled the kingdom. While costumes are not required for admittance, thousands of people elect to wear historical clothing to immerse themselves in the true spirit of the renaissance period.

The Florida Renaissance Festival is produced by nationally acclaimed Bobby Rodriguez Productions who creates an entertaining and cultural experience for adults and children alike. “For more than 30 years the Festival has been a most unique event,” said Rodriguez. “It is one of the most anticipated events in South Florida, and each year it gets better with new and different activities and entertainment.”

At the Florida Renaissance Festival, you'll be transported to an era where knights, jesters, and royalty reigned supreme. It's a magical journey that blurs the lines between fantasy and fact.

The 2024 Florida Renaissance forPrices range from $32 for adults and $14 children (6-11yrs). Children 5 and younger are free. For tickets information visit: renFestival fest.com; or call 954-776-1642.

Runs Throught March 24th

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Florida Renaissance Festival 2024 Themed Weekends Feb. 17-18 • Odin's Wrath: Vikings, Dragons, and Trolls…oh my!!

Feb. 24-25 • Steampunk & Time Travelers: The Spirit of Invention March 2-3 • Lord of the Ring: A Battle Royale March 9-10 • Scoundrels of the High Seas: The Pirates Be Coming…

March 16-17 • Shamrocks & Shillelaghs: A Leprechaun's Shenanigans March 23-24 • Into the Woods: A Fairytale Finale

Myth GastroBar

Grand Opening

>> For more, visit us at HotspotsMagazine.com

Photos: JR Davis

Hunters Nightclub

Tony Lima’s 50th Birthday

>> For more, visit us at HotspotsMagazine.com

Photos: JR Davis

Monster Jam

February 24th & 25th at loanDepot Park in Miami

Experience big-time family fun at Monster Jam! The most unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable motorsports experience for families and fans in the world today returns to Miami for an adrenaline-charged weekend at loanDepot Park (501 Marlins Way, Miami) on February 24 & 25. At Monster Jam, world champion athletes and their 12,000-pound monster trucks tear up the dirt in wide-open competitions of speed and skill.

The excitement begins at the Monster Jam Pit Party fan experience held only prior to the Saturday evening event. Fans can see the massive trucks up close, meet their favorite drivers and crews, get autographs, and take pictures. Activities include the Sand Box play area, UNOH tire demonstration, coloring and temporary tattoo station, and new photo ops, including the chance to take a photo with the Series trophy. This fun-filled experience is the only place that allows people to get up close access to the Monster Jam teams and get an insider's look at how these trucks are built to stand up to the competition. Fans are encouraged to get to their seats early to experience Monster Jam Trackside approximately one hour before the event start time. Featured festivities include competition previews, driver interviews, giveaways, opening ceremonies and power rush truck introductions.

South Florida motorsports� fans will be on the edge of their seats as the world's best drivers show off crazy skills and all-out racing in fierce head-to-head battles for the Event Championship. Engineered to perfection, the 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks push all limits in Freestyle, Skills, Donuts and Racing competitions. Monster Jam drivers are trained, world-class male and female athletes who have mastered not only the physical strength and mental stamina needed to compete, but the vital dexterity to control 12,000-pound machines capable of doing backflips, vertical two-wheel skills and racing at speeds up to 70 miles-per-hour to produce jaw-dropping, live motorsports action seen around the world.

The Stadium Championship Series East features 12 skilled athletes battling for the championship while tearing up the dirt in intense competitions of speed and skill.

Tickets and Pit Passes are available for purchase online at monsterjam.com or at the venue box office.com

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The Men Behind The Brawn

By Jameer Baptiste

There's nothing like a sexy man to build excitement. And one thing about a handsome brutha is that he is going to exude sex appeal. But there's more to a gorgeous fit Black man than just his muscles and what lies beneath. Under the ripped exterior of a gorgeous black muscle man is a human being that has so much more to offer than just his physique.

In honor of Black men that are commonly seen for just their physical appearance I enlisted photographer Tony Brown of Royal Brown Photography and Digital Graphics Artist J. Saint Lore (Craig Stafford) to showcase 4 Nubian Kings as “The Men Behind the Brawn.”

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Illustration: Adobe Firefly

Black Love/Nubian Kings

CHAZ Quick-witted • Gender Bender • Unapologetically Transformative • News Anchor • This Issues Cover Model

JAY Unassuming Yet Bold • Captivating Yet Humble • Infectious with Friends, Yet “Shy” to the Unfamiliar • Award Winning

SAM

TERRY

Awarded Teacher • Actor Classically Trained Pianist

Motivational Speaker • Letters to a Gay Black Boy • Author • Community activists Celebrated Singer • Prized Tennis Player

WANT TO VIEW THEIR PORTRAITS IN REAL LIFE? Join us Saturday, February 17th from 6pm to 9pm at the HOTspots Happening Out Art Gallery with Dennis Dean (2401 N. Dixie Hwy. Wilton Manors, FL 33305) for our Black History Month Exhibit's Artists Showcase where their portraits are on display.

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By Scott Holland Photos By Melissa Miller

Tony n' Tina's Wedding, New York's longest running Off-Broadway comedy and the original immersive experience, renews its vow to entertain audiences in the Abdo New River Room through February 25.

Every performance is unique as the audience becomes wedding guests along with the happy couple's colorful and madcap Italian American families. Guests are invited to eat, drink, dance, converse and get caught up in the festivities.

Reviewing the original New York production, The New York Times reported, “it is a live-in cartoon, a walkaround wedding in which the audience helps the actors do their work… If you want to have a good time, you will.”

Tickets include a full Italian buffet with garlic bread, Caesar salad, chicken marsala, traditional meatless baked ziti,

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mixed vegetables and, of course, wedding cake. It was a pleasure to sit down with Tony Lauria, who directs and plays the wedding singer, for this exclusive Hotspots interview:

At what age did you begin performing?

I started performing in 4th grade as my first music teacher recognized that I was picking up the recorder really easily and she called my parents and they decided to buy a piano and give me music lessons and they did and it stuck.

What was your �rst professional gig?

I got paid to play when I was 16 at a bar.

When did you realize you loved directing and how did that happen?

That was when I was about 40 years old and I was asked to step in temporarily to direct Tony n' Tina's Wedding and as it turned out he wasn't able to direct, so they asked me

to step in. I loved doing it and it stuck.

Tony n' Tina's Wedding is iconic, and even though you have been in many touring productions of it, is there extra pressure directing or being in this show?

Yes, there is even though I have been associated with this show since 1991.

Every production is pressure filled as a every show is its own adventure. The pressure is to make sure people laugh and feel included for 2 ½ hours that they are attending the wedding.

Other than this one, what has been your favorite role or favorite show to direct?

This really is my favorite show to direct. I also directed “Finnegans Farewell” and “Late-Night Catechisms.” Its my favorite as it leaves enough room for the actor to bring in their own personality.

My favorite role I played n this show (and I have played many) is the Weddding Singer which I am playing in this production. After almost 30 years of doing it, I still find new things in this role.

My dream acting role is Fagin in “Oliver,” as I am too old for the rest of my dream roles. The show I would love to direct is “Above Hells Kitchen.”

In addition to acting and directing you are a musician and have toured the world. Do you have a favorite star you have performed with, and do you have a favorite city or venue that you performed at?

Yes, my favorite place I performed is Lincoln Center at Avery Fisher Hall and it was a place I never dreamed I would play at and I felt very fortunate to play at. There is also a wonderful place in South Carolina, Awendaw Barnjam, that

What's your fantasy role or fantasy show to direct?

“

The LGBTQ+ community is represented in this show, and I know my gay brothers and sister across this country have loved this show and I guarantee the LGBTQ+ community that haven't yet will enjoy it!”

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is one of the best music scenes. It's outside and you bring your own chairs and people come, and it's amazing.

My favorite star I performed with, although it was brief, was Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead. It was amazing for me because I grew up with his music and it was exactly what I imagined it to be.

will have a fun time. In this particular production, there are a few local actors we have worked with us for years, so I am fortunate to go back and work with actors that I feel are family. It's going to a wedding without the pressure of your family and your friends which are usually associate with obligatory weddings. It's the most fun you will ever have at a wedding, including your own.

The LGBTQ+ community is represented in this show, and I know my gay brothers and sister across this country have loved this show and I guarantee the LGBTQ+ community that haven't yet will enjoy it!

We met in 1998 and he was in town for work, and I was bartending in one of the only straight bars in Chelsea. Since he saw a gay flag, he thought it was a gay restaurant. We started talking and he mentioned he was coming back for Pride Week, and I handed him a card for one of my band gigs. I immediately thought there was something special with him. I also found out he liked the same music that I did, and I had never met another gay man that liked this type of music. I said to myself that I was going to try with him. Two years later he moved in, and we never looked back. What has kept us together for all these years is putting the other person before ourselves. I couldn't imagine not having our life together.

For more on Tony, please go to Spottiswoode.com.

Performances are Thursday & Friday at 7pm; Saturday at 1 and 7pm; and Sunday at 1 & 6pm.

Buy tickets at BrowardCenter.org, Ticketmaster.com; by phone at 954.462.0222; in person at the Broward Center's AutoNation Box Office.

You are a member of our community and I hear you have a husband. Tell me about your love story and what makes him perfect for you?

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Kind, thoughtful, and empathetic

What do you do for fun?

I walk in the woods with my dogs and husband. Hiking is my joy.

What should our readers expect from this touring company of “Tony n' Tina's Wedding”?

This is a show that is not only for the theater goer but for the nontraditional theater goer, because you don't have to pay attention to everything and you eat, drink, and dance. They can follow the action when they want. They can get involved or not and either way you

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No Manors

Presents Candis Cayne

>> For more photos, visit us at HotspotsMagazine.com

Photos: JR Davis

Allison Sheppard

Jagged Little Pill The Kravis Center Feb 20-25

By Scott Holland Photos By Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

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The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is excited to announce that the West Palm Beach premiere of Jagged Little Pill is this February 20 – 25.

Inspired by the seminal rock album of the same name by seven-time Grammy Award winner Alanis Morissette, tickets to the Tony and Grammy award-winning production are available online at kravis.org or by calling the Kravis Center Box Office at 561.832.7469.

Julie Reiber (Mary Jane Healy), Benjamin Eakeley (Steve Healy), and Teralin Jones (Frankie Healy), join the cast for year two, with year one principals Dillon Klena (Nick Healy), Jade McLeod (Jo) and Allison Sheppard (Bella)

continuing their roles.

Directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Waitress, Pippin), Jagged Little Pill is an "electrifying, visceral and stunning" (The Hollywood Reporter) musical with an original story by Tony and Academy Awardwinning writer Diablo Cody (Juno, Tully), about a perfectly imperfect American family that "vaults the audience to its collective feet" (The Guardian). Nominated for a season-record of 15 Tony Awards following its Broadway premiere, The New York Times declared the show "redemptive, rousing and real… Jagged Little Pill stands alongside the original musicals that have sustained the best hopes of Broadway."

Ignited by Morissette's groundbreaking lyrics and music – from beloved hits such as "You Oughta Know," "Head Over Feet," "Hand In My Pocket" and "Ironic," to brand new songs written for the show – Jagged Little Pill features explosive choreography by Tony Award nominee and frequent Beyoncé collaborator Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui ("Apesh*t", "Love Drought/Sandcastles" Live at The Grammys), and the raw power of an onstage band under the Musical Supervision, Orchestrations & Arrangements of Grammy, Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Tom Kitt (Next to Normal, American Idiot).

Jagged Little Pill officially opened on Broadway on December 5, 2019, at the Broadhurst Theatre after beginning previews November 3. In 2019, Atlantic Records partnered with the Broadway production for the release of its Original Broadway Cast Recording on December 6, 2019 – the day after the show's opening night on Broadway – and won the 2021 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album.

Released on June 13, 1995, the tremendous success of Alanis Morissette's album Jagged Little Pill skyrocketed her to become the bestselling international debut artist in history; a title she still holds, with the record's sales reaching 33 million copies worldwide. Now, 25 years after its release, Jagged Little Pill continues to be one of the Top 20 Best-Selling Albums of All Time. With ten eclectic and acclaimed albums released over the subsequent years, Morissette's has won 7 Grammy Awards (with 14 nominations), a Golden Globe nomination, and total sales of over 60 million albums.

It was a pleasure to sit down with Allison Sheppard (Bella) for this exclusive Hotspots interview:

At what age did you begin performing?

I started performing at 6 years old and I fell in love with it. We were doing a holiday pageant in second grade, and since I opened my mouth the biggest, they gave me a solo and I was enamored with the stage and everything developed from there.

When did you know performing would be your career?

Honestly, I made that decision when I was 6 and I ran with it. It became my entire life!

Photo by Elman Studio

What was your �rst professional gig?

When I was in 6th grade, I got a part in the American Girls Review in Los Angeles that told the story of the American Girl Dolls.

HotspotsMagazine.com | 109

Other than this one, what has been your favorite role so far?

Right before this show I closed a production of Newsies where I played Katherine, and I loved it.

What's your fantasy role (a role you haven't played but want to)?

It's a tie between Queenie in "The Wild Party" by Andrew Lippa and Dot in "Sunday in the Park with George."

How well do you and your castmates get along?

Oh man we are such a family here. I have been with the show for almost 2 years, and we are all pretty much the same age so sometimes it feels like summer camp.

They're a very supportive, loving, and openminded group of people.

How does year two of this touring production differ from year one?

We have a lot of new cast members in season 2 and they hired a lot of good people. It was fun to get new energy into the show and see what it brought out into the characters. It keeps things fresh!

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Resilient, bubbly, and thoughtful.

What do you do for fun?

I love to draw, be outside, read and play with my dog. Oh yeah, and I also love to try new restaurans.

What should our readers expect from this touring company of "Jagged Little Pill"?

What you should expect is a night of a ton of fun and expect it to be like a rock concert, but bring your tissues as its going to touch you in ways you don't expect. It's a very moving show that touches on a lot of topics that people are afraid to discuss. You get to walk out the door having pride in yourself and what makes you unique and different.

For more information on Allison, you can follow her at: Instagram.com/Allieshepps Jagged Little Pill comes to the Kravis Center stage February 20 – 25, and tickets start at $35 and may be purchased online at kravis.org. To purchase by phone or in person, call 561.832.7469 or visit the Box Office Monday through Saturday from 12pm to 5pm at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach.

“

It's a very moving show that touches on a lot of topics that people are afraid to discuss. You get to walk out the door having pride in yourself and what makes you unique and different.”

LGBT History This Month in

photo: transportation.gov

Feb 1, 2012—The Washington Senate passes a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, by a vote of 28-21.

Feb 2, 2021—Pete Buttigieg was confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 86-13 to become the next Transportation Secretary. He is the first-ever openly LGBTQ Cabinet member confirmed by the full Senate.

Feb 6, 1995—Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story aired on NBC on February 6, 1995 starring Glenn Close and Judy Davis. The film recounts the events of Colonel Cammermeyer’s retirement from the National Guard under the gay exclusion policy.

Feb 7, 2012—The 9th court of appeals affirms that California's anti-gay marriage initiative know as Proposition 8, was unconstitutional saying it violated the Equal Protection Clause.

Feb 8, 2015—Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore instructs probate judges not to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The following day, some Alabama probate judges, began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Feb 12-March 11, 2004— Nearly 4,000 same-sex couples get marriage licenses in San Francisco, but the California Supreme Court eventually orders San Francisco to stop issuing marriage licenses.

Feb 12, 2014—US District Judge John G. Heyburn II rules that Kentucky's denial of recognition for valid samesex marriages violates the United States Constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law.

Feb 13, 2012—Washington state’s Governor Christine Gregoire signed legislation that established full marriage rights for same-sex couples.

Feb 13, 2014—US District Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen strikes down Virginia's ban on same-sex marriage.

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Feb 17, 2012—New Jersey Governor Chris Christie vetoes a bill legalizing same-sex marriage.

Feb 20, 2004—Sandoval County, New Mexico, issues 26 same-sex marriage licenses, but they are nullified by the state attorney general the same day.

Feb 23, 2011—The Obama Administration instructs the Justice Department to stop defending the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act in court.

Feb 23, 2012—The Maryland Senate passes a bill to legalize same-sex marriage and Governor Martin O'Malley promises to sign it into law. The law went into effect on January 1, 2013.

Feb 24, 2004—President George W. Bush announces support for a federal constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

Feb 25, 1982—Wisconsin became the first state to pass a law preventing discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Feb 25, 2007—Finance expert Suze Orman came out as a lesbian.

Feb 25, 2007—Ellen DeGeneres became the first openly gay & lesbian person to have hosted the Oscars.

Feb 27, 2004—New Paltz, New York Mayor Jason West performs same-sex marriages for about a dozen couples. In June, the Ulster County Supreme Court issues West a permanent injunction against marrying same-sex couples.

February 2002—Rosie O'Donnell came out by revealing "I'm a Dyke!" during her stand-up act at the Ovarian Cancer Research benefit in New York.

February 2007—Ellen DeGeneres talked about her homosexuality on The Oprah Winfrey Show February 2021—The Florida Commission on Human Relations, the state's civil rights enforcement agency, announced it will enforce the Bostock ruling (a landmark United States Supreme Court civil rights decision in which the Court held that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees against discrimination because of sexuality or gender identity). The HRC hailed the decision.

Sources: CNN, Wikipedia, Historic Calendar Project, Library of Congress, Gay & Lesbian Issues.

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The South Florida Pride Youth Band Season 13 Concert

at the Broward Center, February 25th The South Florida Pride Concert Band presents the South Florida Pride Youth Band Season 13 concert on Sunday, February 25 at 7pm at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts' Amaturo Theater.

The South Florida Pride Youth Band, comprised of 79 students representing 19 high schools throughout Broward, MiamiDade and Palm Beach counties, will join forces with members of the South Florida Pride Concert Band for this special event.

Together, they will celebrate the music of Chandler Wilson Ph.D., Assistant Director of Athletic Bands and Assistant Professor of Music Education at Florida State University who will conduct the concert.

The evening's program will include two specially commissioned instrumental scores: “Las Olas” composed by Dr. Wilson; and “Proud of Me” by Fernández, a local composer, guest clinician, adjudicator and performer.

“Our nonprofit is immensely grateful to our generous supporters who allow us to uplift these students financially and through musical mentorship,” said Adam DeRosa, 126 | HotspotsMagazine.com

board chair of the South Florida Pride Concert Band.

During the concert, the South Florida Pride Concert Band will award more than a dozen individual $1,000 scholarships to local high school band students. One student will receive a $7,500 scholarship care of the Second Annual FLoatarama Youth Pride Band Soloist competition and will be a featured as a soloist during the South Florida Pride Concert Band's May 2024 concert.

A signature program of the South Florida Pride Concert Band since 2012, the non-profit arts organization has donated $200,000 in youth scholarships over the 13 seasons. It has also helped grow the South Florida Pride Youth Band's membership base by 75% year-over-year.

The South Florida Pride Concert Band is celebrating its 37th season and is the oldest LGBT+ arts and cultural organization in the state of Florida.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at tinyurl.com/j269mhma