OutClique Magazine November 2022

Volume 6, Issue 12 November 2022

Source Journeys

Craig Smith & Rafael Rodriguez Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival Mousetrap at Nova Southeast University

Our Fund Broward Center Ghost Light Society

Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers and the New Lexus RX

Michael Goodman as Cher

Distance

By Steven O. Evans, PhD

When I was a math teacher, one of the basic principles of Geometry was that the shortest distance between two points was a straight line. But what about emotional distance? How do we measure and quantify that?

Time is precious. So are our hearts and emotions. One of my new life goals is to create more distance from people that are not good for me or aren’t on my team.

And draw closer to me those that love and support me.

It sounds simple. But if we aren’t careful, the problem people in life will draw our attention away from the ones that value us.

Be intentional everyday about how you spend your time.

You can always make more money, but time cannot be regained.

Whatever bitterness, anger, resentment, or hatred you might have, that time could be spent with people you enjoy in life.

Life is short Happiness need not be.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for so many friends, family, and blessings in life. Thank you for being a part.

May you find joy this holiday season.

Dr. Steven

The best medicine.

Jackson Health System gives everyone in our community access to world-class health care. In fact, that’s been our mission for more than 100 years. It’s important that we provide state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technologies, and top-rated medical professionals close to home. Because home is where family and friends are, too. And visits from loved ones have always been the best medicine.

Visit JacksonMedicalGroup.org or call 786-746-8522 for a Jackson specialist near you.

Jackson Health System is proud to be recognized as an “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Top Performer” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation. Learn more at LGBTQHealthLeader.org.

O UTC LIQUE Steven O. Evans, PhD

Publisher and Editor in Chief Steven@OutClique.com

Connie Evans

Chief Copy Editor Mother of the Publisher

Sach AD Group

Director of Graphic Design

Chandler Scott

Director of Social Media Assistant to the Publisher

Will White

Director of Special Projects

Wes Kassulke

Assistant to the Publisher

Jason Eakin

Director of Distribution

Mike Ritzi

Sales Manager

Nick Coltharp

Distribution Manager

Rivendell Media

National Advertising

Denny Patterson

Senior Lifestyle Writer & Assistant Editor

John M. Hayden Writer

Stephen Lang

Director of Photography A publication of OutClique, LLC (954) 294-8560 www.OutClique.com www.Facebook.com/OutClique Info@OutClique.com OutClique, LLC is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed in advertisements or articles.

Lexus Collaborates with Designer Harris Reed to Reimagine Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers for All-New Rx

Harris Reed Photo Credit: Holly Parker

I

n collaboration with Harris Reed, the acclaimed fashion designer known for challenging expectations, Lexus has reimagined an icon from The Wizard of Oz – Dorothy’s ruby red slippers. “Ruby Red Rims” were unveiled last night at W Magazine’s star-studded 50th anniversary party in New York.

Under license from Warner Bros. Consumer Products, the concept celebrates the automaker’s daring redesign of its bestselling, most iconic vehicle, the all-new 2023 Lexus RX. It is an extension of the vehicle’s launch campaign that reminds us to never lose our edge with a modern

interpretation of one of the most celebrated films of all time. What if, in The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy had ignored the advice to “follow the yellow brick road” and took the road less traveled instead?

With the “Ruby Red Rims,” Harris Reed and Lexus present the RX as the ultimate vehicle for inspiring drivers to veer off of the beaten path. As the official vehicle of the W 50th anniversary party, the “Ruby Red Rims” RX was stationed at the event’s entrance, greeting the fashion icons, celebrities and luminaries who have graced W’s cover through the decades, and setting the tone for the ’70s-themed bash.

“As a gender fluid designer, I’ve always been fueled and inspired by choosing the path less traveled,” said Harris Reed. “With the bold new design of the Lexus RX and the cinematic Hollywood classic, The Wizard of Oz, I took inspiration from the literal interpretation of choosing your own path and pursuing a new journey down the red brick road, with a nod to the film’s iconic ruby slippers and my own designs.”

of solid aluminum and feature gloss-sealed glitter. In the center sits the ruby core and Lexus logo, embedded in a polished ruby red color, and powered by LED lights that bring them to life. Fins reveal the ruby red color from different angles, creating a magical moment that celebrates the iconic power of the shoes and the rims.

A dramatic color change signifies the transition between worlds, immersing viewers in the journey.

In creating the “Ruby Red Rims,” Reed took inspiration from two of the signature hats in his recent Spring 2023 ready-to-wear collection. The backs of the rims are made

“With The Wizard of Oz as a foundation for our all-new RX launch spot, we were excited about the possibilities of connecting our wheels to Dorothy’s ruby red slippers. The

final design and thoughtful interpretation of the ‘Ruby Red Rims’ far exceeded our expectations,” said Vinay Shahani, vice president, Lexus marketing. “We are grateful for the

incomparable, trailblazing designer, Harris Reed, who helped us reimagine the ruby slipper in the most striking way for W’s milestone 50th celebration.”

The “Ruby Red Rims” RX will make additional appearances throughout the country later this year and next.

For more information on the 2023 RX, visit www.Lexus.com/newRX. Content and Photos Courtesy of Lexus

Explore the World with Source Journeys!

LGBTQ+ Luxury Travel 20+ Years Experience Giving Back to Our Community At Source Journeys, we make dreams come true by curating luxury LGBTQ+ travel experiences. For 20 years, we have been building a family of travelers who seek adventure, connection, and moments of awe.

Find Your Epic!

305.672.9779 SourceJourneys.com

Immerse yourself in extraordinary cultures.

Climb breathtaking heights and dive deep into the mysterious below. Strengthen your connection to yourself and others. Oh, and have some fun along the way.

JO JO U RN U RN EYS EYS

All-Gay All-Gay Basel Basel toto Amsterdam Amsterdam July July 29 29 - August - August 5, 2023 5, 2023

Mekong Mekong River River Cruise Cruise October October 17-29, 17-29, 2023 2023

Rosie’s Bar & Grill

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media 20 | OutClique.com

|

More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique

Lips

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media 22 | OutClique.com

|

More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique

Sharde’ L Ross Talks Drag and Stilettos

By Denny Patterson Photos Courtesy of Sharde’ L Ross

W

hen South Florida female impersonator Sharde’ L Ross takes the stage every Monday night at The Pub in Wilton Manors, audiences know they are in for one heck of an evening. Even more, she is sharing the stage with four other fabulous performers.

The Pub has long been a hub for live entertainment, and if you’re looking to attend a good old fashion drag show, then we suggest checking out Stilettos, a weekly two-hour dragstravaganza that has become a one-of-a-kind staple on The Drive. Ross joins Leila Cox, Candy Cox, Mercury Rising Cox, and Verandah Lanai at 8PM to bring a show that’s unpredictable, but full of classic entertainment and lip syncs. Stilettos has a loyal following, but newcomers are always welcome.

Each performer showcases their own style and talent, and OutClique caught up with Ross to talk about what we can expect from her.

Denny Patterson: Thank you for taking some time to chat

24 | OutClique.com

with me, Sharde’! Can you begin by telling us more about who Sharde’ L Ross is and what she’s all about?

Sharde’ L Ross: Sharde’ is a very classy female impersonator and always professional. I try to be on time and on point because I’m very customer service driven.

In my daily life, my day job, I work with the public a lot, so customer service is a very big thing for me. There are certain girls that you see in the circuit, and every time you see them, you’re guaranteed a great show. You go to them because you’re guaranteed a great show. Because of that, I said to myself, why can’t I be one of those individuals?

Why can’t I be the girl where it’s like, oh, Sharde’ is in the show? Let’s go because we know she’s going to give us her best. That’s what I based my entire career on. I’ve always been about keeping it real, and because I am a mature entertainer now, I’m trying not to age out. I’m a very current driven entertainer, but still, my slogan for my life right now is “stay in my lane.”

DP: When did you join Stilettos?

SLR: I joined Stilettos about four and a half years ago.

DP: Why did you want to be involved with this production?

SLR: I actually began guesting with them because they

already had a full cast. Candy would ask me to be her guest one week out of the month, so I pretty much had a stable position with the girls. I mentored most of them when they started doing drag, so I was kind of like their big sister. When a position to host became available, they approached me and asked if I would like to join since I have pretty much been there since its inception.

DP: How would you say Stilettos is different from other

neighborhood drag shows?

SLR:: We are classic drag and we take people back to their younger days. We have a certain age following. We don’t cater to the young kids. If you asked me what they are listening to on the radio now, I couldn’t tell you. I think most of the people that come to our shows grew up in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. When my sisters were in college, they would come home and teach me these new college dances that the kids were doing. I would go to school and be like, this is what my sisters are doing in college! So, I was always an entertainer, ever since I was a little kid, but Stilettos is focused on nostalgia. We advertise it as classic drag so when people come in the door, they know what kind of music to expect. And we encourage the audience to sing along!

DP: What kind of impact has Stilettos personally made on

you, as well as your drag career?

SLR: It’s kept me current, and it’s kept me wanting to evolve with my makeup. I’ve been watching all these tutorials because these young girls are coming out with these new techniques but staying current in the business is my most important goal. As I mentioned, I am one of the senior members.

DP: When did you discover your love and passion for drag?

SLR: Since 1988, and I started during Halloween, like

most kids did. We were in college, and we borrowed our girlfriends’ majorette outfits, and we were the frontline girls in a marching band with batons and all that. I had so much fun, so I decided to do it again!

DP: How does Sharde’ L Ross stand out from the several

other South Florida female impersonators and drag artists?

SLR: Everybody knows they’re going to get what they paid for, and maybe a little extra (laughs). I’m going to be entertaining, friendly, and approachable. I’m the same person all the time. My personality never changes. There’s no reason. So, what you got yesterday, you’re going to get tomorrow and the day after.

DP: Can you talk more about how Stilettos changes each week?

SLR: There are five Stilettos cast members. We each take a week out of the month to host, and we invite our own guest stars. Sometimes two, sometimes three individuals join our cast, and we all showcase our own talents. We stand out for the right reasons, and we all share in the success and failures that come along with entertaining.

DP: What do you enjoy the most about working with the other girls?

SLR: Spending time together backstage. We all have each other’s back, and we’re always watching out for each other. We call each other when we get home at night to say, I made it home safely. Nobody else does that. It’s a sisterhood, but it’s almost like a sorority.

DP: What is your go-to song to perform?

SLR: For my legacy, it’s Diana Ross. For a crowd pleaser, it’s Whitney Houston. You can’t go wrong with a Whitney song!

DP: What are some future goals you hope Stilettos

achieves in the next few years?

SLR: First of all, we are on the Drive, and there are so many other entertainment opportunities every night, including Mondays. What I hope for the show is that we keep evolving and changing. Not so much the music, but our attitudes and how we present ourselves to our audiences to keep them wanting to come back. Because we work so much, it can become stagnant at times. You can get complacent, and I hope that we don’t do that. I hope people see the effort that we put into our entertainment for them. It’s just not a drag show for us. It’s a chance to entertain, make somebody smile, and take them out of their day. We want them to call their girlfriends and say, I’m at the Pub, come on over!

Stay up-to-date and connect with Ross by following her on Facebook @ShardeLRoss.

Visit ThePubWM.com for more information on Stilettos.

OutClique.com | 25

OPEN LATE 2AM WEEKNIGHTS - 3AM WEEKENDS

Cheers for Every Holiday

SNACKS • SMOKES • VAPES • CRAFT BEER • WINE • ICE • MIXERS • GIFTS

FRI RETRO PARTY SAT REVOLUTION

THURS BINGOBitc

DAISY D + BEDROOM BOX

DJ NENA

SUNDAY FUNDAY

$4 MIMOSAS 1PM-1AM

TUES IN THE BIZ 50% OFF DRINKS

WED GAME NIGHT

POKER, DARTS & MORE

SKYY • STOLI • BACARDI • ALTOS • MALFY • ABSOLUT • CAPTAIN MORGAN

HAPPY HOUR TUES-FRI 4-8PM 6 PREMIUM DRINKS $

get LIT with us

2440 WILTON DRIVE, WILTON MANORS, FL TUES-THUR 4P-1A, FRI 4P-2A, SAT 2P-2A, SUN 1P-1A

TOWELNIGHT THURSDAY HAPPY HOUR ALL NIGHT!

250 PRIZE

$

AMATEUR STRIP CONTEST

DAISY D • TPROMIX • ERIS DELIGHT

Everynight THE HOTTEST BOYS • 1243 NE 11 AVE, FT LAUD, FL • TUES-SUN 6P-2A/3A WEEKENDS • LEBOY.COM

Big Easy Queens Launch Party

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

|

More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique OutClique.com | 29

Eagle Wilton Manors

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media 32 | OutClique.com

|

More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

|

More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique OutClique.com | 33

Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

|

More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique OutClique.com | 35

Randy Roberts at Pub on the Drive

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media 36 | OutClique.com

|

More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique

Pleasure in Every Pump

visit www.uberlube.com

TP Lords is the Total Package

By Denny Patterson Photos Courtesy of TP Lords

A

s the winner of Miss Miami Beach Pride 2014 and Ultimate Miami Drag Queen 2015, as well as the first alternate to Miss Florida Continental 2010, it’s no wonder that TP Lords is the total package.

wanted to pursue entertainment, but I didn’t know how it was going to happen. It was basically all laid out for me.

Based in Hollywood, Lords can serve up just about anything one can imagine. From traditional glam and avant-garde to pop singer realness and neon creature of the night, this drag entertainer and choreographer is an expert at versatility and will always give audiences a topnotch performance. Currently, she can primarily be seen slaying the stage at The Manor and Alibi’s.

TPL: I guess my ‘aha’ moment was when I was 23 years

DP: Was there an ‘aha’ moment where you were like, yes, this is what I was meant to do?

Additionally, Lords is a mother in the original ballroom House of Lords, and she encourages anyone to contact her for advice and guidance.

Lords took some time to answer some questions for OutClique.

Denny Patterson: Thank you for taking some time to chat with me, TP! Can you begin by telling us what kind of queen you are?

TP Lords: I am simply just a performance artist. My style and aesthetic varies, and that’s why I’m the total package.

I am a variety of everything. I could be a pageant queen one day, a club kid the next.

DP: How did you discover your love and passion for drag?

TPL: I always loved performing, singing live, and dancing

as a child, but I didn’t know much about drag until I saw RuPaul in the music video for “Supermodel.” I said, she’s kind of strange looking, but I had no idea what drag was.

I hadn’t put two and two together. I just knew that I loved her shoes (laughs). I’ve always been in love with shoes.

So, being the Aquarius that I am, I began creating art and fashion, and letting the creativity flow. I would go out and dress up in drag and go out to the parties. I started clubbing at a very young age, and I would dress up so that I wouldn’t get ID’d. While I was creating looks, I got noticed, and then I started walking balls for the House of Lords and winning trophies for all those different categories. Finally, I started performing. I knew that I

old. I left my day job to pursue drag full-time. I decided it was time to believe in myself a little more, and this was when drag was still frowned upon and not considered a real job. They would say, you’re going to be on drugs and alcohol, and things like that. That might have happened a lot back in those days, but now, drag is like a business.

You can do all sorts of things with your drag career.

DP: Where can we usually see you perform?

TPL: I perform at The Manor, and I primarily perform at

Alibi’s. I’m there three days a week. Thursday evening, Saturday brunch, and Monday karaoke.

DP: What can one always expect from a TP Lords performance?

TPL: They can always expect to be wowed with the

performance, the art, the lights - I’m bringing my mind and creativity to the stage!

DP: Is that how you would say TP Lords stands out from other South Florida drag queens?

TPL: I guess so. Everybody has creative parts to them,

but the style, aesthetic, and performance I bring is always going to be right and true to who I am.

DP: You mentioned that you are also a part of the House of Lords?

TPL: Yes! I am part of the original ballroom House of

Lords. We have created such a wonderful gay family. We don’t really walk balls anymore, but we created this big loving and supporting family for the LGBTQ community, especially the youth. We are their support system.

DP: How many drag children do you have?

TPL: A lot of them have done drag just to do drag, and

a lot of them do drag professionally. So, professional queens, I would say about 10.

OutClique.com | 43

DP: Wow, you must be a busy mother!

TPL: I know, right? And then the House of Lords has over

100 children that have either passed or are not as active, but we have our children who are active now.

DP: What is your number one piece of motherly advice to any aspiring drag artist?

TPL: My advice to any up-and-coming drag performer

would be, enjoy what you’re doing and make sure you have a great time while performing. Get out there, and don’t be afraid to put in the work. Let your talent speak for itself.

DP: What are your thoughts about drag constantly evolving and becoming more and more mainstream?

TPL: I think it’s amazing! Luckily, we’re here in South

Florida, where it’s more liberal and less confined. I would love to see that happening in other cities. I’ve been to other cities, and it’s not like that out there. They don’t do private events, or there may be one bar that they’re allowed to perform in, and all the drag queens in the city are fighting to work at that bar. Here in South Florida, we can perform anywhere.

DP: There are plenty of options.

TPL: Yes, we have plenty of options here in South

Florida. I consider myself very lucky to be a South Floridian because we do have a lot more acceptance and gay culture here.

DP: You’ve also auditioned for RuPaul’s Drag Race, haven’t you?

TPL: I’ve auditioned seven or eight times! It’s like the gay lottery (laughs).

DP: Do you have any aspirations to keep trying?

TPL: Oh, for sure! I will definitely continue to audition when

I have the time. The opportunity will sometimes pop up on you, and they’ll give you around a month to audition, but that can be difficult with our schedules. Especially in January because we have all these parties happening here in South Florida. My schedule is really full around that time, so it can be challenging to put together an audition video, make it good, and make it worth it. It’s then sometimes aggravating when you don’t hear back from anyone because you’re putting all this work in, and you don’t even get a message back from them. You find out who made it when the new season is announced. It’s like, I just spent three days straight in drag making video content and costumes for you guys! But I am determined and I will continue to audition.

DP: What are some of your interests outside of drag?

TPL: Spending time with my family and going out and

living life. Enjoying what I can do, and also just getting into creating more stuff for myself and other people.

DP: What are some future goals you hope to accomplish

with your drag career and platform?

TPL: I would love to start creating some of my own little events here. I am starting a drag consignment sip n’ shop called Consignment Queens Sip n’ Shop, so I’m getting all the girls together so we can sell costumes, raise money, and do different things for charities in that way. We want to always continue to support our community.

Stay up-to-date and connect with Lords by following her on Facebook and Instagram @TPLords.

Always look for the BBB Seal, and find a Better Business anytime at

BBB.org

BBB Holiday Shopping Tips

By Rod Davis, CEO BBB serving Southeast Florida and the Caribbean Holiday shopping can be fun or stressful. Here are a few tips from BBB to avoid problems while you find that perfect gift.

•

Research before you buy. Use BBB.org and shopper reviews to do your homework before paying.

Also, read our tips for spotting fake reviews at bbb. org/all/spot-a-scam/how-to-spot-a-fake-review.

•

If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. The top motivating factor for people who made a purchase and lost money was the price. Don’t shop on price alone.

•

•

•

Beware of fake websites: Check the URL, watch for bad grammar, research the age of the domain, and search for contact information. See BBB’s tips to identify a fake website at bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam/ how-to-identify-a-fake-website Professional photos do not mean it’s a real offer.

Respondents reported that website photos motivated them to engage with scammers, especially for pets/ pet supplies, clothing/accessories, and vehicles.

Make sure the website is secure. Look for the “HTTPS” in the URL (the extra s is for “secure”) and a small lock icon on the address bar. Never enter payment or personal information into a website with only “HTTP” – it is NOT secure.

•

Be careful purchasing sought-after products, especially during the holiday season. The risk of online purchase scams rises during the holidays because more people are making online purchases, and scammers offer the most popular products for the season at great prices.

•

Beware of making quick purchases while scrolling through social media. Scammers have access to tools they need to learn about your buying behaviors, offering exactly what you want

at enticingly low prices. These products may never arrive or be cheap knock offs.

• Look for the BBB seal. BBB Accredited Businesses pledge to uphold the BBB Standards for Trust and to deal fairly with consumers. If a business displays a BBB seal, verify it by going to BBB.org so you can be sure they have earned The Sign of A Better Business.

•

Use secure and traceable transactions and payment methods. According to BBB’s research, those who paid with a credit card were less likely to lose money. Avoid using other payments applications that do not provide the same protection.

•

Shipment tracking information can be faked.

Look closely to make sure it is a legitimate business.

Avoid clicking on the tracking link; go to the ‘shipper’s website and type in the code to see if it is real.

•

Count on BBB to help you “Shop Safe, Shop Smart.” More tips are available at BBB.org/holidaytips.

Many of us like to find unique gifts and/or support local businesses. It is especially important to check out these businesses since they will not have a known brand standing behind them (e.g. like Target, Lands End, etc.).

Fortunately, there are many trustworthy and unique businesses in our area that can help you find that special gift. If you are looking for high quality shoes stop by Ace Marks (https://www.acemarks.com), fun clothes for men can be found at Male Basics (https://malebasics.com/) or maybe you want to find the perfect handmade wood furniture. If yes, check with Wood Wonders Custom Furniture (www.woodwonderscustom.com/) There are thousands of great local businesses here to help you find that special gift. You can start your search at bbb.org.

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: � Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section. � Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. � Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. � Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. � Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. � The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

� Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your

healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: � dofetilide � rifampin � any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you: � Have or have had any kidney or liver problems,

including hepatitis infection. � Have any other health problems. � Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby.

Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. � Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed.

Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: � Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-

counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

� BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other.

Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION � This is only a brief summary of important information

about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

� Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 � If you need help paying for your medicine,

visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, and KEEP BEING YOU are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2022 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0008 01/22

#1 PRESCRIBED

HIV TREATMENT * *Source: IQVIA NPA Weekly, 04/19/2019 through 05/28/2021.

CHAD LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

KEEP BEING YOU. Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

ONE SMALL PILL, ONCE A DAY Pill shown not actual size (15 mm x 8 mm) | Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

Scan to see Chad’s story.

Source Journeys A Leader in LGBTQ Travel

By Denny Patterson

D

o you love to travel and dream of seeing the world? Whether it’s visiting the Great Pyramids of Egypt in-person or discovering the mysteries of Machu Picchu, the possibilities are endless with Source Journeys.

Previously known as Source Events, Source Journeys was founded by Craig Smith and began with an invitation to dream and a willingness to go beyond what has been to what is next.

“I was an attorney in San Francisco and I was basically looking for a big life change,” he tells OutClique. “I realized I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life doing law, so around that time, I went on a trip to Miami and met up with a group of friends. They really encouraged me to find work that I love doing.

I then went on a trip to New York and met my life partner, Rafael, and he was in Florida. So, I decided to make the jump and moved to Florida, and I knew that I wanted to do work that made a difference in the community because I’ve always been driven by making a difference.”

Smith envisioned producing events that would bring people together while raising money for good causes.

“I started a small community foundation in the late 90s in Miami called Communion, and we did house parties to raise money for HIV/AIDS. That then led to producing Winter Party. This was an all-volunteer organization, and they wanted to grow, so I ended up becoming their first Project Director.”

Source Journeys came into the picture after Smith talked with a life coach.

“The life coach was very intuitive and could sense that I was ready for a new adventure. She said, ‘Close your eyes. If you could change anything in your life, what would be your next dream?’ I thought about it, and I said I would love to travel the world and take the positive of what I’ve learned through these events and keep this sense of camaraderie, but I’d also like to learn from other cultures. I’d love to experience different places and see if we can form a travel family and go to all these different places that I always dreamed of as a kid. She responded, ‘Let’s get started!’”

Through conversations with like-minded friends, and a shared vision of

OutClique.com | 51

crafting unique and inspiring experiences, Source Journeys was born. Since 2001, Smith and his team have created amazing travel experiences on all seven continents.

They also built a family of travelers who share a passion for exploring global cultures, encountering the unknown with a sense of fun and excitement, and a commitment to giving back to the community.

“Source Journeys is about experiencing the world in a new light. We grew from one tall sailing charter, and these charters were aboard Windjammer Barefoot Cruises. They had been in business for over 60 years, so we had a lot of confidence working with them.

Unfortunately, Windjammer closed their doors, but we found that when one door closes, another one opens.

We had many loyal travelers, and many of our alumni were already requesting luxury ships, so we pivoted to tall luxury ships. Three years later, we chartered and filled Windstar’s Wind Surf with over 300 travelers sailing from Rome to Venice to celebrate Source Journeys 10th Anniversary. The newfound resilience truly benefited us.”

While Source Journeys continued to grow and evolve over the years, Smith would regularly ask guests for their input as to where they would like to travel to.

Current and past destinations include India, Bhutan, Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, Morocco, Vietnam, Peru, Ireland, and a journey along the Rhine River, which begins in Switzerland and visits France, Germany, and Holland.

According to Smith, an area they are starting to specialize in is Africa.

“We recently announced another trip to Kenya for safaris and Rwanda for this mountain gorilla trek. This is a life changing trip. Everybody loves it, and it sells out very quickly.”

Like any other travel company, Source Journeys has encountered its fair share of challenges, COVID being the most recent.

“The world shut down unexpectedly two years ago, but that really gave me the time to question, where do we go from here? COVID allowed me time to revision and reimagine what the world would look like when it reopened. For everyone in the travel industry, it took

54 | OutClique.com

a lot of work and resilience to make it through those times because everything was uncertain, but believe it or not, we’re all on a hero’s journey. My vision for Source Journeys is to inspire the heroes of the world to take epic journeys of mind, body, and spirit with us.

We do this by creating fun and friendly journeys for the LGBTQ community, each intended to be a force for good in the world. That belief that travel can be a force for good in the world is just so integral to our mission. Travel is life changing because it changes the way we see ourselves, our outlook in the world, and it develops connections with people. It’s no longer just a place on a map. It’s someplace that we feel connected with our mind, body, and spirit.”

Photo courtesy of Keans Llamera Photography

Coming back from COVID, Smith found that people aren’t only more grateful and appreciative to travel, but they don’t want to wait anymore.

“You never know what’s going to happen next, and people are seizing the moment. People are ready to travel again, but I think the question is, how do they travel and who do they travel with? If people are looking for a more intimate experience, but still want to have fun, then Source Journeys is the perfect choice.”

Guided by the spirit of adventure, Smith hopes

guests take away several aspects from a Source Journeys experience.

“First off, I hope that their dreams are coming true. For example, if they do the gorilla trek, maybe they were wondering one day, ‘when will I be able to do that?’ I love when we’ve made these dreams possible and real. I also want people to know that the places we go to, we can and will guarantee their safety. We go to places that are not known to be the most welcoming to LGBTQ people, and guests might feel a little uncomfortable. We only work with operators that are LGBTQ friendly, and everyone is with a like-minded group of friends going to these world heritage sites that I believe we have a right to visit.”

For Smith personally, one of his favorite parts of Source Journeys is working alongside his life partner, Rafael “Rafi”

56 | OutClique.com

Rodriguez. Although he has been a part of the company since the beginning, Rodriguez joined the staff on a fulltime basis in 2010, where he oversees customer service.

“It’s been amazing working with Rafi because he is the heart and soul of the company. He knows everybody by a first name basis, and he handles the operations and reservations, while I handle more of the production part of it.

He just has this love of people and travel, and he’s bilingual, which is definitely a plus. Since Rafi joined full-time, Source has really evolved and elevated itself as a brand.”

As for the future, Smith aspires to continue growing in terms of supporting more LGBTQ causes, such as supporting LGBTQ youth internationally and supporting individuals that are still in countries where it’s not safe to be LGBTQ.

“We’re looking at causes like the Underground Railroad for LGBTQ people who don’t have the funds to get out of their country, and when we do travel to these countries, we are always raising awareness. I see that as being integral to our mission, and I want to grow in that regard. I also want to continue to listen to our travelers and find out what their dreams are in terms of both other destinations and what they’d like to experience together.”

Smith will also be announcing another brand under the umbrella called Source Retreats.

These will be luxury retreats in beautiful places around the world, where we focus on growth and transformation. As mind, body, and spirit is so ingrained in our approach to travel, we knew creating retreats, where we could be still, would be a logical next step for us. These retreats will be small, intimate experiences with 15-20 people. It will be like a mixture of work and play, where people can leave the retreat energized and learn something about themselves and about the places that are hosting us. There has been a lot of interest in retreats, and again, it goes back to the idea that travel can be more than just a vacation.

For more information and to stay up-to-date with Source Journeys, follow them on Facebook and Instagram @SourceJourneys, or visit SourceJourneys.com.

“I encourage people to go for their dreams. If you’re willing to work for it, it can come true, and if that dream is to travel, Rafi and I would be honored to welcome you on any Source Journey.”

Cover photo courtesy of Keans Llamera Photography | Cover story photos courtesy of Source Journeys

Same great service and trusted expertise, but now with more options, giving you more choices.

PERSONAL INSURANCE

Great service from everyone that we’ve been in contact with. Extremely knowledeable and quick to respond.

Always professional and ready to help with any questions we have had.

Homeowners · Flood · Automobile · Watercraft · Condominium Owners · Renters · Umbrella · Jewelry, Art & Collectibles ·

BUSINESS INSURANCE · General Liability · Commercial Property · Commercial Umbrella · Workers Compensation · Flood · Cyber · Crime · Employment Practices Liability

Robert Goodwin 1800 NE 26TH STREET · WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 NSIGROUP.ORG 954.522.3800

®

You’ve thought about it. Talked about it. Daydreamed about it. And talked about it some more. Now get a plan designed to make it happen. We’ll tailor your personalized financial plan to your life and priorities, because our version of financial planning starts with you.

Ready to go for it? Today’s the day.

L E T ’ S G E T S TA R T E D Michael Garcia, MBA, LL.M. 500 E Broward Blvd, Ste 2000 Ft Lauderdale, FL 33394 954-895-1057 michael.a.garcia@nm.com michaelagarcia.nm.com

07-1002 © 2022. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability Insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries.

Subsidiaries include: Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, and member of FINRA and SIPC. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and trust services), a federal savings bank. Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with “advisor” in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI. To view detailed disclosures regarding individual representatives, view their information at http://michaelagarcia.nm.com.

Photo Courtesy of Michael A. Garcia, Esq., MBA

Living For Today While Preparing For the Future

By John Hayden

I

f you want to enjoy the golden years you’re gonna

that we may outlive our savings if we don’t factor in

need a hoard of gold, or at least a big stash of cash.

the costs of taking care of ourselves in the event of a

Some save over the course of a lifetime, while others

chronic illness that could deplete our savings over a

delay and delay until they figure it’s too late and rely on

relatively short period of time,” Garcia told OutClique.

social security and possible pensions.

Garcia helps people build around a plan for retirement Michael A. Garcia, Esq., MBA, says it’s never too late

that begins with taking a hard look at their current

to start. A financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual,

circumstances. He asks clients to sort wants from needs

Garcia and his husband, Dr. Troy Robinson, have long

and see how much they spend on basic expenses, such

been members of South Florida’s LGBTQIA+ community.

as housing, insurance, auto, and food.

His perspective gives him insight into financial situations that can be unique to our community.

Even smart savers who began planning in their twenties can face challenges when life gets in the way and forces

He says there is more to saving for retirement than putting

them to tap into savings.

money in a 401k (although that is important, too).

“For millions of retirement savers, the pandemic was “A holistic financial plan is not only about saving

a gut punch,” he says. “There was the jarring stock

retirement dollars, but also it entails an understanding

market drop in March 2020, then millions lost their

60 | OutClique.com

jobs, health insurance, and the ability to fund their

many people, so planning for decades down the road

savings. It was a financial catastrophe for many

can seem daunting. That’s where Garcia comes in. His

Americans, and they may not recover for years. But

education and experience aren’t easily matched. He

getting either back on track or on track to financial

graduated valedictorian of his high school class and

freedom is possible.”

became the first member of his family to attend college when he went to Stanford, where he graduated with

Garcia prides himself on really listening to potential

honors. A professor suggested he go to law school,

clients when they talk about their retirement dreams so

so Garcia applied to Cambridge University in England.

he can help make them come true.

It was a long shot, but it came through, with a full scholarship to boot.

Fabric Of Community Working in a law firm didn’t fulfill his desire to make a Garcia and his husband came to South Florida 26 years

difference in his community, so it was back to school.

ago and aren’t just residents of the community, they’re

This time he went to UCLA’s Graduate School of

active members of the community. It’s a community

Management with a focus on finance and strategic

he says that has grown closer, both physically and

planning.

emotionally, since the mid-90s.

“This expanded my ability to help others in a real and “Today, I live in Wilton Manors, a place where I can

tangible way. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual as a

proudly say that I am a member of a world-class

Financial Advisor, I worked for Fortune 100 companies,

LGBTQ+ community with a wide range of resources

including IBM Latin America, which brought me to South

and events. Since the early 2000s, the Wilton Manors

Florida in the mid-1990s.”

community has seen unprecedented growth of LGBTQ+ owned businesses on Wilton Drive and adjacent areas.

Family Tradition

The growth of the Pride Center at Equality Park and the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival have

Garcia credits his relentless drive to improve himself

increased our national and international visibility as a

and his community to his grandfather’s ‘si se puede’

premier destination for all members of the LGBTQ+

(yes, you can) attitude.

community.” “[That] attitude gave him the courage to leave behind He is a member of the Founders Circle of the Pride

the civil unrest of Mexico in the 1920s to forge a new

Center, SAGE, the Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Trust

life in the United States with his new wife. For my

Board, the Advisory Planned Giving Committee for

grandfather, this difficult decision meant leaving behind

the Memorial Healthcare System, as well as being

the comforts of his family hacienda as well as his circle

members of Saints Francis & Clare Catholic Church in

of family and friends with little more than the clothes on

Wilton Manors.

his back and a few pennies in his pocket.”

“I believe that to become a true member of a community

It’s a lesson Garcia carries with him today when he

is to not only partake of its services, but to also find

works with people on their future.

ways to give back in a tangible way to foster its growth and continued development.”

“My life mantra is best summarized by my grandfather Julian’s perspective that in life anything is possible if

Smart Financial Decisions

you put your mind and heart into it with a sincere desire to help your family and community to live a

Planning next year’s budget can be a challenge for

better life.”

OutClique.com | 61

What’s Included in a Health Karma Membership:

­

­

Healthy Habits

Will get you on the nice list!

Eat a nutritious snack before you go to that holiday party.

Use a small plate when serving yourself a holiday meal.

Wait ten minutes before going for seconds.

Socialize away from the food at the party.

Prioritize sleep so you make wise eating choices.

Need a little help?

No two people will accomplish their weight-loss goals in quite the same way.

The best way to shed those extra pounds efficiently and permanently is with a plan as unique as you are.

Ask Dr. Cabrera about the most common culprits of weight gain.

(954) 561-3175 1001 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

ghinstitute.com

Photo Courtesy of Baxter Martin

I Hated the Way I Looked Last year, the holidays were fast approaching and here I was again, dreading the pressure to “eat healthy.” What’s that anyway? I kept asking myself. I had tried every trick I could think of to eat healthy, only to end up where I started, disappointed.

At the time, I didn’t know that losing weight was not a onesize-fits-all deal. No two people will accomplish their goals in quite the same way. I also had this misconception that I could launch the “eat healthy” app on my phone, and I would magically start loving high-protein turkey and hating cheesecake. As if!

Losing weight takes time and patience—precisely what Dr. Ferdinand Cabrera at Genesis Health Institute has been offering for two decades. He knows well the most common culprits of weight gain.

Dr. Ferd started with a comprehensive set of medical tests to assess my body composition, hormone levels, and nutrient deficiencies—areas of the body ignored by most diet plans. I remember being shocked at the information the tests revealed. No wonder I couldn’t lose weight; I was going about it the wrong way.

Once Dr. Ferd understood my body and lifestyle, he crafted a custom weight loss protocol that worked for me. The plan included supervised nutritional planning, intermittent fasting, and exercise. The key word for me is supervised. Knowing I had someone alongside me was critical in staying motivated.

I started seeing results quickly, and then the fun began.

I supplemented my plan with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and later with body contouring.

The holidays are fast approaching again, and this year I feel different. I’m confident in my looks and, more importantly, in how I feel and see myself. I smile when I look in the mirror, walk taller, and make smart choices.

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Ferd. He changed my life.

Chris Start your journey to a lighter, happier, and healthier you.

Schedule a complimentary consultation with Genesis Health Institute, conveniently located in Wilton Manors.

Call 954-561-3175 or visit ghinstitute.com to learn more.

Content by Baxter Martin Courtesy of Genesis Health Institute | Sponsored Editorial

SAY GOODBYE TO UNWANTED FAT FOR GOOD! Financing/low monthly rates available!

Target up to 9 different areas!

CALL (954) 530-5203 FACE | BODY | SKIN NEW!

Combine your CoolSculpting with

1699 E Oakland Park Blvd. | BeWellMedSpa.com

Virtue RF for skin tightening!

Suicide Prevention A Light in the Darkness

F

eeling suicidal does not mean that you are out of your mind, broken, or weak. It is not a character defect. Having suicidal thoughts only means that you have more pain than you can deal with at that moment in time. This pain seems completely overwhelming. It might even feel like it will never go away. The reasons for this pain are unique to each one of us, and the ability to cope with the pain differs from person to person. People may consider suicide or suicidal thoughts as means of escape and could be caused by undiagnosed mental health issues, traumatic stress of daily living, substance use, loss or fear of loss, hopelessness, chronic pain, or illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, with 45,979 deaths in 2020. This is about one death every 11 minutes. The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher.

It is estimated that 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.2 million attempted suicides.

Suicide can affect all ages and in 2020, suicide was among the top nine leading causes of death for people ages 1064. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34.

If you or someone you know might be in a dark place right now, here are three important steps to follow.

1. Promise not to do anything immediately. Even though

you are in a lot of pain at this moment, give yourself some distance between thoughts and action.

2. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Suicidal thoughts can become even stronger if you have taken drugs or used alcohol.

3. Do not keep these feelings to yourself. Find someone you trust and let them know how bad things are: a friend, a family member, or a neighbor.

It takes courage to contemplate death, but it takes even more courage to face the issues you are dealing with and to get the help and assistance you need. Remember, suicide and death are permanent solutions to temporary problems.

For more information, or to make an appointment to speak with a Care Resource licensed clinician, please call us at 305-576-1234 extension #315.

For more immediate assistance, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or call the National Hopeline Network at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).

About Care Resource: Care Resource is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with four locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the full health care needs of South Florida’s pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations.

Content Courtesy of Care Resource

PRESCRIPTION OPIOIDS

Prescription opioids can be prescribed by doctors to treat moderate-to-severe pain but can also have serious risks and side effects.

COMMON TYPES ARE

OXYCODONE (OXYCONTIN), HYDROCODONE (VICODIN), MORPHINE, AND METHADONE. Prescription opioids can be used to treat moderate-to-severe pain and are often prescribed following surgery or injury, or for health conditions such as cancer. In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of prescription opioids for the treatment of chronic, non-cancer pain, such as back pain or osteoarthritis, despite serious risks and the lack of evidence about their long-term effectiveness.

WHEN THE PRESCRIPTION BECOMES THE PROBLEM More than 191 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed to American patients in 2017—with wide variation across states.1 Health care providers in the highest prescribing state, Alabama, wrote almost three times as many of these

prescriptions per person as those in the lowest prescribing state, Hawaii.1 Studies suggest that regional variation in use of prescription opioids cannot be explained by the underlying health status of the population.2

The most common drugs involved in prescription opioid overdose deaths include:

• • •

Methadone

Oxycodone (such as OxyContin®) Hydrocodone (such as Vicodin®)3

To reverse this epidemic, we need to improve the way we treat pain. We must prevent abuse, addiction, and overdose before they start.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Get connected. Get answers. Get options. Dial 211.

Broward County The Florida Overdose Data to Action (FL-OD2A) program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

[ ] DONATE

TODAY

Every month 600 people walk into our

Client Service Center !

Be Our Hero and donate today to build a community room and increase services in a welcoming space!

Find Care, Knowledge, Support and Hope at our Client Service Center 2800 N Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors

“Testing saved my life” -Ricky, Broward House Alumni

Support Services | Mental Health Services | HIV Care

Visit: Browardhouse.org | 954-568-7373 ext. 1210

Read “why” they are committed to our mission and SMART Ride.

Choose to donate to Broward House and tell our people “You are important!”

Team “Give A Shift” Rider

“ Team “Give A Shift” Crew

“

“The world is not always welcoming based on our HIV status, who we love, and our life experiences. Broward House is a welcoming and loving space that allows people to be who they are and learn to love who they are.

I support Broward House because each person who chooses to work there exhibits the passion to allow those living with HIV to be the best they can be.

I encourage anyone who can, donate to Broward House, so they can continue to house, care for and create dignity for each person walking through their doors.” - Derek Lee “When one of my dearest friends told me he was HIV positive and wanted to walk the Florida AIDS Walk, I joined. He wanted his team to benefit Broward House and that is when I learned about this organization.

That was 2009, and I am happy to report that my is still with us, and I am on the Broward House Board.

Broward House is the lifeline to assist those in turning their lives around. Having that support system can help anyone survive and that is what Broward House does.”

- Robert Moelius

Make a Donation Today!

The Latest in Prostate Cancer Detection and Treatment

By Abhishek Bhat, MD, Jackson Health System

P

rostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in American men. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime.

82 | OutClique.com

Luckily, we have diagnostic tests that can catch the disease early, robotic surgery for improved surgical results, and innovative technology to help us deliver precision treatment to kill cancer cells and limit side effects. All of these options are available at Jackson Health System.

It’s critical to catch the disease early in order to maximize treatment options and experience the best results. As we recognize Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September, I want to encourage all men to learn about new treatment options and, more importantly, know when and how they should begin to test for the disease.

Early Detection During the early stages of prostate cancer, men often do not present with symptoms that indicate something is wrong. In many cases, once a man starts experiencing symptoms, such as weight loss and/or fractures due to trivial trauma, the cancer has likely progressed. That’s why early testing, done through a simple blood test, is crucial.

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test may signify possible prostate cancer if antigen levels are elevated.

High levels do not mean you have cancer but can alert your doctor to perform further testing. The earlier we find the disease, the more treatment options we can offer, and the better the chances of the cancer going into remission.

Most men are encouraged to begin receiving PSA tests annually between the ages of 55 and 70. It can be done through a regular blood test and can be administered by a primary care doctor or urologist. If you have a family history of the disease, or have another risk factor, you may benefit from testing sooner. African American men are at an increased risk for developing prostate cancer over white men and other men of color. One in seven Black men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime.

Treatment We have an arsenal of treatment options to treat prostate cancer depending on what stage the disease is in at any given time.

At Jackson, we offer robotic prostatectomies using the latest da Vinci Xi surgical robot. This technology allows us to remove the entire prostate via minimally invasive surgery. The robot allows us to perform the procedure with more precision thanks to magnified views, while also accessing the organ via tiny incisions. Patients experience less blood loss and excellent oncological and functional outcomes, including early recovery of continence and sexual function.

Choosing an experienced surgeon with expertise in robotic surgery is critical as there are very fine nerves around the prostate that, if injured, can lead to erectile dysfunction and other issues.

If men do not require or are nervous about fully removing their prostate, other options are available. Radiation therapy, which targets and kills cancer cells in a specific spot in the body, is an option for cancer found early in isolated areas.

Another option is cryotherapy, which is an outpatient procedure that freezes cancer cells. It has high success rates in controlling cancer spread.

If the cancer has already spread to other areas of the body and we are not able to remove it entirely, we still have options to help manage the disease. They include cutting off the testosterone supply with injectable and/or hormonal agents.

Diagnosis Another great tool we have in battling prostate cancer is MRI fusion-guided biopsies, which can be used to further detect cancer, inflammation, and other concerns.

This imaging technology provides multiple views of the prostate with contrast and shows in fine detail whether there are suspicious lesions.

However, the earlier the cancer is found, the more options we have to treat it, and the higher your chances are of having an outcome with minimal side effects. If you or a loved one are a man who is of age or fall into an at-risk group, make sure to get an annual PSA test. It can, and does, save lives.

If concerning spots are found, an MRI fusion-guided biopsy may be performed to help pinpoint what areas of the prostate should be further biopsied. Instead of getting random samples, this biopsy allows us to get the most accurate information, provide a more precise diagnosis, and present the best treatment plan.

Abhishek Bhat, MD, is an associate medical director with Jackson Health System, and specializes in urological oncology, cancer surgeries, and general urology at Jackson North Medical Center. For more information about urology services at Jackson Health System, visit https://medicalgroup.jacksonhealth.org.

OutClique.com | 83

Wag it with pride

By John Hayden

T

ails wag, tongues hang out, and paws proudly

Sudsday Funsday

strut down the street. Then happy pooches stop

Since opening in 2021, WagPride has redone the back

in front of a store and tell their human this is where

of their space. Beyond the food, which includes dog

they want to go. They’re in front of WagPride at 2031A

and cat food, some of which is made locally and may

Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors, and they are determined

tempt your tastebuds, is the doggy wash station. It’s

to go in and have a look around.

designed with pets and their humans in mind. Bigger dogs can jump right in using the door, while smaller

“Every dog knows this is the place they come,”

dogs are easily lifted in. The tub is at just the right

WagPride co-founder Mark Winner says. “When they’re

height so you can scrub without hurting your back

passing by, they come right into the alcove by the front

bending over.

door. Sometimes, their parents weren’t planning to stop in, but the dogs pull them in.”

“Everything is temperature controlled for your dog,” Winner explains. “So, the water will not burn your dog,

Now in its second year, WagPride has tails wagging

but it’s warm enough that they love it. The dryer is

up and down the drive. Pet owners know they can find

also temperature controlled and there are towels and

everything from fido fashion to kitty kibble. Once you

waterproofed aprons for the humans.”

step inside, there is a cooler with pet-safe ice cream treats. Walk to the counter and doggy cookies, many of

It’s $10 for 10 minutes, and you control the cycle. Once

which are locally made, sit there waiting for a good boy

you’re done, they do the cleanup.

(or good girl) to come in. To the left are toys and clothes for any sized dog including a five pound teacup or a

“After every wash, we disinfect the tub.”

100+ pound mastiff. It’s not hard to spot a WagPride customer strutting its stuff on The Drive. Winner and

Our pets are part of our family, and spend two minutes

his team are always meeting with vendors and going to

in WagPride and you’ll know they understand that better

conventions to find new, unique merchandise that sets

than other, big box pet stores. For them, it’s a point of

the store apart from others.

Pride.

Winner and his partner are dog dads to three dogs -

“It’s convenient, it’s friendly, you’re going to get

one small, one medium, one large. So, they know what

more of a personalized touch here. You just really

to look for in terms of style, comfort, and ease of use for

are. That makes me feel good. We know we’re doing

a dog and their human.

something right. The dogs love us. The parents love us too.”

“The dogs get treated so well. We all have dogs and we love dogs.”

For more information, visit WagPride.com.

92 | OutClique.com

Pass the rolls!

This fall we paws to give thanks—for you!

Enjoy 15% off

one entire in-store purchase.

Expires 1/31/23, must bring in advertisement, not valid for dog or cat food.

954-777-6924 | woof@wagpride.com 2031A Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL

wagpride.com

Visit us in Wilton Manors or Scan & Shop

Up for the Challenge?

By Eric Noel Roman Are you up for the challenge? The journey never stops. Even though you believe you have reached the top of your game, that does not mean that you should stop trying to grow. Each time you take a swing at life, you gain knowledge and grow strong.

Each challenge opens you up for more growth and new goals may be set. Recently, I made another attempt at one of the hardest challenges in my life.

If you have followed me, I returned to Killington, Vermont for the “hardest Spartan obstacle race in the series.”

Thirty miles was the goal. I stepped up to the starting line for the sixth time. With four fails and one finish, I was up against the odds but that did not scare me away. Each year this course becomes progressively more difficult. Some years I did not finish due to cold weather crippling me. Other years I could not beat the clock and missed cut off points.

At each return I applied knowledge from the course.

It was cold once, so I trained in a meat freezer (the only cold weather in Florida). When time beat me, I ran harder and faster, improving my mile time.

When the slopes slowed me down, I jumped on stair machines. Nothing was going to stop me.

Boom, the race starts and I am off. The race was the same as always, technical footing, wild terrain, tough obstacles, and monstrous inclines. Ultimately, I did not finish. Eighteen miles in nine hours sounds slow, but I examined every step.

I am applying what I have observed and am going back next year. Same goal, just finish. I am up for the challenge. Set your goals and never let up. Once you have your victory it will be that much sweeter.

Eric Noel Roman DJ, obstacle racer, motivational writer from North Miami Beach, living life one day at a time, and making a difference one person at a time.

OUTShine Film Festival

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media 98 | OutClique.com

|

More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY Ryan Love Realtor

C: 954.551.9750

E: Ryan@TimSinger.com

SOLD FOR FULL ASKING PRICE!

Broker

W: www.RyanLovesRealEstate.com

SOLD ABOVE ASKING PRICE IN 1 DAY!

$1,749,900

Tim Singer

SOLD!

$500,000

$250,000

OAKS AT BOCA RATON

SAILBOAT BEND

VICTORIA PARK TOWER

SOLD!

SOLD ABOVE ASKING PRICE!

SOLD FOR FULL ASKING PRICE!

17994 Lake Azure Way | 3BR/3BA/2HB | 3,399SF

1209 Tequesta Street | 2BR/2.5BA | 1,695SF

$775,000 BOCA RATON

11244 Jasmine Hill Circle | 4BR/2.5BA | 2,660SF

SOLD ABOVE ASKING PRICE!

THE OASIS AT PALM AIRE

$355,000 VILLAGE EAST

2107 SE 10th Avenue #817 | 1BR/1BA | 878SF

All you need is Love. $638,000

3601 Dunes Vista Drive | 3BR/2BA | 1,697SF

900 NE 18th Avenue #1205 | 2BR/1BA | 850SF

Ryan Love, Realtor ©2022 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operated by NRT LLC.

$199,000 VICTORIA PARK

La Cancha #104 | 1BR/1BA | 720SF

SOLD ABOVE ASKING PRICE IN 1 DAY!

$600,000 COOPER CITY

2542 W Saratoga Drive | 3BR/2.5BA | 1,664SF

Be kind, stay safe and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Photos Courtesy of Marty Kiar’s office

2023 Homestead Exemption and Tax Bill Information The Property Appraiser’s Office does not set your tax rates, collect property taxes, or determine how the tax revenue is allocated by local government. Florida law requires our office to assess all property based on the market data on January 1 of each year. We are also able to grant tax-saving exemptions to qualified applicants.

The property tax bills are mailed by the Broward County’s Records, Taxes & Treasury Division. If you have questions regarding the payment of your tax bill, please contact their office at 954.831.4000 or visit their website at https://www. broward.org/RecordsTaxesTreasury Where Is My 2023 Homestead Exemption?

The tax bill you received this November from the Broward County Tax Collector is for the 2022 tax year. If you purchased your home in 2022 and the previous owners of your new home were entitled to and received Homestead Exemption or any other exemption on January 1, 2022, you may have inherited their exemptions on your 2022 property tax bill. Florida Statutes require these 2022 exemptions be removed for 2023 and the property be reassessed at the 2023 Just/Market Value. This will often result in an increase in your 2023 property taxes so it is important you apply for 2023 Homestead Exemption and any other exemptions for which you may qualify. Your new 2023 Homestead Exemption will be reflected next year on all 2023 property records, notices, and tax bills.

Any exemptions applied to the tax bill are totaled and shown in the third column “Exemptions” on the individual tax bill. Any new 2023 Homestead Exemptions will show online in late-December.

100 | OutClique.com

If you have any questions regarding your Homestead Exemption or other tax-saving exemptions, please contact our Customer Service Department at 954.357.6830.

Escrow Adjustments for 2022 Tax Bills The Property Appraiser’s Office does not handle anything related to the financing of property. If you make monthly escrow payments for your property taxes, your mortgage or escrow company typically does an escrow analysis after paying your annual tax bill. After this analysis, your mortgage company will contact you directly if there is any change to your monthly payment. Should you have any questions about this, you should contact your mortgage company for assistance.

Quarterly Installment Payments If you pay your property taxes through Broward County’s quarterly installment plan, any newly approved 2022 exemptions will be applied to the 3rd and 4th installment payment amounts. Any adjustments for 2022 are made on the final two quarterly 2022 installment tax bills.

If my office can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at martykiar@bcpa.net.

Take care,

Marty Kiar

facebook.com/MartyKiarBCPA twitter.com/MartyKiarBCPA

Peak Fitness

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media 102 | OutClique.com

|

More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique

Peak Fitness

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media 104 | OutClique.com

|

More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique

Modus Vivendi Launches Jeans Line from FW 2022-2023 Collection Inspired by the lumberjack’s look, Jeans Line Vol. II is engineered for the perfect fit that never goes out of style.

This unique denim fabric adds a flirty, unexpected twist making you more adventurous, more confident, and far more attuned to your own personal style. Become more diverse in your denim choices and you are far less likely to head sheep-like into a mass trend. Quite literally, these Jeans underwear are next level. If you’re not scared to enter a new fashion territory, MODUS VIVENDI has got you covered.

We know that you can’t get enough of the Jeans Line so we added two new colors: blue and khaki. You also have the option to wear our Jeans underwear with a checkered design for a total lumberjack look. The MODUS VIVENDI Jeans Line Vol. II features denim underwear which sit low on the hips. This line is engineered for the perfect fit and is made to stand the test of time. Choose Jeans underwear if you want to make more of a statement. Denim is always a good idea!

Content Courtesy of Modus Vivendi Photos Courtesy of Panos Misailidis @panos.misailidis & p2photographygr

Michael Tilson Thomas Photo Credit: New World Symphony

Barbara & Lawrence E. Stein Photo Credit: Aida & Doug Stevens

Marshall L. Davis Photo Courtesy of The Carbonell Awards

The Carbonell Awards Announces 2022 Winners of Prestigious George Abbott Award and Six Special Awards

G

ary Schweikhart, board president of the Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theater & Arts Honors, has announced the recipients of the prestigious George Abbott Award and six Special Awards that will be presented at the Carbonell Awards Ceremony on Monday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center at 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, FL 33311. Tickets are only $32 each (including facility fee) and will soon be available for public purchase.

“Although we held a virtual awards ceremony in mid2020, this will be our first live, in-person event since April

2019,” said Schweikhart. “We’re looking forward to a truly joyous celebration at our new and larger location as we recognize more members of our theatre community while including even more friends, fans, family members, and local theater lovers.”

“While we will be honoring 20 specific theatre performances, production elements, and shows presented from October 2021 through September 2022, the board of directors of the Carbonell Awards has voted to use the upcoming awards ceremony to bestow two years of the prestigious George Abbott Award and six Special Awards, including our first Vinnette Carroll Award,” he added.

The George Abbott Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts

Winner Michael Tilson Thomas Named after the legendary Broadway director, producer, playwright, and actor, the George Abbott Award honors an individual (or team) who has contributed significantly to the

108 | OutClique.com

Winners Barbara & Lawrence E. Stein artistic and cultural development of the region. Because there was no Carbonell Awards ceremony in 2021, this year there are multiple winners for this award:

Hap Erstein Photo Courtesy of The Carbonell Awards

Teresa Maria Rojas Photo Courtesy of The Carbonell Awards

Michael Tilson Thomas is cofounder and Artistic Director Laureate of the Miami Beach-based New World Symphony, as well as Music Director Laureate of the San Francisco Symphony and Conductor Laureate of the London Symphony Orchestra. A composer and pianist as well as one of the great figures in the world of classical music, Tilson Thomas comes from a family of artists: His grandparents, Boris and Bessie Thomashefsky, were Yiddish theater stars, and his parents Ted (who changed his surname) and Roberta Thomas worked in the movie industry. The winner of a dozen Grammy Awards, he appears on more than 120 recordings, and among his many honors are the National Medal of Arts and the 2019 Kennedy Center Honors.

His dedication to music education and to expanding the ways people can experience concerts are exemplified by his work with the New World Symphony, which he cofounded in 1987.

Barbara & Lawrence E. Stein are the founders of Actors’ Playhouse, which will celebrate its 35th season

The Vinnette Carroll Award This new award is named for the distinguished playwright, actress, and theater director who was the first African-American woman to direct on Broadway and the first to receive a Tony Award nomination for

Margot Moreland Photo Credit: George Schiavone

in 2022-23. Active in multiple community organizations and as founding members of Congregation Bet Breira, the Steins launched their theater company in 1988 with a production of “Man of La Mancha” at a former twin movie theater in Kendall. When Hurricane Andrew destroyed the facility, the couple entered into an agreement with the City of Coral Gables to renovate and restore the historic Miracle Theatre on Miracle Mile, opening their new home in 1995 with another “Man of La Mancha” and building a legacy as MiamiDade County’s premiere producer of large-scale musicals. Since then, Founding Executive Producing Director Barbara Stein and Founding Board Chairman Lawrence Stein, along with Artistic Director David Arisco and Children’s Theatre and Education Director Earl Maulding, have continued to grow the two-stage company where thousands of theater professionals (including Tony Award winner Rachel Bay Jones) have appeared, while uncounted children have begun learning their craft or simply enjoyed experiencing the art of theater.

Winner Marshall L. Davis directing. This award honors an individual, theater or organization for significant achievement in advancing the cause of diversity, equality, and inclusion in South Florida theater.

OutClique.com | 109

Andie Arthur Photo Credit: Neox Image Photography Studio Miami

Theatre Lab at FAU Photo Credit: Niki Fridh

Marshall L. Davis has served for 38 years as managing director of the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center (AHCAC) in Miami’s Liberty City, where artists such as Oscar winner/playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater artistic director Robert Battle got their start. A former drama teacher, Davis created a multi-arts curriculum and programming to

The Charlie Cinnamon Award Named after the legendary press agent, this award honors an individual who not only contributes significantly to the support of the arts in South Florida, but also has given dedicated service to the Carbonell Awards program.

Washington D.C. native Hap Erstein served for 15

The Ruth Foreman Award Established in 2000, and named after the pioneer theater director and producer, this award recognizes contributions to South Florida theater development by an individual or group, for singular achievement and/or career contributions.

Teresa María Rojas is an actor, producer, director, poet,

110 | OutClique.com

nurture thousands of arts students, many of whom have gone on to study in arts magnet programs or received scholarships to study at top arts institutions such as the Juilliard School. Adding an art gallery and black box theater to the AHCAC campus, Davis has helped make a creative home for young artists, companies, and audiences.

Winner Hap Erstein years as theater and film critic of The Palm Beach Post, though (as he writes) he “narrowly escaped becoming an engineer” when he earned his degree from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Currently he writes for Palm Beach ArtsPaper. He has devoted many years of service to working as a judge in the region’s Carbonell Awards program.

Winner Teresa María Rojas and educator who was born in Havana. A great part of her legacy comes from her work as the founder and director of Prometeo at Miami Dade College, where she worked to preserve Spanish-language theater among young artists.

She is the proud recipient of three endowed theater chairs and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Hispanic Theatre Festival.

The Bill Hindman Award Named after the veteran South Florida actor, this award honors significant, long-term contributions to the region’s cultural life and onstage career achievement by performing artists based in South Florida.

Margot Moreland is one of South Florida’s best-known actors, as well as being a principal representative on the

The Howard Kleinberg Award Named after the longtime editor of The Miami News, this award honors an individual or organization for contributions to the health and development of the arts in South Florida.

Andie Arthur is a playwright, dramaturg, and co-founding artistic director of Lost Girls Theatre. Arthur’s work has been produced at multiple companies in the region, and she has also participated in the Kennedy Center’s Summer Playwriting Intensive, the Miami-Dade Department of

The Bill von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence

Named after the longtime theater critic and journalist for Miami News and South Florida SunSentinel, this award honors a theater company that exemplifies excellence for the totality of its programming: productions, educational outreach, developmental programs, and audiences served.

Theatre Lab, the professional resident company at Florida Atlantic University, has a reach far beyond its intimate 99seat Heckscher Stage theater space. Devoting itself to new work, first under founding artistic director Louis Tyrrell and

Winner Margot Moreland Council for Actors’ Equity Association for more than 20 years. In addition to her work as an actor, Moreland has taught at the University of Miami as well as giving master classes at Barry University and Rollins College. She has appeared in City Theatre’s Summer Shorts Festival, including an early edition with the actor for whom her award is named – Bill Hindman.

Winner Andie Arthur Cultural Affairs Playwright Development Program, the Greenhouse, and the Overnight Theatre Festival. At the League, she shepherded the development of such programs as AntiRacism Theatre Strategies, Summer Theatre Fest, the return of Unified Auditions, many professional development workshops, and the creation of the South Florida Theatre League Relief Fund to assist artists, administrators and technicians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Winner Theatre Lab at FAU now under the leadership of Matt Stabile, the company’s mission is to “inspire, develop and produce new work, artists and audiences” through its performances, workshops and conversations with leading playwrights and theater artists.

Theatre Lab’s reading and development events include its annual New Play Festival, the Playwright’s Forum and MasterClass Series. Its educational outreach for students in grades 4 to 12 has provided more than 10,000 students with workshops in creative writing and theater, live theater experiences, and the opportunity to create and perform in original productions.

Content Courtesy of The Carbonell Awards

OutClique.com | 111

Zombie Bar Crawl

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media 112 | OutClique.com

|

More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique

Photo Courtesy of Universal Pictures

4 Reasons You Must See Bros in Theaters This Fall

By Timur Tugberk

T

he Bros film marks a giant leap forward for all LGBTQA+ kinds. Not only is the film centered around the LGBTQ+ community, starring actual members of our rainbow, but is also the first produced and marketed queer movie by one of the major motion picture studios ($22 million by Universal Studios).

This, in and of itself, is reason enough to support the film whether you’re lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, allied, or any other letter of the pride family. In addition to showing up to support our brothers and sisters, the film is absolutely hysterical, having me in stitches numerous times over how accurately depicted inter-gay relating actually is heartwarming, breaking through gay romance stereotypes and the jadedness oftentimes resulting from surviving one, ending one, or observing one. It was also inspiring, having strong historical, current, and real-world issues, stories, and examples of shared pain, perseverance, and pride dynamically threaded throughout the characters’ stories. If comedy, affection, and inspiration aren’t cinematographic attributes you seek, the movie is 115 minutes of simple entertainment.

My eyes were glued to the screen the entire time and I

was waiting to enjoy bloopers or behind-the-scenes well into the film’s credits (reason enough to take your man, crew, fam, or self to the movies to see Bros).

Boys, boys, boys - The film is primarily centered around the Gays with real depictions of our community, behaviors, members, stereotypes, vernacular, and comedy.

Relatable - This is the first movie I have ever watched that possessed 100% real-world context for all the characters’ stories and felt many of them could be me or my friends.

Over-The-Top - The movie really “went there” and shared the hysterical realities of gay dating and mating practices.

It makes me blush to know this film is marketed to the (hetero) masses!

Satisfying - Because of the authenticity of the films’ characters’ stories, paired with it being a RomCom, I empathized with the leads’ feelings and opinions throughout the entire film and sincerely did not want it to end.

Bros released on Friday, September 30th, 2022 and we recommend catching it in theaters before it hits streaming.

Photo Courtesy of Micheal Anthony

Cher & Cher Alike

By John Hayden

T

he cheekbones. The gowns. The effortless elegance.

Is it Cher, or is it…?

Impersonators around the world pay tribute to the diva, but there’s one here in South Florida who truly stands out, even to Cher herself. Michael Goodman is well known as a top PR agent whose firm represents dozens of businesses and nonprofits. That’s business.

Looking In A Mirror Goodman had the good fortune to meet Cher not once, but twice. The first time was early in his career when he was assisting an interview at a Los Angeles area hotel. He went to the hotel room door and there she was saying, “It’s just me.” The second time was years later at a Miami party and he shared photos of himself in full Cher regalia.

Cher is his passion.

“A lot of people know me from the daytime, my professional world,” he told OutClique. “Then they learn that I’m Cher and they always ask how do you fit it all in? It boggles their mind that I can go from a suit and a tie in daytime to Cher at night.”

He’s idolized Cher all his life. As a kid, he’d go to bed early and his parents would wake him up so he could watch The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour. Family parties were opportunities to show off his budding Cher skills.

“Since I was a little kid, I’ve been in love with Cher. When I was young, my mother would always have a big Christmas celebration. I would gather all the kids in the back of the house and create a show, and I was always Cher.”

These days, he’s turned it into his own personal art form, appearing at local venues including Lips and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood plus out-of-state gigs. Unlike the other fabulous queens, he only does Cher.

“I have a niche. I only do Cher. Many of these talented performers do several in a night. I focus on Cher.”

“The second time we met, she commented that we looked alike. I had to give a little credit to my face doctor.”

Being Cher is a passion and part-time job. When it’s show day, Goodman spends hours preparing.

“When I have a show, I will do as much as I can to take a day off. Go to the salon, get nails done. I like to say I’m better on stage than readying behind stage.”

That means he has a team that is usually able to help with makeup, hair, dressing, and everything else that goes into making people happy. He’s also learned that less is more.

“I used to get so frazzled.”

Anyone who’s been to a Cher show knows she basically just stands there, looks amazing and sounds even better.

All the energy and movement comes from dancers, videos, and the band. Once someone pointed that out to Goodman, everything changed.

“Just slow it down and be sexy. When the curtain opens, the people see what you look like and love it. It’s greatly improved my performances.”

The other performers are incredibly supportive.

“The ladies at Lips sparked it. Before I was an investor, I was there a lot. I was always amazed because to me, it’s truly an art form to transform themselves.”

If you want to see Goodman perform, you’re going to have to wait or know someone. He’s booked for private parties for the holiday season, but Cher will be back in 2023. He can be followed on www.michaeldeanascher.com.

OutClique.com | 115

Museum of Discovery and Science Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Very Eric Carle Exhibit

T

he ribbon cutting for the newest traveling exhibit at

College Savings Plans, and was followed by exhibit

the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS),

exploration.

Very Eric Carle, took place Friday, September 23, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. The event featured remarks by

Very Eric Carle is presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s

Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS, Caitlin

Hospital and Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans. The

Stella, CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, and

exhibit will run through Monday, January 9, 2023 and is

Ann Briggle Fonts, spokesperson for Florida Prepaid

free with Museum admission.

116 | OutClique.com

Students from local schools attended the ribbon cutting and explored the exhibit, which included crawling through fun-sized grass, weaving webs, and more activities based on various Eric Carle children’s books. The children had a wonderful time learning about these beloved books by being immersed in the pages through all the different curated experiences.

Hungry Caterpillar as they follow his path, weave a web with the Very Busy Spider, find their light with the Very Lonely Firefly, make the Very Clumsy Click Beetle flip and jump, and compose a night symphony with the Very Quiet Cricket. Other experiences include creating artwork using many of Eric Carle’s materials and techniques and enjoying a gallery of prints from Eric Carle’s “Very” Series.

Very Eric Carle explores themes of hope, hard work, persistence and friendship by immersing children and adults into the pages of Eric Carle’s colorful “Very” series picture books, all illustrated in his hand-painted tissue paper collage technique. Visitors will become the Very

Co-organized by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA, Very Eric Carle is the first North American traveling exhibit for children inspired by the art of beloved children’s book author and illustrator Eric Carle.

Tickets can be purchased online at mods.org/tickets or at the Museum box office upon arrival.

Content Courtesy of MODS and Kip Hunter Marketing | Photos courtesy of Museum of Discovery and Science

AHF & Broward House Open New Food Pantry

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media 118 | OutClique.com

|

More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

|

More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique OutClique.com | 119

FLoatarama Grants $50,000 to 4 Agencies to Support Vulnerable and Disadvantaged LGBTQ+ Youth in South Florida

F

Loatarama is excited to announce that grants from the FLoatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund totaling $50,000 have been awarded to 4 well-deserving agencies serving vulnerable and disadvantaged LGBTQ youth in South Florida.

The awards were presented at FLoatarama’s Check Distribution Party at Hunters NightClub on September 22, 2022.

This year’s grant recipients were selected from 16 excellent applications, all from worthy local organizations aligned with FLoatarama’s mission in response to a Request For Proposals issued by FLoatarama’s Philanthropy Partner, the Our Fund Foundation.

The grant recipients are: 1. South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble (PrideWindEnsemble.org) This $10,000 grant will support the Youth Pride Band program and create a new Scholarship for the winner

120 | OutClique.com

of the inaugural FLoatarama Youth Pride Band Soloist Competition, who will also perform with the full Pride Wind Ensemble at their concert in May of next year.

2. YES Institute (YesInstitute.org) The YES Institute has been serving South Florida for 26 years with a mission to prevent suicide, violence, and discrimination, and ensure the healthy development of all youth through education on gender and orientation.

The $10,000 grant will facilitate 10 educational sessions reaching a minimum of 400 professionals in the Systems of Care in Broward County.

3. Pridelines (Pridelines.org) For 40 years, Pridelines has been providing essential services to support, educate, and empower South Florida’s most in-need and at-risk youth and communities in safe and diverse spaces.

This $15,000 award will fully fund Pridelines’ CampOUT initiative: a 3-day youth development camp at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Broward County next spring.

4. SunServe (SunServe.org) SunServe has provided vital mental health and wellbeing services at no cost to LGBTQ+ youth for 20 years serving some of the most vulnerable members of our local community.

Rising anti-LGBTQ rhetoric in Florida is directly increasing demand for their services and case management to the point where they now have a significant waitlist.

This $15,000 grant will allow SunServe to hire additional staff to address the growing waitlist and provide safe spaces and open group sessions triggered by Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill.

These 4 well-deserving and impactful agencies will be able to touch and change many lives with these grants and FLoatarama is proud to be able to support their good work.

Content Courtesy of FLoatarama | Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

YMCA of South Florida’s Beach Ball 2022 Raises More Than $630,000 for Water Safety Education and Drowning Prevention Programs in South Florida

N

early 400 guests from throughout South Florida gathered at the Intercontinental Miami to raise funds for water safety education and drowning prevention programs during the YMCA Beach Ball 2022, presented

by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. This was the YMCA of South Florida’s first in-person fundraising event since the pandemic.

More than $630,000 was raised for the YMCA’s Aquatic Financial Assistance Program, which provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to at-risk children in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. With child drownings in Florida up by 44% last year, the most since 2009, and with Florida leading the country in child drownings of all ages, particularly in Broward and MiamiDade Counties, there is a heightened need for awareness and water safety.

“It was incredibly inspiring to see so many in our community come out and support us after a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic,” said YMCA of South Florida President and CEO Sheryl A. Woods. “I think everyone in the room was touched by the stories they heard. Awareness brings

122 | OutClique.com

action and that’s what we are here for at the Y. Our goal is to improve the community’s health and well-being by providing meaningful and impactful programs.”

Beach Ball 2022 kicked off with a message from Paloma Rospigliosi and Bastiaan Bicerne, two children from the Y, who reminded all adults that it is up to them to make sure all children are safe around water and know how to swim.

Rhonda and Dusty Milner and Milner, Inc. were recognized with this year’s Life Saver Award for their longtime support of the YMCA. Since their son passed away, drowning in their pool from Shallow Water Blackout, the Milners have worked steadily to bring awareness to the dangers of breath-holding through safety and prevention initiatives.

Shallow Water Blackout is an underwater faint due to lack of oxygen to the brain brought on by holding one’s breath for long periods of time. Without immediate rescue, the swimmer quickly drowns. The Milners founded Shallow Water Blackout Prevention in an effort to prevent more senseless deaths.

“Through this tragedy, Rhonda and Dusty have been

committed to drowning prevention, and we greatly appreciate their tremendous support and all that they have done to promote water safety,” said Woods. “Thanks to the Milners, and all our generous sponsors and donors of the Beach Ball, we will strengthen our communities, impacting the lives of thousands by teaching drowning prevention and water safety techniques.”

In addition to ticket sales and sponsors, funds were raised through the silent and spirited live auctions. Guests also enjoyed a unique Wine & Spirits Wall, delicious dinner and dancing to live musical entertainment.

The YMCA Beach Ball 2022 host committee included cochairs Marilyn Pascual Caraballo and Ronald Caraballo, Arlene and Conrad Coke, Caridad and Alvaro Errazquin, Isabelle Fernandez, Niki Hinesley, Katherine Kessler, Derek Koger, Ana Nguyen and Michelle Young.

In addition to presenting sponsor Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, this year’s Beach Ball sponsors also included Brown & Brown Insurance Miami-Dade, Delta Air Lines, Publix Super Markets Charities, Bacardi, Related, Red Dot Miami/Spectrum Miami Art Fair, and others.

For more than 100 years, the Y has been dedicated to teaching swim lessons because formal swimming lessons reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88%.

During the year, 11,000 children and adults are taught drowning prevention and water safety techniques at the YMCA of South Florida. In total, 64% of African American, 45% of Hispanic/Latino and 40% of Caucasian children have little to no swimming ability, and for every child who loses their life to drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.

To learn more about the YMCA of South Florida and its drowning prevention initiatives, visit www. ymcasouthflorida.org.

About the YMCA of South Florida The Y is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Every day, the Y works hard to build healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families and communities through over 200 afterschool, preschool, special needs, sports, camp and youth programs, family centers, and senior health outreach sites. To learn more, visit www.ymcasouthflorida. org, connect on Facebook or Twitter, or call a Y near you.

Content Courtesy of Pierson Grant PR and YMCA of South Florida | Photos Courtesy of YMCA of South Florida

Photo Courtesy of Magic Mike Live

Magic Mike Live enjoyable nightly at the Miami Marine stadium site in Key Biscayne

Miami Welcomes Channing Tatum’s

Magic Mike Live as its First North American Stop

By Timur Tugberk

A

fter breaking box office records around the world, Channing Tatum’s Magic Mike Live has hit the road for a multi-year North American tour premiering first in Miami! The thrilling stage spectacular inspired by the hit “Magic Mike” films began nightly performances in a custom built, state-of-the-art venue at the Miami Marine Stadium site in Key Biscayne on October 13, 2022, for a six-month limited run before heading to its next major North American city. Equal parts empowering and exhilarating, Magic Mike Live provides an unforgettable fun night of entertainment that’s guaranteed to bring on the heat and leave guests feeling inspired and ready to ignite the magic inside themselves.

This show makes a perfect date night or the ultimate boys’n’gurls’ night out, with tickets starting at only $49 and can be purchased at MMLTour.com. After selling out the first six months of Magic Mike Live London in record time, South Floridians and fans of the show are encouraged to book their tickets early for this limited engagement.

Magic Mike Live is a 90-minute stage production performed in the world’s largest Spiegeltent, The Arcadia. After taking in the venue’s aesthetic indoor-outdoor courtyard space, guests will marvel as they enter the multi-story, 600seat venue which incorporates the best design features from Magic Mike Live productions around the world. A cast of the world’s sexiest, most talented performers will dazzle the room with thrilling acrobatics, daring dance routines, live music and more performed in front of,

behind, and above the audience. Every performance, every fabric, every finish, every detail of The Arcadia has been meticulously curated by Tatum and the Magic Mike Live creative team to provide an unparalleled evening of service and entertainment.

The fun isn’t just limited to the 90-minute show! Guests are welcome to arrive early and stay late to indulge in a variety of delicious food and drink offerings while enjoying the indoor-outdoor lounge complete with music, multiple bars, fire pits, and comfortable seating. For the first time ever at a Magic Mike Live production, guests can enjoy a first-class, al fresco dining experience from some of Miami’s top restaurant groups while taking in unparalleled views of the Magic City’s picturesque skyline.

The North American touring production of Magic Mike Live is led by South Africa-born dancer Kalon Badenhorst, who has performed the titular role of “Mike” in Berlin and Las Vegas, and comedians Crystal Powell and Nikki Lowe will share hosting duties as the show’s hilarious and empowering emcees.

The ensemble cast includes cast members from Magic Mike Live productions around the world including Clare Billson, HBO Max’s “Finding Magic Mike” finalist Nate Bryan, Kiana De Van der Schueren, Jake Paul Green, Edson Juarez, Burim Jusufi, Nicholas Phillips, Brian Siregar, Blake Varga, and Joshua Williams. New to the Magic Mike Live stage is Josh Berovides, Blair Edwards, Marcquet Hill, Davis Rahal, and Joavanie Santiago.

Magic Mike Live: The Tour will perform a 90-minute show at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday with additional performances at 9:30 p.m.

Thursday through Sunday and at midnight on Saturday. For tickets, visit MMLTour.com.

Connect with the show on social media: @MMLTour / #MMLTOUR.

FEATURING

2022/2023 OCTOBER 28 Broward Center Au-Rene Theater

Ronald K. Brown

Sons of Mystro November 6 • 6pm The Parker

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo February 5 • 8pm The Parker

Amaturo Theater

Wells Hall

Step Afrika February 5 • 6pm The Parker Wells Hall

© Lisa Marie Mazzucco

Wells Hall

Evidence, A Dance Company November 17 & 18 • 8pm Broward Center

Itzhak Perlman March 9 • 8pm Broward Center

Malevo March 9 • 8pm The Parker

The Mikado March 12 • 4pm Broward Center

Au-Rene Theater

Wells Hall

Au-Rene Theater

DESIGN YOUR OWN 3+ SHOW SEASON AND SAVE 25%* For more information, visit BrowardCenter.org/ARTS *Subscription processing fees apply. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. No exchanges or refunds.

All artists, dates, times and prices are subject to change without notice. All sales final.

Performances made possible in part by:

Performances at the Broward Center and The Parker are supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation.

Pageant, the Musical Comedy Beauty Contest,

Opens Island City Stage’s 11th South Florida Season

I

t’s Miss America meets RuPaul’s Drag Race! Pageant, the Musical Comedy Beauty Contest, opened Island City Stage’s 11th South Florida season in glamourous over-the-top style on October 20, 2022. The glittering, grandiose and glorious musical comedy runs through November 20, 2022.

“Tiaras, ballgowns, sequins, swimsuits and sly jokes, it’s all here in Pageant, our hilarious season opener,” said Andy Rogow, artistic director of Island City Stage. “We’re fortunate to have an incredibly talented team of actors skilled at engaging audiences and bringing the laughs.

With a different winner crowned at each performance, we keep our stage show at the top of its game and audiences on the edge of their seats cheering on their favorites.”

With lyrics by Bill Russell and Frank Kelly and music

by Albert Evans, conceived by Robert Longbottom, Pageant sends up the once cherished traditions of beauty finalists in bathing suit and ball gown competitions, while contestants compete for the title of “Miss Glamouresse.”

And who wins the crown? The audience decides! Judges selected from the audience at each performance pick the winner ensuring that no performance is the same - and the on-stage suspense is real!

This opening production stars an ensemble cast including Conor Walton, Michael Scott Ross, Matthew Buffalo, Christopher Calhoun, Marcus Davis, Kevin Veloz, and Larry Buzzeo. It is directed by Carbonell Award-winning choreographer/director Ron Hutchins with musical direction from Michael Ursua.

Along with its Season 11 lineup, Island City Stage will be bringing back its introspective Behind the Red Curtain

public forum series, launched last year as an anniversary initiative to address the stories and issues that inspire its shows, as well as its popular Women’s Night at the Theatre. Additionally, the second Sunday performance of all five shows will be Mimosa Sunday which includes a pre-show complimentary Mimosa (21 and over), a light bites reception, and a post-show talk back. Seating limited and subject to availability based on confirmed ticket reservation on a first-come basis. Mimosa Sunday for Pageant will be on October 30.

Creating quality professional theatrical experiences focused on the LGBT+ community for a universal audience, Island City Stage’s 11th South Florida season offers thought-provoking productions that explore bittersweet longing, gender questions, loneliness, the ins and outs of friendship, the magic of random human connection and ethnic conflict within the generational divide. Upcoming shows include Rotterdam by Jon Brittain from January 19 – February 19, 2023; I Wanna F@#king Tear You Apart by Morgan Gould from March 2 – April 2, 2023; Tracy Jones

by Stephen Kaplan from May 18 – June 18, 2023, and Springfield Pride commissioned by Island City Stage from August 3 – September 3, 2023.

Tickets for Pageant start at $50. Season subscribers can save with a $185 Flexpass for five productions (a $15 savings off individually priced tickets plus no processing fees) and receive $5 off of additional tickets purchased.

Other discounts are available for groups. More details can be found on the Island City Stage website at IslandCityStage.org. Corporate and individual donors are also invited to become part of Island City Stage’s Spotlight Club. Donations start at $25 and all are tax deductible and remain in the program listing for one year.

For more information and tickets, please call (954) 928-9800 or email md@IslandCityStage.org.

Follow Island City Stage on Facebook at facebook.com/IslandCityStageFL and on Instagram at @IslandCityStage1.

Content Courtesy of Island City Stage and Goodman PR

ONE HELLUVA SEASON! Zoetic Stage and Adrienne Arsht Center present

THE ISRAEL

PHILHARMONIC

NOV 10

NOV 5

NOV 3 PRESENTING SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSOR

AN ARSHT CENTER SERIES

A N

A R S H T

C E N T E R

S E R I E S

PRESENTING SPONSOR

AN ARSHT CENTER SERIES

AN ARSHT CENTER SERIES

on the

IVE

PLAZA PRESENTING SPONSOR

A N

AN ARSHT CENTER SERIES

IVE PLAZA on the

PRESENTING SPONSOR

on the

IVE

PRESENTING SPONSOR

AN ARSHT CENTER SERIES

IVE PLAZA

A R S H T

C E N T E R

S E R I E S

WILLIAM KENTRIDGE

THE HEAD & THE LOAD

City Theatre and Adrienne Arsht Center present PRESENTING SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSOR

A N

AN ARSHT CENTER SERIES

PLAZA

PRESENTING SPONSOR PRESENTING SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSOR

A R S H T

C E N T E R

AN ARSHT CENTER SERIES

S E R I E S

on the

PRESENTING SPONSOR PRESENTING SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSOR

By

HEIDI SCHRECK

AN ARSHT CENTER SERIES

AN ARSHT CENTER SERIES

DEC 1 - 18 AN ARSHT CENTER SERIES

AN ARSHT CENTER SERIES

NOV 12

DEC 1 - 3 PRESENTING SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSOR PRESENTING SPONSOR

AN ARSHT CENTER SERIES

on the

IVE

PLAZA PRESENTING SPONSOR

AN ARSHT CENTER SERIES

on the

IVE

PLAZA

PRESENTING SPONSOR

DEC 6 - 11

AN ARSHT CENTER SERIES

IVE PLAZA on the

TAL COHEN IVE PLAZA TRIO PRESENTING SPONSOR

AN ARSHT CENTER SERIES

on the

PRESENTING SPONSOR

DEC 14

TICKETS ON SALE NOW 305.949.6722 • arshtcenter.org

DEC 18 FTX Arena

The Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival Returns Party On, South Florida

By Megan Fitzgerald Dunn

T

he Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival promises lights, cameras, and plenty of action at their extraordinary lineup of festival parties this year.

With an eclectic collection of films, and parties ranging from over-the-top fabulous to afternoon sips of bubbly, FLiFF President and CEO Gregory von Hausch promises something for everyone at the festival.

von Hausch said that the parties are a great way to bring people into the FLiFF family.

The festival, which runs November 4 – November 13, 2022 features168 films from across the globe, celebrity guest appearances, and parties not to be missed.

FLiFF first rolls out the red carpet with an opening night film and party at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on Friday, November 4. The film American Dreamer starring Shirley MacLaine, Peter Dinklage, Matt Dillon, and Donald Glover, kicks off the event with a 7:30 pm screening. The lavish soiree that follows features a concert headlined by The Jersey Girls, open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and dessert stations.

“When I was growing up, my Italian family on my mom’s side, would take me to these Italian street fairs and I was really struck by how there was a potpourri of everything going on around you,” he said. “A cacophony of sounds and smells and action and lights. No matter where you turned, there was a party. And, I’ve always thought of that as a model for the film festival. You just excite people and keep it real. And, I think that’s what we’ve done.”

132 | OutClique.com

“You get to meet new people, find out there is some synergy there, and meet the celebrities in a low-key atmosphere,” he said. “Let loose, enjoy yourself, and find out about other films coming up.”

For those looking to attend “the” party, FLiFF will let you in on a little secret. On Saturday, November 5, Winterfest and FLiFF collaborated for The Secrets of the Sea Soiree at

FLiFF Chairman Steven Savor’s extraordinary waterfront estate, Villa De Palma. Join fellow film aficionados at this spectacular party that promises surprises, musical performances, open bar, and exquisite cuisine. With very limited valet parking, attendees should plan for limos or Ubers.

Not all parties take place after the sun sets. For those who enjoy a daytime film with their fest, AutoNation IMAX will be home to an afternoon event on Sunday, November 6 between the 2:30 pm and 3:45 pm screening of Secrets of the Sea, a 40-minute documentary highlighting the ocean’s strange and magnificent creatures. Filmmakers, Howard and Michelle Hall and Jonathan Bird, will attend, as well as narrator, Joelle Carter, known for her role in television’s Justified. This delightful reception includes libations and light bites.

On Thursday, November 10, those looking for some international flair should say “Oui” to the Ride Above U.S. premiere and signature party at the Amaturo Theater. The French-film with English subtitles tells the captivating story of a girl and her horse. Join Director Christian Duguay for a celebratory toast at this party featuring complimentary Taittinger champagne, Provactivo Cava and wine and music

by Ginetta’s Vendetta, a jazzy funky NYC-based band.

The parties roll into the weekend with a FLiFF beach bash on Saturday, November 12 at Las Olas Oceanside Beach at 7 pm. Partygoers will come together under a crystalclear tent with dazzling lights while a huge outdoor screen plays Ground Swell, a film showcasing surfers taking on giant waves set against a stunning backdrop of the seaside cliffs of Portugal. The event also includes an open bar, food, and live music.

THE 37TH ANNUAL

FORT LAUDERDALE

11

World

PREMIERES

7

INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

North American

NOV. 4-13, 2022

PREMIERES

7

United States PREMIERES

visit fliff.com

Featuring

Opening Night Party

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

WinterFLIFF Party Secrets of the Sea Soirée at Villa de Palma

Centerpiece Film

Info@FLIFF.com

at Amaturo Theater

& Reception

in the Mary N. Porter Riverview Ballroom

The festivities close with the Yellowstone Season 5 Premiere Party at the Bergeron Green Glades Ranch on Sunday, November 13. This one-of-a-kind party stays true to theme with a Western inspired event complete with a BBQ, performances by country and bluegrass musicians, Wild West performers, and rodeo girls. Partygoers are encouraged to dust off their cowboy hats and show off their best western attire. All proceeds of this event benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County.

FLIFF on the Beach at Las Olas Oceanside Park

YELLOWSTONE

Season 5 Premiere Party at Bergeron Green Glades Ranch

BELOW DECK

Season Premiere Party

TAKE A VACATION FROM ORDINARY FILM

COME VISIT US!

Special Guests ROSANNA

ZOË BLEU

ARQUETTE

SIDEL

JARED

CHRISTIAN

HARRIS

DUGUAY

TARYN

RAE DAWN

MANNING

SALLY

KIRKLAND

HOPPER

CHONG

JOELLE

CARTER

PENN

For a full list of the party lineup and ticket information, visit https://www.Fliff.com/parties Megan Fitzgerald Dunn, Ph.D., is a writer and communication professor in the department of communication, media, and the arts at Nova Southeastern University.

Photos Courtesy of FLIFF

100+ EXCITING NEW FILMS RED CARPET PREMIERES

OVER-THE-TOP PARTIES CELEBRITY & FILMMAKER GUESTS

THE 37TH ANNUAL

FORT LAUDERDALE

INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL NOV. 4-13, 2022

TAKE A VACATION FROM ORDINARY FILM

Robert Kagan, M.D. & Bonnie Barnett

visit fliff.com

Estate of John B. Mager, Sr. Austin & Christine Forman Scott Bennett Steven Savor Ron & Ali Bergeron

Funding for this event is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Photo Courtesy of Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Ghost Light Society to Host 13th Annual Soirée on November 5, 2022

T

he Ghost Light Society once again shines a light on the award-winning arts-in-education programs at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts with its annual Ghost Light Society Soirée in November.

This year’s galactic-themed event, “Soirée in Space” presented by UKG, is set for Saturday, November 5, 2022, from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Parker, 707 N.E. 8th Street in Fort Lauderdale. More than 250 guests will enjoy an out-of-this-world evening filled with dining, dancing, and musical entertainment in the unique setting of The Parker stage.

Founded in 2009, the Ghost Light Society’s mission is to engage and inspire a new generation of patrons to take an active role in promoting, celebrating, and supporting the performing arts. To date, the group’s annual Soirée has raised more than $1.2 million to support the Broward Center’s arts-in-education programs for Broward County students.

“As our largest and most anticipated event of the year, the

Soirée has a tremendous impact on our ability to help fund these important initiatives that enable more than 130,000 students annually to experience the educational power of the performing arts,” said Soirée Co-Chair Jason B. Blank of Haber Blank LLP. “We could not host our annual Soirée without a hardworking committee of volunteers and our extremely generous sponsors, who help ensure this event just gets better every year and continues having an impact for arts education,” added Soirée Co-Chair Morgan Weinstein of Twig, Trade & Tribunal PLLC. “It’s a great night to celebrate and support the arts.”

In addition to Presenting Sponsor UKG, the Soirée is generously supported by Platinum Sponsors Akerman LLP, AutoNation, Crowe LLP, JM Family Enterprises, Inc. and MDW Communications, as well as a number of Gold and Silver Sponsors. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available, with individual tickets starting at $250. For more information, visit www.GhostLightSociety.org or email GhostLight@BrowardCenter.org.

Saturday, November 5 from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Parker Content Courtesy of Pierson Grant PR and Broward Center for the Performing Arts

13TH ANNUAL GHOST LIGHT SOCIETY SOIRÉE

PRESENTED BY

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2022 | The Parker 7:00 PM VIP RECEPTION 8:00 PM GENERAL ADMISSION CHAIRED BY JASON B. BLANK & MORGAN WEINSTEIN

Get Tickets at ghostlightsociety.org P L AT I N U M S P O N S O R S

GOLD SPONSORS

BROWARD HEALTH | DASZKAL BOLTON LLP | FLORIDA ADVOCATES HABER BLANK LLP | MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM MERRIMAC VENTURES | CATHERINE NIEMEYER’S ALLSTATE AGENCY STEWART TILGHMAN FOX BIANCHI & CAIN, P.A. Proceeds to Benefit the Broward Center’s Arts-in-Education Programs

Rainbow Sports League (RSL) was founded with the philosophy that all people are welcome to participate in a safe, fun, social, and inclusive environment.

The purpose of RSL is to engage members of the LGBTQIA+ community, friends, and allies in healthy, active sports and activities by creating and managing structured games, leagues and tournaments in a safe, consistent, and organized fashion.

SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES Nov 4th - Cornhole II Kickoff Party @ Lit Bar | 6 pm Nov 5th - Dodgeball Kickoff Party @ Lit Bar | 6 pm Nov 6th - Fall Cornhole II Starts @ Lit Bar | 6 pm Nov 8th - Fall Dodgeball Starts @ The Barn | 7 pm

REGISTER AT bit.ly/rslftlauderdale

Join Symphony of the Americas and Artistic Director and Conductor Pablo Mielgo in its 35th Season

C

lassical music returns to Broward Center for the Performing Arts’ Amaturo Theater as Symphony of the Americas enters its 35th Season Concert Series, under the direction of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Pablo Mielgo. The 2022-2023 Season ushers in Mielgo’s second season with an exhilarating approach to The Symphony. This will be a season of discovery of music connecting the world, where styles and sounds intersect at Symphony of the Americas. It is a season of

exploration developing a new relationship between The Symphony and the audience.

Below is the Concert Series schedule for the Symphony of the Americas 2022-2023 Season. Tickets range between $10 and $75 and are available to purchase at www.sota. org. The concerts will be held at Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.

November 8, 2022 | Opening Night! Mozart & Beethoven… A Musical Destiny The foundation of classical music -- one’s calling was the other’s purpose. Beethoven sought Mozart’s wisdom, tutelage, and approval, yet the promise of Mozart taking Beethoven as a pupil never came to be. Mozart recognized Beethoven’s calling and mastery, ushering in the transition from classicism to romanticism. A Musical Destiny is a unique musical dialogue between the two most important composers of classicism.

Program: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Die Zauberflöte Overture, K.620 (The Magic Flute) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat major for violin and viola, K.364 Guest Artists: Nina Heidenreich, violin / David Quiggle, viola Ludwig Van Beethoven - Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92

140 | OutClique.com

December 6, 2022 | Holidays of the Americas Celebrate the Holidays with a musical world tour rejoicing in the sounds of the season. Holiday classics come together in this unforgettable musical memory and new Holiday tradition. Nostalgia and history come alive as we delight in the most magical time of the year through this musical journey.

Guest Artist: Kyaunnee Richardson, Sopra

January 10, 2023 | Haydn – The Father of the Symphony Form, style, and substance – Haydn didn’t just use these musical tools, he is considered the father of the symphony orchestra. Haydn’s unquestioned creative genius was the foundation for all symphonic composers in the future. The creator of the classical era, his influence on other masters like Beethoven and Mozart is unrivaled.

Program: Franz-Joseph Haydn - Il Mondo della Luna Overture, Hob. XXVIII:7 (The World On The Moon) Franz-Joseph Haydn - Sinfonia Concertante for violin, cello, oboe, and bassoon in B-flat major, Hob. I:105 Soloists: Featuring Scott Flavin, Concertmaster, and several Principal players Franz-Joseph Haydn - Symphony No. 101 in D major, Hob. I:101

February 21, 2023 | Dancing Across Borders Movement and landscapes - Aaron Copland and Astor Piazzolla’s music and sounds were defined by the portraits their music painted. From Tango to ballet, and distinct geographic cultures, their music shaped their homeland’s musical voice.

Program: A. Copland - Appalachian Spring Suite

Pablo Mielgo

Nina Heidenreich

David Quiggle

A. Piazzolla - “Estaciones Porteñas” (Four Seasons)

OutClique.com | 141

March 14, 2023 | Stephen Sondheim…A Tribute! Featuring Liz Callaway Stephen Sondheim was the titan of the musical stage. Sondheim shaped the modern Broadway stage and redefined the Broadway musical with his new formula. From the lyrics of West Side Story to the complexity of Company, Sweeney Todd, Into The Woods, and so many more, Stephen Sondheim was a singular musical theater giant!

April 11, 2023 | Spain…Further Beyond. Exploring Spain’s Musical Excellence Derived from Spain’s National motto “Plus Ultra,” Further Beyond suggests pushing the boundaries and going further. Falla and Rodrigo – Spain’s foremost composers, knew how to capture the heart of tradition and its folklore, transforming it into symphonic music. Passion, rhythm, dance, and the voice - a union that turns this music into a melting pot of colors and invitation to travel to Spain through its sounds, recognizing its soul, geography, and people.

Program: Miguel Falla - Amor Brujo Suite (1925) (Love, The Magician) Juaquin Rodrigo - Aranjuez Concerto for guitar Guest artist: Rafael Aguirre, guitar Miguel Falla - Sombrero de tres picos Suites 1 & 2 (Three-Cornered Hat)

May 9, 2023 | Season Finale! Schumann & Brahms – Bridging Musical Genius Schumann & Brahms provide two worlds of romanticism through extraordinary musical vision and composition. From Schumann’s intimate approach to the orchestral richness and grandeur of Brahms, these two composers explore unique symphonic sounds, creating their own musical empires and repertoire.

Program: R. Schumann - Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54 Guest artist: Sergei Babayan, piano

Content Courtesy of Jan Mitchell PR and SOTA | Photos Courtesy of Symphony of the Americas

Sergei Babayan

Rafael Aguirre

Scott Flavin

Brahms - Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98

Symphony of the Americas 2022 - 2023 SEASON Pablo Mielgo Artistic Director & Conductor

See you at the Symphony!

Celebrating its 35th Season In Concert With You!

Buy Tickets Now!

SOTA.ORG

(954) 462-0222

Achieve your philanthropic goals with a Legacy Fund at Our Fund Foundation

Ted Schultz

Paul Fasana

Jack Huizenga

Before their passing, Ted Schultz, Paul Fasana and Jack Huizenga each created estate plans entrusting Our Fund Foundation to disseminate funds to causes according to their respective personal wishes, ensuring they will each have a lasting impact on South Florida’s LGBTQ community for generations to come.

A legacy fund with Our Fund Foundation provides you with an opportunity to include charitable giving in your estate plan and make a continued impact in the LGBTQ community for years to come.

To learn more about how Our Fund Foundation can help you establish a legacy plan, Visit Our-Fund.org or call us at (954) 565-1090

Our Fund Foundation Awards More Than $317,000 in LGBTQ+ Health & Wellness Fund Grants

O

ur Fund Foundation, South Florida’s only LGBTQ community foundation, announced its LGBTQ+ Health & Wellness Fund awarded a total of $317,000 in grants in support of innovative LGBTQ+-specific programs and initiatives in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.

Our Fund’s 2022 LGBTQ+ Health & Wellness Fund earmarked grants ranging from $7,000 to $50,000, among 12 deserving South Florida nonprofits which provide targeted LGBTQ+ Youth, HIV/AIDS Services & Prevention, LBT Women and Transgender programs.

“Our Fund seeks to improve the quality of life for the local LGBTQ+ population through responsive, relevant, and impactful philanthropy and grantmaking,” said David Jobin, president & CEO of Our Fund Foundation. “We are fortunate to support these non-profits and provide muchneeded financial assistance which addresses unique LGBTQ+ health risks and disparities.”

Our Fund Foundation’s 2022 Health & Wellness Fund Grant Recipients include:

146 | OutClique.com

LGBTQ Youth Humanity Project – Beyond Don’t Say Gay Beyond Don’t Say Gay will retool the acclaimed Antibullying Through The Arts & Humanity Club programs to specifically address sexual orientation and gender identity with cleverly designed in-school instruction that circumvents the Florida ban, even as our programs continue to prevent bullying.

National Voices for Equality, Education and Enlightenment - AFFIRM AFFIRM supports South Florida’s diverse LGBTQIA+ youth through leadership and life skills development, mentorship, resources and family education.

YES Institute - Youth & Family Resilience Initiative Direct service initiatives support youth acceptance and adjustment along with parents struggling with LGBTQ identity to prevent suicide and ensure healthy development.

EduPride - Health and Wellness Outreach- Mind, Body, and Heart

This project seeks to connect LGBTQIA+ school employees to mindfulness techniques, local health resources, and ongoing peer support activities.

the interrelated health problems and social determinants that impact the lives of people who embark on the trans experience.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County - BIG Pride BIG Pride is a one-on-one supervised mentoring program for LGBTQ youth, connecting young people to resources, and activities while building trusted support networks.

Community Programs

HIV/AIDS Services & Prevention World AIDS Museum & Educational Center - Making It Real: Prevention Strategies for LGBTQ+ Youth WAM will share HIV prevention practices using the performing arts to LGBTQ+ youth in South Florida.

Arianna’s Center - Accessible HIV Testing This project is designed to make HIV testing more readily accessible to Black and Brown trans women in South Florida.

LBT Women Gilda’s Club South Florida’s LBT Cancer Collaborative GCSFL will expand outreach to raise awareness for cancer prevention and cancer support services to LBT individuals in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

Transgender TRANSSocial - Trans Mental Health Program The Trans Mental Health Program will remove systemic barriers to accessing gender-affirming, trauma-informed mental health services for TGNC clients.

TransInclusive Group - U-Matter Project 2022 The U-Matter project will address the HIV epidemic and

Chainless Change - Peers Optimistically Working to End Recidivism (POWER) Chainless Change’s LGBTQ peer support specialists will provide reentry planning and resources for justice-involved LGBTQ individuals with behavioral health conditions.

Maven Leadership Collective - Maven QTPOC Wellbeing Initiative Maven provides free in-person and digital heart health activities and resources to improve health outcomes in queer and trans communities of color.

Grants from the 2022 LGBTQ Health & Wellness Fund were made possible by generous support from the following individuals, donor advised, and legacy funds at Our Fund Foundation: G Foundation, The Tuesday’s Angels Fund, The John D. Green & Jeffrey I. Sacks Charitable Fund, Dick Schwarz & Tom Massey, Michael H. Sporn, Scott L. Bennett, Doll/McNally Fund, John Pritchard’s Make Change Matter Fund, Steven W. Thornton and Bradley E. Coomer Charitable Fund, The Woodham-Ellis Charitable Fund, The Sherzum Fund and from Our Fund’s Endowment: Bill Beaton and Ted Emery Charitable Fund, Jim Laird’s Hamish’s Fund, Kay Maunsbach Charitable Fund, The Jack W. Huizenga Fund, The Fasana Education Fund, Stanley Roller Charitable Fund.

Our Fund Foundation will celebrate the donors and recipients and the impact they have on South Florida’s LGBTQ community during an upcoming socially distanced grant reception, to be announced.

Content Courtesy of Our Fund and Pierson Grant PR | Photos Courtesy of Our Fund Foundation

Presence & Poise Perfected

By John Hayden

W

hen Kyaunnee Richardson takes the stage, you feel her presence, are stunned by her poise, and taken in by her beauty. When she opens her mouth and starts to sing, her voice more than meets the moment.

With challenging runs often in a foreign language, opera is a difficult discipline to master. To do it on stage under hot lights in elaborate costumes adds extra degrees of difficulty to the job. But it’s a lifelong passion for Richardson who exudes elegance on and off stage.

The South Florida native is coming home for some holiday season performances and took some time to chat with me about how she’s cultivated her talent and turned it into a successful career.

John Hayden: You’ve been around music all your life.

Talk about your musical household growing up.

Kyaunnee Richardson: I have been singing since the age of two. Growing up, I was surrounded by music ranging from genres such as classical music to musical theater to classic Disney to Whitney Houston. Sometimes, driving to school, mom would play Whitney Houston’s cassette tape in the car and I’d sing along to “The Greatest Love of All” and “Count on Me” from Waiting to Exhale. As I briefly touched on, classical music was in my household. I would listen to Handel’s Messiah during Christmas time along with Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.

My mom gave me a foundation at home and then she placed me in the elementary choir and was later placed in the children’s church choir. As I got older, I tried to get into another choir but I was too young. However, because of my level of experience, they made an exception for me. A few years later, I would enter into the adult church choir.

JH: I’ve watched a few of your performances on YouTube.

And I’m struck by your stage presence. What’s your “show day” ritual and how do you pull it all together to give a performance?

KR: Majority of the time, “show days” are pretty chilled for me since I’ve already put in the hard work the time before the actual event. So, there’s no need to stress about it. I get up and exercise by walking, running, lifting weights and drinking lots of water throughout the day. Then I come home and shower and do a couple of things on my laptop before eating breakfast. I tend to either watch Netflix, Disney+, or some YouTube videos or take a nap before the performance in the evening. Eventually, I eat

something light then head to the theater, put on my makeup and gown, warm up and do a quick little music review or play games on my phone until it is time to go on.

JH: LGBTQIA+ loves the arts and those with a good

musical ear (or just a love of beautiful music) love opera.

What is your relationship to the community?

KR: Towards the beginning of my career, I was given an opportunity to sing with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Miami in a Broadway concert. If I remember correctly, the money we raised for the concert was donated to the LGBTQIA+ community. It was a fun concert! I had a couple of friends in the chorus I was happy to see again after being away in Grad School. And I sang many concerts at the Sunshine Cathedral during my time with Opera Fusion. But it wasn’t until 2015/16 that I was involved in the new opera presented by Opera Fusion called Not in My Town written

by Michael Ross. The opera is based on the true story of Matthew Shepard. I was pretty young when those events occurred. It wasn’t until this project that I learned more about Matthew and the LGBTQIA+ community. I was utterly moved to tears. In the Spring of 2019, I was asked to sing with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Fort Lauderdale. I’ve made friends from many of those performances. Many have come out to some of my performances to support me. The support from this community has been one of great love.

JH: Why is performing in South Florida special and when

will we be able to see you here?

KR: It’s home for me. It’s a safe place where I can try out new things before going out into the world. It’s a place where I have made many memories that I cherish in my heart. It’s a place where I have grown and found the courage to challenge myself to go beyond my hometown.

I have been able to explore many different cities in Florida through this gift and talent and am excited to see where I go from here.

I will be participating in a concert in Delray Beach on November 20, 2022, at the First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach. Afterwards, I am excited to be returning with the South Florida Symphony Orchestra to sing the Soprano Solo in my favorite oratorio, Handel’s Messiah.

This will be on December 3-4, 2022. In January 2023, I’ll be heading to Melbourne, FL, to make my debut with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. Immediately after that, I’ll head up to St. Augustine to debut with First Coast Opera in the role of Monica in Menotti’s opera The Medium.

Photo Credit: Dario Acosta Photography

Photo Credit: Steven Shires Photography

Tchaikovsky, Elgar, and Barber Masterworks Launch South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s 25th Anniversary Season

T

chaikovsky, Elgar, and Barber Masterworks will launch South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s (SFSO) celebratory 25th anniversary 2022/23 season of artistic excellence at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 9, at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale and on Thursday, November 10, at New World Center in Miami Beach. Led by Music Director Sebrina María Alfonso, SFSO will perform Tchaikovsky’s beloved Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35, with featured soloist Askar Salimdjanov; Elgar’s series of short musical portraits, Enigma, Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36; and Barber’s orchestral work in one movement, First Essay for Orchestra, Op. 12. These evenings will be a special “Symphony Night OUT,” with Miami Beach’s performance in partnership with SAVE LGBTQ. “We’re proud to be celebrating our 25th anniversary season in South Florida and we’ve assembled a stellar roster of musicians and guest artists beginning with our season opener,” said Alfonso. “Our featured work is Elgar’s Enigma Variations which is considered one of the greatest compositions of the 19th century. We’re also

150 | OutClique.com

pleased to showcase the returning rising talent of violinist Askar Salimdjanov. We invite music lovers to share in this season’s inspiring musical journey.”

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major, one of the most beloved violin concertos in history, is a romantic masterpiece. Radiating Russian spirit, Tchaikovsky’s only violin concerto will be performed by Askar Salimdjanov.

Salimdjanov is the multiple winner of the Lyric Chamber Music Competition, which led him to his New York debut recital in May 2019 and in May 2020 at the Lyric Chamber Series at the Kosciusko Foundation in New York. In November 2020, he had his Orchestra Miami debut performing Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. In 2020, Mr. Salimdjanov won the first NSAL Piano and Strings Duo Competition and in 2019, he won Fourth place in the John Oliveira String Competition. Salimdjanov has performed as soloist with South Florida Symphony (during the recent Summer with the Symphony Chamber Music Series), Uzbekistan National Symphony Orchestra, State

Conservatory Orchestra of Uzbekistan, Lynn Philharmonia and Orchestra Miami under the batons of Kuvanch Usmanov, Vladimir Neymer, Kamoliddin Urinbaev, Alan Paris, Guillermo Figueroa, and Elaine Rinaldi. He performed as a soloist and as a chamber musician in Russia, Ukraine, Italy, Sweden, Singapore, Israel, and the United States.

In 2022, Salimdjanov was selected as one of seven violinists to participate at Geneva International String Academy in Switzerland. Salimdjanov was a concertmaster of Yong Siew Toh Conservatory orchestra and Lynn University orchestra as well as a substitute violinist at Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore where he studied with distinguished violinist Qian Zhou. Mr. Salimdjanov completed his professional performance certificate at Lynn University with renowned violinist Elmar Oliveira. Some of Salimdjanov’s students are prize winners of international competitions for young musicians.

Completed in the first half of 1938, Samuel Barber’s First Essay for Orchestra, Op. 12, is an orchestral work in one movement. Arturo Toscanini with the NBC Symphony Orchestra first performed it on November 5, 1938, in New York in a radio broadcast concert. The essay is now known as the First Essay for Orchestra after Barber wrote his Second Essay for Orchestra in 1942. He also wrote a Third Essay in 1978.

In honor of this milestone year and its new Miami home at the Michael Tilson Thomas Performance Hall at the New World Center (500 17th Street in Miami Beach), SFSO is celebrating with a special “Symphony Night OUT” at both Fort Lauderdale and Miami performances featuring a preconcert Champagne reception and a 20% ticket discount (code: NIGHTOUT). The November 10 Miami Beach performance will be in partnership with SAVE LGBTQ, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and defending equality for people in South Florida who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer.

Season subscriptions are on sale now for the Miami season, the Broward Season at The Parker, and the Key West Season at the Tennessee Williams Theatre, opening on January 28. Tickets may be purchased by visiting SouthFloridaSymphony.org/2022-23-season or by calling (954) 522-8445. Early subscribers receive a 20% discount off of single ticket prices and have access to the best seats in the house. Five-concert packages in Fort Lauderdale are available from $99; three-concert packages in Key West from $60; and three-concert packages from $60 and four-concert packages from $76 in Miami. Single-show tickets, including student ticket and group rates, are also available starting at $15 at The Parker and $25 at New World Center and Tennessee Williams Theatre.

Edward Elgar’s Enigma, Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36, is one of his best-known works that catapulted him to fame. Premiering in London in 1899, the work consists of 14 short musical portraits of several of the composer’s friends and family and is considered to be one of the greatest compositions of the 19th century.

Upcoming SFSO concerts include Handel’s Messiah on December 3 and 4; Shostakovich, a Gottsch Ocklawaha World Premiere and Great Opera Arias on January 24, 25 and 28; Brahms, Sibelius, and Berlioz on February 15 and 18, an all Dvořák program on March 22, 23, and 25 and season closer Rachmaninoff and Bruckner on April 26.

For additional information, visit SouthFloridaSymphony.org, call (954) 522-8445 or email info@southfloridasymphony.org.

Content Courtesy of Goodman PR and SFSO | Photos Courtesy of SFSO

South Florida Symphony Orchestra Opening Party at the Home of Don D’Arminio & Marc Martorana

Photos by Michael Todd, Courtesy of SFSO 152 | OutClique.com

|

More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique

Photos by Michael Todd, Courtesy of SFSO

|

More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique OutClique.com | 153

EXPERIENCE THE MUSIC Celebrating South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s 25th Season!

TCHAIKOVSKY | ELGAR | BARBER Wed., Nov. 9: The Parker Thurs., Nov. 10: New World Center

BRAHMS | SIBELIUS | BERLIOZ Wed., Feb. 15: The Parker Sat., Feb. 18: Tennessee Williams Theatre

2022 / 23 Season

HANDEL’S MESSIAH Sat., Dec. 3: The Parker Sun., Dec. 4: Barry University SHOSTAKOVICH | GOTTSCH | OPERA ARIAS Tues., Jan. 24: New World Center Wed., Jan. 25: The Parker Sat., Jan. 28: Tennessee Williams Theatre

Concert Venues:

The Parker Ft. Lauderdale

DVOŘÁK MASTERWORKS Wed., March 22: The Parker Thurs., March 23: New World Center Sat., March 25: Tennessee Williams Theatre RACHMANINOFF | BRUCKNER Wed., April 26: The Parker

New World Center Miami Beach

Tennessee Williams Theatre Key West

TICKETS FROM $15 ON SALE NOW!* southfloridasymphony.org | 954.462.0222 *Tickets from $15 at The Parker, $20 at Barry University and $25 at New World Center and Tennessee Williams Theatre Photo: AndrewMeade.com Juanmanuel Lopez, Timpani; Sebrina María Alfonso, Music Director; James Drayton, Oboe; Imanuel Sandoval, Violin.

Florida Grand Opera’s El matrimonio secreto Promises Mozartian Music and 1980s Camp

By Pauline Cotman “Campy” isn’t a word that’s often used in the same sentence as “opera,” but Florida Grand Opera’s fun-filled season opener, El matrimonio secreto (The Secret Marriage), is set in a 1980s South Beach hotel. What could be campier than that? The updated version of Domenico Cimarosa’s 1792 hit comedy has gotten a Miami makeover worthy of one of its Art Deco gems. It’s been translated from the original Italian into what Dominican conductor and composer Darwin Aquino and his wife, Italian mezzosoprano Benedetta Orsi lovingly call “Espanenglish,” a Spanish sprinkled with phrases and a few English words they say will be familiar to the South Florida Latin community. And then there’s that 80s twist.

FGO General Director and CEO Susan T. Danis came up with the idea to update while observing a Cuban bridal party in a beauty salon. To offset the patriarchal overtones of the plot, she hired a female stage director and set her up with a “posse” of Cuban women of various ages and walks of life to advise her.

“Involving Cuban-American women of various ages and backgrounds (as advisors) really did change the story,” says Danis. “The 80s were one of the biggest times of influx for the Cuban community. They talked about the entrepreneurial spirit of the community and how hard they worked to establish their new lives here. It was important to center that in this story.”

Thus, the original Florence merchant’s villa became the Hotel Paraiso, the family business of Geronimo, his widowed sister Fidalma, and his two daughters, Elisetta and Carolina. Unbeknownst to her papa, Carolina has married an employee, Paolino. To mitigate Geronimo’s inevitable anger, Paolino is attempting to arrange a match between Elisetta and the wealthy American,

Count Robinson. However, Fidalma wants Paolino for herself and Count Robinson prefers Carolina to Elisetta.

Musical mayhem ensues.

Cimarosa was a contemporary of Mozart, and his music is very reminiscent of Mozart’s, complete with lively ensembles and arias showcasing sparkling coloratura.

Cimarosa outstripped Mozart as one of the most popular composers of his day, and enjoyed prestigious appointments in St. Petersburg, Vienna, and Naples.

At its debut, El matrimonio secreto (as it’s known in Italian) so pleased the Emperor Leopold II that at its conclusion, he called for a dinner break and insisted that the opera be given again in its entirety immediately after. Talk about a command performance!

The opera, originally planned for 2019 and postponed due to COVID, is making its debut on the FGO stage.

The cast is led by Peruvian-Mexican Metropolitan Opera soprano Vanessa Bercerra as Carolina, Miami resident and FGO favorite, Colombian-American soprano Catalina Cuervo as Elisetta, and Studio Artist, bassbaritone Phillip Lopez as Geronimo. Rounding out the cast are Studio Artists, mezzo-soprano Erin Alford as Fidalma and tenor Joseph McBrayer as Paolino, and former Studio Artist, baritone Michael Pandolfo as Count Robinson. Studio Artist sopranos Page Michels and Ashley Shalna will undertake the roles of Carolina and Elisetta respectively at the Sunday matinee.

The neon-limned set design by Lindsay Fuori comes complete with a glass block swimming pool and turquoise bar, while Darío Almirón’s costumes are straight out of a Gen-Xer’s closet. Darwin Aquino leads the orchestra while Miami’s own Elena Araoz directs. Lighting is by Stevie Agnew.

El matrimonio secreto plays November 12, 14, and 15, 2022, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.

Tickets start at $18 and are available at fgo.org or by calling the ticket office at 800.741.1010.

156 | OutClique.com

A Day of Giving

M

iami’s largest annual online giving day, Give Miami Day, is scheduled for Thursday, November 17, 2022. The annual giving movement unites nonprofits; big and small, new and established, to celebrate and increase generosity in Greater Miami through online giving so anyone can make a philanthropic impact.

causes during Early Giving, Monday, November 14, 2021, all the way through Give Miami Day. At 12:01 AM, Thursday, November 17, the 24-hour giving celebration officially launches.

Hosted by The Miami Foundation, Give Miami Day will raise funds for a record 1,000+ local organizations in every nonprofit sector from animals to education and from equity to the arts. Last year, 38,000 donors generously donated more than $32 million dollars to champion causes that strengthen our community.

So what does this mean for our favorite LGBTQA+ organizations? This day means a lot! Many organizations depend on this event to help them meet budget, so consider how you might want to step up. With Give Miami Day your dollar goes farther because the Foundation offers Bonus Pool dollars to participating nonprofits to increase the power of donations, and in this case, help support organizations working to strengthen LGBTQA+ communities.

This year’s campaign, the 11th anniversary, aims to be the biggest yet, and offers the community more ways and days to give. Donors can begin supporting their favorite

Here are ten LGBTQA+ serving organizations, of many, taking part in this year’s Give Miami Day for you to consider giving to:

AfroPride

Miami Beach Pride

AfropPrideFlorida.org

MiamiBeachPride.com

Alliance for LGBTQ Youth

Reading Queer

GLBTQAlliance.org

ReadingQueer.org

Aqua

Safe Schools South Florida

AquaFoundation.org

SafeSchoolsSouthFlorida.org

Cheer Miami

SaveLGBT

CheerMIA.org

Save.LGBT

Foo Society

Transocial

FooSociety.org

TransSocial.org

Check out the full list of organizations participating, plus everything you need to know about Give Miami Day at www.GiveMiamiDay.org.

This information was provided by The Miami Foundation.

ON SALE SEPTEMBER 17

Kravis On Broadway sponsored by

KRAVIS.ORG/BROADWAY

All programs, artists, prices and seating subject to change.

Photo: Chad Griffith

NOVEMBER 15-20, 2022 DREYFOOS HALL

NSU Theatre Presents Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap NSU’s Theatre Program in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts presents Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 20, at 2 p.m. at the Black Box Theatre in the Don Taft University Center on NSU’s Davie/ Fort Lauderdale Campus. Both performances are open to the general public.

“The Mousetrap holds the world record for the longest run of a play,” said Professor Bill Adams, D.M.A, who serves as the program director for the B.A. in Music and B.A. in Theatre programs. “Through this commercially successful piece of theatre history, our students learn to work with a worldfamous female playwright, Agatha Christie, while embodying iconic characters and practicing their British dialect!”

For more information, contact Daniel Gelbmann at gelbmann@nova.edu.

Visit NOVA.edu/dcma to learn more about the department’s Season of the Arts and upcoming performances, events, and workshops.

Content Courtesy of NSU | Photo Courtesy of the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts.

Located in Downtown Miami Visit frostscience.org for tickets 1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132 The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is supported by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners of Miami-Dade County. This project is supported by the Building Better Communities Bond Program and the City of Miami. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers.

NOVEMBER 20, 2022

THE PARKER • Wells Hall

Presented by

DECEMBER 17, 2022–JANUARY 1, 2023 BROWARD CENTER • Amaturo Theater Josephine S. Leiser Foundation

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and Josephine S. Leiser Foundation.

TICKETS at BrowardCenter.org • ParkerPlayhouse.com Ticketmaster 954.462.0222 • Group Sales 954.660.6307 Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office & The Parker Box Office Performances at the Broward Center and The Parker are supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation.

Men Who Dance Returns for Its Third Year at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts’ Amaturo Theater on Saturday, November 26 at 8 pm and Sunday, November 27, 2022 at 3 pm.

Men Who Dance returns to the Amaturo stage for a triumphant 3rd year in a row! With an ever-expanding cast of dancers from around the globe, Men Who Dance presses on to delve into the exploration of gender against the backdrop of social, cultural, geographic, political, and religious stereotypes, labels, and psyche. An explosion of artistic expression meant to celebrate, challenge, deconstruct, and re-define concepts and notions of “masculinity.”

Men Who Dance 2020 made history as the first in-door dance concert in a major theater since the closing of venues in March due to Covid-19. The event premiered under strict safety protocols with 15 dancers representing 8 countries. Men Who Dance 2021 made history again by going global and presenting 25 male dancers on stage representing 13 countries with special guest artists from Denmark, Brazil, Mexico, and Paraguay. For Men Who Dance 2022 over 30 dancers are expected as we continue to expand with dancers from Chile and Argentina.

In an unforgettable display of bravura and thoughtprovoking choreographies, local, national, and international dance companies and individual artists present an exhilarating repertoire of myriad themes and genres. New and returning artists include Miami City Ballet, Dance NOW! Miami, Cuban Classical Ballet, Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami, Tango Out, RTW Dance, Arts Ballet Theatre, and Miami Movement Collective, among many others. We are also pleased that Florida Grand Opera will be collaborating with us once again, and we welcome New Canon Chamber Collective.

“The essence and purpose of Men Who Dance is to deconstruct the stereotypes of men, reevaluate what masculinity is on stage, and be daring to explore them,” said Rafi Maldonado-Lopez. “We want to bring forth a whole new generation of people embracing the idea that men will be on stage, should be on stage, and support that as well.”

To view a three-minute promo video of Men Who Dance visit: https://vimeo.com/747074721 Be sure not to miss this memorable event which has become a South Florida favorite!

Rated FIVE stars by audience members at Ticketmaster customer reviews!

Tickets for Men Who Dance are on sale now at the Broward Center for Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Avenue Fort Lauderdale. 954-462-0222.

Tickets are $25 to $45. Student and senior tickets are $25.

https://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/men-who-dance-2022 Content Courtesy of Santiago Arts Media

168 | OutClique.com

Y A D S D I A WORLD, DECEMBER 1, 2022

THURSDAY am 8:30 am - 10 rdale e d u a L t r o F Galleria

g r o . m u e s u worldaidsm

Honorees Announced for the 16th Annual Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s Men of Style Presented by Signature Grand on December 1, 2022

G

alleria Fort Lauderdale’s Men of Style presented by Signature Grand, the most fashionable social event of the season, is back and ready to rock the runway on Thursday, December 1, 2022, from 6 – 9 p.m. Recognized as one of Broward County’s premier shopping destinations, Galleria Fort Lauderdale has announced the lineup of honorees and its new special guest host, WPLG Local 10 Anchor Nicole Perez.

For the past 15 years, the Galleria has proudly hosted this high energy event which showcases a stellar roster of prominent men who are making a positive impact in our community. Last year’s record-breaking event raised over $203,000 for 12 respected local charities that impact the quality of life for those they serve and the community-at-large.

• •

• •

•

• •

“We’re thrilled to be hosting our fun and fashionable Men of Style for its 16th year which is a testament to and celebration of the achievements of 12 philanthropic men and the charitable nonprofits they serve,” said Melissa Milroy, senior marketing manager at Galleria Fort Lauderdale. “Galleria Fort Lauderdale is a steadfast community partner committed to making a difference year-round. We are grateful to our continuing sponsor, Signature Grand, and our many supporters that make this a most memorable and meaningful event.”

The 12 influential South Florida men who have graciously donated their time and resources to worthy causes and will work the runway on behalf of their participating nonprofits are: • •

•

Chris Caputo, Wilton Manors City Commissioner (The Pride Center at Equality Park) David Cooley, Owner/Agent, State Farm Insurance and Financial Services Pompano Beach (Henderson Behavioral Health) Gregg Goldstein, Chief Strategy Officer, EM Consulting Group (Leadership Broward Foundation)

• •

Andre Gonzalez, Project Wealth Advisor, Synovus Bank (Florida Children’s Theatre) David Greenberg, President, Greenberg Capital and Strategic Advisor, Florida Panthers Hockey Team (Junior Achievement of South Florida) Chris Hawk, Interventional Cardiologist, MSPB Cardiology Group (Jack & Jill Center) Jorge Hernandez, Vice President of Supply Chain Services and Chief Procurement Officer, Broward Health (Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center) Mike Linder, Owner, SilverLining Inflight Catering, JET Runway Café, YOT, Canyon and Event Effects Group (Kids In Distress) Justin Nepola, Attorney, Nepola Yonta Attorneys at Law (FLITE Center) David Smith, Executive Vice President and CFO, Memorial Healthcare System (Art and Culture Center/Hollywood) Marc Spoto, AVP of Marketing, JM&A Group (HANDY) Andrew Wurtele, Private Investor (Heart Gallery of Broward County)

Guests will be treated to gourmet selections from area restaurants and an open bar with Stoli Vodka and wines from Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants plus live entertainment. HARRY BLU’S®, an award-winning original Miami handcrafted spirit, will proudly join the fun. The highlight of the evening will be the fashion runway show that will feature the Men of Style honorees wearing the season’s top trending styles from Macy’s and Dillard’s.

Event sponsors and contributors include Signature Grand as a presenting sponsor, and supporting sponsors Dillard’s, Macy’s, GPR | Goodman Public Relations, City & Shore Magazine, OutClique Magazine, WPLG Local 10, Stoli, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, HARRY BLU’S® and The Capital Grille.

Tickets go on sale October 12 and will be $150 per person including complimentary valet parking.

Online voting will be available at $25 per vote.

Content Courtesy of Goodman PR

Healing Through the Arts at Care Resource

On December 1, 2022, from 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm, Care Resource is hosting a tribute to World AIDS Day with the theme, “Healing Through the Arts” on the rooftop of their Midtown Miami health center located on 3510 Biscayne Boulevard.

The night includes dance performances by the United Ballroom Houses of South Florida, an array of donated and radiant art pieces, poetry readings, a candlelight vigil, and more.

This event incorporates four pillars to ending the epidemic that include: diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and response.

This tribute is an opportunity to recognize, honor and celebrate the medical advancements made during the past 30 years.

According to Steven Santiago, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, “World AIDS Day reminds us that HIV has not gone away.

The event’s four pillars of diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and response are crucial to increasing awareness, fighting prejudice, and improving education. Diagnosis is a reminder that there are still people living with HIV who are not aware. Prevention is a reminder about the need to further increase methods to reduce the rate of infection.

Treatment is a reminder that hope is available for people who do not know their status. The pillar of Response

December 1, 2022 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

is critical as it is a reminder to the community that new outbreaks are happening all the time. “ Observed worldwide on December 1, World AIDS Day is the moment of the year when millions of people come together across the globe to commemorate those who have been lost to HIV, applaud the progress made in responding to the crises, and recommit to ending the epidemic.

Content and Photos Courtesy of Care Resource

NSU Music Presents “Peace: A Musical Celebration”

By Whitney Lehmann, Ph.D., APR

NSU Music in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts presents the holiday concert “Peace: A Musical Celebration” featuring NSU ensembles and soloists.

“The music will appeal to a large variety of listeners,” said Professor of Music and Theatre Voice Bill Adams, D.M.A. “There will be ancient carols, classic holiday tunes, musical theatre, and more.”

Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.

Location: Performance Theatre, first floor of the Don Taft University Center Free and open to the general public. | Tickets are first come, first served.

For more information, contact Adams at wadams@nova.edu Photo Courtesy of the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts.

47th Concert Season

S ounds eason!

S of the

NOVA SINGERS HOLIDAY CONCERT WITH BRASS & PERCUSSION Chuck Stanley, Artistic Director • Anthony Ciotti, Accompanist

Featuring favorites from “Christmas at the Movies” & Kevin Memley’s “Gloria” A New Arrangement of Silent Night • Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Ocho Kandelikas • and audience favorites including Rudolph • Jingle Bells • African Noel Friday, 8:00 pm • December 2, 2022 St. Matthew Catholic Church 542 Blue Heron Drive Hallandale Beach, FL 33009

Sunday, 4:00 pm • December 4, 2022 St. Paul Lutheran Church 701 W Palmetto Park Road Boca Raton, FL 33486

Tuesday, 7:30 pm • December 6, 2022 St. Sebastian Catholic Church 2000 Marietta Drive Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Friday, 8:00 pm • December 9, 2022 Sunshine Cathedral 1480 SW 9th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

All Performances: $20 Advance Tickets; $25 Ticket on Concert Day Children 12 & Under Free • Students (any age) FREE with School I.D.

Tickets: NOVA.EDU/NOVASINGERS

Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus Lifts Their Voices in Harmony for “Peace on Earth” Concert on December 3, 2022

F

ort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus (FTLGMC),

Tickets for “Peace on Earth” are $35 for general

building

musical

admission and $45 for seats in the first 5 rows plus

performances and civic engagement that promote a

a small service fee. Tickets are available online at

world that accepts and values diversity, will present

FTLGMC.org or by calling (954) 832-0060.

community

through

quality

“Peace on Earth,” a holiday concert on Saturday, December 3, at 8 p.m. at United Church of Christ

Funding for the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus

(2501 NE 30th Street in Fort Lauderdale). The concert

is provided, in part, by the Broward County Board

will include a seasonal selection of joyous tunes and

of County Commissioners as recommended by the

spiritual standards with live musical instrumentation.

Broward Cultural Council. Sponsors include OutClique, Community Foundation of Broward, HotSpots!, Truist,

“We invite music lovers of all faiths to join us as we

GPR | Goodman Public Relations, Google Ad Grants,

lift our voices in unity to celebrate the holiday season,”

ArtsProud ReSTART and ToggleDigitalMarketing.com.

said Justin Knight, president of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus. “For over 35 years, we’ve embraced

About Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus (FTLGMC)

diversity, equality and harmony through song. We’re

Now celebrating 35 years of entertaining, the Fort

proud to continue that tradition through this concert

Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus (FTLGMC) has strived to

featuring a popular collection of festive favorites.”

build community through quality musical performances.

Its civic engagement promotes a world which accepts

“Peace on Earth” concert selections will include “Carol

and values diversity. Led by founding director Dr. Gary

of the Bells,” “Home for the Holidays,” “Hallelujah

Keating, the FTLGMC was the first established gay

Chorus,” “Ose Shalom,” “The Little Drummer Boy/

arts organization in the State of Florida and has gained

Peace on Earth” (medley made famous by Bing Crosby

respect and admiration from both gay and straight

and David Bowie), “We Need A Little Christmas” from

audiences. For more information about the FTLGMC,

Mame, a “White Christmas” audience singalong and

please call (954) 832-0060 or visit us online at www.

more.

FortLauderdaleGayMensChorus.org.

Content Courtesy of FTLGMC and Goodman PR

176 | OutClique.com

Presents

Come and enjoy a collection of music that embraces the spirit of peace and unity during this holiday season.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 8 p.m.

UCC Fort Lauderdale

2501 NE 30th Street, Fort Lauderdale For Tickets:

FTLGMC.ORG or 954-832-0060

Funding for this organization is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council

PHOTO BY KEVIN BERNE

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

ARSHT CENTER | DEC 6 - 11 | arshtcenter.org/Hadestown

GMCSF Office Grand Opening and Season Kickoff

T

op donors, sponsors, board, and leadership teams joined the staff last Wednesday to help celebrate the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida’s grand opening of the new GMCSF Office Suite. Our organization now occupies the entire second floor of Building B at The Pride Center of Equality Park, located at 2038 North Dixie Highway, Suite 201, in Wilton Manors, Florida. This move has tripled the size of our existing space, providing a professional and welcoming space to meet with donors and other stakeholders. It also has a conference room for regular staff

182 | OutClique.com

meetings for the board and leadership teams. Our Season Kickoff followed the event at Union Kitchen & Bar, located at 2309 North Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors, where Artistic Director Gabe Salazar announced the concert season.

Tickets will go on sale at GMCSF.org on Monday, September 26, 2022. “I hope you will be as enthusiastic about this season’s program as I am. The future is bright, and I hope you are ready to experience something spectacular,” commented Mr. Salazar.

Artistic Director, Gabe Salazar presents

SEASON 13 W E S I N G G AY

2022 2023

SEASON

Friday, December 16, 2022, at 8:00 pm

Sunday, December 18, 2022, at 7:00 pm

Friday, March 24, 2023, at 8:00 pm

Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 8:00 pm Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 3:00 pm

Hosted by Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL

in the Lillian S. Wells Hall – The Parker, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Hosted by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, FL

in the Lillian S. Wells Hall – The Parker, Fort Lauderdale, FL Sponsored by © DISNEY

Tickets for the entire season are available at gmcsf.org.

For more information on the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, visit gmcsf.org orcall 954-763-2266, Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Sponsorship and advertising inquiries can contact the Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, Edward Otto Zielke, at 954-763-2266, ext 107, or email marketing@gmcsf.org.

Holidays at Sunshine Cathedral Friday, December 16, 2022, at 8:00 pm.

Hosted by Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Holidays at Hard Rock Live featuring Tony Award nominee, singer, songwriter, Shoshana Bean, Sunday, December 18, 2022, at 7:00 pm.

Hosted by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, FL

Songs Of the Phoenix Friday, March 24, 2023, at 8:00 pm in the Lillian S. Wells Hall – The Parker, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Disney PRIDE in Concert Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 8:00 pm and Sunday, June 25th at 3:00 pm in the Lillian S. Wells Hall – The Parker, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Content and Photos Courtesy of GMCSF

Photo by Brian Sumner

One of South Florida’s Top Theater Veterans Takes the Reins of the Broadway at LPAC Series

By Dale King

M

ichael Ursua, the multi-talented pianist, actor, theater director and performance craftsperson, among other titles, moved from his native Santa Ana, California, to South Florida when he was about 10 years old. Or, as he put it in a recent interview, “I went from Disneyland to Disney World.”

The Disney connection is particularly appropriate for the artisan of many talents. After learning to play piano at age 11, and sharpening his acting chops by doing community theater, he later signed on for three consecutive gigs on the Disney Magic cruise ship – as a main stage entertainer and a writer. Before disembarking the final year, “I put together a reboot of several character experiences.”

Once back on dry land, the self-proclaimed “theater geek” kick-started what was to become a lengthy career on and around theatrical stages with performances as a sought-after actor, vocalist, director and music manager – roles that often overlapped, depending on the shifting circumstances of live theater.

He’s been a featured player at many South Florida

188 | OutClique.com

theatrical venues. His roster of credits covers nearly eight pages on the internet and includes such popular production locales as the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Kravis Center, Wick Theatre, Slow Burn Theatre and Palm Beach Dramaworks.

The man whose acting style and deft keyboard finger work are widely known to local theater audiences; Michael’s latest venture involves the production of a three-musical series for the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center scheduled to start early next year. Arts Center Management, a multiplatform theatre administration company, has partnered with the city of Lauderhill to produce the “Broadway at LPAC” series that opens in January 2023 and features three major musical hits: The Full Monty, 42nd Street, and Always... Patsy Cline!

ACM hired Michael as artistic director and Alex Jorth, Michael’s husband, as choreographer. Jorth is well schooled in theater, having spent nearly 20 years as an actor, singer, dancer, and choreographer. He has also worked at Walt Disney World and Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Palm Beach Dramaworks, Actors’ Playhouse, Slow Burn

Theatre Company, and The Wick Theatre, among others.

At the same time, he got the LPAC job, Michael was tasked to work with the Victory Dolls, an ensemble of young singer-actors pulled together several years ago by local theater mogul and ACM president Kevin Barrett to perform concerts featuring songs of the 1940s in Andrews Sisters style.

Michael Ursua jumped at the opportunity to pull together LPAC’s Broadway series. His Facebook pages are filled with highlights of the upcoming season, particularly emphasizing the opening show, The Full Monty, by introducing cast members. He has also begun auditioning singers interested in supplementing the Victory Dolls’ ranks and focusing on upcoming programs.

The on-stage veteran is part of a performance family.

His sister, Shanna, is known in the business as a “triple threat” – singer, actor, and dancer. His niece, Avery Sell, has notched a role as one of the children in the Broadway production of Mrs. Doubtfire, the Musical. At the same time, his nephew, Ryan Sell, nailed a part in the theatrical film, Armageddon Time, opening November 11. The movie stars Anthony Hopkins and Anne Hathaway.

“Ryan also originated the role of ‘Charlie Bucket’ in the Broadway production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

Another niece, Megan Sell, was a dancer with Disney Cruise Line aboard the Disney Dream and has performed in local theater.

He joked that his parents were not performance-inclined, but “they provided us with rides – and encouragement.”

Initially, Michael’s sister was encouraged to play the piano while he started to learn the organ. “I lost interest in the instrument, so I took over my sister’s piano and she went on to become a triple threat,” Michael recalled.

“My sister started auditioning for shows in community theater, but they all needed guys to flesh out the casts,” he recalled. So, he took a shot, taking on the role of the tailor in Fiddler on the Roof.

Before long, Michael was expanding his musical prowess.

“I was musically directing Man of La Mancha on the West Coast of Florida, at a place called the Royalty Theater

Co., which I don’t think is there anymore. It was my first musical direction opportunity.”

Opportunities began to present themselves and kept him occupied for several years.

In 2013, he joined forces with Marilynn Wick to help her transform and reopen the closed-down Caldwell Theatre in Boca Raton as the Wick Theatre. Taking on the roles of executive director and resident musical director, he both stage directed and musically steered the Wick’s inaugural production of The Sound of Music in the fall of 2013, a performance that earned the theater a Carbonell nomination for Best Production of a Musical.

As a director, he has helmed multiple regional and local productions, including such shows as Sister Act, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Peter Pan, among others.

He has served as musical director and conductor for numerous national tours along with local and regional productions, working with such show folk as Lee Roy Reams, Sally Struthers, Andrea McArdle, and Leslie Uggams.

Michael’s extensive list of stage credits including roles in such shows as Priscilla Queen of the Desert, La Cage aux Folles, and The Secret Garden. He is also the creator, producer, and host of the popular “Florida Sings Showtunes,” an online entertainment program designed to support local musical theatre artists during the pandemic.

He has received a Silver Palm Award for his contributions to the South Florida theater community and received three Carbonell nominations.

Overall, said theatrical maven Ursua, things have been going well. Or, as he states on Facebook: “Not everybody has a niece and nephew who have originated roles on Broadway, a niece following in your footsteps performing with Disney Cruise Line, a triple threat sister and a triple threat partner. Pretty neat. I’m super lucky.”

Dale King bio: A Massachusetts native who moved to Florida in 2000, he is a graduate of Northeastern University in Boston, with honors degrees in English and Journalism.

In New England, he worked for the Attleboro (Mass.) Sun Chronicle and the Pawtucket (R.I.) Times, the latter for 28 years. After moving to Florida, he worked as a copy editor at the Palm Beach Daily News, and, in 2001, became a reporter and later, city editor, at the Boca Raton News where he worked for eight years.

OutClique.com | 189

Seeing Red at World AIDS Museum

By John Hayden

R

ed is passion. Red is fire. Red is fierce. Now red is fashionably philanthropic. The World AIDS Museum (WAM) is gearing up for their Red Dress Dress Red Gala on February 4, 2023. While that seems far away, we still have all the holidays to get through, it’s actually coming up fast. “It is insanely crazy,” WAM Executive Director Terry Dyer told OutClique. “There are so many moving parts to produce such a major event. We are close to crunch time and our planning committee is knee deep in execution.”

tickets are going fast. “Although we are several months from the event, ticket sales are going very well. The most bang for the buck is the VIP ticket option. This includes transportation to and from the event, food and beverage, private reception that includes live entertainment, private restrooms, free parking, and the dance party. The General Admission ticket will receive beverages, free parking, and the dance party.”

Party With A Purpose

The event is a major addition to South Florida’s seasonal social scene and a big undertaking for Dyer, who is still in his first year at WAM. “Everything I do is under the mantra of ‘go big or go home.’ It sets the tone for the future and constantly gives me something to strive toward.” If you think you’ve heard of this event before, you’re right.

Red Dress is a franchise that has a colorful history out west. Dyer is updating the title to make sure everyone feels welcome. “In order to be more gender neutral and inclusive we have titled our event the Red Dress Dress Red Gala. This means guests can wear any type of red attire.”

The title isn’t the only part being updated. South Florida events have a different feel than other parts of the country and WAM says their party will follow suit. “We are keeping with the tradition and integrity of the national event with a South Florida flare. The Red Dress Dress Red Gala is a massive dance party with incredible music and fashion.

Our night will include this and more. Live entertainment

by South Florida sensations and a Broadway star, hors d’oeuvres, an exhibition, dancers, and more.”

The big event will have a big name with a big attitude hosting the night. The fabulous Trinity K. Bonet from RuPaul’s Drag Race will host the night, which is being held at the Design Center of The Americas (DCOTA).

The event begins with VIP champagne and transportation from Hunters Nightclub to the DCOTA. Upon arrival VIP guests will be greeted with lights, glitz, glamour, drama, fashion, and true red carpet treatment. Our focus is the experience for all guests, sponsors, and volunteers.

The event space holds 600-700 guests, and Dyer says

WAM has a very sober mission, which is raising awareness of the ongoing AIDS crisis. With the advent of PrEP and treatments for HIV+ patients, the disease has been pushed off the front pages and out of the public consciousness.

The trend was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the fight goes on, and the gala is on brand for the museum. “WAM’s mission is to promote dialogue that eliminates HIV/AIDS stigma through education, artistic expression, and cultural programming. The Red Dress Dress Red Gala hits all of these components in several ways. Conversation is crucial in bringing awareness, increasing testing, and ensuring education. We hope that this event and all of the work WAM produces continues to impact the general consciousness and become a normalcy in our society, just as we address mental health, homelessness, racial inequities, and more.”

Dyer and WAM hope to use the success of Red Dress Dress Red to spread their message beyond their digs at the ArtServe Building in Fort Lauderdale. Dyer wants to better their educational programs, focus on innovation, and connect and collaborate with organizations across the country. “All of the funds raised for this event will benefit our Florida AIDS Walk team efforts. This means all will be matched by AIDS Healthcare Foundation. We are launching a national strategy to partner with organizations across the country. The funds raised will allow WAM to produce traveling exhibitions, present at various conferences, collaborate with public school districts, and much more. We have already begun discussions in states such as California, Arizona, Massachusetts, Oregon, and in Washington D.C. to name a few.”

For more on WAM’s work and the Red Dress Dress Red Gala, visit WorldAIDSMuseum.org.

HUNTERS NIGHTCLUB PRESENTS

WORLD AIDS MUSEUM’S

Dress Dress WITH CELEBRITY HOST

DESIGN CENTER OF THE AMERICAS

FEB 4 DOORS OPEN AT 6:30PM DANCING

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

BEVERAGES

VALET PARKING

TRINITY K. BONET

TICKETS

ON SALE

NOW

FOOD

AFTER PARTY

RDDRGALA.EVENTBRITE.COM 1855 GRIFFIN RD, DANIA BEACH, FL 33004

SCAN ME FOR MORE INFO

New Partnership Broward County and the City of Fort Lauderdale Examine Economic Impact of the Local Arts and Culture Industry

B

roward County and the City of Fort Lauderdale announced a new partnership and commitment to arts and culture with the launch of their participation in Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), the most comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States.

Administered by Americans for the Arts, AEP6 will examine the economic impact of the arts and culture in Broward County and 386 additional communities representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Locally, AEP6 will be spearheaded by the Broward County Cultural Division, in partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale’s new Office of Cultural Affairs. The study will provide insights about arts and culture’s impact on local jobs and government revenue along with other analyses including the spending differences between residents and tourists attending events.

The collaboration between Broward County and the City of Fort Lauderdale was officially announced by County Mayor Michael Udine at a brief gathering Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in downtown Fort Lauderdale at NSU Art Museum. Cultural Division Director Phil Dunlap, County Commissioner and Broward Cultural Council member Steve Geller and Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Steve Glassman also addressed the crowd of media and arts leaders about the importance of this research and the role of the arts as an economic engine for tourism and jobs in our region.

The Arts & Economic Prosperity® series is conducted approximately every five years to gauge the economic

impact of spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and the event-related spending by their audiences. Nationally, in 2017, AEP5 documented that the nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $166.3 billion in economic activity. Locally, data compiled by the Broward County Cultural Division for AEP5, reported an annual $414.2 million in economic impact.

Data for the AEP6 report will be collected through April 2023 by local arts and culture nonprofit organizations via surveys distributed to audiences attending arts and culture events. Additional financial data will be collected from each participating organization. Results from the year-long study will be released in the fall of 2023 and detail the economic impact of both the City’s and County’s nonprofit arts and culture sectors.

New this cycle, is a focus on equity and inclusion by establishing a benchmark of arts and culture organizations that primarily serve communities of color, and the audiences that attend their events. Researchers will use this data to report on the economic impact of the BIPOC/ ALAANA (Black, indigenous, people of color/African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American) arts sector in our community.

Nolen V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts, commented, “Community is where the arts make a difference, and while the national impact data are impressive, at its core, AEP6 is a local story. I look forward to seeing its results, which will be key in persuading decision-makers that the arts benefit all people in all communities.”

To learn more about AEP and the year-long report, visit ArtsCalendar.com/AEP6 Content and Photos Courtesy of the Broward Cultural Division

OPEN DOOR. OPEN MIND.

Real Estate Bankruptcy Wills & Trusts Landlord / Tenant Probate & Estates Foreclosure Defense Business Transactions

Dean J. Trantalis, ESQ Attorney at Law 2301 Wilton Drive, Suite C1-A, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

954.566.2226 Dean@trantalis.com | TrantalisLaw.com The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not only be based on advertisements. Before you decide ask the lawyer to send you free written information about their qualifications and experience.