Wire Magazine Issue #04, 2011: Palace Turns 23

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ISSUE #04 | 01/27/11

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ALL WIRED UP

BY THOMAS BARKER

NOSTALGIC DAYS @ THE PALACE When I decided to move to Miami to escape the Bible belt and the crazy Bible thumpers, who’d love nothing more than to smash in the head of a little homo like myself, I didn’t know a single person. I would go out to different bars and clubs, and even spent some time searching various gay dating sites; however, meeting people just for the sake of meeting people seemed nearly impossible.

If I wasn’t interested in having sex with someone I met at a bar, club, or an online dating site, they just weren’t interested in getting to know me. Now as someone who loves to socialize more than life itself, this was a very depressing situation. Luckily that all changed the day I discovered Ocean Drive’s only gay bar, The Palace.

When I first discovered The Palace, I was immediately smitten with the local watering hole. The bartenders, managers, and customers were all so friendly and welcoming… something South Beach is certainly not known for.

From the moment the bartender offered me my first cocktail, I have been a loyal fan of The Palace and its infamous cast of characters. Between the drag queens, the very friendly bartenders, and the local customers, there’s just no way you can’t meet people.

In this week’s issue, we dedicate our cover story to mine and everyone’s favorite local watering hole, The Palace. For 23 years, The Palace has provided the gay community and people like me with a place to socialize, take in a show, and catch up with old and new friends.

anniversary and many more in the future for The Palace and Tom. Congratulations Tom, The Palace, and the incredible bartenders, waiters, and staff on 23 years of successful debauchery at its finest!

In this week’s issue, you will also notice a feature on one of the raunchiest ladies in comedy, Sandra Bernhard.

The woman, who played one of the first openly gay characters on network television, will be performing this Friday and Saturday night at Prelude by Barton G at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts at 8 p.m.

In this week’s cover story, I caught up with the owner of The Palace, Tom Donall, and his general manager, Ivan Cano. Tom discovered the palace more than 15 years ago, and has loved the bar ever since. So when the opportunity to purchase the local bar three years ago arose, he knew it would be his chance to take a place he loved so dearly to all new heights.

I was lucky enough to snag an interview with her, which you will find on page 10. As you will read, the sharptongued woman always has a quick-witted response for any and every situation!

Within months of approaching the owners at the time, Tom found himself at the helm of South Beach’s oldest gay bar, and immediately went to work on upgrading the space. He revamped the sound system, worked with the staff to develop new weekly events, and reached out to some of South Florida’s most infamous drag performers to mesmerize and entertain the hundreds of thousands of visitors Miami Beach gets every year.

We’ve also included a feature on Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, also known as The Trocks. This ballet company is one of the most unique companies in the world, as it is one of, if not the only, dance company with an all-male gender bending cast.

The Trocks features beautiful ballet paired with comedy and drag queens. I can’t think of a better way to spend the evening!

As The Palace celebrates its 23-Year Anniversary and Tom celebrates his 3-Year Anniversary as owner of the Palace on Thursday, February 3rd from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., I am very certain that he will hear many nostalgic stories of days gone by at The Palace.

Check out our feature on page 16.

And we very much look forward to celebrating this

Till next week!

COVER PHOTO BY: IMAGE1STMIAMI.COM

WIRE STAFF CEO/PUBLISHER: rafa carvajal EXECUTIVE EDITOR/PUBLISHER: thomas barker

DESIGN DIRECTOR/PRODUCTION: jose gonzalez/true ink designs l.l.c.

COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: alfredo barrios james cubby gregg pizzi michael sasser PHOTOGRAPHERS + ILLUSTRATORS: john anthony sutton | image1stmiami.com juan saco mironoff | miami-gay-blog.com dale stine | dalestine.com henry perez | henry1dj@bellsouth.net rob davidson | rob@wireweekly.com WIRE MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED, PRODUCED AND OWNED BY WIRE MEDIA GROUP L.L.C. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

t: 305.520.WIRE | f: 786.272.0123 | e: info@wireweekly.com 1541 Brickell Avenue #B2004 • Miami, FL 33129

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PUBLIShER'S corNer

PUBLISHERS’ CORNER wow! iT’S BeeN A yeAr? JoiN wire mA

THE NEW OBAMA DANCE: DOE-SI-DOE TO THE CENTER What’s a politician to do when his approval rating takes a dive, his party loses control of the House of Representatives, and people start talking about a one-term presidency? Do the Obama dance, of-course, and doe-si-doe over to the center.

Barack Obama is a smart man and a great speaker and communicator.

You may love or hate his politics, but the current President of the United States is no dummy. However, he is a man feeling the heat and facing the real prospect of becoming a one-term President like George W. Bush, who failed to understand fast enough that “it’s all about the economy, stupid”; and was unable to focus on the single most important concern of the American people at the time, high unemployment and jobs, jobs, jobs. Sound familiar?

for him by holding court with the White

Ronald Reagan’s Vice President.

Neither his intellect nor his extensive experience in business and government were enough to help him realize that the economy was the most important factor in people’s lives. This single fact lost him his re-election to William Jefferson Clinton, the charismatic governor of a small, poor state in the Union with limited business and big government experience at the time of his presidential run.

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You can visit www.wireweekly.com/ dining for details. If you have been to our brunches, you know what they’re about, but if you haven’t, it’s a great way to enjoy a delightful meal with free cocktails and to meet new and interesting people.

This week and last House Press Corps at theweek end of lasthave probably year when he decided to compromise with Republicans, ignoring loud opposition beenthe the busiest weeks ever for Thomas from members of the more liberal wing of President Clinton took over the and his I party. working wire magazine. press conference to sell on last year’s passage of President Obama’s compromise on tax and jobof very good Why?cuts, unemployment For a insurance, couple growth. If you listened to last night’s State of the Union address, ithave is clear President reasons: We been working Obama is ready to follow in Bill Clinton’s by moving to the center and very footsteps hard producing our second focusing on theon economy and jobs. It’s time to start working on reelection! ever Pride collector’s edition of It is also time for the American people to out of high unemployment and the wiredig magazine – that we think you lingering effects of the real estate crash and the Great Recession. We all want will really enjoy reading through. In to start making more money, having to work a little less, and enjoying more of our working lives. Hopefully, non-stop President Obama’son the first ever dition, we have also been new focus on exports, the economy, and jobs will move our country forward in the ficial Gay Pride Pool Party, which Wire magazine right direction. Then, if the President does George W. Bush is also a smart man, who a good job, people may decide to reelect l host on War Saturday, April 17th atyears. the hotel Victor with him for another four was a World II fighter pilot, a Texas oil tycoon, a Republican congressman, I want to remind you thatTequila this Sunday we as sponsors.

U.N. ambassador, the Director of theherradura nlandia Vodka and Central Intelligence Agency, and have another one of our very popular

eally is hard to believe that a year has already gone by since we blished the first ever Pride Collector’s Edition of Wire magazine, that is definitely the case. Pride is once again taking place in ami Beach this Saturday and we hope that all our readers in Have a wonderful week, and feel free On the other hand, Bill Clinton – for all to stop us on the streets of Miami, the ami and Fort lauderdale will have a chance to enjoy this his peccadilloes and indiscretions – was a Beaches, and Fort Lauderdale to very successful President in many respects share your thoughts and ideas with Wire was able to get reelectedCollector’s by focusing ek’sand 2010 Pride Edition.

Weyourcouldn’t have gotten Magazine.

We welcome feedback on the economy and job creation. To this and suggestions to continue providing day Clinton is one of the most popular and greatand lifestyle the contentsupport for our readers.of our advertisers, re without support, well-regarded all formeryour Presidents and his personal character issues have, for the most part, been forgiven forgotten.

As a Rafaof the Wire staff. Thanks very much onsors, and allandthe members matter of fact, he and President George W. For The Publishers Bush have become good friends and work everyone for helping us make this possible! together on successful charity initiatives Rafa Carvajal: making a difference around the world.

rafa@wireweekly.com

Former President Clinton is so effective that President Obama used him to pinch hit

Thomas Barker: thomas@wireweekly.com

e also hope that you will be able to participate in the 6 | wire magazine | wireweekly.com ide festivities on Saturday, plus many of the ancillary

events and parties taking p parade, Expo, and day of why we are including a co can use as your map of wh and times to be there.

We also want to extend welcome you to join us for t Pool Party at the hotel V decided to put together a year’s Pride, courtesy of W have fun in the company complement the Parade, Ex main stages of Pride, and for some additional fun at from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. thi miik will be spinning, complimentary Finlandia v ticket purchase.

make sure to stop by our your copy of this week’s sp contest, but definitely stop hotel Victor to celebrate Pr pool party. We will be cam some additional fun in the

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DISCOTEKKA SATURDAY NIGHTS PHOTOS BY JUAN SACO MIRONOFF

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NOCHE LATINA PAGEANT @ THE MANOR PHOTOS BY JUAN SACO MIRONOFF

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WIRE FEATURE: SANDRA BERNHARD @ PRELUDE BY BARTON G

BY THOMAS BARKER

When it comes to dramatic and over-the-top dining, no one knows it better than restaurateur/hotelier Barton G. For years, his restaurants have attracted thousands of diners, looking for a little more than excellent food. In fact, they want a show! So when Barton G decided to partner with The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts to open the restaurant, Prelude, it wasn’t really a surprise to anyone.

Since opening its doors, Prelude has offered discerning diners a pre- and post-show three-course meal paired with some delectable wines. Now, Barton G is taking his concept of theatrical dining to a whole new level by actually adding live performances to the Prelude experience.

And coming on the heels of such celebrated performers as Broadway’s Cheyenne Jackson, Tony winner, Karen Olivo, and “Hair” star Gavin Creel, Barton G will present the wildly hilarious and most times irreverent Sandra Bernhard and her band this Friday and Saturday, January 28 and 29. Sandra will mark the series’ first foray into power-packed comedy, which by virtue of her colorful history, has kept the comedienne’s stalwarts packing houses since she first broke out in the “70s at the Comedy Store.”

Since that time, Bernhard is not far from the headlines, her extraordinary originality and personal outrage highlighting her one-woman shows, i.e., “I’m Still Here…

Damn It!,” that have taken her from Broadway to sold out runs in Boston and San Francisco, also filmed as an HBO special. Bernhard first hit the screen when she scored in Martin Scorsese’s “The King of Comedy.” “Roseanne,” “The Sopranos,” “The L World,” “Will and Grace” are among the many TV shows on which she has gueststarred as well as appearing on “Late Night with David Letterman,” “The Tonight Show, “The View”, and “The Rachel Maddow Show.”

A major activist who takes no prisoners, Bernhard participated in “The Stormy Weather Benefit “98,” “Elton John Tribute for Broadway Cares,” “The Ali Forney Center for LGBT Homeless Youth,” and Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS. We were so excited about Sandra’s appearance at Prelude this weekend; we just had to sit down with the raunchy diva to learn more about her and what we can expect this weekend!

Flint, Michigan. I started doing standup when I was five.

When did you realize that comedy was your thing?

All of my one woman shows and my gorgeous daughter.

As Marlene Rosenbaum was boiling potatoes, I threw a couple of zingers at her.

You spend a lot of time on tour. What’s an experience you’ll never forget?

You played one of - if not the first - openly gay characters on network television. How did it feel being so open at that time?

Running through the Paris airport at full speed, trying to catch a flight to Israel.

Relaxed and over confident.

Have you ever been heckled? How do you handle it?

Do you feel that it helped or hindered your career?

A million times! I try and turn it into a funny irreverent feedback that keeps the crowd on my side.

It threw me into years of scream therapy, otherwise it all went smoothly.

You’ve worked with a lot of celebrities. Which have you been the most excited about working with?

As an openly gay celebrity, do you get hit on by a lot of closet cases?

Yes! Mainly when I am having cocktails at the stork club.

What’s the most scandalous encounter you’ve had with another celeb? Would Madonna count as one?

When Mary Tyler Moore and I hit the town and tore it up!

How would you describe your schtick?

Polished to a fine hue.

Of course you have a massively gay following.

How does it feel to be loved by your peeps?

Stevie Nicks, Rosanne Cash, Roseanne Barr, Chrissie Hynde, Richard E Grant, and many more.

Who has been the most excruciating to work with?

Well, Jerry Lewis just because he was old school and very intense, but ultimately I learned more from him than anyone else.

Are you excited to be performing in Miami?

I love Miami it really regenerates me!

What are you most looking forward to?

Cuban food!

It makes me want to trek the Himalayas!

What are you currently working on?

You’ve also played an integral role in helping a number of gay pride events and equality fundraising events. Why do you feel it is important to support these organizations?

A musical with Justin Bond that we've been writing called "arts and crafts".

To raise awareness and help people understand the gay sensibility.

Film, TV, a musical, and more, more, more One Woman Shows!

Check it out!

You’ve done film. You’ve written books.

You’ve toured. What has been your favorite experience and why?

Where are you from and how did you get into standup?

I think one outlet supports the other and keeps your work fresh.

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Which accomplishments are you most proud of?

What’s in the future for Sandra?

SANDRA BERNHARD PERFORMANCE Friday & Saturday Night @ 8 p.m.

Prelude at The Adrienne Arsht Center 3628 NE 2nd Ave., Miami

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WIRE COVER: THE PALACE: 23 YEARS OF REINING OCEAN DRIVE

BY THOMAS BARKER PHOTOS BY: IMAGE1STMIAMI.COM

hen you think of Miami Beach, the first few things that come to mind are sun, sand, and nearly naked beautiful guys. Now, of all the gay bars and clubs that have come and gone, there is only one that epitomizes all of those things at once – Ocean Drive’s only gay bar, The Palace.

For over 23 years, The Palace has provided the gay community with an incredible view, fantastic events, great drinks, and their signature one-of-a-kind drag shows. Since opening its doors, The Palace has seen many changes, including a few changes in ownership; however, the one thing that has never changed is the bar’s ability to make everyone feel right at home!

I remember the first time I experienced The Palace. I had just started working for Wire, and was invited for a drink on a Friday afternoon around 4 p.m. When I arrived, I was greeted by a fantastically outrageous cast of characters. Between the transvestite father of two to the crazy shirtless bartender, known as Ditmar, to the out of control controller of The Palace, the place was just filled with energy, excitement, and scandal! Of course, I immediately fell in love – just as so many other locals and out of towners have and still do.

From that day on, you could, and still can, pretty much spot me hanging out at The Palace, enjoying a stiff cocktail, getting scandalous with the bartenders and waiters, and taking in a show or two.

Three years ago, The Palace changed ownership and Miami Beach welcomed Tom Donall to South Beach. Since then, Tom has done an amazing job of upgrading The Palace, creating new weekly events, revamping the menu, and, of course, fighting to keep the drag shows on the streets of Ocean Drive, where they have been for 23 years.

Along the way, Tom hired Ivan Cano as his general manager, and together, they have accomplished quite a feat. Besides upgrading the sound system and launching a number of new initiatives, they have also been a major contributor to a variety of local community organizations. In fact, in 2010 alone, they donated over $22,000 to organizations like Care Resource, The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Agua Girl, and Miami Beach Gay Pride, among others.

I recently got the chance to catch up with Tom and Ivan to get the inside scoop on the road they took to get to where they are, and where this road will lead them in 2011. We have been so impressed by all of their accomplishments and are very happy to be celebrating The Palace’s 23rd birthday on Thursday, February 3rd from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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WIRE COVER: THE PALACE: 23 YEARS OF REINING OCEAN DRIVE

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Check out what they had to say: How did you discover The Palace?

Tom: Fifteen years ago, I was coming back and forth between Miami and Michigan, and would always go to The Palace. After closing on my winter home here, I would walk by The Palace every day on my way to Equinox. One part of the bar had been turned into an ice cream shop, which had eventually closed. The food was bad, and the business was starting to dry up. I have been in this business for about 12 years now, and I thought my past experience could help regenerate the place. So I gave Alberto, who was one of the managers at the time, my card, which he passed on to the owners. They called me and two weeks later, we were negotiating, and a month later, I was buying it.

It was more or less to save it for the community. The Palace has always been one of my favorite places to go for years. I truly felt that someone needed to do something, and I was going back and forth about whether or not to do it. I finally decided to do it, because I really did and still do love The Palace.

What do you think makes The Palace so unique?

Tom: I think it has a lot to do with the location of The Palace. We are the only gay bar on Ocean Drive, and 13 | wire magazine | wireweekly.com

TOM DONALL

you really cannot beat the setting. The view, the people, and the atmosphere culminate in a way that is unlike any other place in Miami or Miami Beach.

Ivan: I think because it has been around for 23 years, The Palace means a lot of things to a lot of people from a variety of generations. Whether you were here in the late 80s or here a year ago, The Palace has always been a meeting place for our community. People come here 10, 15 years later to reunite. The Palace is the only gay bar in Miami Beach that has been around that long.

It’s been three years since you purchased The Palace. What have been some of the major changes you’ve made to The Palace?

Ivan: It’s actually going to be three years on February 3rd, which is why we are doing the anniversary party then. It will be a double anniversary party – The Palace’s birthday, as well as the day Tom purchased The Palace.

Tom: The first thing we did was re-open the small bar in the front again. I purchased The Palace in February and we had the small bar open again by March… just in time for Winter Party. In fact, they were still installing the guns as we were preparing for all the Winter Party guests. While we were working on that, we were also upgrading and repairing the sound system throughout The Palace. Music plays a great deal into building the energy of the place, which is why I wanted the sound system to be perfect!

Once I was comfortable with the sound, and we had the small bar up and running, it was time to upgrade all the furnishings. I bought new tables, chairs, and cleaned up the place. Of course, when you own a business in Miami Beach, there is a lot of work that goes into getting the appropriate permits and licenses. From day one, we’ve had to fight tooth and nail to keep our drag performers outside, where they have been performing for 23 years.

What has been the response of the community to all the changes?

Ivan: On Sundays, we get a lot of people dining here for brunch, and one of the things I regularly hear is how great the food is and how much it has evolved over the years. Sometimes they are over impressed because they experience something that should be in a gourmet restaurant, when in fact we are a very casual restaurant.

Our customers love the idea that they don’t have to spend too much money to get something extraordinarily delicious. Of course, it’s also great to enjoy a great meal and a great show!

Tom: I get a lot of thank yous from people. A lot of people come up to me and say thanks for doing this.

Thank you for bringing The Palace back and thank you for bringing it to where it is today.

Ivan: If you look on Facebook on any given Sunday afternoon, there are always people posting images and

WIRE COVER: THE PALACE: 23 YEARS OF REINING OCEAN DRIVE PHOTOS

BY JUAN SACO M IRONO

FF

talking about how much fun they are having here at The Palace.

Over the past three years, you guys have added a number of weekly events. Which have been the most successful?

Tom: Our brunch!

Ivan: I definitely agree. A year ago, when I came in as the general manager, the brunch was created by Carlos and the drag performers at that time. I saw a definite need to split the brunch up into two seatings – the first one at 11:30 and the second one at 2. Now both seatings are packed every Sunday. The T-dances on the weekends have always been majorly successful. At one point, we decided to only do the T-dance and no show, but we realized that people really do enjoy a full sensory dance event that includes Go Go dancers, drag shows, shot boys, great drinks, and so much more. The crowd just goes crazy when the drag queens perform.

Tom: One of the things I love about our brunch is that we always have our core group of regulars that are here every Sunday, and then we have our out-of-towners, who just love The Palace and the shows. They all get here between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. for brunch and end up staying till the end of the T-dance. It’s amazing to see The Palace transform throughout the day from a dining event to one gigantic party.

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Seems like there is always something going on at The Palace every night of the week. What is your weekly line-up like?

Ivan: Well besides our Sunday brunch and T-dance, we have really focused on the weekend, beginning with Thursdays. Every Thursday night, beginning at 6 p.m. Geraldine hits the pavement, performing some really amazing numbers in a cabaret style. It’s kind of like a dinner theater meets cabaret experience. Friday is always a good time, as we have some really great shows by Latrice Royal and a few of our fabulous guests drag divas. We are currently in the process of finalizing another live and interactive component, and when we get the green light, I will let you know. And on Saturdays, we will be launching our Palace Boys T-dance event.

What kind of specials do you guys offer throughout the week?

Ivan: Monday through Friday, we offer the $9.95 special, which allows diners to get any item off the menu with the exception of entrees for only $9.95 before 4 p.m. We also started something called Living Ultimately Hour, which offers Ultimate Vodka cocktails for $6 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. One thing we’ve also done for our customers is make Absolut vodka our well, so they can get a great quality cocktail for only $8!

This past year, you guys launched some major dance events, which take place during Winter

Party, White Party, and Miami Beach Gay Pride. What is the concept of those events?

Ivan: For those events, we close down 12th Street from Ocean Drive to Ocean Court, and we bring in a stage, lighting, bars, and some live entertainment. We make these events open to the public, because The Palace has a duty to be socially responsible to its community.

There are some people who cannot afford to go to White Party or Winter Party, but still want to support those organizations. These events allow them to support the organizations without having to break the bank to do so.

Tom: It’s very expensive to close 12th Street down. It cost more than $20,000 in city fees, permits, and other expenses, so it is a major investment on our part, but we also feel it is important to offer these events to the community.

You just mentioned that it’s important for The Palace to be socially responsible. What have you guys done in the past?

Ivan: This past year, we’ve implemented a lot of initiatives to raise money for a number of organizations.

In 2010 alone, we’ve given over $22,000 to the community. We’ve made it possible for our customers to add a dollar donation for Miami Beach Gay Pride to their check. We’ve held a number of drag events to raise funds for organizations, and we regularly host events to raise money. The top four organizations we’ve supported

WIRE COVER: THE PALACE: 23 YEARS OF REINING OCEAN DRIVE PHOT

OS B Y JUA N SA CO

are Miami Beach Gay Pride, The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force for Winter Party, Care Resource for White Party, and Pridelines Youth Services.

The Palace has been very great about partnering with other gay bars in Miami and Miami Beach. How does that work?

I also understand that you guys have launched The Palace Boys. What is that?

Ivan: With Mova, we do a Sunday Funday program, where our customers come here during the day, and then head over to Mova for a drink afterwards. We also work with Discotekka to bring more of the Miami Latin community over to the island. The girls from Discotekka will come here on a Saturday and invade The Palace.

We will do that twice in the next two months – one in March and once in April. The events will be themed, and their girls will perform here and our girls will perform there. We’ve also worked with the other businesses on bar crawls.

Ivan: As a gay person in Miami, there is always something going on. Whether it’s drama, happiness, or just being a bitch, there is always something. Years ago, I actually lived in a house called The Palace, where between 9 to 15 people lived in this house in San Francisco. We always thought, wouldn’t it be cool to film all this. Well this concept is modernized and takes place in Miami Beach. I thought that this would be the perfect place to tell a really great story of these boys living, working, and playing in Miami Beach.

What’s the focus for 2011?

Where did you get the boys from?

Ivan: There’s so much taking place this year. We are going to do everything we can to continue providing ways for our customers to interact with each other and us. The Palace Boys is the first project, but we are also working on creating other live streaming elements for them. The most important thing for us is to provide everyone everywhere with the chance to see the shows, hear the music, and experience all the fun of The Palace no matter where they are.

Ivan: There was a national casting call for these guys, so a lot of them come from different places. There’s one from as far away as Seattle, Washington.

If you could say anything to all of your customers and loyal Palace regulars, what would you say?

The idea is to follow them around and see young guys struggle to make a dollar and have fun in Miami Beach.

At the same time, it will paint a nice story of what it is really like to live here. It’s not a circuit party or craziness 24 hours a day.

Tom: It’s what really happens in Miami!

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NOF

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Tom: Thanks so much for supporting The Palace. We’ve all worked really hard to take The Palace to the next level and they have been very supportive of us along the way. Every drink they buy, every plate ordered, and every time they come in, their support not only helps us stay open and continue to improve; it also gives us the ability to give back to the community in so many ways.

I look forward to thanking them in person on Thursday, Feb. 3rd.

What will you guys be doing anniversary party on Feb. 3rd?

for

your

Ivan: The anniversary party is more of a customer appreciation party. The party will be from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and we will have some great performances, amazing music, and an open bar from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Of course, there will be tons of surprises for all of our customers as well.

PALACE 23RD ANNIVERSARY PARTY Thursday, Feb. 23rd 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

1200 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach www.palacesouthbeach.com

WIRE FEATURE: THE TROCKS - WHERE THE DRAG AND BALLET WORLDS COMBINE

When you think of drag queens and drag shows, there is always this common misconception that many of them are not actual artists. For those who don’t understand the art of drag, a show can seem nothing more than just another man, sporting a wig and heels.

Now on the flipside of that, there are a number of people out there who think an evening at the ballet is just a little too serious of an event. It has been, after all, one of the most celebrated forms of dance for centuries.

Well there’s a dance company that breaks all barriers and misconceptions regarding both the world of ballet and the world of drag – Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, also known as The Trocks, and they will be performing right here in Miami on Tuesday, February 1st at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater at 8 p.m.

Founded in 1974 by a group of ballet enthusiasts for the purpose of presenting a playful, entertaining view of traditional, classical ballet in parody form and en travesti, The Trocks first performed in the late-late shows in Off-Off Broadway lofts. The Trocks quickly garnered a major critical essay by Arlene Croce in The New Yorker, which, combined with reviews in The New York Times and The Village Voice, established the company as an artistic and popular success. By mid-1975, the Trocks’ inspired blend of a loving knowledge of dance, impeccable comic approach, and the astounding fact that men can, indeed, dance en pointe without falling flat on their faces, was being noted beyond New York.

Articles and notices in publications such as Variety, Oui, The London Daily Telegraph, as well as a Richard Avedon 16 | wire magazine | wireweekly.com

photo essay in Vogue, made the company nationally and internationally known.

The 1975-76 season was a year of growth and full professionalization. The company added management, qualified for the National Endowment for the Arts Touring Program, hired a full-time teacher and ballet mistress to oversee daily classes and rehearsals, and made its first extended tours of the United States and Canada.

Packing, unpacking, and repacking tutus and drops, stocking giant-sized toe shoes by the case, and running for planes and chartered buses all became routine parts of life.

Since those beginnings, the Trocks has established itself as a major dance phenomenon throughout the world. The company has participated in dance festivals in Turkey, Holland, San Luis Potosi, Madrid, Montreal, New York, Paris, Spoleto, Turin, and Vienna. And there have been television appearances as varied as a Shirley MacLaine special, the Dick Cavett Show, What’s My Line?, Real People, On-Stage America, visiting with Kermit and Miss Piggy on Muppet Babies, and a BBC Omnibus special on the world of ballet, hosted by Jennifer Saunders.

The Trocks also had its own solo specials on national networks in Japan and Germany, as well as a French television special with Julia Migenes. A documentary was filmed and aired internationally by the acclaimed British arts program, The South Bank Show, and the Company was featured in The Egg, the PBS program about arts in America. Several performances were taped by a consortium of Dutch, French, and Japanese TV networks at the Maison de la Danse in Lyon, France, for worldwide broadcast and DVD distribution.

The original concept of Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo has not changed. It is a company of professional male dancers performing the full range of the ballet and modern dance repertoire, including classical and original works in faithful renditions of the manners and conceits of those dance styles. The comedy is achieved by incorporating and exaggerating the foibles, accidents, and underlying incongruities of serious dance. The fact that men dance all the parts - heavy bodies delicately balancing on toes as swans, sylphs, water sprites, romantic princesses, or angst-ridden Victorian ladies enhances, rather than mocks, the spirit of dance as an art form, delighting and amusing the most knowledgeable, as well as novices, in the audiences. For the future, there are plans for new works in the repertoire; new cities, states and countries to perform in; and for the continuation of the TROCKs’ original purpose: to bring the pleasure of dance to the widest possible audience.

The company will, as it has done for 35 years, “Keep on Trockin’.”

THE TROCKS LIVE PERFORMANCE Tuesday, February 1st at 8 p.m.

The Fillmore Miami Beach @ The Jackie Gleason 1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach www.fillmoremb.com

NINA FLORES HEATS UP SUGAR PHOTOS BY JUAN SACO MIRONOFF

TO VIEW ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM THIS AND OTHER EVENTS VISIT: WWW.WIREWEEKLY.COM 17 | wire magazine | wireweekly.com

TOP TRAX: ADELE: LEGALLY BOLD ON "21"

Remember your 21st birthday? If you did it up right, it’s probably all a bit hazy. No doubt you were proudly flashing your I.D. at your favorite club(s) just before drowning in a sea of beer and tequila shots and flailing around on the dance floor screaming, “I love this song!” Sound familiar? We’ve all got some crazy memories of the big 2-1, but how many of us can say we spent it recording our second studio album? British singer-songwriter Adele was doing just that last year, just months after winning a Grammy award for her debut album “19”. Now little Adele is all grown up and out to show the world what a difference two years can make with a new CD that’s so amazing; it shouldn’t be legal!

Adele got her big break in 2007, after posting three of her demos on Myspace (speaking of faded memories). Her tracks got the attention of an XL Recordings exec who didn’t waste any time getting her into the studio to record her first album. “19” debuted at number one on the British charts and went platinum shortly after. The album also made Adele the first recipient of the BRIT Awards Critics' Choice and the number-one predicted breakthrough act of 2008. She also nabbed a couple of Grammys for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2009.

On her latest project, “21”, Adele shows us that big girls do cry as she flawlessly mashes old-school roots, gospel, country, and blues with genius songwriting. Most of the production credit goes to Rick Rubin, who lent his touch to the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Paul Epworth and whose work includes the likes of Florence and the Machine and Cee Lo Green. But it’s Adele’s voluptuous vocals that truly make the album. Besides growing up listening to classic artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James, Adele says she got her inspiration for this album from a bus driver while on tour in South America. "He listened to all this amazing country music and we'd rock out late at night, chain smoking and listening to Rascal Flatts” she explains, “It was really exciting for me because I never grew up around [that music]."

“21” opens up with “Rolling in the Deep”, which Adele herself describes as a “dark bluesy gospel disco tune”. The subtle acoustic guitar intro slowly builds to an explosion of Adele’s belting vocals reminiscent of the classic Motown divas of 18 | wire magazine | wireweekly.com

BY DJ FR8-O

the past. If the Grammys had a category for “Break-up Song of the Year”, this track would definitely win it! Even with its catchy chorus and thumping baseline, “Rumor Has it” is miles away from the typical pop sound that feeds the grapevine on this side of the pond. But what really caught my attention on this track was the acoustic piano breakdown in the middle, the signature mark of songwriter/producer to the stars, Ryan Tedder (Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson). Adele slows things down a bit, channeling her inner Roberta Flack on the heartbreaking piano ballad “Turning Tables.” So get your Kleenex ready, girls!

“Don’t You Remember” brings out the more country side of Adele (thankfully without getting too twangy), while “Set Fire To The Rain” takes us to a more orchestral place thanks to writer/producer Frasier T Smith. Sadly the epic ballad is his only collaboration on the CD, but hopefully we’ll hear more from him in the future. “He Won’t Go” reminds me of early Angie Stone tracks with just the right amount of soul and funk. The optimistic “I’ll Be Waiting” is a sweet switch from some of the previous downer tracks, but no less soulful.

If you haven’t found yourself looking up the number for suicide prevention at this point, “One and Only” will definitely push you over the edge. It’s pure Blues at its best! So I strongly suggest you fix yourself a little Prozac cocktail with a Zoloft chaser before giving this one a listen. Cover songs are always tricky to pull off, especially if your tune of choice is The Cure’s “Lovesong.” However, Adele’s acoustic execution of the classic ballad is flawless to the point of almost sounding original. Finally, “21” closes with the gut-wrenching “Someone Like You”, the classic story of letting go and moving on. You still got that box of Kleenex handy? Yeah, it’s one of those tracks.

To say that “21” is brilliant would be an embarrassing understatement. The immaculate resurrection of classic genres blended with Adele’s wise-beyond-her-years voice come together in a formula that has yet to be matched by any other artist in the last few years. Although you might be tempted to compare her sound to other British female artists like Amy Winehouse and Duffy, Adele is in a category all her own. “I deal with things differently now.” she says in an interview with Digital Spy, “I'm more patient, more honest, more forgiving and more aware of my own flaws, habits, and principles - something that comes with age I think." If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on the British release (out now), grab it! Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until February 22nd when “21” becomes “legal” in the U.S. If you’re a DJ, producer or artist and would like your song, album or remix featured in TOP TRAX, gimme a shout at alfredo@ wireweekly.com.

19 | wire magazine | wireweekly.com

Food 11Th @STreeT DiNer 11th Street Diner 660 THE ANGLERS

Corner StreetAve., andWashington Washington Ave.,MB 660 Washington MB | 305.534.9600 11th Street and Ave., The new winter menu highlights MB 305.534.6373 305.534.6373 Contemporary American withdiner a fewcuisine, MedArray ofofhome-style American array home-style american diner inspired appetizers share like the highly from meatloaf friedtochicken.

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French, after all!prix Sit, fixe relax, peruse with competent, knowledgeable wait Daily It’s specials and great menu for the over a glass of staff.numerous no needperiodicals to rush it’s French, only $12.99.

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Gourmet pizza is award winning and nationally recognized! additional italian menu selections include paninis, salads, soups, desserts. serves beer and wine. now serving Frankie’s philly cheese w steaks!

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Brunch on November 7th.

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Enjoy Swing byMarcos. this new artsy pancakes, Italian eatery for Director Enjoy French pancakes, French toast, and more, plus some incredibly authentic as toast, and more, plus allItalian you nibbles can drink all youIvocan drink champagne for $32 per chef takes on a journey champagne foryou $32 perculinary person, with person, with alla carte menu options. alla carte menu options.

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one of the most important things that books & books has that sets it apart from any other chain bookstore is a wonderful personality. not only can you find the latest books and coolest magazines, now you can enjoy truly delicious and generous food in one of the most relaxed environments possible on Lincoln road. the food is really quite something, especially their miami cheese steak sandwich.

Da Leo trattoria

International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association

20 || wire 40 wire magazine magazine || wireweekly.com wireweekly.com

lA SANDwicherie 956 Washington Ave, MB | 305.673.3763 229one 14th MB | most 305.532.8934 As of St., Miami’s celebrated culinary Sandwiches saladsRodriguez along with fruit geniuses, chefand Douglas always smoothies and shakes is what you will who find attracts a fabulous crowd of foodies, just can’t get enough of his shop contemporary at this landmark sandwich on 14th take traditional Cuban bites. just Streetonbetween Washington and We Collins. can’t get of enough of the snapper conch It’s one the best places on and the Beach ceviche, Cuban malanga Tacos, and fare the for an outstanding selection of light oxtail. The Sangria Sunday brunch with with a French flair. Very reasonable prices. unlimited sangria is also an event you open from 5 a.m. andtodelivery won’t want 9toa.m. miss,toas you get try six until 10 p.m. different signature sangrias! mAyA TAPAS & Grill FRONT PORCH CAFÉ

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17-21, 2011 Comedy Night,

Pool Parties, live concert,

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445 Espanola Way, MB | 305.420.5809

Sunny Beaches, Sunset Cocktails,

brazil’s most well known Japanese brazilian restaurant concept is now in miami beach, and offering an assortment of delicious Kones, sushi rolls, sakes, and salads. swing by for sake-bomb Fridays starting nov. 20th at 6 p.m. for $5 sake-bombs and free sushi.

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229 14th St., MB | 305.532.8934

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21 | wire magazine | wireweekly.com

“STUNNING! TRIUMPHANT! One of the brightest, most original talents to emerge from Miami!”

The Miami Herald

Come see what everybody’s raving about!

At the intimate Carnival Studio Theater, a double bill of Herrera’s most acclaimed works feature a cast of Miami’s most exciting and innovative break dance, modern dance, theater and drag performers.

january 28-30

ON-SITE DINING

TICKETS! A Sophisticated Dining Adventure!

305.949.6722 arshtcenter.org

The Ultimate Cocktail Scene!

ON-SITE DINING

CARNIVAL STUDIO THEATER A Sophisticated Dining Adventure!

The Ultimate Cocktail Scene!

22 | wire magazine | wireweekly.com ON-SITE DINING

(in the Ziff Ballet Opera House)

THIS WEEK THURSDAY, January 27 BUCK15 LOUNGE: It’s The Simple Life Thursdays. DJ Daisy D. spins fun hip-hop, ‘80s, rock, and dance hits, with Chyna as Door Goddess. 707 Lincoln Lane, Miami Beach.

Latrice Royale, Champagne Bordeaux, and Noel Leon beginning at 6 p.m. You never know what these girls are gonna do, so get there early!

TWIST: Don’t miss out on a fabulous night at TWIST. Enjoy seven different bars, DJ Michael Tank, stiff drinks, beautiful dancMONDRIAN: The 1st Annual Equality MONDRIAN: Equality ers, and, of course, the only place where Friends, Family, and Allies Dinner will take Friends, take there’s “Never a cover...Always a groove.” place tonight. Enjoy a fabulous cocktail place cocktail reception, followed by a delicious three reception, three SCORE: The Penny Back Boyz host the course meal paired with fantastic wines course wines weekly Friday night party Filthy Gorgeous –– all for the good of Equality Florida, the the Fridays with DJ Mac spinning a true open state’s largest GLBT rights organization. state’s organization. format and Score’s hottest Go-Go boys on Call 954.682.6094 for details or to make Call make the speaker boxes. reservation. aa reservation.

SATURDAY, January 29 MOVA: Stop by for happy hour from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by a night with the ANGLERS: If you are looking to nurse ladies, as Pandora Events hosts Sweet with that hangover with some unlimited mimo$3 beer specials all night long and music sas and bloody Mary’s, look no further

by DJ Zehno. Located near the corner of than 660 at the Anglers. Enjoy great food and delicious libations in one of the most Lincoln and Michigan. beautiful boutique resorts Miami Beach has PALACE: Palace hosts Cabaret Thursdays to offer. with solo performances by the incomparable Geraldine. Show starts at 6 p.m. CHA CHA ROOSTER @ THE LORDS: $3 domestic beer and $11 draft pitcher Enjoy a beautiful performance by the fabulous Kimona, while enjoying a three-course specials all night. prix fixed menu and fantastic libations SCORE: Enjoy cocktails out on the patio courtesy of the Cha Cha Rooster at The and watch the famous Lincoln Road traffic Lords South Beach. Two seatings available: pass by as you and your friends chill and 8:30 p.m. & 10 p.m. Call 305.455.2231 enjoy great music by DJ FR8-O. Tonight to make a reservation!

Score hosts the steamiest Thursday night soiree with fab beats by DJ Pride paired DISCOTEKKA: Downtown Miami’s only with an incredible crowd of delicious par- gay dance party delivers one hell of a shindig every Saturday night as Discotekka tygoers. 727 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. divas Vegas Dion, TP Lords, Sasha Sky, and Victoria Sky entertain and mesmerize SUNSET TAVERN: Ladies, swing by for the crowd while international DJs keep up Sunkissed Productions' Thursday night soi- the beat. Doors open at 11 p.m. 950 NE ree, Girl Planet, a party for women who 2nd Ave. www.discotekka.com love women. 7230 SW 59th Ave., Miami.

786.619.5412.

MOVA: Stop by for happy hour from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by FLASH TWIST: Don’t miss out on a fabulous night Saturdays with the hottest music videos at TWIST with seven different bars, DJ Just and visual entertainment till 3 a.m. with $7 Oliver, stiff drinks, and beautiful dancers. Belvedere cocktails all night. Located near And if you’re looking for some hot papis, the corner of Lincoln and Michigan.

DJ Adora will be hosting Sabroso in Bar 5!

“Never a cover... Always a groove.”

PALACE: Enjoy a special day of drag shows, great food, and stiff cocktails, as FRIDAY, January 28 The Palace Bar hosts Drag Madness with Tiffany Fantasia and her gaggle of perCHA CHA ROOSTER @ THE LORDS: formers! Heels hit the pavement at 6 p.m.

Enjoy a beautiful performance by the fabu- sharp! lous Kimona, while enjoying a three-course prix fixed menu and fantastic libations SCORE: Tonight is Score’s weekly Bigger courtesy of the Cha Cha Rooster at The Saturdays, the largest gay dance party on Lords South Beach. Two seatings available: the Beach with beats by international DJ 8:30 p.m. & 10 p.m. Call 305.455.2231 sensations, and performances by CircX. to make a reservation!

727 Lincoln Road.

HYPE: Tonight Edison Farrow hosts his Friday night sensation, Hype, with free Finlandia vodka cocktails from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. and music by DJ Smeejay. 721 Lincoln Lane. www.sobesocialclub.com MOVA: Every Friday gets wild at MOVA, as they host one of the sexiest cocktail parties in town. Enjoy $6 Finlandia cocktails and a late night 2-4-1 happy hour from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m., as well as fab beats by hot DJs. Located near the corner of Lincoln and Michigan.

PALACE: Drag Madness is the place to be to see the hottest Friday night shows by

TWIST: Happy Hour 2-4-1 with Tommy and the locals from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on everything. Come tonight and enjoy a full house of hot men and some incredible beats by DJ Mika. “Never a cover...Always a groove.”

SUNDAY, January 30 ANGLERS: If you are looking to nurse that hangover with some unlimited mimosas and bloody Mary’s, look no further than 660 at the Anglers. Enjoy great food and delicious libations in one of the most beautiful boutique resorts Miami Beach has to offer.

DA LEO: As one of Lincoln Road’s first Italian restaurants, Da Leo always attracts a crowd of locals and regular visitors, and that is no more evident than its weekly Sunday brunch. A two-course menu paired with unlimited mimosas and champagne.

Corks pop at 12 p.m. sharp!

$3 drinks for anyone with TWIST’s “I’m A Local” I.D. all night long. Join Nathan in the Frolic Lounge for his signature mix of pop and the top 20. Also check out the fabulous men of Gaiety in the Bungalow Bar starting at 10 p.m. and DJ Bryan Zero’s fab beats on the main dance floor.

THE LORDS: If you love great food paired with free drinks, Punch Brunch is the way to go, as Cha Cha Rooster at The Lords offers a two-course meal paired with two free cocktails for only $20. Afterwards, enjoy cocktails poolside for their weekly Punch T-dance.

TUESDAY, February 1

MOVA: Swing by for a night of dirty house beats and sexy Go-Go boys during VICE Sundays. Revelers will enjoy $1 Svedka drinks from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., 2-4-1 drinks from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. and $4 Herradura Tequila shots all night long!

No cover.

PALACE: Swing by the only gay bar on Ocean Drive for one of SoBe’s most unique and over-the-top brunches, as some of South Florida’s most fabulously frocked fellows take to the sidewalk to perform for hundreds of onlookers during Brunchic.

Two seatings: 11:30 a.m. or 2 p.m.

Afterwards, check out the sexiest Sunday T Dance in SoBe. 1200 Ocean Drive.

SCORE: Stop by for Score’s weekly karaoke night hosted by Geraldine. With over 2,000 titles to choose from, you are sure to find a song to inspire your inner star.

Grab a cocktail and belt out your favorite number.

TWIST: 2-4-1 happy hour from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on everything. Afterwards, some of the most scandalous drag performers will hit the stage upstairs, while DJ Paulie works it out on the main dance floor. At TWIST: “Never a cover...Always a groove.

MONDAY, January 31 KILL YOUR IDOL: Dustin Reffca presents Glitter Box Mondays with Manic Monday beats by DJ Smeejay. $1 PBR Beers and $4 vodka drinks. Doors open at 10 p.m. 222 Espanola Way, Miami Beach.

MOVA: Stop by for happy hour from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by Movie Mondays complete with popcorn and your favorite Hollywood hits. Half priced drinks all night long. Located near the corner of Lincoln and Michigan.

PALACE: Stop in for comfort food at lunch or dinner. Special bon voyage cocktail specials all day. 1200 Ocean Drive.

SCORE: Happy Monday, where all drinks, well and domestic, are half-price from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. No cover.

TWIST: Happy Hour 2-4-1 drinks ‘till 9 p.m. Then it’s “I’m A Local” night, with 23 | wire magazine | wireweekly.com

MOVA: Stop by for happy hour from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. followed by Mova’s weekly Drag Bingo, hosted by Geraldine and serving as a benefit for Care Resource from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Afterwards it’s Stereo Jungle with DJ Chris V spinning the best in international house music with $5 Finlandia cocktails. Located near the corner of Lincoln and Michigan.

PALACE: Better than ever before on Ocean Drive and 12th Street, try it for lunch or a late afternoon snack, or just hang out at the bar with the locals. No matter what you’re in the mood for, Palace is sure to have it!

SCORE: It’s Planeta Macho, the hottest Latin Party in Miami Beach, featuring incredible Latin beats by award winner DJ George Ferrero, Pelu Rivero on drums, amazing shows by Miami’s best female impersonators, and the hottest crowd in town. Don’t miss this party – it’s South Florida’s Best Latin Party!

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WEDNESDAY, February 2 THE LORDS: There’s no better way to spend hump day than with a fabulous happy hour. Join Adora as she hosts Gettin’ Lucky with Adora. $5 Cha Cha margarits, $6 Finlandia cocktails, and $5 domestics from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

MOVA: Stop by for MOVA’s weekly College Night Wednesdays, hosted by the Penny Back Boyz. While DJ Bryan Zero works the turntables, enjoy a Finlandia open bar from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. followed by $3 Finlandia Cocktails all night long.

Located on the corner of Michigan and Lincoln.

Olympia

Antonia

A sexy life-size mechanical doll PHOTOS © JEFFREY DUNN & GREGORY DEL SESTO FOR BOSTON LYRIC OPERA

LUX: Edison Farrow, along with Omar Gonzalez, hosts South Florida’s hottest new dance party at one of the most luxurious venues in South Beach. Hot boys, great drinks, and fab music! Doors open at 10 p.m. and the party continues all night long. 1439 Washington Ave.

“As Olympia [the sexbot], Elizabeth Futral brilliantly displays her effortless comedic timing and mesmerizing vocals. SHE WAS PERFECT.” — MIAMI NEW TIMES

A doomed, haunted singer

Giulietta

A bejeweled Venetian courtesan

THE TALES OF

SCORE: Come and spend a pleasant evening on one of Score’s outdoor couches as they host Martini Madness Night. A half price Happy Hour runs till 9 p.m.

HOFFMANN

TWIST: It’s time to hit the stage as Sean Brady hosts the Sean Brady Show. Karaoke and tons of entertainment all night long.

After getting your jam on, head over to the main dance floor to snag some beats from DJ Maximus 3000. Happy Hour from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. with 2-4-1 on everything.

“Never a cover...Always a groove.”

The Tales of Hoffmann is made possible by a gift from Stephen A. Keller and Lesleen Bolt in loving memory of Stephen. Additional support from Funding Arts Network and Funding Arts Broward.

PALACE: Stop by the Beach House to enjoy one of Palace’s signature cocktails.

1200 Ocean Drive.

3 W I L D LY T W I S T E D TA L E S O F LO V E LO S T

JAN 28 & 30 / FEB 2 & 5

FGO.ORG 800.741.1010 WWW.

24 | wire magazine | wireweekly.com