What's HOT South Florida :: 02/19 - 02/25

A week ago Tuesday was the monthly Mack Mixer at Grille 401 on Las Olas, and once again the crowd showed us all why this is the original and one of the most successful networking events. On Thursday, Equality Florida presented their annual Palm Beach Gala at The Studio and honored Ruthie Berman & Connie Kurtz with their 2015 Voice for Equality Award. Once again this was a successful event for EQ FL and for all of our equal rights. Also, Thursday night was the monthly GLBX After Hours Mixer at the Hilton Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, The Boardwalk, in association with Fabscout.com, presented adult film star Chris Noxx live and in person for a few shows each night. Saturday was a busy day which started with the The Pet Project's Pet Sweetheart Ball from 3-7 p.m. at Hunters. The event featured a pet costume contest for best Valentine's outfit, best pet couple and best owner/pet look-a-like, exciting raffle prizes, and a silent auction table all benefiting this important charity.

On Saturday night, the night started with The Stonewall Museum and Archives' benefit at the Parker Playhouse starring Cheyenne Jackson, who played to a packed house. Later on, we headed down to Miami for the Gaythering Hotel's first anniversary. Congrats to owners Alex Guerra and Stephan Ginez on a fabulous first year; I'm wishing them many more years of success.

Later on I headed to Burst Saturdays at The Manor, which presented a Black Fort Lauderdale special event: XES, the Heart-On Edition. The night, which was packed, starred DJ/Producer Tracy Young along with erotic stars Rikk York and Sean Duran. Sunday started with The South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble presenting the Youth Pride Band of South Florida's Season 4, the music of Frank Ticheli, at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Also on Sunday, Hotspots' Publisher, Peter Clark, and his husband Cleto were at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami to enjoy the hilarious antics of Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo. Peter said he doesn't remember the last time he laughed so hard, especially at a ballet! Later that night, Urge presented "The Love Ball" Cameo. The night starred DJs Erez Ben Ishay and Morabito.

Thursday, February 19

Stonewall Library & Archives and ArtServe present Stonewall Movie Night - "Out In The Dark" at 7 pm and they invite everyone to meet at Stonewall Library for light refreshments before the film. "Out in the Dark" is about Nimer (Jacob), an ambitious Palestinian student in the West Bank, who dreams of a better life. One fateful night in Tel Aviv, he meets Roy (Aloni), an Israeli lawyer, and the two fall in love. As their relationship deepens, they are both confronted with the harsh realities of a Palestinian society that refuses to accept Nimer for his sexual identity, and an Israeli society that rejects him for his nationality. When Nimer?s close friend is caught hiding illegally in Tel Aviv and sent back to the West Bank and a terrible fate, Nimer is forced to choose between the life he thought he wanted and his love for Roy. There will also be a discussion hosted by Larry Ferber, director of The Living Room film series in Boca Raton and three time Emmy-nominated television producer.

The Sister of Perpetual Indulgence present Bunk House Amateur night at the Stable to benefit All Saints Soup Kitchen at 9pm.

Friday, February 20

Latrice Royale Inc. presents Miss Pride South Florida 2015 at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center at 8pm. The theme this year is Goddess of Couture, and honors Miss Pride South Florida 2014, Missy Meyakie Le Paige, as well as Sasha Sommers, who will be celebrating 10 years as Miss Pride South Florida. The event features many entertainers including two from Season 7 of "RuPaul's Drag Race," Kennedy Davenport and Jasmine Masters. General Admission is $25 in advance and $35 at the door and VIP Admission is $40 in advance at $50 at the door. VIP includes a pre-show (7 pm) wine and cheese reception with a Meet and greet of the "RuPaul's Drag Race" stars and preferred seating. Tickets can be purchased at AventuraCenter.org or Ticket Master at 877-311-7469.

The Ramrod presents their monthly Mandance (Third Friday of the month) with DJ/Producer Herbie James.

Saturday, Feb 21

The monthly Wilton Manors Artwalk takes place from 7-10 pm and Rumors presents in association with Recycled Jude, RJ Art Junkies, which will feature tons of talented artists and creative crafters spread throughout the parking lot. In addition they will feature live music, games, and much more.

The Pride Center at Equality Park presents their annual Evening in Paradise at Richardson Historic Manor House in Wilton Manors from 7-10 pm. This year's theme is Mykonos, Gods and Goddesses. General admission is $125, but only $50 for Next Generation (21-35). For more information or to purchase tickets go to EveningInParadise.org or PrideCenterFlorida.org

Hunters Nightclub presents their monthly WOOF! Fort Lauderdale. A night of dancing to Sexy House Beats by Doug Jackson and Roke Cabrera. Starts at 9 pm with no cover!

Burst Saturdays at the Manor present Carnaval in Rio Theme Party with Show Boys/Show Girls, beads and feathers. In the Ballroom catch DJ Monty Q and in the Latin Lounge and patio, Noche Latina Saturdays presents Brazilian Olga Dantelly taking over the stage along with Omar on the Bongos and Samba dancers who will all party to the music of DJ Nena. 11pm to 3am with no cover!

Sunday, February 22

National Margarita Day, presented by El Jimador Tequila takes place today in Wilton Manors from 2 to 6 pm. The schedule is the following 2-2:45 at Alibi/Monkey Bar; 3-3:45 at B. Bar & Grille; 4-4:45 at Rumors; and 5-5:45 at Rosies. Follow Jimmy the Luchador and his two lovely ladies Margarita and Paloma down Wilton Drive for fun, food and of course el Jimador Margaritas.

Black Gay Pride South Florida presents Black Gay Pride celebrating Black History month with Pride with an old school family reunion party block party from 1 to 5 pm at the Pride Center featuring the music of old school jams, soul food and you can get your card game on. For more information call 954-775-2310 or email [email protected]

Village Pub presents a viewing party for the Oscars hosted by Joe Posa as Joan Rivers. They will feature Ballots to mark your prediction which must be turned in by 8 pm. Winning ballots will have a chance to win a $100 Gift Card (must be present to win).

Wednesday, February 25th

The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) presents its Spotlight Mega-Mixer Networker from 6-9 pm on board the spectacular "Lady Windridge" yacht. Cocktails will be served courtesy of Bacardi & Grey Goose Vodka. Complimentary wine and food courtesy of their hosts Chamber Corporate member Windridge Yacht Charters. Mingle and network with over 200 Chamber members, guests and the community at large. Leverage of the "Business Cards Bulletin Board" and Chamber Ambassadors who will be present to answer inquiries and make introductions/connections. Free drawing for great prizes courtesy of various chamber members. Spinning by DJ Vertigo. Photography by Juan Saco Mironoff of Miami-Gay-Blog.com.

The yacht will be docked behind the Hard Rock Cafe at Bayside Marketplace @ 301 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami. From 6 pm - 8 pm the yacht will remain in dock; at 8 pm we will embark on a short cruise returning to the dock at 9 pm. Cost: Chamber Members ($10) & Non-Chamber Members ($20). Self-Parking at Bayside Marketplace. RSVP at gaybizmiami.com, [email protected] or 305-673-4440.

Lauderdale by the Sea presents the 14th annual Taste of the Beach at Freidt Park (behind town hall) from 6-9 pm. Taste of the Beach features food, drinks and fun with many local restaurants participating, music by Magic 102.7's Steve Young, Premium Wine and Liquor tasting and a silent auction. Tickets are $40 presale and $45 at the door and can be purchased at www.LBTS.com/events or at the Chamber of Commerce (4201 Ocean Drive. For more information call 954-776-1000.

This is HOT

Switzerland's official entry for Foreign Language Film for the 72nd Golden Globe and the 87th Academy Awards, Director Stefan Haupt's critically-acclaimed, award-winning gay drama "The Circle (Der Kreis)" debuts across all digital platforms including iTunes and WolfeOnDemand.com beginning March 3, before making its debut on DVD March 31 from WolfeVideo.com. The film charts the life of gay couple Ernst Ostertag and Robi Rapp from when they meet in Zurich in 1958 to 2003 when they became the first same-sex couple to enjoy legal recognition in Switzerland.

Haupt "seamlessly mixes engaging present-day interviews with the two, now octogenarians, with full-blooded dramatic reenactments, set in the 1950s and '60s, of Ostertag (portrayed by Matthias Hungerbuhler) and Rapp's (Sven Schelker) stirring tale of romance and oppression." (Los Angeles Times). "The Circle" has a runtime of 120 minutes and is not rated and available for $24.95. Includes the Bonus Short Film "Flying Solo: A Transgender Widow Fights Discrimination": At 92, Robina Asti, a WWII veteran and pilot, tells her story of living as a transgender woman since 1976 and her fight to be treated like any other widow.