What's HOT South Florida :: 10/02 - 10/08

A week ago Monday, Rumors presented their 2nd annual Turnabout, which was a benefit for the MF Foundation. Once again it was a blast! On Tuesday was the Pride Centers monthly Founders circle event this time being held at the beautiful W Hotel on the beach. Also on Tuesday the LGBT Visitor Center presented the 2nd annual "Pink Flamingo Awards" at the Miami Convention Center, which honored people, places and organizations that have demonstrated a level of excellence. Congrats to all the winners.

On Friday, Sidelines Sports and Video Bar presented a benefit for the South Florida Gay Flag Football League, a Casino Night (Texas hold em, Blackjack, and Roulette), which also featured raffles and a silent auction. On Saturday I went by Zuckerello's, who is celebrating their 25th anniversary all weekend long. This is a fabulous Italian restaurant, go check it out. Roosters in West Palm Beach was celebrating their 30th anniversary all week long, but on Saturday was the "Show to Remember" with the first lady of Palm Beach Melissa St. John and guests Daziee Deluxx and Valerie Dior. The bar was packed! Congrats to all, and here's wishing Roosters 30 more years of success! On Sunday night Scandals Saloon presented their monthly Lady Fancy's Gospel Jubilee to a standing room only, once again.

This week two events outside of my backyard: The first was Orlando Beach Bear at the Doubletree hotel and our Director of Sales, Tom Christ, was there and said it was once again a very successful event, and some members of the Hotspots team (including our Publisher, Peter Clark and our CEO Cleto Beuren) were in Key West this weekend to see how things have progressed in preparation for a busy tourist season. As expected, Duval Street was hopping, and the allure of the Conch Republic is alive and well. While cruise ships have added a more 'tourist destination' feel to the atmosphere, LGBT businesses are alive and well including shops, bars, clubs, and guest houses. They were also able to take in a little time for tennis and, of course, a few stops at some of the great clubs for a little refreshment and entertainment. While I wanted them to be more specific about entertainment, they only replied with a great big smile...

Thursday, October 2

Tonight is the 2nd year anniversary kick-off party for Village Pub and they feature "Throwback Thursday" at 9 pm, starring drag legends Tiffany Arieagus, Tiny Tina and Cathy Craig (this year's Honorary Miss Florida F.I.) and hosted by Wanda Wednesday.

H2O Caf� presents the premiere of Fort Lauderdale's new Ocean front cocktail party "Wet" starting at 9 pm and featuring the music of DJ Jason Gonzalez with private parking on Cortez Street and no cover.

Starting today and going through the 8th the Pride Factory presents up to 30% off Swimwear, underwear and fashion. In addition take an extra 15% off already discounted select merchandise.

Friday, October 3

Progress Bar, in association with Luciano, presents the premiere of "Wired Fridays," with music by Carlos Rojas. No cover.

Sidelines Sports and Video Bar presents the Kingdom on Audience Release Party at 10 pm with free giveaways all night long! "Kingdom" is a raw family drama set against the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in Venice, California. Alvey Kulina (Frank Grillo) owns Navy St. MMA with the help of his girlfriend Lisa Prince (Kiele Sanchez). He is willing to go through extraordinary means to make sure his fighters are taken care of, but all of this responsibility comes at a steep price. He has complicated relationships with both of his sons, Jay (Jonathan Tucker) and Nate (Nick Jonas), who are both struggling with their own identities and places within Alvey's life and gym.

Saturday, October 4

The Manor Complex presents their spectacular 5th anniversary event starring international recording artist Lil Kim in Concert in the ballroom along with DJ Monty Q. In the Ivy Lounge and Patio, Noche Latina Saturdays presents hostess Viva Mirage along with DJ Nena and special guest Taina Norell (Miss Noche Latina 2014). Reduced admission and VIP tickets (meet and greet) can be purchased at Showclix.com or at the Manor Box office. For this special event the Manor opens early at 9 pm and stays open to 4 am with Hot Go-Go papi's and amazing d�cor. For more info go to: TheManorComplex.com or call 954-626-0082.

The 4th Annual Celebrate Orgullo (Hispanic Gay Pride) takes place from 12 noon to 9 pm at Collins and 73rd street in Miami Beach and is free. For more info go to: CelebrateOrgullo.com

The Club Fort Lauderdale presents 'Tear it Up, The Wrecking Party" starting at 10 pm with a blackout party and naked play space.

The Ramrod presents Pig Dance #74 with special guest DJ Alvin.

Sunday, October 5

The Village PubFlip Flops Dockside Eatery presents their monthly T Dance (the only T Dance on the Intracoastal) from 4-7 pm and starring Amanda Austin and DJ Silvio, with special guests Calypso Monroe Lords, Nicole T Phillips and Nicole Saphire.

As part of their 2nd anniversary celebration, Village Pub presents internationally acclaimed "Sordid Lives" writer, producer, director, actor and stand up comedienne Del Shores in My Sordid Past at 9 pm. This will be a night of wrongful hysteria from the twisted, demented mind of Del.

Monday, October 6

As part of their 2nd anniversary celebration Village Pub presents "Dungeons and Drag Queens... A Fairy Tale." This will be their 2nd annual employee turnabout and will feature drag shows, raffles as well as a live and silent auction all to raise money for Village Pubs Smart Ride team.

Tuesday, October 7

Electric Legends at the Village PubAs part of their 2nd anniversary celebration Village Pub presents Electra Living the Legends from stage to screen at 9:30pm sharp.

Wednesday, October 8

As part of their 2nd anniversary celebration, Village Pub presents the phenomenal Amy and Freddy. For those of you who have not seen them perform (RSVP and at VP twice), they are a force of nature and are a must see. Get there early as I am sure this will be packed.

This is HOT

Grammy and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson released her third studio album "JHUD" this past week via RCA Records, and it is HOT!

"JHUD" features her current hit single "It's Your World," featuring fellow Chicago native and Grammy Award winner R. Kelly. Previously released tracks "Walk It Out" featuring and produced by Timbaland and "I Can't Describe (The Way I Feel)" featuring T.I. and produced by Pharrell.

Academy Award-winning actress and Grammy Award-winning recording artist Jennifer Hudson is an extraordinary talent. Hudson won an Academy Award for her role in "Dreamgirls," an adaptation of the Broadway musical. Her breakout film performance also garnered a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a BAFTA and an NAACP Image Award. Additional film credits include "Sex and the City" the movie, "Secret Life of Bees," "Winnie Mandela," "The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete," and "Black Nativity."

Jennifer's 2008 debut self-titled certified Platinum album entered Billboard's Top 200 at No. 2, thus marking the biggest first week sales for an R&B female entry since 2004. The album was nominated for four Grammys and won for "Best R&B Album." In 2009, Hudson released her sophomore album, "I Remember Me," which debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's Top 200 and R&B Albums charts and has since been certified Gold in the U.S. For more information on Jennifer Hudson go to: JenniferHudson.com.