What's HOT South Florida :: 11/20 - 11/26

I have been writing the What's Hot South Florida column for over six years, and throughout that time, the first page, the preamble, has always been about fun things that happened over the last week.

However, for the first time, this week I am dedicating this page to the tragic loss of community leader Mark Haines (owner and founder of Mark's List). Not only did I work for Mark for three years, he was a personal friend for over ten years and also a sounding board and inspiration for my life. I will miss him more than I can put into words. Rest in peace, my friend!

Thursday, Nov 20

Village Pub presents Sharde Ross' Jump Start Thursdays at 9:45pm with this month's theme being "All That Jazz" with special guests Nicolette and Dee Dee Van Carter.

The Lake Worth Playhouse (713 Lake Ave in Downtown Lake Worth) presents the preview of Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple" tonight at 8 pm. The opening night is tomorrow at 8 pm, and the show continues through December 7 with evening and Matiness shows. "The Odd Couple" is the classic comedy opens as a group of the guys assembled for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it's no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean-freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results. Valet Parking is available for $5. Street and lot parking is also available. For more information or pricing go to LakeWorthPlayhouse.org.

The Sisters of the Perpetual Indulgence present "Bunk House Amateur Hour" at Stable, starting at 9 pm.

Stonewall Movie Night, hosted by Larry Ferber, former director of the Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival presents Hedwig and the Angry Inch at 7 pm at the ArtServe Auditorium and Stonewall National Museum & Archives (1300 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale). "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" is an American musical comedy-drama film based on the stage musical of the same name about a fictional rock band fronted by an East German transgender singer. The film was adapted by, directed by and stars Tony Award-winner John Cameron Mitchell. The music and lyrics are by Stephen Trask. The musical has gathered a devoted cult following, categorizing itself as a "post-punk rock neo glam rock musical." Free.

Friday, Nov 21

Tonight is the Grand Opening of the Rolando Chang Barrero Fine Art Gallery (711 Lucerne Avenue)and it promises to be one of the biggest events of the season with the who's who of the South Florida Art Scene in attendance, Gourmet eats and treats, and even a video drone circling the VIPs as they arrive on a custom pink carpet designed by Renda Writer and Billy Hitz. Rolando who is known as the Boynton Beach Art Scene Maker, now takes on Lake Worth with a little help from his friends. Among them photographer are Durga Garcia, artist and designer Amanda Johnson, public artist Carlos Alves, and the Internationally recognized Russian designed and interior spacial planner, Mila Troytsky the founder of ArtDome International. Welcoming the gallery to Lake Worth's Fine Art Row will be Mayor Pam Triolo, at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 7 pm when the festivities begin.

Dr. Arlen Keith Leight presents "Sex Happens: The Gay Man's Guide to Creative Intimacy" at 7 pm, Reading and Book Signing at the Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery (2157 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors). "Sex Happens" is, quite simply, a book for any gay men at a crossroads in their relationships, or anyone who wants to explore the issues of sexual intimacy and happiness. Think of it as months of working with a clinical sex therapist, but without having to pay for the weekly sessions. Dr. Arlen Keith Leight is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Certified Clinical Sexologist with a successful private practice in South Florida.

Saturday, Nov 22

My TropiXXX presents their Holiday Fashion Show at Hunters at 9pm. The show will be hosted by Velvet LeNore and Jamie and benefits Out of the Closet Thrift Store.

Discotekka presents one of their infamous Foam Parties which is a birthday party for a celebrity guest and features free entry before 1 am. Also don't forget the $100 Underwear Contest and Marco Perez and his dancers along with Poizon, Sasha and Lola Lotus.

Stephen Snyder-Hillpresents "Soldier of Change: From the Closet to the Forefront of the Gay Rights Movement" at 5 pm, a Reading and Book Signing at the Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery (2157 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors). This is a free event and light refreshments will be provided.

The Manor presents "Wurk It" starring DJ Daniel Kristopherre in the Ballroom and in the Latin Lounge and Patio Noche Latina Saturdays presents hostess Viva Mirage along with DJ Nena and special guest Taina Norell (Miss Noche Latina 2014). 11pm to 4 am with hot Go-Go boys and no cover.

Wednesday, Nov 26

Starting tonight and going through Saturday, November 29th the Boardwalk presents Falcon Entertainment Exclusive Ryan Rose in 2 show nightly.

Torpedo (2829 Broward Blvd) presents, for one night only, "The Bad Boys Are Back," starring DJ T-ProMix and special guests from 11pm to 5 am.

Hunters presents "Super Wednesday, Fire Ball I" starting at 9 pm.

This is HOT

The first season of the wildly popular HBO series "Looking" has earned comparisons to the classic show "Queer as Folk" for its candid portrayal of contemporary gay life. This terrific show (from Weekend director Andrew Haigh) co-stars Jonathan Groff, Frankie J. Alverez and Murray Bartlett as a group of gay friends navigating life and love in the gay Mecca of San Francisco.

Unlike any show out there, "Looking" focuses on current gay life in the Bay Area and on themes that everyone, gay and straight, can relate to: Falling in love, finding professional fulfillment, forging an identity in a complicated world, searching for happiness.

Starring Jonathan Groff (Glee and HBO's Emmy-nominated "The Normal Heart"), Frankie J. Alavarez ("Smash"), Murray Bartlett ("August"), Russell Tovey ("The History Boys"), and Lauren Weedman ("Date Night"). The DVD is on sale now for $24.95 (normally $29.95) and the Blu-ray is also on sale for $34.95 (normally $34.95).