What's HOT South Florida :: 04/24 - 04/27

A week ago Tuesday was the monthly Mack Mixer, this month held at the people Thasos Greek restaurant. As usual, the mixer was packed (Don't forget the next Mack Luncheon is Tuesday May 6 at Beauty and the Feast at the Atlantic Hotel; MackPlanet.com). Thursday night started out at Modern Homes 2 Go as they presented the launch of their new exclusive "Designer Program." Later that night Village Pub presented their monthly Jump Start Thursdays starring Shardee Ross with special guests Nicole, Missy and J.S.

Friday, I headed to Johnny's to see my friend Sean David and his the boys that have made Johnny's famous for 3 decades. Later that night, the Ramrod presented their monthly Mandance, where the leather men and their admirers danced to the sounds of DJ/producer Herbie James.

Saturday night DJ Jalil Z packed the Manor with his sexy music and in Miami my buddy DJ Ryan Maragh took over the turntables at Discotekka and circuit DJ Chris Cox was making the boys dance in South Beach at Score. Sunday found all of South Florida Happy, especially the crowds at Sidelines and the Dugout as the Miami Heat won their first Playoff Game. Also on Sunday, The Alibi Corporation featured their annual Easter Bonnet Contest at Alibi at 5 and Bills at 7 hosted by Miss Kitty. Then at 9pm Hunters featured their Easter Bonnet Contest and then the Disco took over the dance floor which was packed.

Thursday, April 24

The annual Dining Out For Life takes place today in Fort Lauderdale to benefit Broward House. A special shout out to Ariel and Stephen of J. Marks restaurant who are donating 100%. For a list of restaurants that are participating and what percentage they are donating go to: DiningOutSouthFlorida.com.

After the success of her first show, Village Pub presents the return of Electra: Living the Legends with an all new show featuring Judy, Lucy and Barbra at 9:45pm. This will be the last time you can catch Electra before she lives to Provincetown for the summer.

Saturday, April 26

Epic Saturdays at The Manor has a huge night planned for south Florida. In the Ballroom they are featuring, direct from RuPaul's Drag Race season 6, Ben Dela Cr�me live. The first 100 guests will get a special meet and greet with photo op. Back by popular demand after his incredible first appearance last month at the manor is DJ Romullo Azaro from Brazil. In the Ivy Lounge and patio, Noche Latina Saturdays invites everyone to dance to the live band Atrevate starring Dyami hosted by Viva Mirage with DJ Nena spinning in between sets. 11pm to 4 am with no cover.

Hope Floats, Paddling for a Cure takes place today from 8 am to 2pm from two convenient locations. Join the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Oakland Park City Team plus 100 fellow paddlers as they raise money to fight cancer. For more information you can email Bruce at [email protected] or call 954-630-4502.

Discotekka in association with Milancita and Danny Villar present Bayou starring DJ Renn in the main room and DJ Sushi in the Hip Hop room. At 4 am they present their famous La Puta Nota After Hours starring DJ Carlos G. The night will also star Poizon Ivy, Sasha Lords, Gina D'Angelo, T-Lo and door hostess Lola Lotus.

Sunday, April 27

The annual AIDS Walk Miami, one step closer to a cure takes place today with Grand Marshall Alexia Echevarria of the Real Housewives of Miami and Masers of Ceremonies Mayor Phillip Levine (city of Miami Beach). The event starts and finishes at the Miami Beach Convention Center with registration is at 8 am with the walking kicking off at 9 am. AIDS Walk Miami benefits Care Resource and Food For Life. For more information go to AIDSWalkMiami.org.

Scandals Saloon presents the monthly Lady Fancy's Gospel Jubilee at 6 pm. This is a joyful celebration of southern gospel music. If you haven't been yet, check it out, I promise you will have fun!

Village Pub presents their monthly Menergy Sunday Tea starring the sounds of DJ's Galaxy and Bill Hallquist starting at 5 pm. Menergy is hosted by JC Ventura.

Hot Stuff

Crunch Fitness is coming to Oakland Park and right now they have an incredible offer. Join for just $9.95 a month with and enrollment fee of only $15 or pay $0 to enroll with Peak /Peak Plus memberships. Hurry this offer ends on April 30 so go to CrunchOaklandPark.com or stop in at 3460 N Andrews Avenue. 954-652-1221.

Do you have your key yet? Well after many years of building the much talked about House Nightclub is opening on Saturday May 17th. For more information go to HouseNightclub.com.

Stonewall Pride Wilton Manors is looking for VOLUNTEERS for all shifts. For more information or to volunteer call their volunteer coordinator, George Medeiros at 954-903-4041.

Bluewater Productions announced released a new comic book biography on the life of Freddie Mercury who will be part of the popular Tribute series. Written by Mike Lynch and Manuel D�az there will be seven alternate exclusive covers by Michael Troy and Graham Hill. The comic book will also be available digitally in Spanish.

Freddie Mercury was one of the best performers of his generation. Now read the story behind the legend. His childhood in the paradise island of Zanzibar, his exile to England, and then going on to become the front man for one of the greatest bands of all time, Queen. This special comic book is a tribute of his life and accompaniments he made to the world of music. Print copies of Tribute: Freddie Mercury can be ordered for $3.99 at Comic Flea Market here: http://bit.ly/XKXzyo

It's been almost a decade since the Pittsburgh-born Billy Porter released a solo album, and since then much has changed for the award-winning artist, who grew up singing in the Pentecostal church. Perhaps best known for his Tony� Award-winning role as 'Lola' in the hit Broadway musical "Kinky Boots," Porter's musical background is based in gospel, soul and R&B. He released his first solo album, "Untitled," on A&M Records, and a second album, "At The Corner of Broadway + Soul," on Sh-K-Boom Records. Last week Porter releases his debut on Concord Records, "Billy's Back on Broadway."

Featuring ten classics made famous on the Great White Way that focus on inspiration, empowerment and hope, the album's title is a nod to Sammy Davis, Jr.'s recording Sammy's Back on Broadway. "The canon of great Broadway songs is so vast and I have so many favorites that the only way I could narrow them down was to choose a theme," Porter says of the songs on "Billy's Back on Broadway." "Once I settled on what I wanted to say and the journey I wanted the listener to take, the songs made their presence known rather quickly."

While Porter grew up as a gospel singer, he transitioned to theater, making his Broadway debut in the original cast of Miss Saigon. "Seeing Jennifer Holliday from "Dreamgirls" perform on the Tony� Awards telecast and later discovering Barbra Streisand by listening to her albums at the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh really changed everything for me," Porter says of his career path. "When Barbra released her first Broadway album I was about 15 years old, and I thought, 'One day, I'm going to make my own Broadway album - just like Babs!'"

Cyndi Lauper, the Grammy�, Emmy� & Tony� Award-winning rock icon who penned the score for "Kinky Boots," makes a special guest appearance on "Billy's Back on Broadway," dueting with Porter on "Happy Days/Get Happy," a tune made famous by Streisand and Judy Garland. "I've said it before and I'll say it again. Cyndi is one of the godmothers of individuality," Porter explains. "She forged a path for so many of us that didn't fit into the status quo. I learned so much and have felt so inspired by her journey as an artist and human being before I even knew her. She's a blessing and a gift, and I'm so thrilled she said 'yes' when I asked her to sing on this album."

"It's been unbelievable to be given the opportunity to circle back to the original dream, which for me started way back in the '80s in Pittsburgh, when I dreamed of one day being a Broadway star," Porter says. Now the winner of every major theater award, including the 2013 Tony� Award for Best Actor in a Musical, Porter is truly living the dream.