What's HOT South Florida :: 07/10 - 7/16

Last Thursday, The Alibi was off-the-chain busy. Definitely the busiest Thursday night I have seen there, which is saying something, since every Thursday is packed. Later on, we went to Bailo for a special Thursday night party, and this place is beautiful.

On Friday night we started the night at Hunters for their Fur Fridays Happy Hour which is filled with Bears, Muscle Bears and their admirers. Afterwards Mona's featured their annual benefit for the Pet Project for Pets and once again raised a lot of money for this great organization. Then we went back to Wilton and headed to PJ's for a visit. For those of you who have not been yet, this is a fun, chill place to either play a game or just relax with your friends while enjoying the libation of your choice. We then headed down to Rumors for the Daisy Deadpetals show, which that night also featured a "Most Patriotic" contest.

On Saturday, the Ramrod had their monthly Pig Dance and the Manor featured, direct from Season 6 of "RuPaul's Drag Race," Darienne Lake live. In the Ivy Lounge and Patio, Noche Latina Saturdays celebrated the birthday of Latina Icon Erika Norell. In Miami Score featured "Born in the USA" starring South Florida's own DJ Abel. On Sunday we went to Flip Flops Dockside for their 1st Sunday of the month T-Dance on the water starring Amanda Austin and guests along with DJ Silvio. Once again it was a sold out crowd.

Thursday, July 10

The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce presents an information sharing and networking at the LGBT Visitor Center, 1130 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach from 10 - 11 am. Whether you are a new, existing or potential new MDGLCC member, learn how to maximize the use of all the Marketing tools and Programs available through the Chamber. Learn about the new Chamber's website and access to features as well as bounce ideas and ask questions to chamber staff and Membership Committee on how to engage the LGBT consumer with your products and/or services. Free admission. RSVP at gaybizmiami.com, [email protected] or 305-673-4440.

The international award-winning hit "Legally Blonde The Musical" is coming to the Lake Worth Playhouse. Winner of 7 major awards including the coveted Best Musical 2011 (Olivier Awards) this all singing, all dancing romantic comedy is about knowing who you are and showing what you've got! Based on the 2001 novel by Amanda Brown and the subsequent MGM film of the same name, the show was a popular addition to the 2007 Broadway season. The show went on to be a commercial and critical success in London's West End, where it opened at The Savoy Theatre in 2009. It has since generated many international production.

During its first year on Broadway in 2007, "Legally Blonde the Musical" earned seven Tony Award nominations, 10 Drama Desk Award nominations and an Outer Critics Circle Award. Preview Night is tonight at 8:00 p.m. ($23 & $27) with opening night on Friday at 8p.m. ($38 - includes Opening Night Elegance) with Evening and Matinee Performances running until July 27 at 8pm and 2pm. ($29 & $35). Lake Worth Playhouse is located at 713 Lake Ave in Downtown Lake Worth.

Saturday, July 12

Discotekka in association with Milancita.com and Danny Villar Productions presents Bollywood, in honor of Sasha Lord's birthday. They will also have their weekly Underwear contest with the winner receiving $100 in cash. DJs Sushi and Carlos G spin along with divasPoizon Ivy and La Chupi.

Epic Saturdays at the Manor presents "Summer Splash" with back by popular demand, DJ/producer David Knapp in the Ballroom. In the Ivy Lounge and Patio, Noche Latina Saturdays presents hostess Viva Mirage along with DJ Nena, Hot Latin Go-Go Papi's, and special guests Taina Norell, Miss Noche Latina 2014, and Rossette Enchanted celebrating her birthday. 11pm to 4 am with no cover.

First stop is Miami for US premiere of Simon Ma's new world tour exhibition: "Heart � Water � Ink." The exhibition opens tonight and goes through October 19th at Frost Art Museum and is a tribute to Chinese master artist Xu Beihong in honor of the 120th Anniversary of his birth. "Heart � Water � Ink" features more than 70 artworks including Ma's paintings, freehand brushwork, Chinese ink hybrids, graffiti art, Chinese calligraphy sculptures, dimensional stroke and lacquer paintings, 3-D art video, projections, Murano glass, and large-scale dragon and horse sculptures.

As part of the Miami leg of this world tour, Ma will present a seminar about Chinese water ink that will be open to the public and to students at Florida International University. The exhibition also will feature an equine-themed short film "China Dream," an homage to Master Xu Beihong (broadcast on National Geographic and Discovery) and an equine-themed jewelry collection co-created with Chow Tai Fook. For more information, please visit http://thefrost.fiu.edu or call 305-348-2890.

SAGE Book Discussion Group takes place from 11 am - 12 pm at the Stonewall National Library and Archives (1300 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale). The SAGE Book Discussion Group meets to discuss Cooper's Promise, by Timothy Jay Smith. The selection is an action-packed suspense thriller. Set in the fictitious African country of Lalanga, it puts a human face to serious geopolitical issues, including mercenary warfare and espionage, and human-rights violations. All Readers are welcome - no reservation required. For more information, contact Philip Collier 443-614-7135 or Alan Dorfman 561-499-2913. stonewall-museum.org

Sunday, July 13

Rumors is hosting a car wash benefiting the South Florida Gay Football League from noon until 5:00 pm.

Wednesday, July 16

Gay Writes - Stonewall Writers Group takes place from 5:30-8 pm at the Stonewall National Museum & Archives (1300 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale). Gay Writes provides a safe and constructive writing workshop experience for LGBTQs and heterosexuals who write about LGBTQ issues. Join a weekly Wednesday writing group to share your work, gain valuable feedback and share the challenges and joys of writing with others in an LGBT affirming space. All genres and walk-ins welcome. Currently a mixed group of individuals meets to read a maximum of 5 pages each week. Call Stonewall with question or more information 954-763-8565. stonewall-museum.org.

Scandals presents Double Trouble with guest bartender James Mack of the Scandals Flash on the patio with Bubba starting at 7pm.

Hot Stuff

Starting next Thursday, July 17 and going through Sunday, July 20 is the annual Miami Beach Bruthaz this year entitled Carnival Party Weekend. To purchase or pick up tickets go to the LGBT Welcome Center at 1130 Washington Avenue on Thursday July 17 or Friday, July 18 from 12-5:50pm. For Hotel reservations call 866-848-5509. For more information go to MiamiBeachBruthaz.com.

This is HOT

In response to an overwhelming demand following a victorious night at the Tony Awards which saw "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" winning four Tonys and a show-stopping performance by Tony winners Neil Patrick Harris and Lena Hall, Atlantic Records has released the show's Original Broadway Cast Recording.

"Hedwig and the Angry Inch," the musical with book by John Cameron Mitchell and music and lyrics by Stephen Trask, directed by Michael Mayer, won four Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, Best Actor (Neil Patrick Harris), Best Featured Actress (Lena Hall), and Best Lighting (Kevin Adams). In addition, the production has been honored with Best Musical Revival by the Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle Awards.

For additional news and updated information, please follow Hedwig and the Angry Inch on Twitter @HedwigOnBway, Facebook and Instagram @hedwigonbway.