Thursday, 30 August 2018

Miss Florida F.I. Pageant 2018

The 46th anniversary of the Female Impersonator Miss Florida Pageant will be taking place on Sunday, September 30 and Monday, October 1 at the beautiful new home for Miss Florida Pier 66 on the 17th Street Causeway. The pageant is nicknamed “The Social Event of the Season”   attracting some of the top named female impersonators, and Movie, TV and Fashion stars from across the USofA and beyond.

In the past Miss Florida had celebrity judges including KC and Sunshine Band, Boy George, and Sylvester.

Although many pageant systems have started since, they have followed the lead of Miss Florida F.I. Although Miss Florida F.I. is a state title, the system has always been recognized as a national pageant.

Former winners have gone onto great careers in TV,  movies, and coveted lead roles in shows and cabarets including Las Vegas and P-Town, and have traveled not only across the state of Florida but around the world.  

The current owners plan to uphold the vision of original owners Keith Landon and Rene Rodriguez include, they are:

Alyson Thomas, a seasoned professional in the art form of female impersonation herself for 40 years, brings professionalism, style, stability, and experience to the pageant.  She is also known throughout the country as a leading promoter and supporter to many who have gone on to become national title holders and a coach to newcomers.  Well respected by everyone in the art form, a hands on owner with an eye for detail, coupled with personality, hospitality and vision.

Scott Holland, whose knowledge and experience in the Florida market includes: media and editorial experience, judge to many pageantry systems, a pageant coordinator, public relations, professionalism, and a love for entertainment that cannot be touched. Scott is also Hotspots Media’s very own Associate Publisher.

Victor Zepka and Gary Santis who have owned the pageant for the last 26 years.  They bring 26 years of hands on working knowledge of the system, and the experience that’s makes Miss Florida F.I. rich in history, and memories. Victor brings long standing established relationships with sponsors, vendors and local business and community leaders to the pageant.  Gary continues to create amazing sets, outrageous productions, state of the art sound and lighting, encompassing a show and a night of entertainment not to be missed.

When asked about any new things happening in the Miss Florida System, Alyson Thomas, President, said “We have many exciting plans in the years to come that I think the community is going to love. So far, since resurrecting the Miss Florida system 5 years ago, we have also brought back the Miss Florida F.I, at Large pageant 3 years ago that we produce at the Parliament House, and this year we are excited to be producing for the second Time, the Mr Florida Male Entertainer pageant that will be held, on Sunday, September 30 also at Pier 66”

I asked Miss Florida F.I. 2017, the talented Kalah Mendoza, why it was so important for her to become Miss Florida F.I and she said: “From the moment I moved to Florida, I knew I wanted to be Miss Florida F.I. I attended in 2014 to do my research, and then started competing in 2015. I was lucky enough to make the top 5 that year, and the following, and on my third try I was fortunate to be crowned Miss Florida 2017/18, and my life changed. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to travel the state and meet so many people and make so many good friends. For my sisterhood, the former Miss Florida’s, Thank you for accepting me with open arms. For my successor, I wish a fabulous year filled with love and surprises.”

The Mr. Florida M.E. and Miss Florida F.I. pageant will be held Sunday and Monday, September 30 and October 1 at the beautiful Pier 66 on the 17th street causeway.  To reserve your hotel room (which is only $119 per night until SEPTEMBER 13) at  https://book.passkey.com/go/pageantSept2018. To purchase tickets go to MissFloridaFIPageant.com or call Scott at 954-478-4587.



source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/08/30/miss-florida-f-i-pageant-2018/

Broadway in Orlando

Hamilton will headline the 2018–2019 FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando series at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. In addition to Hamilton the season includes the six-time 2017 Tony and 2018 Grammy Award winning Best Musical Dear Evan Hansen and the 2017 Tony Award-winning Best Revival Hello, Dolly! starring Broadway legend Betty Buckley.

18/19 FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando series: 

  • Hello, Dolly! November 27–December 2, 2018
  • Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical December 18–December 23, 2018
  • Hamilton January 22, 2019-February 10, 2019
  • Fiddler on the Roof March 5 –March 10, 2019
  • Dear Evan Hansen April 16 –April 21, 2019
  • Anastasia May 14–19, 2019
  • Come From Away June 11–16, 2019

The season will also feature the return of audience favorite as a Season Option:

  • Jersey Boys October 30–November 4, 2018

“This will be a stand-out season on so many levels,” said Dr. Phillips Center President and CEO Kathy Ramsberger. “Hamilton has become a theatrical phenomenon, and three of the seven shows made their debut on Broadway just last year, so the content is fresh and relevant. “We are proud to partner with Dr. Phillips Center and Florida Theatrical Association for what is sure to be a record-breaking season in Orlando! This is going to be an unforgettable season of the best that Broadway has to offer,” said Susie Krajsa, EVP of Presenting for Broadway Across America.

The Shows: 

Jersey Boys

October 30–November 4, 2018

Season Add-On 

They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story — a story that has made them an international sensation all over again.

Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony-winning true-life musical phenomenon, Jersey Boys. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s just too good to be true.

Featuring the legendary top ten hits:

“Sherry” • “Big Girls Don’t Cry” • “Walk Like A Man” • “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” • “December, 1963 (Oh What A Night)” 

Hello, Dolly!

starring Betty Buckley

November 27– December 2, 2018 

Tony Award-winning Broadway legend Betty Buckley stars in Hello, Dolly! – the universally acclaimed smash that NPR calls “the best show of the year!” Winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, director Jerry Zaks’ “gorgeous” new production (Vogue) is “making people crazy happy!” (The Washington Post). Breaking box office records week after week and receiving thunderous raves on Broadway, this Hello, Dolly! pays tribute to the original work of legendary director/choreographer Gower Champion – hailed both then and now as one of the greatest stagings in musical theater history. Rolling Stone calls it “a must-see event. A musical comedy dream. If you’re lucky enough to score a ticket, you’ll be seeing something historic. Wow, wow, wow, indeed!”

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical

December 18–December 23, 2018 

This holiday season, discover the perfect gift for everyone on your list.  Start with a timeless tale of joy and goodwill, fill it with classic Irving Berlin songs, top it off with glorious dancing and lots of snow and come see Irving Berlin’s White Christmas!  It’s a must-see classic in a lavish new musical that the New York Times says to “put on your wish list.”  Irving Berlin’s White Christmas tells the story of a song-and-dance team putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and falling for a stunning sister act in the process. The show is full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written. The gift everyone is dreaming of is this merry and bright holiday musical. 

Hamilton

January 22, 2019–February 10, 2019 

Hamilton is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton is the story of America then, as told by America now.

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

Fiddler On The Roof

March 5–March 10, 2019 

Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher and the team behind South Pacific, The King and I and 2017 Tony-winning Best Play Oslo, bring a fresh and authentic vision to this beloved theatrical masterpiece from Tony winner Joseph Stein and Pulitzer Prize winners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. The original production won 10 Tony Awards, including a special Tony for becoming the longest-running Broadway musical of all time. You’ll be there when the sun rises on this new production, with stunning movement and dance from acclaimed Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter, based on the original staging by Jerome Robbins. A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family.

Featuring the Broadway classics “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life,” Fiddler on the Roof will introduce a new generation to this uplifting celebration that raises its cup to joy! To love! To life!

Dear Evan Hansen

April 16 – April 21, 2019 

Dear Evan Hansen is the winner of six 2017 Tony Awards including Best Musical and the 2018 Grammy award for Best Musical Theater Album.

A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. Dear Evan Hansen is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it.

“One of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history,” says The Washington Post. The New York Times calls Dear Evan Hansen “a gut-punching, breathtaking knockout of a musical” and NBC News says the musical is “an inspiring anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond.”

Dear Evan Hansen features a book by Tony winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman), and direction by four-time Tony nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal).

The Original Broadway Cast Recording of Dear Evan Hansen, produced by Atlantic Records, made an extraordinary debut on the Billboard 200 when released and entered the chart at #8 – the highest charting debut position for an original cast album since 1961. A special edition coffee table book authored by Levenson, Pasek, and Paul, Dear Evan Hansen: through the window (Grand Central Publishing / Melcher) is now available, offering an in-depth, all-access look at the musical, including never-before-seen production photos and cast portraits, behind-the-scenes stories, and a fully annotated script by the authors.

Anastasia

May 14–19, 2019 

From the Tony Award-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

Anastasia features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) with direction by Tony winner Darko Tresnjak. 

Come From Away

June 11–16, 2019 

On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.

Broadway’s Come From Away has won Best Musical all across North America. The New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by this year’s Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley. Newsweek cheers, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave!” 

For more information and to renew a subscription for the 2018–2019 season and Broadway in Orlando, visit OrlandoBroadway.com.



source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/08/30/broadway-in-orlando-2/

Broadway in Tampa

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is proud to announce the Broadway musical, Hamilton will play its premiere Tampa engagement, Feb. 12-March 10, 2019, and anchor the 2018-2019 Bank of America Broadway at The Straz season. The Broadway series is also headlined by the 2017 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Dear Evan Hansen.

Also on the 2018-2019 slate is the 2017 Tony Award-winning Best Revival of a Musical Hello, Dolly! along with productions of The Play That Goes Wrong, A Bronx Tale, Anastasia and Come From Away. The series also includes a yet-to-be-determined production in the Straz Center’s intimate Jaeb Theater.

In addition to the eight-show Broadway series and back by popular demand, Les Misérables will return for a limited engagement.

“Each season we bring the best of Broadway to Tampa, and every so often we land a season like this one: perfect in every way,” said Judy Lisi, president and CEO of the Straz Center. From Hello, Dolly! to Hamilton, we have a classic of the Golden Age and the most extraordinary musicals onstage now—including Come From Away, a heroic look at a remote hamlet who welcomed the majority of re-routed planes on 9/11 and Dear Evan Hansen, the phenomenon that won the 2017 Tony for Best Musical. Our capstone this season is, of course Hamilton, which will be an experience for the ages.”

The season features: 

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

Oct. 16-21, 2018

What would happen if Sherlock Holmes and Monty Python had an illegitimate Broadway baby? You’d get The Play That Goes Wrong, Broadway and London’s award-winning smash comedy! Called “a gut-busting hit” (The New York Times) and “the funniest play Broadway has ever seen” (HuffPost), this classic murder mystery is chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania delivering “a riotous explosion of comedy” (Daily Beast). Welcome to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), it’s “tons of fun for all ages” (HuffPost) and “comic gold” (Variety) – sure to bring down the house!

Hello, Dolly!

Dec. 4-9, 2018

Winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, Broadway’s most beloved musical is back where it belongs! Directed by Tony winner Jerry Zaks and featuring choreography by Tony winner Warren Carlyle, Hello, Dolly! is “the best show of the year” (NPR). Breaking box office records week after week and receiving thunderous critical raves on Broadway, this “gorgeous” new production (Vogue) pays tribute to the original work of legendary director/choreographer Gower Champion – hailed both then and now as one of the greatest stagings in musical theater history. Rolling Stone calls it “a must-see event. A musical comedy dream. If you’re lucky enough to score a ticket, you’ll be seeing something historic. Wow, wow, wow indeed!”

A Bronx Tale

Jan. 29-Feb. 3, 2019

Broadway’s hit crowd-pleaser takes you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be.

Bursting with high-energy dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes from the songwriter of Beauty and the Beast, A Bronx Tale is an unforgettable story of loyalty and family.

Academy Award winner Robert De Niro and Tony winner Jerry Zaks direct this streetwise musical – based on Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri’s story that The New York Times hails as “A Critics’ Pick! The kind of tale that makes you laugh and cry.” 

Hamilton

Feb. 12-March 10, 2019

Hamilton is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton is the story of America then, as told by America now.

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

Dear Evan Hansen

April 9-14, 2019

Winner of six 2017 Tony Awards including Best Musical!

A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. Dear Evan Hansen is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it.

“One of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history,” says The Washington Post. Rolling Stone calls Dear Evan Hansen, “a game-changer that hits you like a shot in the heart” and NBC News calls the musical “an inspiring anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond.”

Dear Evan Hansen features a book by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman), and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal).

The original Broadway cast recording of Dear Evan Hansen, produced by Atlantic Records, made an extraordinary debut at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 – the highest charting debut position for an original cast album since 1961 – and went on to win the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.  A special edition coffee table book authored by Levenson, Pasek and Paul, Dear Evan Hansen: through the window (Grand Central Publishing/Melcher) is now available, offering an in-depth, all-access look at the musical, including never-before-seen production photos and cast portraits, behind-the-scenes stories, and a fully annotated script by the authors.

Anastasia

May 7-12, 2019

Inspired by the beloved films, the romantic and adventure-filled new musical Anastasia is on a journey to Tampa at last!

From the Tony Award-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling show transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.

Anastasia features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) with direction by Tony Award winner Darko Tresnjak. 

Come From Away

June 4-9, 2019

The true story of the small town that welcomed the world.

The New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by 2017’s Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley. Newsweek cheers, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave!”

On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.

Broadway encore

Les Misérables

Jan. 15-20, 2019

Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, direct from an acclaimed two-and-a-half-year return to Broadway. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an unforgettable story of heartbreak, passion and the resilience of the human spirit. Featuring the beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck. “Les Miz is born again!” (NY1).

Tap Dogs

MAR 29 -31, 2019

The global dance sensation Tap Dogs hits the road on an international tour of jaw-dropping new surprises. Experience the thrill of a revitalized genre of dance. For seventy-five action-packed minutes of part theater, part dance, part rock concert and part construction site, an adrenaline-pumped cast turns traditional tap dancing upside-down and into the ultimate night out.

Tap Dogs  premiered at the Sydney Theatre Festival and success quickly followed with seasons in London, New York, Tokyo, Paris, Berlin, Shanghai and around the world. Created by Oliver Award-winning choreographer Dein Perry, and originally directed by Nigel Triffitt, with music by Andrew Wilkie and lighting by Gavin Norris. Tap Dogs  is set to electrify the stage as they jump through scaffold, tap upside down, grind steel and tap on water in Tampa.

Kinky Boots

MAY 17-19, 2019

Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Choreography, Kinky Boots, Broadway’s huge-hearted, high-heeled hit returns to the Straz Center. With songs by Grammy and Tony award-winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Take a step in the right direction and discover that sometimes the best way to fit in is to stand out!

Rock of Ages

June 11-16, 2019

It’s 1987 on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip when a small-town girl meets a big city rocker. As they fall in love in L.A.’s most famous rock club, Rock of Ages allows fans to rock out once again to their favorite hits from the ‘80s. Featuring the music of iconic bands such as Styx, Poison, Twisted Sister and Whitesnake among many others, this tenth anniversary production features a dynamic new cast revisiting the larger-than-life characters and exhilarating story that turned Rock of Ages into a global phenomenon.

♦ ♦ ♦ 

And this important bit of info, the 2018-2019 Broadway season tickets are sold out. Single ticket on-sale dates for Hamilton and Dear Evan Hanson have not yet been announced. To be notified of on-sale dates, sign up for the Straz Center’s email newsletter, follow the Straz Center on social media or download the Straz To Go app for your mobile device.

New season ticket orders will be limited and will be handled in the order they are received. For more information, email the Straz Center at tickets@strazcenter.org or call the Straz Center Ticket Sales Office at 813.229.STAR (7827) or outside the Tampa Bay area at 800.955.1045 or visit www.strazcenter.org. Individual show tickets will go on sale at a later date(s), to be announced.



source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/08/30/broadway-in-tampa-2/

Q&A: An Interview with Drag Sensation Amanda D’Rhod

The state of Florida has been killing it the last few years in the National Drag pageantry scene and our latest winner is the beautiful Amanda D’Rhod, your new National Showgirl. Therefore, I thought it appropriate to sit down with one of Central Florida’s finest for this interview:

What was the first drag show you saw and tell me about the experience?

The first time I saw a Drag Show was in a club name Faces in Hormigeros Puerto Rico. The performer was Luis Madonna and she performed a Madonna mix in a shower getting wet on stage. I was so excited and also shocked by the performances that I fell in love with Drag

When did you decide you wanted to do drag and when did you realize it would be a profession?

After seeing my Drag mother getting in drag for Halloween I told her that I wanted to try Drag, so she invited me to perform in a thanksgiving show, and I did it. After that I was determined to become a professional drag queen. Many years later, after I moved to Orlando Florida and after working at Parliament House’s Latin night, I started getting bookings in bars like Revolution and Valentine’s in Tampa and it became my profession.

Who is your drag mother and who is your favorite queen other than your drag mother and why?

My Drag mother is a Puerto Rican diva named Wilary D’Rhod and I get a lot of inspiration from Esme Russell who I also call my drag mother for everything that she has helped me and guided me in my career. Both of these entertainers have helped mold Amanda to what you see today!

What’s your favorite number to perform and why?

I don’t have just one song that I love, but I do love everything from Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé. I’m a high energy dancing diva and those two entertainers inspired me on stage.

What’s the best thing that has happened to you in drag?

About 6 weeks ago, I won my first national title in Daytona Florida. I am very excited about being National showgirl 2018 and traveling the nation. I have always wanted to be a national title holder and finally I get to reign!

What differentiates you from other Queens (Makes you Unique)?

I have love and passion for this art. I work hard, I challenge myself to be better and everywhere I go, I give you 100% Amanda D’Rhod.

What does the future hold?

I’m excited to start promoting my new title: National Showgirl, make the system grow and bring my Latin community closer to it. I am going to represent my brand at every national walk this year. I also love working at Hamburger Marys in Brandon Florida, so come out and enjoy us there and also at Honey Pot in Tampa. I’m very blessed to have 2 home bars. Maybe I will get to return to my island, Puerto Rico, and perform there for all my friend and family.



source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/08/30/qa-an-interview-with-drag-sensation-amanda-drhod/

What’s Hot Central Florida: September 2018

Friday, August 31

Southern Nights Orlando’s #FlexFridays presents the 2018 White Party with NO COVER before 11pm 21+ (18+ Welcomed). They will feature drag shows at 11pm & 12:30am starring Roxxxy Andrews, Maya Andrews, Sassy Devine & Tasha Long, and music by DJs Ants & Sledge.

Saturday, September 1

The Flamingo Resort presents a “Labor Day Luau Pig Roast” with a DJ, Male Entertainers and hosted by Iman featuring the Blu Theater players.  

The Parliament house presents international house recording artist Beth Sacks lie in concert. In the Footlight Theater, since most of the cast will be in Chicago for Continental, Darcel has some very special guests: Jiggly Caliente, Jasmine International, Chevelle Brooks and Mulan Nguyen.

Sunday, September 2

The Parliament House presents their annual “Free Pig Roast.” This has become a P-House tradition on the biggest T-dance of the year. The night will feature the free pig roast and buffet from 6-9pm, the footlight players at 7pm, 10pm and 12 midnight and DJ Brianna spinning till 3am, with no cover all night!


Wednesday, September 5

Southern Nights Tampa presents So You Think You Can Drag Semi Finals- MUSICALS Theme! The night will be hosted by Jade Embers & Gia Banks, and will feature Season 2 Winner Artty! Tonights winner will win $250 Cash Prize, and a booking for #SavageSaturdays!

Thursday, September 6

Don’t forget that Thursdays are 80’s night at Barcodes Orlando with classic music videos, TV, commercials and a whole lot more. As always, there is no cover at Barcodes and free parking. While you are at Barcodes, check out their store for lots of fun stuff!

Friday, September 7

Southern Nights Tampa presents NeiBEARhood Takeover: Catchers & Pitchers, where they invite you to wear Blue if you’re a catcher & Red if you’re a pitcher. Go and celebrate as Tampa hosts the Tampa 2018 Gay Softball World Series with thousands of hot men from all over the country! Sports Gear Strongly Encouraged. The night will star Bear P*rn Star Hunter Scott, DJ Walter Winston, and feature a 1am Strike Out Challenge. 21+ Only, and FREE before 10.

Starting tonight and going through Sunday, the Orlando Improv (9101 International Drive Suite 2310, Pointe Orlando) presents comedian Lavell Crawford.  Lavell gained huge national exposure on NBC’s hit reality series “Last Comic Standing.” Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at: theimprovorlando.com or by calling (407) 480-5233.

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party bringing the magic closer to fans than ever before through dynamic and immersive moments that take place on the ice, in the air and in the seats. Produced by Feld Entertainment Inc., the worldwide leader in live touring family entertainment, Disney On Ice is once again elevating the ice show experience with brand-new engaging elements that will fascinate both newcomers and seasoned guests alike. The show will play at Orlando’s Amway Center from today through the 9, for six performances. Tickets, which start at $17, can be purchased at: Amwaycenter.com.

Legendary songwriter, recording artist, and performer, Paul Simon will be bringing his Homeward Bound – The Farewell Tour, to Tampa’s Amelie Arena.  According to Simon, the Homeward Bound – The Farewell Tour is a fitting pinnacle of a performing career that began in the early 1960s and has coincided with his artistic journey as a songwriter and recording artist until the present day. Tickets start at $50 at AmalieArena.com. Paul will also be bring his show to the Amay Center on September 11 with tickets starting at $50 at AmwayCenter.com.  

Saturday, September 8

The Hope & Help Gala (The Gala) is part of the Healthy Choices campaign and is one of the many ways the community can get involved in the fight to improve community health and quality of life. THE GALA advances Hope & Help’s previous signature fundraiser, Headress Ball. They have changed the name and programming of their signature fundraiser to better connect with the current philanthropic community, develop new supporters, and grow as an organization with the public’s increased demand for quality health and wellness services. As one of the region’s largest and oldest health service not-for-profit organizations, Hope & Help has positioned itself to meet today’s health challenges head on. This year, they expanded their service offerings to include a brand new medical clinic with quality, affordable services for youths, adults, and seniors. Additionally, they now offer services in Tampa and St. Petersburg. With your continued financial support, they will accomplish even more! THE GALA will be held at 7:30pm at the Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando. Tickets are $500 for VIP Admission and $250 for General Admission, and can be purchased at:  https://hopeandhelp.org/gala/.

Murray and Peter present “Crossdresser For Christ – The Musical” starring Ginger Minj from Season 7 of RuPaul’s Drag Race on VH1 at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts from today through September 16. It’s an evening of music and outrageous comedy as Ginger takes sinners and saints on a wild ride through the adventures of her life. It’s a one-woman drag show – with 2 other actors … and a piano! All ages welcome. Doors at 7pm, show at 8pm. To purchase tickets, which start at $28, go to DragFans.com.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of her GRAMMY-winning, critically acclaimed album Ingénue, k.d. lang brings her live performance of the platinum-selling record to Dr. Phillips Center. Audiences will experience the album performed live in its entirety, including the Grammy Award–winning hit “Constant Craving”—along with hits from her 2004 Nonesuch debut album, Hymns of the 49th Parallel. Guitar virtuoso Mak Grgić will join her as the opening act. The concert begins at 8pm and tickets, which start at $39.50, can be purchased at DrPhillips.org.

Neema’s Amor, upscale Latin Night at Stonewall Bar Orlando presents International DJ and Rupaul’s Drag Race superstar Nina Flowers live. Doors open at 9pm $10 cover till 10pm, and $15 thereafter. On the main stage outside showtime will be 12am with Kandy Ho, Lineysha Sparx and Cara Cavalli.

Sunday, September 9

Murray and Peter present WAR on the Catwalk: the Queens from Season 10 hosted by Miz Cracker and Monet X Change, and starring Vanjie, Vixen, Blair, Dusty and Monique. The event takes place at Plaza Live (425 Bumby Avenue, Orlando) and tickets are on sale at: TicketFly.com

Wednesday, September 12

Southern Nights TAMPA presents So You Think You Can Drag WILD CARD. This is the last chance to qualify to enter the grand finale. Win $100 in Cash & Prizes. Doors open at 8pm, sign up at 9pm, show time at 12am hosted by Jade Embers & Gia Banks.  NO COVER 21+ (18+ Welcomed).

Thursday, September 13

She speaks! After a year of national scandal and following a sold-out run of stand-up shows and rave reviews around the globe, Kathy Griffin is returning with the much-anticipated North American continuation of her  “Laugh Your Head Off” World Tour to the Dr. Phillips Center at 8pm. Armed with the story of the now infamous and controversial photo (yes…THAT photo), the fiery redheaded, award-winning, American comedian is bringing the story of the photo heard ‘round the world and the fallout that followed, along with breaking down everything in the pop-culture landscape from Trump to the Kardashians. Griffin tells all in this more than 2-hour no-holds-barred show in the raw, honest, and engaging way fans have always loved about her. Tickets, which start at $45, can be purchased at DrPhillips.org.

Friday, September 14

Carols Vives, the two-time Grammy-winning and 11-time Latin Grammy-winning Colombian singer/songwriter who pioneered the integration of the indigenous and vallenato sounds of his country into popular music, hits the road once again in support of his recent album, “Vives.” Produced by Cardenas Marketing Network (CMN), the Vives Tour U.S.A. 2018 kicks off at Orlando’s Amway Center tonight with tickets starting at $61 at Amwaycenter.com.

Scorpions, one of the most iconic and influential hard rock bands of all time, continue to celebrate 50+ years of rock with the return to North America for the Crazy World tour. Since performing a handful of festivals and concerts last year in the U.S., which included their “Blacked Out In Vegas” residency, the band will return to kick off the month-long run of dates which include stops in New York, Dallas, Toronto, Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles, amongst others, including a stop at Tampa’s AMALIE Arena on tonight at 8pm. Ticket, which range from $45.75 to $125.75, can be purchased at AmalieArena.com.

Joe Whitaker & The DILF Party Presents DILF ORLANDO. One of the hottest “daddy jock parties” in the country is coming exclusively to Stonewall Bar! Daddies, Boys, Pups & Men of Orlando join them for a night of hot music, hot fun & hot men in their jocks…that is the dilf party! Early Bird Tickets online at: theDILFparty.com.

Saturday, September 15

The Straz Center for the performing arts presents the 12th Annual Crack Up Cancer Comedy Benefit. Laugh until your stomach hurts. That’s what local premier comedy fundraiser, Crack up Cancer, gives you. Oh, and by the way, 100% of the profits of the show go directly to help local cancer patients and their families.  Tis show continues to delight and provide some of the best laughs at the best prices anywhere. This year will be no different as the show will feature comics Kevin Rogers, Rahn Hortman, and “Best of the Bay” Al Romas. Crack up Cancer is also proud to feature two national headliners this year, including Vanessa Hollingshead of NYC, and Pat Godwin, as featured on Last Comic Standing. Tickets start at $30, at StrazCenter.org. Profits this year benefit local organizations: Cure on Wheels, Beat NB, Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, and the Livestrong Foundation Grant through the YMCA.

What a line up! The biggest names in freestyle music, including multi-platinum recording artist Taylor Dayne, Female Pop Sensation Expose, The King of Freestyle Stevie B., The Queen of Freestyle Lisa Lisa and Freestyle Legends TKA K7 collaborate to perform their biggest rhythmic dance hits during the “15th Anniversary Freestyle Explosion Concert” at Amalie Arena at 7:30 PM. The tour also includes pop group and R&B group Nu Shooz plus freestyle favorites Company B, Pretty Poison, George Lamond. This lineup influenced the 80’s with their style of music which remains widely popular and in rotation with today’s hits. Ticket prices are: $35.50, $45.50, $55.50, $65.50, $75.50 and $150.00 (VIP), and can be purchased at AmalieArena.com.

Sunday, September 16

Jasmine Skiies presents the annual Miss St Pete F.I., Miss St Pete F.I. at Large and Mr. St Pete M.E. pageants (all official prelims to the Miss, at Large, and Mister Florida system) at the Flamingo Resort at 8pm (registration at 3pm). Categories include Evening/Formal wear, Q&A, Swimsuit and talent. The night will honor the current reigning court: Candy Cane and Imani Valentino and also star the current Florida court: Kalah Mendoza, Noel Leon and Antonio Edwards. For more information contact Star at 727-645-2179.

Tuesday, September 18

The Starz Center for the Performing Arts says there’s never been a better time to experience CHICAGO, Broadway’s razzle-dazzle smash. This triumphant hit musical is the recipient of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy, thousands of standing ovations and now the #1 longest-running American musical in Broadway history. CHICAGO has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. Intended for mature audiences. Chicago will be playing from today through September 23, with tickets starting at $31 at StrazCenter.org.

Saturday, September 29

Dr. Phillips Center Presents 15th Annual Casa De Mexico Gala, Bring Out Your Colors to celebrate Mexican culture at 7:30pm. On this night they celebrate Mexico and they suggest your attire can be colorful, ethnic and cultural. Their presentation will begin with special guests the Mariachi Cobre who for more than 35 years have presented traditional Mexican music to visitors from around the globe in world class performances at Walt Disney World’s Epcot. Another wonderful highlight of the night will be the Ballet Mexico Folklorico of Guadalajara.   This world renowned company will present a variety of beautiful traditional dances in a performance titled “Jalisco es Mexico”. Doors open at 6 p.m. with concert at 7:30pm. Tickets, which start at $30 can be purchased at DrPhillips.org.

Space Coast Pride is excited to be celebrating their 11thannual Festival & Parade from 1-7pm. Space Coast Pride represents the central, east coast of Florida and all communities and residents of Brevard County and beyond by celebrating the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and all other individuals (LGBTQ+). They are proud to announce an expanded festival layout that is 35% larger, is sold out with over 130 vendors, and a larger family fun zone area. They have also expanded their week of events that include: a Rainbow Run 5K, Community Beach Day, Pride Painting Night, Social Kick-off Party, and more. This geographic area has been ignited with growth and their Pride will continue to be a FREE event thanks to all of the amazing companies that have sponsored it this year. For more information go to their website at: spacecoastpride.org.

Hot Stuff

Cristoph’s in Tampa (2606 Armenia Ave) has really been taking off, and is one of the hot places to be. This month they havew tons of theme parties, they are: Sept 1 – Decadence Glow Party; Sept 2 – After Glow; Sept 3 – World Series Jock Party; Sept 4 – World Series Superstar Karaoke; Sept 7 – Leatehr and Levi’s, and Sept 8 – 3rd Base- Farewell GWSSB.



source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/08/30/whats-hot-central-florida-september-2018/

G.Bar St. Pete Grand Opening Photos

Check out our featured photos from G.Bar St Pete’s Grand Opening



source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/08/30/g-bar-st-pete-grand-opening-photos/

Southern Nights Orlando’s 5th Anniversary Weekend Photos

Check out photos from Southern Nights Orlando’s 5th Anniversary Weekend:



source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/08/30/southern-nights-orlandos-5th-anniversary-weekend-photos/

Palm Springs: A Gay Resort Town

Within the same hour in Palm Springs, California, I went from soaking in the sun poolside at the gay resort, InnDulge, to walking through six feet of snow on a mountain summit. The Southern California desert oasis about two hours east of Los Angeles is one of the country’s gayest cities. It has it all from high desert hiking to upscale dining, all complemented by the world’s largest number of gay resorts.

Palm Springs first became a favorite getaway for Hollywood stars in the 1920s when studio contracts often required actors to be within a two-hour drive of Los Angeles.   The desert city fit the bill allowing stars to get away but still be close enough to be called back to work. The city was also a natural haven for closeted LGBT actors and Hollywood insiders.   Palm Springs’ burgeoning  gay population in the 1970s played a big part in the revitalization of the city that continues today.

The biggest gay event is Palm Springs is the White Party (jeffreysanker.com).  This year it runs April 26-29, 2019.   It used to run earlier in the spring but the later date ensures warmer weather for the pool parties and nighttime events.   The lesbian party The Dinah (http://thedinah.com/) gets a head start running April 3-7, 2019.

How to get there

Palm Springs has one of the easiest small-city airports you will find anywhere.  The airport is just two miles from downtown.  Renting a car there is a breeze.  You only have to walk a few steps from the airport car rental booth to your car.   When you fly back home, you can enjoy your last few minutes of desert sunshine in the park the airport created on the tarmac.  WiFi is free, but unfortunately, I found it doesn’t work most of the time.  If you are a big Uber or Lyft user, ridesharing services are not allowed to pick up passengers the airport, you have to walk across the street to call one from the curb.  But the car services are allowed to drop passengers off there. .

There are no nonstop flights to Palm Springs from Florida but several airlines will get you there with a connection.  You can also fly into the Ontario, California, airport which is about an hour’s drive away.  If you don’t mind a long ride, Los Angeles’ airport is a two hour drive in good traffic, but LA traffic is often not good.

Where to stay

Palm Springs has 21 gay men’s resorts.   Sadly, the only lesbian resort, Casitas Laquita, changed ownership last year and is now mixed.   Of the men’s resorts, all are clothing optional except for the East Canyon Hotel and Spa.  All provide free WiFi and all provide a free continental breakfast ranging from coffee and pastries to more elaborate spreads.   All the gay resorts are in the city of Palm Springs with the exception of the Cathedral City Boys Club (CCBC) which is in neighboring Cathedral City.  When comparing rates note that CCBC charges a resort fee of about $20 per night but the other resorts do not.  The busiest times and consequently the highest room rates are from around Valentine’s Day through May.  Palm Springs is becoming increasingly popular in the summer.  The average summertime high temperature is about 105 degrees but it is a very dry heat and there are no mosquitoes.  Palm Springs enjoys two sunsets every night.  Once when the sun dips behind the western mountains cooling the city in shade and about an hour later when it goes below the horizon.

The biggest concentration of gay resorts is in the Warm Sands neighborhood of Palm Springs, which is a about a half mile from downtown and about two miles from the airport.  Another cluster of four resorts is just south of Warm Sands, on San Lorenzo Road.  Four other resorts are just north of downtown and a couple others are south of San Lorenzo Road.

The aforementioned InnDulge (www.inndulge.com) deservedly draws a loyal repeat clientele that keep the property busy even during the slower summer months.  The hotel owners Jon Jackson and Sandy Miller did a great job of updating the historic property with larger bathrooms and other modern conveniences while maintaining its mid-century architecture.   InnDulge offers a free cocktail hour where you can mix and mingle with other guests.  Sandy has the world’s best memory for names and is great at making introductions so that new and returning guests feel like they are home.

The biggest resort in Palm Springs is All Worlds and All Worlds Annex (www.allworlds.com).  Combined, the properties have a total of 72 rooms.  If you stay in one, you can play in both.   The main All Worlds property has three pools and two hot tubs.  Across the street, the annex has two pools, two hot tubs and a long wading pool separating two of the property’s buildings.   All World’s main property is open for day passes and it does a big business on Sunday afternoon for its complementary barbeque. Both sides have dark rooms for those wanting to walk on the wild side.

If you prefer to stay downtown, the wonderful Canyon Club Hotel (www.canyonclubhotel.com)  is on the city’s main drag, Palm Canyon Drive.   Canyon Club boasts the biggest pool of any of the gay resorts and includes a beautifully landscaped lot with a hedge maze and koi pond.

The Bearfoot Inn (www.bearfootinn)  is kitty corner from the back of Canyon Club and as you might have guessed caters to bears but it also draws every type who appreciate the property’s beautiful design and furnishings.  By the way, the Bearfoot Inn, InnDulge and the fabulous Vista Grande all provide their guests with free passes to the gay WorkOut Gym (www.workoutgymps.com/), which welcomes everyone but unabashedly promotes itself as a gay men’s gym.   It is worth paying for a day or week pass even if your resort doesn’t include a free pass.

Where to play

The biggest concentration of gay nightlife in Palm Springs is in downtown on E. Arenas Road between S. Indian Canyon Drive and S. Calle Encilia. That is where you will find the locals favorite, Street bar, the dive bar, Score, video bar, SpurLine, the spacious Hunters, and the newest kid on the block, Chill.. Tryst is around the corner from Arenas on S. Indian Canyon Drive and is known for live music shows.

Toucan’s Tiki Lounge is along Palm Canyon Drive, north of downtown and includes a dance floor and outdoor patio smoking bar.   Popular nights include Latin Fever Mondays, half priced drink specials on Tuesdays, and drag shows on Thursdays and Sundays.

Before the 1990s, almost all the gay nightlife in the Palm Springs area was in neighboring Cathedral City.   While most of the gay nightlife shifted to Palm Springs, there are still two bars in “Cat City,” as locals call it.   The Barracks, as you might have guessed, is levi/leather/bear themed.  It’s a great large space with an indoor and outdoor area but it is very hard to find.  It’s on 67625 E Palm Canyon Dr., but tucked off the road behind the Arco station.   The other bar in town is Studio One 11, a piano lounge bar with Karaoke on Thursdays and Saturdays and fried chicken on Wednesdays.

Where to go

If you have never been to Palm Springs, an organized tour is a good idea.  The Palm Springs Historical Society offers seven excellent walking tours of the city, with themes including architecture, history.and Hollywood (https://pshistoricalsociety.org/).

Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours and Events (http://red-jeep.com/jeep-suv-tours/) is a great tour company that runs jeep tours through the Indian Canyons, Joshua Tree National Park, and a tour that runs along and through the San Andreas earthquake fault. If you are traveling with a group, Desert Adventures can arrange a tour tailored to the LGBT community.

To visit Palm Springs without visiting the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (www.pstramway.com) is like visiting Egypt without seeing the pyramids.  The $25.95 round trip tram ride is worth every cent.   It is about 30 degrees cooler up there, making it an ideal outdoor getaway during the Palm Springs summer heat.

Celebrity Tours runs regular tours focused on Hollywood history and the homes of the stars who still call the desert city home.   The tour includes the former homes of LGBT celebrities including Liberace, Barry Manilow and Lily Tomlin.  The latter still bears the name “Lily Pad.” (http://www.palmspringscelebritytours.com).

The Living Desert Zoo Gardens (www.livingdesert.org) is about a half hour outside Palm Springs in Palm Desert and is a wonderful collection of desert plants and animals.  One of the buildings on the property is named for Steven B. Chase, a gay man and renowned designer who was a major Living Desert benefactor.  He died of AIDS in 1994.

The spectacular Sunnylands retreat (www.sunnylands.org) in nearby Rancho Mirage is the former Annenberg estate which is open for tours.   It has been used as a retreat and meeting place for world leaders, including President Obama who was a frequent visitor during his two terms in office. The estate is open for tours and it is free for the public to stop by and visit the estate’s wonderful desert garden.



source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/08/30/palm-springs-a-gay-resort-town/

Troye Sivan Talks Finding Power in Femininity, Unhibited Second Album

Nobody is stopping Troye Sivan except for maybe Troye Sivan. No queer-averse label bosses, no identity-stifling pressure to be anything but who he is: the LGBTQ community’s precious paradigm of unapologetic, unicornian queerness.

But even with the YouTube-launched pop fixture’s steady mainstream rise, with assists from Ariana Grande on a single featured on his sophomore album, Bloom, and a live duet at a recent Taylor Swift concert, the 23-year-old’s follow-up to 2015’s Blue Neighborhood refuses to sacrifice self for commercialism.

And he won’t stop there this time, not during this album cycle (or ever): In the seductive video for the album’s first single, “My My My!,” Sivan works a room doused in the carnal grit and flashing lights of a gay bar’s seedy backroom – and also an entire street – in a blistering heat as hot as the shirtless guys feeding his desire.

He’s coy about its subject matter, but Sivan wrote an entire song about bottoming too.

I tell the South African-born, Australian-reared Sivan that “Bloom,” notably an official single, is the perfect Monday song to crank on your way to work, or at a family gathering. Its gay-sex specificity perhaps lost on heterosexuals, the anthemic send-up is concurrently a love song and the most liberating of queer secrets. Giggling, he tells me, “That was the goal.”

Elsewhere, the celebratory, spirited and brazenly gay Bloom turns the page on Sivan’s youth, which was cast with wistfulness and, admittedly, tentativeness on Blue Neighborhood, his first Capitol Records album. That same sentimental lilt – but now, with winks – also marks his burgeoning adult years captured on Bloom: losing his virginity to an older man during a Grindr hookup (the dreamlike, fraught-with-realness “Seventeen”); recognizing he’s failed his better half (the tender and winsome “The Good Side”); and a strutting, newfound sexual liberation, with “Bloom” and “My My My!”

Sivan’s transparency is hardwired: He truly can’t be anything but himself. This is clear on Bloom, but holds true during conversation, as Sivan talks about deriving power from femininity, working through residual queer issues, and dealing with the fear of shooting “My My My!” with a crew of dudes bigger than him.

WATCH:

Did you imagine you’d be answering all these questions about sex after “Bloom” was unleashed into the world? 

No way. Honestly, I never would’ve thought I would have written that song. That song came out of a session that I felt wasn’t going too well. It was me and my best friend (and producer) Leland, us being like, “OK, well how do we make the most of this day? Let’s just start messing around and having fun.” And we wrote it that night – never, ever thought that it would see the light of day. We ended up with something that I thought was really, really cool and interesting and real.

Mainstream culture has come around to same-sex love, but gay sex is still taboo. Does your frankness about gay sex on this album feel radical or political? 

Not really. I wanted to make music for people like me. The first album I was conscious of trying to keep things really digestible for as many people as possible. This time around I had a different set of goals, which were to really, actually, accurately represent where I feel like I am in my life. And if it’s talking about going out and partying, or if it’s talking about staying at home and cooking in the kitchen – or if it’s talking about sex – whatever it is, I wanted a 20-year-old queer person to hear this and be like, “Oh yeah, this is, like, legit.” 

What influenced you to deliver something more queer-specific? 

It was having all of these really inspiring experiences and meeting all of these really inspiring people. You know, whenever I start writing music, my number one goal, always, is to keep things honest and real, because I think it’s the only way to stay relevant and stay true over a long career. I wanna be doing this for the rest of my life, and I don’t know if I’m gonna be able to be thinking about cool concepts and things like that for the rest of my life. But I’ll always be able to speak about where I am in my life, that’s always gonna be there. So I fall back on that, and I wanted to not hold anything back. It’s so cool to me to be able to celebrate all of those things I was celebrating in my real life. So, why not go for it and talk about that on the album?

When did the album’s more defiantly queer narrative begin to take shape artistically? 

It was probably just the moment where I had immersed myself in the LGBTQ community. When I think about my real life, I have almost exclusively queer people around me in L.A. I’m living in this little bubble right now where I forget sometimes that it’s a thing and that there are, like, straight people in the world (laughs).

I’m sure that you’re reminded when you perform in small towns that aren’t like West Hollywood.

Right, exactly. And then I travel to somewhere like that or I’ll go home to Australia – or I’ll just read the news – and very quickly get reminded just how lucky I am and how specific my experience is. But my hope is that it’s an experience of hope for people, that they hear this and feel like, “Oh, that’s possible and I can go and live this happy and healthy and fulfilled, fun life.” And see that there is, 100 percent, another side to the world.

For some gay people, coming out doesn’t mean the personal battle has been won – there’s still overcoming sexual repression. I feel like you work through some of that on this album. 

Probably, yeah. Totally. And I think just in general a lot of the residual issues that queer people deal with have also completely followed me into my older life, just internalized homophobia that I’ve held onto without meaning to from when I was, like, 13 or whatever. It’s like, “Oh no, you can’t talk about that or you can’t sing about that.” I’m doing my very, very best to actively throw all that away. It’s been really empowering.

What has been the most challenging part of navigating the music industry as an unapologetically out gay man? 

Normal music industry stuff. I came into the industry at the perfect time for me, a time where people were willing to let me be who I am and say what I want and do what I want, so that’s been the biggest blessing. All that really leaves is just personal challenges of like, what do I want from my career? Am I making sure that I’m releasing the very best thing that I possibly can? And what’s inspiring to me? And do I want this to be a radio smash, and if I do, how am I gonna get there? Or do I just want this to be something that means something to people, and how am I gonna get there? It’s been fairly typical music industry stuff, which I feel really thankful for, because I think 10 years ago, it would’ve been a whole separate set of worries and issues that now feel much more intense than dire.

Is your goal to make gay radio smashes? 

I actually don’t know. For me, I’ve walked this line between having a really young, active online audience – a similar audience that you would see at an Ariana Grande or Justin Bieber show – and then also wanting to do these really subversive queer pop songs. I think my approach to it is not thinking too much about what I want commercially, just letting things happen, making stuff that I like. Hopefully if I like it, somebody else is gonna like it.

When you performed “The Good Side” on SNL in January, I got lost in you getting lost in the song. For a performance like that, are you in the moment? Or does your mind tend to wander beyond the performance? 

I’m mostly just in the moment. Sometimes I think about the lyrics. I try not to think about them too much because, like “Good Side,” it’s one of the most personal songs on the album and that can get kind of weird, being that vulnerable, so I try not to let myself go too deep into the hole. But in general, I’m just thinking about doing the song justice.

WATCH:

You have a role in the forthcoming film Boy Erased, starring Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe as parents who send their child to a conversion-therapy camp. What about the film resonated with you?  

The script. I just couldn’t put the script down. It really tore at me. Then I read the book and started immersing myself as much as I possibly could in that world. My coming out experience – and the moment where I accepted my sexuality as something that I couldn’t change – was a weight off of my chest. This wasn’t for me to deal with; it was more for everyone else. I had come to the point where I had accepted it within myself, and then it was about navigating through the rest of the world: my family, my friends.

So, the thought of going to a program like the one in the film at that crucial, vulnerable moment and being told, “No, this is 100 percent back on you, and you’re filling a God-shaped hole in your life with these tendencies” was one of the most harmful and hurtful things that I can imagine. It’s been proven to be ineffective and extremely dangerous, and you’re signing these kids up for an impossible task. It really hit home and struck a chord with me, and I haven’t wanted anything as bad as I wanted this role in this movie, so I just auditioned and thankfully got the part.

Your sister once caught you in a vulnerable state, dancing to Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.” When did you become comfortable with that kind of vulnerability on stage? 

It’s still really new to me. I think the “My My My!” video was a huge step for me personally; that was a moment where I really had to actively pep talk myself into it. I knew that was the way I naturally wanted to move to the song, and that was the way the song made me feel, but that didn’t make it any easier to do in a big group of people – especially with burly cameramen! (Laughs) It was scary! But when I pushed through, I felt how amazing it felt. It felt so right, and now I have to retrain my brain a little bit to be able to do that on stage and to be able to do that in front of other people.

How do you get into that mental space? 

It’s a really active decision that I have to make. I have to actually think about it and push through a lot of nerves and vulnerability. And, again, the only reason I do it is because it’s what feels right to me. That’s what I would do in private. So, why the hell not do it publicly, and celebrate that?

You were scared of your feminine attributes as a child. Can you tell me about your journey to embracing femininity? And when you do embrace it now, how it makes you feel? 

I was really scared of it in my childhood, and it was something that I definitely tried to shy away from. Now, I celebrate it as such a source of power for myself. I feel so liberated and free, and I’m having fun. And femininity is magical. Who wouldn’t want to be feminine?

It took me a second to get to that point, but now that I’m here it’s so fun to be able to push through all of those worries. On the other side of that is such a liberated existence where you can just do whatever you want, and it’s just been a pleasure.

How would you compare where you were to where you are now? 

It’s like night and day. It feels really artistically inspiring to me, really personally inspiring. And I’m just much happier.



source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/08/30/troye-sivan-talks-finding-power-in-femininity-unhibited-second-album/

Hollywood News: ‘The Romanoffs,’ Robin Roberts Presents

The Romanoffs cast Andrew Rannells and Clea Duvall

Matthew Weiner, creator of Mad Men, has a new series in development, The Romanoffs, and it has a huge cast. That’s because it’s an anthology series that will revolve around eight different stories of people who believe themselves to be descendants of the Russian royal family. Listing them all would take up every bit of room in this column, so here’s a few: Aaron Eckhart, Kathryn Hahn, Diane Lane, Radha Mitchell, Amanda Peet, Corey Stoll, Isabelle Huppert, as well as Mad Men alums Christina Hendricks, John Slattery and Jay R. Ferguson.

But all we care about for now is the queer inclusive casting of Veep’s Clea DuVall and Girls’ Andrew Rannells. DuVall’s career assortment of characters have been all over the map, but Rannells tends to play funny gay men, which always makes us happy from a funny gay man representation standpoint. All of that to say we assume he’ll play a funny gay man here, too, and even if we weren’t already in because we’re hardcore fans for Mad Men, we’d make this appointment television. The show hits Amazon in October.

Robin Roberts is having the Lifetime of her life

Robin Roberts is making movies for Lifetime now. The cable network is already known for their original movies (our favorite: Baby Monitor: Sound of Fear, because seriously you guys) but now they’re really planning to do battle with Hallmark, presumably improve the quality – hopefully not too much – pushing out 75 of them in 2019. Roberts has signed on to produce a series under the banner Robin Roberts Presents, and they’ll be a mix of narrative features and documentaries. The first two will feature singer-activist Mahalia Jackson and adult kidnap survivor Alexis Manigo, and both films will be accompanied by documentaries about their respective subjects. Now, Lifetime, please keep the prestige angle balanced and hand the producing reins over to someone like John Waters. We need more stuff like Pregnancy Pact.

Romeo San Vicente sleeps with danger just like Tori Spelling.



source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/08/30/hollywood-news-the-romanoffs-robin-roberts-presents/

Arsht Center Presents ArtsLaunch 2018

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County (@arshtcenter) is pleased to announce event details for ARTSLAUNCH2018 (#ArtsLaunch2018), a free annual celebration to kick off South Florida’s arts season and celebrate the Center’s official box office opening, on September 8.

Created by the Arsht Center in partnership with the local arts community and DWNTWN Art Days, ARTSLAUNCH2018 includes a Community Arts Village featuring more than 100 of South Florida’s cultural organizations, mini performances, interactive workshops, dance classes, chef demos, kids’ activities, walking tours, food and beverage vendors, live bands and DJs, and more. On that day, the public will also have the first opportunity to purchase tickets to more than 170 shows for the Arsht Center’s 13th season – with no handling fees all day.

ARTSLAUNCH2018 SCHEDULE:

ARTS AND CULTURE EVENTS

  • Miami DDA Community Arts Village – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Everyone is invited to stroll through the Ziff Ballet Opera House stage where more than 100 of Miami’s cultural organizations will showcase their arts offerings for the upcoming season in an indoor street fair. Bonus – guests are encouraged to take selfies on stage!

  • Dance Classes on Stage – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Guests interested in learning new dance moves are encouraged to participate in free dance classes on the Knight Concert Hall stage. The 45-minute sessions will include swing, hip-hop, line dancing, Haitian kompa led by KOTR (Konpa on the Rise) pros, salsa by the ever-popular Salsa Lovers, and flamenco led by renowned dancer and choreographer Siudy Garrido.

  • Broadway in Miami – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Broadway lovers will have the opportunity to participate in interactive activities inspired by the Arsht Center’s 2018-2019 Broadway in Miami series which includes Hello, Dolly!, Waitress, Les Misérables, Come From Away, School of Rock, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and Disney’s The Lion King, along with Hamilton which will be making its Miami premiere in the 2019-2020 season. Broadway activations will be located throughout the Center’s campus.

  • Interactive Workshops – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“Behind-the-scenes” workshops will be offered inside the Carnival Studio Theater by the Center’s resident companies and community arts partners including Florida Grand Opera, Miami City Ballet, New World Symphony, Zoetic Stage, City Theatre, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and more!

  • A cappella Corner – 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Seven of Miami’s most talented high school and college a capella groups will converge in the Knight Concert Hall lobby to provide a day full of vocal harmony and tonal delight – ALL voices without music! Participating groups will include North Miami High School, Melodic Minors from Miami Arts Studio, Ronald Reagan High School, Coral Reef High School, Florida International University Concert Choir, Maverick Singers and South Florida Harmony from Miami Arts Studio.

  • Mini Performances – 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Intimate 30-minute performances will be offered inside the Ziff Ballet Opera House and Knight Concert Hall’s Green Rooms. Featured artists include: Miami Symphony Orchestra, Microtheater Miami (English and Spanish performances), Miami Music Project, Joltradio.org, South Florida Symphony, Stratus4 String Quartet, Of One Mind, and Miami Theater Center.

  • ARTSLAUNCH@NIGHT – 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

End the day on a high note with an evening concert featuring live music from local bands and DJs such as DJ Kumi, Jahfé and Locos Por Juana on the Thomson Plaza for the Arts.

FOOD AND DRINKS

  • Farmers Market (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), The Café at Books & Books (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) –

Florida-grown seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, prepared food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Arsht Center’s Farmers Market. The Café at Books & Books will be open for dining to all guests. Reservations are encouraged.

  • Pop-Ups and Concessions* – Starting at 10 a.m.
  • Pasta Pop-Up – BRAVA by Brad Kilgore’s Porcini Campanelle pasta dish. Optional pairings include wine selections from Treasury Wines.
  • Burger Depot – BRAVA’s famous gourmet burger. Optional pairings include Bacardi Traditional, Summer Blueberry or Strawberry Mojitos.
  • Sicilian Pizza Station – Pizza pies. Optional pairing is Pommery POP, the official champagne of the Arsht Center.
  • MadLab Creamery – Pastry chef Soraya Kilgore will offer a variety of delectable and unique creamy delights direct from Design District outpost.
  • Concession Stations will be offering a selection of hand-crafted sandwiches, popcorn, candy, chips, gourmet cheese, water, sodas, juices and a full liquor bar. All items will be available for purchase.
  • Chef Demonstrations – 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Enjoy light tastings from the Center’s on-site restaurant, BRAVA By Brad Kilgore, during two chef demonstrations. James Beard Award semifinalist Chef Brad Kilgore will demonstrate the culinary skills responsible that made BRAVA By Brad Kilgore one of Miami’s hottest restaurants! Each chef demonstration lasts approximately 20-30 minutes. Entrance is not guaranteed due to limited capacity (first come, first admitted).

  • A Taste of BRAVA – 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Foodies can enjoy a selection of small plates at BRAVA by Brad Kilgore. Menu items available for purchase include an Eggplant Parmesan Tartlet, Beef Wellington, Crab Risotto, Tiramisu and more.

  • Culturist Bacardi Hour – 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Guests will experience the best of the Arsht Center with an interactive and informational behind-the-scenes look at the Center’s Culturist membership program inside the Ziff Ballet Opera House Patrons Club. Limited capacity (first come, first admitted). Cheers!

  • Chef Allen’s Farm-To-Table Dinner – 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy Chef Allen’s Farm-to-Table Dinner – a five-course, vegetarian meal. The highly creative menu is prepared by the James Beard award-winning chef and is served family-style at a shared communal table, under the stars with live music. Cost is $30 per person, with an $18 optional wine pairing. Reservations suggested.

BOX OFFICE OPENING

In addition to the ARTSLAUNCH2018 activities, the Arsht Center’s box office will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering guests a chance to be one of the first to buy tickets for 170+ shows in the 2018-2019 season – with no handling fees all day* (in-person only). Ticket may also be purchased by calling 305-949-6722 or online at arshtcenter.org (phone and online transactions will incur fees).



source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/08/30/arsht-center-presents-artslaunch-2018/

Especial: Votantes Latinos en Florida

Se anuncian los resultados de la Encuesta 2018 de Votantes Latinos en el Estado de Florida

La encuesta muestra que la actitud de los votantes latinos se divide en la carrera de Nelson / Scott, están unificados en la reconstrucción de Puerto Rico como un tema importante para los funcionarios electos, y los puertorriqueños en particular critican duramente a Trump por no hacer lo suficiente.

El lunes 13 de agosto de 2018, Hispanic Federation, Latino Victory Fund, Alianza for Progress y la coalición Power 4 Puerto Rico anunciaron los resultados de una encuesta importante de votantes latinos en Florida, incluyendo el estado de registro de votantes y opiniones sobre algunos de los estados y los problemas más acuciantes de la nación, candidatos y funcionarios destacados.

La encuesta señala que la mitad del electorado latino en Florida ahora es cubano y puertorriqueño (28% y 22% respectivamente), lo que refleja un cambio demográfico de los votantes, acelerado por la reciente migración de puertorriqueños después del huracán María. Las opiniones de los diversos grupos latinos son similares sobre la inmigración y las actitudes hacia el cambio climático, pero difieren políticamente. Por ejemplo, el 77% de los latinos cree que el calentamiento global está ocurriendo, incluyendo el 78% de los puertorriqueños y el 71% de los cubanos. Sin embargo, políticamente, casi dos de cada tres puertorriqueños califican a Trump desfavorablemente (62% a 28%) mientras que los cubanos son más favorables, 55% a 35% desfavorables.

La respuesta de las entidades y funcionarios gubernamentales a la reciente ola de puertorriqueños que se establece en Florida se considera apropiada por el 41% de todos los latinos en el estado, incluido el 46% de los puertorriqueños y el 51% de los cubanos. Sin embargo, el desempeño del presidente Trump es duramente criticado. Solo el 28% de todos los latinos cree que ha hecho lo suficiente, “la cantidad correcta”, mientras que el 58% indica que no ha hecho lo suficiente. La crítica es más dura entre los puertorriqueños, con casi tres de cada cuatro indicando que el presidente no ha hecho lo suficiente: 72%.

El tratamiento de Puerto Rico después de que el huracán María devastó la isla se ha convertido en un factor unificador entre los votantes latinos en Florida. Cuando se le preguntó sobre temas importantes que el próximo senador de Florida debería abordar, la reconstrucción de Puerto Rico surge como clave para el 64% del electorado latino, con un 82% de puertorriqueños y un 58% de cubanos que indican que es una prioridad para ellos.

Muchos expertos políticos, incluidos operativos republicanos y demócratas, creen que la elección senatorial de este año podría decidirse por el voto latino. Los votantes latinos en el estado ven al gobernador Rick Scott y al senador Bill Nelson de manera más favorable que desfavorable: Rick Scott (46% favorable, 35% desfavorable) y Bill Nelson (34%, 26%). Pero aún dos de cada votantes latinos (40%) no pueden calificar a Nelson, mientras que solo uno de cada cinco (19%) no puede calificar el desempeño de Scott.

A pesar de esta brecha de “conocimiento”, Nelson tiene una pequeña ventaja sobre Scott en un concurso electoral, 44% a 41% con 15% indeciso. La clave para la victoria de Nelson entre los latinos depende de continuar obteniendo un gran porcentaje de cubanos (33% sobre 57% para Scott), al tiempo que se consolida el voto puertorriqueño. Los puertorriqueños ahora prefieren Nelson, pero solo 44 a 33% con 19% indeciso. Nelson debería estar preocupado ya que dos

distritos electorales puertorriqueños clave – hombres puertorriqueños y puertorriqueños no graduados en universidades – ahora están en la columna de Scott. En general, Nelson le va mejor a las mujeres mayores de 55 años (50%), entre los graduados universitarios (49%), en el norte (55%), este (50%) y Orlando (52%) y entre los demócratas (72%) . Nelson lidera entre independientes, 43% a 35%. Scott tiene mejor desempeño con los republicanos (78%), los hombres de más de 55 (48%), los hombres que no son universitarios (48%), en Miami (49%) y con los cubanoamericanos (57%).

En cuanto a los problemas, la creación de empleo, la vivienda asequible, la inmigración y el cambio climático surgen como temas clave para los latinos. En una pregunta abierta, más de uno de cada cinco (22%) planteó la inmigración, como las separaciones familiares y los Soñadores, como el tema clave que los afecta. Los empleos (9%) y los problemas relacionados con la salud (7%) fueron distantes en segundo y tercer lugar en su lista de problemas. Pero una inmersión más profunda en estos temas muestra que el 83%, incluido el 84% de los puertorriqueños y el 89% de los cubanos, creen que crear empleos debe ser una alta prioridad para el próximo Senador. La expansión de la cobertura de salud es de gran importancia para el 76% de todos los votantes latinos, especialmente entre los puertorriqueños, el 81%. La mayoría de los latinos (61%) creen que el estado de Florida no ha hecho lo suficiente para crear viviendas, incluidas las respuestas similares de los puertorriqueños y los cubanos, 62% y 55%, respectivamente.

Sobre el tema del calentamiento global, la mayoría cree que está sucediendo: el 77% de los latinos está de acuerdo con esta realidad y el 76% cree que es grave. Tanto los cubanos como los puertorriqueños creen que el calentamiento global es real, el 71% y el 78% respectivamente, e incluso el 56% de los republicanos latinos creen que está sucediendo.

La situación política actual en el país está afectando a los latinos en Florida tanto electoral como políticamente. Casi ocho de cada diez latinos (78%) indican que votarán en más elecciones. Muchos latinos, particularmente puertorriqueños, indican que registrarán a otros para votar, 65% y 67% respectivamente. Un gran número de latinos están tan motivados políticamente que el 45% indica que asistirán a eventos políticos y el 44% afirma que participarán en campañas políticas.

José Calderón, presidente de la Federación Hispana, declaró: “Los latinos están en el centro de los debates históricos que tienen lugar en todo el país y esta encuesta muestra que los latinos floridanos están ansiosos y listos para influir significativamente en las elecciones locales y nacionales. Estos hallazgos dejan más claro que nunca que aquellos que se postulan para un cargo deben abordar los problemas y preocupaciones de nuestra comunidad si quieren obtener poder político “.

Melissa Mark-Viverito, Directora de Campaña de Power 4 Puerto Rico, dijo: “Once meses después de que María, Puerto Rico y sus miles de familias desplazadas todavía están en crisis. Esta encuesta muestra que para los votantes puertorriqueños -un bloque de votación de importancia crítica en Florida- la épica falla e indiferencia de Trump al responder al huracán María está muy presente en sus mentes y afectará la forma en que emiten sus votos. Nuestra comunidad está escuchando y mirando atentamente, y tomará decisiones electorales basadas en quién se ha unido concretamente para el bienestar y el futuro de las familias puertorriqueñas y quién no “.

Luis Miranda, presidente de la Junta de Latino Victory Fund y socio fundador de MirRam

Group, dijo: “La carrera del Senado de Florida está abierta a pesar de la ligera ventaja de Nelson sobre Scott. Para Scott, quien es más conocido y aún mejor valorado por los puertorriqueños, el camino a la victoria es enfocarse en este segmento del electorado latino al mismo tiempo que se consolida el voto cubano. Por otro lado, Nelson necesita aumentar su porcentaje de votantes entre los hispanos independientes y los puertorriqueños mientras continúa obteniendo una pluralidad de cubanos.

Marcos Vilar, Director de Alianza para el Progreso, declaró: “Los puertorriqueños históricamente se han visto afectados por los huracanes. Para aquellos de nosotros que nos hemos mudado a Florida, los desastres naturales continúan siendo una amenaza creciente debido al calentamiento global. Nuestras comunidades buscan un liderazgo político que tomará medidas proactivas para mitigar los efectos del cambio climático. Es muy alentador para aquellos de nosotros que trabajamos en compromiso cívico ver, en los resultados de esta encuesta, los altos niveles de motivación que los latinos están trayendo a estas elecciones de medio término en uno de los problemas más críticos de nuestra generación “.

————————————————————

On Monday, August 13, 2018, Hispanic Federation, Latino Victory Fund, Alianza for Progress and the Power 4 Puerto Rico coalition announced the results of a major survey of Latino voters in Florida including voter registration status, and opinions on some of the state’s and the nation’s most pressing issues, noted candidates and officials.

The survey notes that half of the Latino electorate in Florida is now Cuban and Puerto Rican (28% and 22% respectively) reflecting a demographic shift of voters, accelerated by the recent migration of Puerto Ricans after Hurricane Maria. The various Latino groups’ opinions are similar on immigration and attitudes towards climate change, but differ politically. For example, 77% of all Latinos believe global warming is happening, including 78% of Puerto Ricans and 71% of Cubans. However, politically, almost two of every three Puerto Ricans rate Trump unfavorably (62% to 28%) while Cubans are more favorable, 55% to 35% unfavorable.

The response of governmental entities and officials to the recent wave of Puerto Ricans settling in Florida is believed to be appropriate by 41% of all Latinos in the state, including 46% of Puerto Ricans and 51% of Cubans. However, President Trump’s performance is harshly criticized. Only 28% of all Latinos believe he has done enough, “the right amount”, while 58% indicate he has not done enough. The criticism is harshest among Puerto Ricans with almost three of every four indicating that the President has not done enough: 72%.

The treatment of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island has become a unifying factor among Latino voters in Florida. When asked about important issues that Florida’s next U.S. Senator should address, rebuilding of Puerto Rico emerges as key for 64% of the Latino electorate, with 82% of Puerto Ricans and 58% of Cubans indicating it is a priority for them.

Many political pundits, including both Republican and Democratic operatives, believe that this year’s senatorial race could be decided by the Latino vote. Latino voters in the state view both

Governor Rick Scott and Senator Bill Nelson more favorably than unfavorably: Rick Scott (46% favorable, 35% unfavorable) and Bill Nelson (34%, 26%). But still two of every Latino voters (40%) cannot rate Nelson while only one in five (19%) cannot rate Scott’s performance.

In spite of this “knowledge” gap, Nelson has a small lead over Scott on an election contest, 44% to 41% with 15% undecided. The key to Nelson’s victory among Latinos depends on continuing to get a large percentage of Cubans (33% over 57% for Scott), while consolidating the Puerto Rican vote. Puerto Ricans now prefer Nelson, but only 44 to 33% with 19% undecided. Nelson should be worried since two key Puerto Rican constituencies – Puerto Rican men and non-college graduate Puerto Ricans – are now in the Scott column. Overall, Nelson does best with women 55+ (50%), among college graduates (49%), in the North (55%), East (50%) and Orlando Region (52%), and among Democrats (72%). Nelson leads among independents, 43% to 35%. Scott does best with Republicans (78%), men 55+ (48%), non-college men (48%), in Miami (49%) and with Cuban Americans (57%).

On issues, job creation, affordable housing, immigration and climate change emerge as key issues for Latinos. On an open-ended question, over one in five (22%) raised immigration, like family separations and Dreamers, as the key issue affecting them. Jobs (9%) and health-related issues (7%) were distant second and third on their list of problems. But a deeper dive into these issues show 83%, including 84% of Puerto Ricans and 89% of Cubans, believe creating jobs has to be a high priority for the next Senator. Expanding health coverage is of high importance to 76% of all Latino voters, especially among Puerto Ricans, 81%. Most Latinos (61%) believe that the State of Florida has not done enough to create housing, including similar responses by both Puerto Ricans and Cubans, 62% and 55% respectively.

On the issue of global warming, most believe it is happening – 77% of Latinos agree on this reality and 76% believe it is serious. Both Cubans and Puerto Ricans believe that global warming is real, 71% and 78% respectively, and even 56% of Latino Republicans believe it is happening.

The current political situation in the country is impacting Latinos in Florida both electorally and politically. Almost eight out of every ten Latinos (78%) indicate they will be voting in more elections. Many Latinos, particularly Puerto Ricans, indicate they will be registering others to vote, 65% and 67% respectively. Large numbers of Latinos are so motivated politically that 45% indicate they will be attending political events and 44% assert they will get involved in political campaigns.

José Calderón, President of the Hispanic Federation, stated: “Latinos are at the center of historic debates taking place across the country and this poll shows that Latino Floridians are both eager and ready to significantly shape and influence local and national elections. These findings make it clearer than ever that those running for office must address our community’s issues and concerns if they want to obtain political power.”

Melissa Mark-Viverito, Campaign Director for Power 4 Puerto Rico, said: “Eleven months after Maria, Puerto Rico and its thousands of displaced families are still in crisis. This survey

shows that for Puerto Rican voters –a critically important voting block in Florida– Trump’s epic failure and disregard in responding to Hurricane Maria is very present in their minds and will affect how they cast their ballots. Our community is listening and watching intently, and will make electoral decisions based on who has concretely rallied for the well-being and future of Puerto Rican families and who has not.”

Luis Miranda, Board chair for Latino Victory Fund and founding partner of MirRam Group, said: “The Florida Senate race is wide open in spite of Nelson’s slight advantage over Scott. For Scott, who is better known and still favorably rated by Puerto Ricans, the path to victory is to focus on this segment of the Latino electorate while consolidating the Cuban vote. On the other hand, Nelson needs to increase his share of voters among Latino independents and Puerto Ricans while continuing to get a plurality of Cubans.

Marcos Vilar, Director for Alianza for Progress, stated: “Puerto Ricans have historically been affected by hurricanes. For those of us who have moved to Florida, natural disasters continue to be a growing threat due to global warming. Our communities seek political leadership that will take proactive measures to mitigate the effects of climate change. It is very encouraging for those of us who work in civic engagement to see, in the results of this poll, the high levels of motivation that Latinos are bringing into these midterms elections on one of the most critical issues of our generation.”



source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/08/29/especial-votantes-latinos-en-florida/