Nick - Halloween 2009

This is the tame version of the costume. For Saturday, he is adding Freddy Kruger hands, fake blood and glow in the dark stuff. There is also a large plastic ax.

They are closing off the streets on Miracle Mile and in South Miami for a few hours for kids only. They can go trick-o-treat at the stores and there will be music and some entertainment. It is probably the safest. I don't recommend parents to leave their kids on Lincoln Road after 6:00 pm ... it's going to be packed.

Tick Tock to Halloween....

Have been bad at downloading my pics. I still have some that I would like to share.

Just finished Happening # 52 Weekend. We had 75 participants and team and we had 161 people at the closing service. I am very proud of the youth team and the young adults who "stepped up" and have started taking responsibility for the planning and staffing of programs. That is my goal ... to empower the youth.

I have the kid on Thursday. It's going to be our "guys day out" ... no mom, no aunts, no women. We'll hit the movie theater, Cinnabon, Game Stop, find some gross stuff for his Halloween costume ... whatever we decide ... There aren't any classes on Friday, so he will spend the night.

Friday, is full on Halloween preparedness. I will help Mr. S at Twist if they haven't finished decorating. I have all the gear I need for Saturday. Mr. S., Trish and I will do the "Western" thing. It's easy and we can be comfortable .... though I do plan to wear chaps and a vest. Hmm? or maybe the fringe jacket? or maybe multiple costume changes...

I was offered VIP tickets to the Save Dade party (theme: Asylum), but we decided we wanted to stay close. We'll go see Tommy, do the rounds and end up a Twist for the night. I'm sure it is going to be packed.

Sunday is the anniversary service for my parish, but I thing I will miss it this year. Nov. 1 is All Saint's Day. I did help in getting the baby stuff together. The women's group gives a whole nursery full of stuff to a needing mother whose child is born on Nov. 1.

I'm gonna meet up with Derrick on Sunday. He has gotten me some items for baskets that Mrs. Astor is putting together for the Winter Party Festival. We have a full committee meeting on Tuesday. Thursday, we have a party for the volunteers of the Recognition Dinner at the Townhouse Rooftop and they will be serving Sushi and free drinks.

The week is gonna be full ... again

Don't forget to change your clocks an hour back this weekend. (Fall back)

Have a fun and safe weekend!

MRD 2009 - The "Dream Team" did it!!

The Gay and Lesbian Task Force 13th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner was a big success. There were 720 people in attendance and put together with attendance, silent auction, donations and sponsors we superceded our goal!

Gay, strait, transgender and questioning Politicians, community sponsors, VIP's, local celebreties all attended and had a great night of food, fun, celebration that led to a brilliantly spectacular evening.

I will post pics and more info later....

An evening with Madame Clicquot...

Tonight was the last full committee meeting for the Miami Recognition Dinner. We are close to reaching our goal and the evening started fully on focus and task oriented ...... until Madame Clicquot appeared ....

One of the members brought several bottles of Veuve Clicquot which was served with fresh strawberries and a cream and raspberry cake. We then became more "creative" and actually accomplished a lot more. We got through our agenda, assigned last minute tasks and have the impetus to steam ahead to the the event this Saturday.

It's going to be a beautiful eventing in the "Glimmer Ballroom" of the Fountainebleau Miami Beach. There will be live music, the presentation of the awards, a silent auction, full bar provided by Grey Goose and dancing.

Note: There were enough champagne bottles consumed at the meeting that one person was able to make a crown out of the used cork bottles. (FYI: The top of the cork cover has a picture of Madame Clicquot.)

If you know anyone who would like to attend the event, sponsor or donate an item to the silent auction .... time is running out go to: http://www.miamirecognitiondinner.org/

Thanks!

So much to do and so little sleep to do it with....

We are in the middle of October and the next few months are going to be active....

Tonight, Mr. S, Mrs Astor and I are meeting the Ladies from the Across the Border .... Vickie and Penny. They are going to the theater and we will meet them for some afternoon beverages and Shenanigans at Twist. Vickie is bringing me a chicken knick-knack from the Keys and I will try to find the initial pendants she liked.

Our friends, Larry and David, purchased a house on Alton Road ... it needs work, so Mr. S. will be busy. I am happy for them.

Wednesday is Bill's birthday ... Big Diehl will be 60. One of the gifts he has from me is that I will be his designated driver and take him wherever he wants for as late as he wants. (Mr. S gave me the thumbs up.) He just wants to be with friends so I think on the actual day we'll do some stuff together and then meet the regulars plus at Twist.

Saturday 10/17 is the Miami Recognition Dinner and we have our last meeting on Monday. The rest of the week will be scrambling to sell more tickets and ask for and pick up silent auction items. What I had failed to notice is that the Komen Race for the Cure is the same day as the event .... I guess I'll "Sleep in for the Cure" this year (yes, that is an option!)

The day after the event will be a brunch for the committee members and their spouses/partners/lovers/significant other...

Then I will really be in hectic mode for the youth Happening #25. It is at a camp near Homestead this time around and I have to pick up a Cargo Van to get supplies and run around town to get things we couldn't order in advance online. The kids have worked hard and I have been able to get some of my old kids (now in their 20's and 30's) to help out ..... I need to "pass the torch" for some things.

Halloween, preparing for Thanksgiving ... and in the slush, planning for Winter Party 2010. (Mrs Astor has agreed to help .... this is a fabulous thing!)

Oh ... and did I mention ... the kid and my sister have the flu in the middle of all of this? And mom has a luncheon and a birthday party to go to?

Oh well.....be safe and have a blessed week!

www.miamirecognitiondinner.org

Miami, FL, September 29 – The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force will honor Steve Adkins, Lt. Dan Choi and Rev. James Trapp at its 13th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner on Saturday, October 17, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. This major fundraising event recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to the social, cultural, political and humanitarian needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Launched in 1997, the Recognition Dinner quickly cemented its place as the premier event for uniting the community and honoring individuals and organizations for their achievements and efforts in fostering equal rights for LGBT people. Over the past decade, it has become a vital source of funding for organizations serving the LGBT community. To date, the Miami Recognition Dinner and its sister event, Winter Party Festival, have raised over $2 million.

“Despite the fact that this has been the worst year the U.S. economy has experienced in the history of the Recognition Dinner, we are actually ahead of where we were last year in terms of revenue,” said David Price, who co-chairs the event with Liebe Gadinsky. “We have more corporate sponsors than ever. I think people support this dinner because it doesn’t just benefit one organization, it benefits the entire community.”

The Recognition Dinner features two pre-dinner cocktail receptions (one exclusively for VIP ticket-holders), a silent auction, an awards ceremony during dinner and dancing following the program. Grey Goose is donating the spirits for a full bar, and Barefoot Wine & Bubbly is providing the wine.

The 13th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner will take place on Saturday, October 17, beginning at 6:30 p.m., at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, located at 4441 Collins Avenue. Tickets are available for a donation of $200. VIP tickets are $300 and include admission to the VIP cocktail reception and preferred seating during the dinner. Because the Task Force is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations are tax deductible as permissible under law.

All proceeds from the Miami Recognition Dinner benefit organizations serving the LGBT community. The Task Force donates two-thirds of the net proceeds to the Miami-Dade LGBT community through a granting program administered by the Dade Community Foundation. The remaining one-third of the proceeds helps fund the Task Force’s efforts to achieve equality for all LGBT people.

The Honorees
2009 Eddy McIntyre Community Service Award: Steve Adkins
The name Steve Adkins is practically synonymous with "community service." Since moving to South Florida a decade ago, he has contributed his time and talents to many local organizations, bridging the business, non-profit and LGBT communities. As president of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the largest not-for-profit corporation in Miami-Dade County for gay and lesbian businesses, Adkins has more than quadrupled the organization's membership. He has played a significant role in educating business owners and elected officials about the need for and value of domestic partner benefits and non-discrimination policies. He has also served as a major force for uniting the diverse segments of the community, reviving and serving as chair of the Executive Directors' Round Table. In short, Adkins belongs to many communities and serves them all.

2009 National Leadership Award: Lt. Dan Choi
West Point graduate Dan Choi changed his life forever by appearing on The Rachel Maddow Show this past March and uttering three words: "I am gay." Despite his extreme value to the military as an Arabic speaker, he was notified one month later that the Army had begun discharge proceedings against him under its "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Lt. Choi has helped form Knights Out, an organization of West Point alumni advocating for the rights of gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military. He has become a fulltime activist for the LGBT community and has emerged as the face of the campaign to overturn DADT.

2009 Humanitarian Award: Rev. James Trapp
When Rev. James Trapp announced to his congregation at Unity on the Bay in Miami that he would be leaving them to take on the role of President and CEO of the Association of Unity Churches International, there was a prolonged and total silence followed by resounding applause. This beloved pastor is responsible for transforming the 125 member congregation into a fully inclusive, diverse family of over 1,300. He has carried his mission of outreach and his passion for peace to his new post in Missouri and as far away as Spain. A dynamic speaker and powerful voice for justice, he not only inspires us to reach our full potential, but also motivates the broader community to stand up for LGBT rights.

Sponsors to Date

Platinum Sponsors: Burger King Corporation, Dade Community Foundation, James G. Pepper, Wachovia/Wells Fargo

Gold Sponsors: AT&T, Akerman Senterfitt, Best Buy, Bradley Carlson & Aurelio Tiné, Liebe & Seth Gadinsky, Greenberg Traurig, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Kraft Foodservice, Mario Magcalas, M.D., P.A., Merrill Lynch, Shore Club

Silver Sponsors: Alberto Arias & Wood Kinnard, Anonymous, Stephen E. Herbits, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman, Mark Kirby & Jerry Chasen

Bronze Sponsors: Alan Behmoiras, Karen Costello & Rosemary Wilder, Lawrence R. Hyer, Christopher Russell & Mario Acosta, Jr., Elizabeth F. Schwartz, Barton G. Weiss, Judge David Young, Paula Redd Zeman

Underwriters: Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Berger Singerman, Bonnelly Productions, Brinker International, Cargill, Credelis, Grey Goose Vodka, William Neubauer/Comprehensive Money Management, Shore Club

Media Sponsors: Atlantic Broadband, Mack Multimedia, Mark’s List, Passport Magazine, She Magazine, SoBe Social Club, South Florida Blade, Wire Magazine


About the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force was the first national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights organization and remains the community’s uncompromising progressive voice. We fight for equality and justice by building grassroots power through training, advocacy, organizing and forward-thinking research and expertise. We challenge not only the status quo in mainstream America, but politics as usual within the LGBT community, and we refuse to make political compromises that would leave anyone behind. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation. More information is available at
http://www.theTaskForce.org

Let the moving commence ....

Today is the day that 1,250 boxes arrive by truck from Wisconsin along with five moving men. It is all the stuff my cousin has had in storage ... 3 bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, office, changing room, day room, out door play set (that includes a trampoline), garage and basement.

The moving men will be here today and tomorrow while they assemble all the furniture and unload all the boxes. My cousin found a nice house across the street from Salvador Park and near St. Philip's in Coral Gables. It is a rental, but it will be more economical to be there with all her stuff than to pay for rent and storage. She has been looking for the "right" house to buy for the last 9 months ...

This afternoon I will be there for the initial "counting" of the boxes, cable, internet hook up and some light cleaning ... tomorrow will be the "unpacking" of the boxes. Mr. S. will be coming by to look at the house and we will be making a trip to IKEA to get some closet storage devices and set ups.

I know that not all the stuff will be used and we will be putting things to the side to give away and also to use for a yard sale. We are excited because it is close to Mom's house, there is space to do things (there is a swimming pool) and now Nicholas will be able to have friends from school over and we are planning to have Thanksgiving there this year.

That's it for now ... Have a good day!

Today, the University of South Florida - USF (my Alma Mater) will be playing football against Florida State University - FSU for the first time EVER! It is exciting because USF is a fairly new team ... it did not exist while I was there. My younger sis went to FSU, so today is a bit of an in-home rivalry (well...maybe a little more than usual...) Update: USF beat FSU with the score of 17 to 7 ..... BOOOYA! (My sis wasn't too happy ...)

Mr. S., mom, sis, the kid and my cuz will be going to a family BBQ at the Ruiz family home ... It is becoming a new tradition. They have had one about every 3 months with my family and their family. Lots of food and chatter....

Sunday, the Grand Dame of South Beach, Henrietta, will be celebrating her 51st year of being on the Beach. She is full of life, great stories and tid bits of history. The party begins at midnight at Twist in Bar 5. She will be catering it herself (she spent the week prepping and cooking). Mr and Mrs Astor are sure to be called out as official escorts. I hope everyone gets a power nap in the afternoon ... Henrietta can outlast almost anyone.

Enjoy the weekend!

We're off to see the Wizard....

The Wizard of Oz is being shown as a special event at the Regal Cinemas for it's 70th Anniversary. We are planning to get a group to go see the High Definition Screening of this classic film.

Our friend, Kendall, has never seen the entire film. Mr. S told him he had to give back his "Gay Card" ... I in turn told Mr. S he would have to turn his card in because he has never seen The Sound of Music.

I'm thinking The Mrs Astor needs to get the "must see" list going again and we will have to have movie nights. Then, if you attend all the screenings, you will receive your official "Gay Card" (or "Gay Friendly Card" for others).

The Screening is on Wednesday, September 23, 2009

7:00 PM, $10.00 General Admission

We will be going to the Regal South Beach Cinema on Lincoln Rd and Alton.

Note: I am threatening Mr. S with me borrowing Stephanie's "Wizard of Oz" doll collection and using then during the film ... don't think I will really do it, but it's great to see the expression on his face when I mention it.

Lights, Camera, Dinner!

Tonight, Mr S. and I are going to the home of Judge David Young and his partner, Judge Scott Bernstein. It is a potluck dinner with the members of the committee for the Miami Recognition Dinner. We will also be filming a video with the members to show at the event (and maybe other events) to talk about the Gay and Lesbian Task Force (The Task Force).

Judge Young is a great supporter of all our local events and has hosted for us before. He is very witty and sometimes a little risque, but always gracious and welcoming.

Mr. S will be making his Grandma's bread pudding with the Whiskey Sauce. I'll have to keep an eye on him ... they might kidnap him after they get a taste of it. It is the recipe that got my mom liking him.....

Have a blessed day!

Judy Shepard - Book signing

Judy Shepard will be discussing and signing "The Meaning of Matthew" (Hudson Street Press, $25.95) on Monday, September 14, 7pm at Books & Books, Miami Beach.

This is being presented in collaboration with Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Today, the name Matthew Shepard is synonymous with gay rights, but before his grisly murder in 1998, Matthew was simply Judy Shepard's son. For the first time in book form, Judy Shepard speaks about her loss, sharing memories of Matthew, their life as a typical American family, and the pivotal event in the small college town that changed everything. The Meaning of Matthew follows the Shepard family in the days immediately after the crime, when Judy and her husband traveled to see their incapacitated son, kept alive by life support machines; how the Shepards learned of the incredible response from strangers all across America who held candlelit vigils and memorial services for their child; and finally, how they struggled to navigate the legal system as Matthew's murderers were on trial. Heart-wrenchingly honest, Judy Shepard confides with readers about how she handled the crippling loss of her child, why she became a gay rights activist, and the challenges and rewards of raising a gay child in America today. The Meaning of Matthew not only captures the historical significance and complicated civil rights issues surrounding one young man's life and death, but it also chronicles one ordinary woman's struggle to cope with the unthinkable. About the Author JUDY SHEPARD is cofounder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, which is dedicated to social justice, diversity awareness and education, and equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Shepard speaks across the country on behalf of the foundation.

NOTE: I visited the site in Wyoming while I was at the Episcopal Youth Event a few years back. The youth actually held a memorial service there also.

Books and Books, 927 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139

305-532-3222

THE CAFÉ at Books & Books305.695.8898

Store & Café Hours:Sun.-Thurs. 10am-11pmFri.-Sat. 10am-Midnight

Posted Pictures

FYI: I have posted in my Facebook page pictures from the Petshop Boys concert and the 3rd Annual 9-11 Walk and Vigil for Peace. Enjoy!

My Facebook is: Luis A. Rodriguez

Who let the bugs out!

Saturday, I will be spending time with the Church Youth moving all our stuff from one Public Storage Unit to a more accessable Public Storage Unit that is closer to us. This will involve purging items that have outlived their usefullness to us, but will be given to those who can use them. Then, feeding all the youth that are coming to assist .....

Will be staying at a friend's condo this Sunday to Wednesday with Mr. S while the apartment building is being tented. It was planned for last week, but everyone needs to find accomodations for at least 2 days, empty out the food, take out the plants ... and if needed, find a place that will take pets. (There are many dog owners in the building and they have been grumbling since the notice was given last month.)

We'll make the best of it. Maybe invite some people over for dinner or some cocktails so they can enjoy the view or maybe the pool... we'll play that by ear.

Hmm? Maybe a poker or game night?....

Have a good week!

TV Appearance - Father Cutie

Ruhama Buni Canellis, Father Alberto Cutie and Canellis's Son

TV appearance - On Friday, Sept. 11, at 4 p.m., on CBS stations, the Oprah Winfrey Show is scheduled to air an interview with Fr. Alberto Cutié, Lay Pastor at Church of the Resurrection, Biscayne Park, about his move from the Roman Catholic Church into the Episcopal Church.

Note: Father Alberto did marry Ms. Canellis in a private ceremony at the Ancient Spanish Monastery of St. Bernard, Miami, FL (an Episcopal Church). He is currently working as a "lay pastor". He will still have to "jump through some hoops" to be re-ordained as priest in the Episcopal Church.

Petshop Boys

Tomorrow, Mr S and I will be dressing up and going to the Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason (Miami, Beach) to see Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe perform. They are popularly known as the duo "The Petshop Boys".

I have seen them once before at the Jackie Gleason Theater before the transformation to the Fillmore. I think this one will have better sound, as the the theater is now a more intimate setting and set more for concerts than for stage plays and musicals. I am sure they will not disappoint.

I'm sure we will have a great time. Enjoy the day!

Update: Mr and Mrs Astor will also be attending the concert .... Hmm?

Pre-concert Happy Hour?

Labor Day Weekend 2009

This weekend is supposed to mark the end of the summer, but being in Southeast Florida, that means little to us. I do not recall one Labor Day when we have not had a bit of rain. We are in the middle of "The H-word" season and have been fortunate so far.

I have lots of things on my schedule, but will filter out some. Friday, I will be joining a group from the Task Force for lunch at the Taste Bakery just off Lincoln Road. After, I will assist Mr. S. with a project and then we will most likely hit Twist for Happy Hour.

Saturday will be our in house Labor Day ... laundry, cleaning ... Mr. S. might have to work that day. Maybe a movie ... we'll see. Have to get things cleared as they will be tenting Mr S's apartment building for 2 days next week.

Sunday, weather permitting, we are invited by Alan and Darren to a pool party at the Tides. We will play the rest of the afternoon by ear ... one never knows what direction the guests and the hosts will take after a few adult beverages and some instigating by the pool.

Monday Mr S has to work and I will most likely assist if needed. Tiffany (and special guests) will be hosting a party at the Palace for her 5th anniversary as a performer. I remember her first few performances at the Laundry Bar ... she's grown and come a long way.

The rest of the week I will be involved in meetings, getting ready for meetings, or just getting stuff done. It is all going to go by quickly from here .... Miami Recognition Dinner, Happening #25, Bill's 60th b-day, family events, Diocesan Convention .... I don't think I have a free Saturday until November.... But then, I do like being involved...

Have a fun and safe weekend!

...Winter Party Festival 2010 ... the meetings begin...

Wednesday night was the first meeting of the 2010 Winter Party Festival Committee. There have been organizational meetings already, but this was the first full Committee meeting.

Announcement: I am the chair for the "Departure Lounge" event. It is the official opening night event for the Winter Party Festival. There will be VIPs, Community Leaders and Community Organizations attending.

There are still some positions open: Volunteer Organizer, Executive Secretary, etc.

The meeting was well attended and I am excited that there are a whole group of new and diverse people wanting to "step up" and take charge to make things happen. Currently, there are less events planned because of the current economy. Decisions had to be made to decrease expenditures and increase income so that more organizations can receive their needed grants.

On you mark! .......

The Coconut Grove Bed Race is Back!!!!!

(Note: I have participated in this event 3 times and it has always been a great day ..... especially after a night of bar hopping and dancing in pajamas ... I'll have to find some of those pictures)

What: This will be the revival of a Grove tradition after a six year snooze, the return of the Coconut Grove Bed Race, a free community event and fundraiser that proves that a community can come together, have fun and raise funds for the University of Miami and this years’ community based charity; the Alonzo Mourning Charities.

The race involves rolling beds down two village streets in Coconut Grove with local community, individuals, businesses, organizations, and clubs sponsoring the beds. Teams consist of 5 members, four (4) race and one (1) rides, racing against the clock until the fastest eight (8) beds are determined and go head-to-head racing for the top position. Prizes are awarded for theme, décor, and racing success.

When: Sunday September 6, 2009 All Day

All Morning Bed Race Breakfast and Brunch specials throughout Grove
10 – 11 AM Family Pajama Party: story time, puppets and sing-a-longs @ Main stage (Commodore)
11 - 1 PM Pole Position Pre Party: Main stage Music & Sponsor Activities
1 PM – 5 PM RACE SCHEDULE:1–2 Pits open: public viewing & prize judging Waiter Obstacle Course Races (Commodore Plaza)2–4 Time Trials (Grand Ave.)4–5 Drag Race - Quarters, Semis, and Finals (Grand Ave.)4- 5 Theme winners Obstacle course races (tentative; on
Commodore)
5 – 7 PM Post Race Celebration: merchant drink and dinner specials and music mini-concerts (minimum 4 different music “stages” & four restaurant parties hosted by sponsors)

Where: Coconut Grove (Miami), FL on the village streets (Commodore & Grand Ave.) by breathtaking Biscayne Bay

What to Expect:
- Hundreds of people will participate in a tongue-in-cheek race of homemade beds on wheels
- Thousands of spectators will converge on the streets of the Grove.
- Support to the University of Miami and the Alonzo Mourning Charities in dollars, awareness and imbedded activities

Who will be Attending:
- 15 thousand spectators
- Multi-ethnic, male and female
- Shoppers, diners and pub goers
- Tourists and travelers
- Public officials & community leaders
- Families & children
- Representatives of the Alonzo Mourning Foundation


Highlights of the Event:
- A family Pajama Party and story time featuring The Princess and the Pea read by the
Alonzo Mourning Charities Honey Shine Girls & sponsored by The Bookstore in the Grove
- Waiters obstacle course race
- Pit Row parade and display of the decorated and themed beds
- Music, media, interactive activities and merchant specials
- A pre-event Pajama Crawl, Saturday night, September 5th

Event Goal:
- To encourage visitors and patrons to enjoy the tree lined streets of Coconut Grove, to brand Coconut Grove as a busy, engaging, exciting and viable village and to create a culture where interaction, innovation, fun and humor help shift the community of Coconut Grove into a collaboration of community leaders and fundraisers.


The Great Grove Bed Race has awakened from a six year snooze…wake up and get creative! To be involved in the Revival of a Grove Tradition you can assemble your team to build a bed, compete by theme and race for best time or come join a pit crew …no bed theme or idea? We have the creative team to assist you and the pit crews to join you!

Admission: The event is free to spectators

More info: http://www.thegreatgrovebedrace.com/

Out with the girls at Crazy Pianos

Mr. S has a lot of work to do this weekend. So, I am spending a little time to be with my "girls" this weekend. I also have a meeting on Saturday.

Friday night, my sis and some high school friends and old friends went to "Crazy Pianos" at Cocowalk in Coconut Grove (in the location were Tu Tu Tango used to be). The food and service was great.

The entertainment consist of a revolving group of musicians that sing and play different instruments. There are two pianos on the stage with two guys playing together. It is an all request program, so the more you request, the more they can play for the crowd. The musicians also play sax, drums, guitar ... and all of them sing.

The place has murals of singers, athletes, comedians, local politicians painted on the walls. We could not tell who some of them were. It was almost like they had painted it on Silly Putty and copied them on the wall ... bad face lifts?

Well ... we sang, danced and were silly for awhile and enjoyed the crowd ... from old rock and roll, 70's disco, new alternative and R&B the music was as diverse as the patrons.

I am planning on getting Mr. S to go with some friends another night or maybe their Sunday brunch ... it will be a hoot!

'til later, enjoy the weekend!

Join the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force for the launch of the

Taste Bakery’s

$10 SUMMER Lunch Special

Begins: Friday, August 7
Taste Bakery
1686 Jefferson Avenue, Miami Beach

From August 7 through September 6, Taste Bakery will celebrate the opening of its new Lincoln Road location by offering a $10 summer lunch special that includes a scrumptious sandwich, a delicious dessert and a refreshing soda.

For every special sold, Taste will donate $3 to the Task Force!

Think of it as a way to support LGBT rights and enjoy a “tasty” meal at the same time.

Join us as we kick off this special month-long fundraising drive on Friday, August 7. The menu that day will include the chance to win spectacular raffle prizes, including a $50 gift certificate and tickets to the 2010 Winter Party Festival.

Please print out this coupon and bring it to Taste Bakery’s NEW Lincoln Road location, 1686 Jefferson Avenue on Miami Beach .