MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Events

JUDY GOLD

Comedian Judy Gold delivered an acerbic, politically-tinged set in Boca Raton this Sunday night

SHADE-O-METER RATING

4 OUTTA 5 WERKS: “SHE GAVE GOOD FACE – SHE SERVED IT”

Who is Judy Gold?  According to her website,she’s a self-professed “comedian, actor, writer, host and big mouth.”  Gold’s theater credits include both Broadway and several off-Broadway one-woman shows.  Her film and TV credits predominately consist of scripted sitcoms and talk shows.  She was also a writer and producer on The Rosie O’Donnell Show.  What is Boca Black Box?  Boca Black Box is a small theater in Boca Raton, Florida.  How was the venue?  A black box theater is an unadorned large, square performance space that typically has black walls and flat floor.  The theater, nestled in a shopping mall, holds approximately 275 people.  Because of its small size and unobstructed seating arrangement, there really wasn’t a bad seat in the house.  The seats aren’t permanent.  There was also a small amount of cocktail seating on both sides of the house.  How was the parking?  There was more than ample parking in the shopping plaza to accommodate a full house.  Parking is free.  There was no valet.  However, minimal walking was required.  Does the venue serve liquor?  Yes.  How were the drinks?  The venue offered a fair amount of cocktails, wine and beer.  The wait staff serves the beverages cabaret-style both before and during the show.  The drinks are nothing fancy, and they’re a bit pricey.  For example, a “Jim Beam and Coke” was $9.  A domestic beer was $6.50.  Does the venue serve food?  No.  How much were the tickets?  $30 and $40.

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MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

SHELLEY NOVAK

South Beach legend Shelley Novak talks about Chinese food, what’s unique about Miami Beach, and how drag can change the world

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN FORTEZA

Where did you grow up?  In a little town called Saugus, which is just south of Boston.  I think the name is Native-American for “I have to move the fuck out of here.”  But it was the perfect Currier-and-Ives-type childhood.  How long have you lived in South Florida?  Since 1992.  Why did you move here?  After my first long-term relationship broke up, I had to reinvent myself.  All of my friends from home had moved to South Beach, and they told me that if I had to start all over, that Miami Beach was the place to do it.  When I first moved here, we all ended up living in the same building, and we joked that it was our very own little Melrose Place.  New England is a great place to be a kid, but Miami is a great place to be an adult.  What part of South Florida do you live in?  South Beach—I’ve always lived in South Beach.  What do you like most about living here?  I love being immersed in the diverse culture, and I love the weather.  I also love the gay community in South Beach.  It’s really just a small town, since it’s only a few blocks long.  We all have each other’s backs.  What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone?  Well, I’ve watched them all come and go.  Off the top of my head, it would have to be Crobar.  I worked at the door there for the run of the club; it was seven years.  Where do you hang out in South Florida, and why?  when I want some down and “me” time, I sneak away to Twist.  What’s something that’s unique about South Florida?  I’ve lived in LA and Boston, and Miami, to me, has the perfect balance.  It has the weather, interesting people, the beach and available transportation.  I can walk everywhere.  In LA, for example, a trip to the ATM is a four-hour event there.

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MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

TERRY HAMMOND

Julliard-educated composer & performer Terry Hammond talks about what Judy Garland once told him, the legendary Marlin Beach Hotel, and how he’s poised for the next chapter of his life 

PHOTOGRAPH BY POMPANO BILL

Where did you grow up?  I’m from New Hampshire, but we moved to New York City when I was very young.  My parents saw that I had talent, so we moved there.  I majored in piano at Julliard.  How long have you lived in South Florida?  Since 1979.  Why did you move here?  Before moving here, I was working in TV and Broadway in New York.  I had a two-year stint in Europe, and a friend suggested that we swing by Fort Lauderdale.  I was enchanted with here.  I decided to move here because the notion of having my own home was appealing, and I had friends here.  Also, I believed that my writing skills were of primary importance, and I felt that I could do that anywhere.  Besides, the guys are hotter here than in New York.  What part of South Florida do you live in?  I live in Coral Ridge neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale, which is by the intercostal highway.  What do you like most about living here?  There are three things that I like most about living here—the weather, the weather, and the weather.  What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone?  The Marlin Beach Hotel.  It had everything, and that was the very first place that I performed at when I moved here.  Does anyone still remember it?  Where do you hang out in South Florida now?  In my lovely home, which is filled with everything that inspires me and that I love.  But when I need a break, I hop over to Le Boy.

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MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Restaurants

PALATE PARTY

SHADE-O-METER RATING

4 OUTTA 5 WERKS: “SHE GAVE GOOD FACE – SHE SERVED IT”

What is Palate Party?  It’s the restaurant that’s in Rumors Bar & Grill.  The restaurant is overseen by celebrity chef Robyn Almodovar.  Was there an age restriction?  I don’t believe so.  How was the maître d’?  There isn’t one.  You seat yourself.  What was the décor like?  The industrial-inspired décor is reminiscent of Almodovar’s famous South Florida food truck.  What was the seating like?  It’s all outside.  There are pub tables and regular tables.  What was the atmosphere like?  The “atmosphere” was essentially nonexistent since it was the Tuesday before Hurricane Irene.  No one was around.  Was it cruisy?  No cruising. Everyone was too busy preparing for the upcoming “festivities.”  When is happy hour?  2-4-1 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Monday through Sunday.

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MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Restaurants

BEEFCAKE’S BAR & GRILL

SHADE-O-METER RATING

3 OUTTA 5 WERKS: “NO SHADE, BUT SHE DIDN’T TURN IT OUT”

Where’s Beefcake’s?  It’s in Boardwalk, which is in Wilton Manors.  Boardwalk is an all-male strip club that offers “men for men entertainment.”  Was there an age restriction?  Yes.  18 and up.  What was the décor and atmosphere like?  American-Asian faux chic, with a bordello-ish whiff.  The tables and chairs were stainless steel.  The lighting consisted of faux paper lanterns, and there are neon accents about.  Patrons can select music from a digital jukebox (which itself was a form of entertainment since one queen didn’t like what another queen was playing).  What was the seating like?  There was seating around the bar.  There were also pub tables and regular tables.  What was the crowd like?  It was mostly locals, and they were in small groups.  However, the crowd was friendly.  We overheard the people next to us say that they were visiting.  Was it cruisy?  If you’re sitting at the bar, and the person next to you is single, this definitely seems like a possibility.  The cruising factor likely diminishes if you’re sitting at a table.

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