No, Lucille Ball wasn't the original queen of television. Most of our younger readers will have no idea who Liberace was.
Darlings, let an old queen educate you. He was a screaming queen who was popular on television and even in a few movies in the 1950s and ‘60s, when being gay could ruin your career. So, he pretended to be straight, all the while swishing across the stage bedecked in jewels, furs, and sequins. Your grandmother loved him and wanted your mother (or for you really young ones, great-grandmother, and grandmother) to marry him. That’s how clueless folks were back then. He was practically calling everyone Mary and wearing a tiara. In fact, I think he did wear a tiara.
However, he was also a great showman and pianist and parlayed that talent into headlining in Las Vegas and a storied career. Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Performing Arts presents David Maiocco in a Tribute to Liberace on April 27. David Maiocco is a virtuoso pianist who grew up idolizing the greatest showman that we all knew and loved as Liberace. David Maiocco’s dedication to the authenticity of the musical arrangements, costume, and makeup is true to his uncanny impersonation of his idol Liberace. Critics nationwide say you will believe you just witnessed Liberace perform before your eyes.
NO, I DON’T LISP!
The South Florida Pride Concert Band has announced a special concert, “May the 4th Be with You,” featuring the music of Oscar and Grammy winner, John Williams, hosted by Pandora Boxx of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” and amazingly enough, scheduled for Saturday, May 4, at 7 p.m. at the Broward Center. The band will regale the audience with favorites composed by the Oscar and Grammy Award–winner, known for creating some of the most recognizable movie scores in history, including “Jaws,” “E.T.,” “Jurassic Park,” “Superman,” and of course the Star Wars franchise.
Boxx will host the lively concert with her incomparable flair and humor as video footage will accompany much of the music and, as always, there will be some fun surprises.
Audience members are encouraged to dress in theme as their favorite Star Wars character or other memorable personalities from one of Williams’ films. For more information, visit southfloridapridebands.org/.
SNEAKING AROUND
The Museum of Graffiti presents "Sneaker Stories," an exhibition that delves into the historical ties and cultural relationship between graffiti and sneakers. Starting in Miami on April 20, this exhibit will travel through Atlanta and conclude in Washington, D.C. "Sneaker Stories" explores the historic and ongoing synergy between graffiti art and sneaker culture." It highlights seminal crossover collaborations between graffiti artists and commercial brands, focusing on sneakers from 2003 to the present. The exhibition features art and rare sneakers by some of the world's most iconic artists within the genre, including Futura, Rammellzee, Cey Adams, Eric Haze, Claw, Faust, and Miami’s own Abstrk.
The show highlights how sneaker companies have leveraged the talent and rebellious nature of the graffiti community to create limited-edition, highly converted footwear that can sell on the secondary market for upwards of $20,000. The exhibition also highlights how sneakers have transcended their original purpose, becoming integral to the fabric of urban culture and art.
All visitors will also be able to personalize their sneakers with colorful new laces, charms, and buckle plates, at a complimentary sneaker customization bar in the museum, 276 NW 26th Street Miami. For more information, check out museumofgraffiti.com.
