The Flagler Museum's exhibit, “May I Help You, Madame? The Making of the Modern Department Store” has been extended through May 24.
It explores the rise of the department store as one of the most influential and transformative institutions of modern urban life. Emerging in 19th-century Paris, when Le Bon Marché became a global phenomenon, reshaping the landscape of commerce, architecture, gender roles, and public space. American interpretations, from Lord & Taylor and Bergdorf Goodman to regional powerhouses such as Wanamaker’s, Marshall Field’s, Dillard’s, and Jordan Marsh, adapted the model to suit a rapidly modernizing society, blending luxury, mass consumption, and spectacle. At the heart of this transformation were women; the “shopgirl” became a new symbol of working-class aspiration, and department stores courted the female consumer with unprecedented sophistication, constructing new ideals of femininity through fashion, leisure, and consumption. It is well worth the drive to Palm Beach. Maybe stop for lunch at Rooster’s or Lucky’s Gay Bar. For more information, go to FlaglerMuseum.org.
THE NAME OF THE GAME
If you have not gotten your tickets for the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida Spring concert on March 20 at The Parker, you’d better hurry up, or all the “Money, Money, Money” in a rich man’s world won’t be enough to buy a ticket. I hear the show is 50% sold out, and they haven’t even started advertising. "Knowing Me, Knowing You" “Dancing Queens” better get busy, or it will be your “Waterloo.” “Chiquitita,” have you guessed the theme for the concert yet? “Mamma Mia” I’ve given you enough hints, and those without tickets will be crying “S.O.S.” and saying, “The Winner Takes It All.” Don’t say “Fernando” didn’t warn you to go to gmcsf.org.
TRIBUTE-PALOOZA
Aventura Center for the Performing Arts always offers a well-rounded repertoire, but this month it is filled with tribute shows. It kicks off with “Dear Tina: My Love Letter to the Queen of Rock and Roll” on Feb. 13. Avionce Hoyles, who has appeared in “A Strange Loop,” “Titanique,” “Memphis,” and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” honors his childhood inspiration, Tina Turner, in an electrifying rock experience featuring songs and stories about how Tina influenced his life. A week later, it’s Bee Gees NOW! The Tribute, with two shows on Feb. 21. Then, experience An Evening with Manilow & Streisand, A Tribute, on Feb. 25 as Terry Davies and Sharon Owens offer a salute to the two musical icons. Piano Men: Generations is a high-energy, emotionally charged concert experience led by father-son duo Terry and Nick Davies, celebrating the music of Billy Joel and Elton John on Feb. 26. Finally, close out the month on Feb. 28 with Shelley Keelor’s delightful love-letter to the one and only Divine Miss M, in Bette Midler in Tribute: Bathhouse to Broadway. I’ve seen this show and Ms. Keelor wisely doesn’t choose to imitate Bette, but rather, offers a musical revue of Miss M’s biggest hits. Tickets to all shows are on sale now. Go to AventuraCenter.org for more information.
Gabe Salazar, Artistic Director of the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida and the Director of Music for Sunshine Cathedral, is facing a serious health challenge that requires urgent cervical spinal fusion surgery. The financial burden is overwhelming, with out-of-pocket expenses already exceeding $4,000.
Friends and chorus members have set up a GoFundMe page so that members of the community can contribute. Go to gofundme.com/f/standing-with-gabe-surgery-for-a-community-pillar to offer your support.
