BrightStar Credit Union is sponsoring this year’s Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival, taking place on Saturday, June 15, in Wilton Manors. The festival is back with a variety of entertainment across seven stages, a block party festival, the popular Glow Night parade, a marketplace, and more. The festival runs from 3 to 11 p.m. and admission is $10 for pre-sale tickets ($13 at the door).
THE GAYEST SEASON OF ALL
The Kravis Center announced its 16th season of Kravis On Broadway season, and it’s brimming with Tony Award-winning hits. The eight-show subscription series includes six West Palm Beach premieres. The season kicks off with “Mrs. Doubtfire,” running Oct. 29-Nov. 3. That’s followed by the ultimate holiday gift, “The Cher Show,” Jan. 7-12, and then “Funny Girl,” from Jan. 28-Feb. 2. Just when you thought the winter couldn’t get any gayer, along comes “Peter Pan” from Feb. 12-16, followed by “The Book of Mormon” from March 11-16, and then “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” from March 25-30. The season concludes with “Les Misérables,” running April 22-27. I may just have to move into Mar-a-Lago with Uncle Donnie, assuming he’s not in prison.
BROADWAY TO HOLLYWOOD
The Nova Singers will celebrate American composers (and a popular British friend) in their upcoming concert series “Blue Skies and Jubilant Songs.” The program will explore the variety of music, from Broadway to Hollywood to the American Songbook to spirituals. The concert will be performed three times, in three different venues: Friday, May 17, at Taft Street Baptist Church in Pembroke Pines, Sunday, May 19, at First Presbyterian Church in Delray Beach, and Tuesday, May 21, at St. Paul's Lutheran in Weston. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children 12 and younger, plus students of any age with school ID, are admitted free. For ticket information go to nova.edu/novasingers/.
REMEMBERING MATTHEW SHEPARD
The Master Chorale of South Florida will perform Craig Hella Johnson's “Considering Matthew Shepard” on May 31 and June 1 at Sunshine Cathedral in collaboration with the Our Fund Foundation, a portion of ticket proceeds will directly support SunServe's youth programs. “Considering Matthew Shepard” is a poignant three-part oratorio honoring the life and legacy of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student whose tragic murder 25 years ago ignited a global outcry against hate crimes. It is a fusion of musical genres, seamlessly blending classical, R&B, and country ballads to create a deeply moving and immersive experience. Tickets can be purchased at masterchoraleofsouthflorida.org.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Are you looking for a vacation off the beaten path? GoQueer has suggested five cities that are often overlooked as LGBTQ+ destinations, perfect for a getaway that’s not overflowing with tourists. Montreal, Canada, our northern neighbor’s second-biggest city, does stand out as a gem for LGBTQ travelers. It feels very European, the heart of the LGBTQ scene is the Gay Village. Santa Fe, New Mexico, the oldest state capital in America offers southwestern charm on a friendly, intimate scale. It’s also a haven for older LGBTQ folks, and with its rich history of art and nature, it’s the perfect place to visit. The city's historic Plaza area serves as a focal point for exploration, surrounded by adobe buildings housing galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Osaka is Japan's third-largest city. The beating heart of Osaka's LGBTQ+ scene thrives in the Doyama district. Hvar, Croatia is an easy boat ride from Split or Dubrovnik. Hvar isn't a big city, so there’s no “gay district,” but it’s just a five-minute boat ride from Jerolim Island, a rocky island with a nude beach with a gay section. Finally, Medellín is Colombia's second-largest city and boasts a vibrant LGBTQ community. I call it South America’s answer to San Francisco. Zona Rosa, the lively gay nightlife hub. During Pride weekend in late June and early July, the city erupts with colorful celebrations, featuring parades, music, and joyous festivities.
