Photo captions

STATE OF CUBBY: Well another birthday has come and gone (don’t ask which one). I’ve got a new bike that I love. It’s bike number eleven and this time instead of buying a bike lock I bought a heavy chain from the hardware store that is impossible to break. Now the only way someone can steal it is while I’m riding it. It better not happen but if it does you’ll read about it. As January says farewell my sinuses continue to ruin my life making me consume boxes of tissue hourly. The voices that I hear (don’t ask) have not stopped. Some of them talk to each other but most of the time they’re talking to me. I try to ignore them but I can always seem to hear even though I can’t understand what they’re saying. I won’t admit that I may be going crazy since if for some reason I’m committed I won’t be able to take my new bike. Saw the film Chicago the other day and I related. The actress Renee Zellweger imagines herself in spectacular musical numbers fully costumed complete with her only troupe of boy dancers. I just hear voices and I can’t even understand them and I don’t even get costumes or choreography.

Making the rounds on Wednesday night. Lisa Umbel & photographer Tom Grizzle (Ocean Drive) at B.E.D.

HUMP DAY: The Forge celebrated their 35^th Anniversary. Owner Sharif Malnik has no business looking so good (he’s one of those people that seems to be getting younger) but he played the perfect host for this event last Wednesday night and even received special recognition from the city of Miami. The Forge seems to be the cornerstone for Miami nightlife and has given inspiration to many clubs and promoters (many who began their career at the Forge). Celebrants included lots of old school nightlife personalities as well as a few politicians and novice party types. Many came to toast to old memories while others just came to party . One of my first memories of the Forge was a birthday party of the beautiful and glamorous Tara Solomon who at that time reigned as Queen of the Night. The who’s who of the nightlife world and society came to pay tribute and celebrate another year’s passing of this nocturnal icon. Still beautiful and glamorous Tara Solomon was among the many at the Forge Wednesday night celebrating, not just for the Forge but as always she had her own reason to toast. Tara proudly shared the news that she and Nick D’Annunzio, her partner in Tara Ink, are engaged to be married. At  their table was Nick’s dad, future father-in-law, (beaming with joy) and nightlife writer Lesley Abravanel (Street/Miami Herald) with Tony Miros. The incredible and still fabulous looking Marci Lefton was among the guests who also included photographer Manny Hernandez, photographer Tom Grizzle (Ocean Drive), Lisa Umbel, Joe Day (GM), and Tommy Turchin (Club Nu). Stepping out of the cab at our next stop we were treated to a little show in the sky. The giant crescent moon glowed yellow and hung very low over the ocean and luckily we were headed to the Delano that offers a wonderful view of the moon out by the pool.  Inside by the Rose bar Maxwell Blandford played host offering us champagne. After a bit of conversation we remembered the moon and headed outside to the pool but alas even though the moon was still a beautiful site it was no longer a giant hanging over the Atlantic but had returned to its place in the sky.  With or without the assistance of the moon this Wednesday night party, which Max co hosts with Ernesto Arambatzis, continues to be a mid-week favorite with DJ Chucky Brown providing the tunes. Michael Capponi’s Wednesday night B.E.D. party celebrates a 3-year anniversary this week but we stopped by last week to say hello. Michael was playing host, photographer and passing out preview copies of his 3^rd Anniversary B.E.D. photo book. Another glass of champagne, a few hellos and then I was off to my own private bed.

Another “Between the Sheets” opportunity for this couple. Brymar Salazar & Jasmine Nunez at B.E.D.

THOSE AREN’T STARS, THEY’RE FLASHBULBS: The town was buzzing about the opening party Friday night for Skybar at the Shore Club. Apparently the hot spot of the night and the cold temperatures did not keep the party crowd away from this event where most of the party was outside by the pool. Before heading to Skybar we stopped at Metro Kitchen & Bar for dinner. Owner Nicola Siervo welcomed guests to the beautifully decorated restaurant that recently opened in the Astor Hotel. The restaurant’s new look is more New York than South Beach and that evening the dinner crowd was mostly New Yorkers. My friend Lisa Umbel and I shared a table with Miami Herald writer Lidya Martin, People Magazine correspondent Linda Trischittta and attorney Elizabeth Schwartz. This was a table of talkers whose tongues were loosened by the red wine.  We shared appetizers and bites of our entrees for group critique. The tasty dinner was quickly ended before we had time to even consider dessert, as we all had to rush off for the party at Skybar. Entering through the back entrance of the Shore Club, we were escorted past the big pool into the private garden for the bungalow which had its own small pool and  an army of photographers waiting for some celebrity action (seems someone’s forgetting one of the reasons celebs came here to play was the lack of paparazzi…oops).Without time for a cocktail I said my goodbyes and wandered through the courtyard to check out the overly packed red bar before I made my exit. My evening ended with my weekly gig at the door of Prive. The staff was dressed for winter however those out to party dressed for a hot night of action (lots of skin). The crowd continued their parade in and out all evening with appearances by Prive/Opium Garden regular Puff Daddy (and posse) and American Idol second place winner Justin Guarini. No sign of Britney Spears anywhere.

Underground party boys compare notes. Promoter Mykel Stevens and Josh (owner of Revolver) at Back Door Bamby.

A BIT OF THEATRE: Hedwig and the Angry Inch continues at Level, Miss Saigon visits The Jackie Gleason Theatre this week and a new musical theatre production that celebrates the diversity of the people who live in South Florida premieres Saturday (February 8^th).  “Journeys to Freedom” is the show that not only celebrates the diversity of the people but also reflects on how those in the community struggle to achieve personal freedoms. This unique production includes Hispanics, Caribbean Islanders, African Americans, Anglos, Jews, Christians, gays, straights, and people of all ages as they embark on journeys of coming out, fitting in, being accepted and accepting themselves. The fact that this theatrical event is produced by a church, St. Johns on the Lake, with a grant from the Dade Human Rights Foundation, is a statement in itself. ”Journeys to Freedom” will be held at the Nautilus Middle School Auditorium and tickets can be purchased at the door or call Dr. Carol Hoffman-Guzzman at the Arts at St. Johns, 305-613-2325.  

BEACH BUZZ: Tonight is the opening of Pure Lounge, the new club on the second level over Joia. Speaking of Pure Lounge…as you know Ingrid Casares helped launch the careers of several DJs during her Liquid reign and now is taking a turn at the tables herself…at Pure Lounge. Casares is partnering with the new Joia team (Gus Renney-Owner and Jose Ortiz) and will host their new Thursday night party beginning February 6^th. Ingrid is also hosting a dinner at Joia and then the party moves upstairs to Pure Lounge where the party will feature weekly guest DJs with Ingrid spinning the first night. For those who believe you’re never too old for sex or at least never too old to write about it should check out Miss Kitty’s book signing party for her new book of erotic poems a modicum of eroticum. Miss Kitty has been described as the oldest club kid on South Beach and generally makes appearances at Crobar in a bed. Aquabooty, the party on the move, now has a new home at Maze on Saturday nights. Erica Freshman, Jose Ortiz and Ernesto Arambarzis will no longer party at Sabor on Thursday nights but check this space for their new location (Jose will be at Joia/Pure Lounge. Ernesto will be at Skybar.)  Remember to send all nightlife info, invitations, and illicit gossip (for my friends) to Cubbysobe@hotmail.com. Never call except with illicit proposals and job offers. Until next week, see you out.
 

 
Cum to my poetry reading. Erotic poet Miss Kitty with Crobar owner Kenny Smith at Crobar.