WORLDBEAT
- NORTH AMERICA
Hot
Spots for the Jet Set - April 2012 Events
NORTH AMERICA
canada
ONTARIO
If you like to experiment independently, don't be ashamed! The Images Festival is back, and more experimental than ever. Created to focus on independent directors, it is the largest festival in North America for experimental and independent moving-image culture, showcasing the innovative edge of international contemporary media art both on and off the screen. Alongside film and video screenings, the festival presents groundbreaking live performances, media art installations in local galleries, and new media projects by many renowned Canadian and international artists. April 12-21. http://www.imagesfestival.com
TORONTO
Documentary film festivals are best bets for nonfiction film devotees. They screen programs of fascinating documentaries from around the world that cover many issues related to social culture. Hot Docs, held in Toronto every year, is no exception. They showcase documentaries tackling social issues, including those that focus on LGBT issues. So spend the week of April 26-May 6 with others at this hot doc event. http://www.hotdocs.ca
WHISTLER
Bring on the powder, bring on the parties, bring on the passion. The 17th Annual TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival is set for April 13-22, where arts, sports, fashion, and music collide for the poster child of what a ski event should and could be. Sub-cultures are celebrated and portrayed in gritty and thought-provoking mediums at this legendary spring festival celebrating Whistler's mountain culture. This ten-day event is filled with events like the Fire and Ice show with live entertainment including big air, fire spinners, live DJs, fireworks displays, and the Duffle Bag Theatre, which will be filled with interactive storytelling theatre. http://www.whistler.com
VARIOUS CITIES
Find out about well-kept secret getaways, the best LGBT cruises, and new exotic destinations, all at the 2012 GLBT Travel Expo Tour. Hitting Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York throughout the month of May, travelers should make their way to the Expo and plan their next adventure with the best GLBT-friendly travel providers, agents, and cruises. Stop by and say hi to us at New York City's LGBT Center on May 5. http://www.glbttravelexpo.com
ARIZONA
phOEnix
Phoenix Pride Festival will take place April 21-22 and is all about partnering with the community and organizations sharing the LGBT mission for equality. As the largest LGBT event in the state of Arizona there are plenty of events to entertain you throughout the weekend. The stage will be filled with local artists and bands, while the community stage will showcase local speakers, entertainers, and some youth performers. The dance pavilion will be hosted by Karamba Nightclub and filled with music all day. For the more eclectic, the bistro stage and pride metro stage will hold a little coffee-house music, jazz, and some oldies. The live entertainment is paired with the Festival Marketplace, and the wedding chapel, where couples can profess their love for one another. http://www.phoenixpride.org
SCOTTSDALE
Indulge your taste buds at the 34th Annual Scottsdale Culinary Festival running April 17-22. If you love the culinary arts, and love to eat (who doesn't?) then the amount of events at the festival will blow your mind. The Chocolate and Wine Experience will satisfy even the most sugar-crazed sweet tooth. The Blues and Brews event will offer a $1 beer tasting, while listening to the best blues acts the Valley of the Sun can offer. The Burger Battle event will allow 20 restaurants to compete for the title of the best burger in town, and to finish off the festival, the Best of the Fest event will serve a five-course, wine-paired dinner created by the top chefs in Arizona. http://www.scottsdalefest.org
california
san francisco
San Francisco's vibrant and diverse citizens have a long tradition of embracing the arts community. So it's no wonder the oldest continually running film festival in America is held here. The 55th San Francisco International Film Festival, organized by the San Francisco Film Society, takes place each spring for 15 days. This year's festival will be held April 19-May 3, and it showcases cinematic diversity and innovation in a beautiful and lively city. Get the popcorn ready, as the festival will feature over 200 films and live events at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas and Castro Theatres. http://wwww.sffs.org
florida
FT. LAUDERDALE
Enjoy live music, a Culinary Couture Fashion show by the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, and the New Times Cupcake Battle, all at the Las Olas Wine and Food Festival happening on April 20. A ticket purchase is necessary to attend, and every ticket includes a complimentary wine glass, butler tray, and unlimited sampling from over 70 of the best local bistros and 45 tables of wine and micro-brews. Don't miss the Bombay Sapphire and Stoli Elit tables for the most extravagant cocktail experience. It's a sexy and fun night out with all proceeds going to the American Lung Association. Come and get your sip on. http://www.lasolaswineandfoodfestival.com
KEY WEST
What happens when you trade houses with total strangers and think you've discovered a murder plot? The Home Exchange play premier happens at the Waterfront Playhouse in Mallory Square. From the writer of the TV series, Monk and White Collar, comes a new play just for the Keys to enjoy. Running May 10-26, a special opening night performance will be held on May 5 and includes an after party in the Sculpture Garden. http://www.waterfrontplayhouse.org
MIAMI
Time to get wet ladies! The new Surfcomber Resort in Miami Beach will be taken over by lesbian beauties for the 12th-annual Aqua Girl weeklong party. Since 1999, Aqua Girl has been throwing yearly events all while fundraising for breast cancer foundations. Every year the party, and the crowd, grows, and this year is no exception. Put on that bikini, and bring your sun block for a week of pool parties at the Surfcomber Resort Hotel, the Traffic Jam House Party, and Afterglow at Score Nightclub. Meet new gals during the Sip & Savor Wine and Cheese Reception at The Betsy, and get sexy during the BodyToning with Rachel Robinson workout. http://www.aquagirl.org
ORLANDO
Dress up as your favorite childhood character or just enjoy the show and activities at Disney Gay Days where anyone can be a princess. Happening May 29-June 4, this weeklong extravaganza features many events, so you can pick and choose your favorites. With options like the Main Lagoon Pool Parties that happen day and night at the Doubletree SeaWorld, great packages for special days at all Disney parks, and the Taste of Gay Days wine, beer, and spirits tasting, you'll have a hard time choosing. The Doubletree Hotel will play host for the event, and it will include Park Hopper tickets for the Gay Day at Magic Kingdom and other parks. http://www.gaydays.com
Disney-themed parties not your style? Check out the 2012 Wonder World, Orlando's international dance music weekend happening through May 31-June 4. The party line up is intense, so buckle-up. The entire weekend is filled with three to four events a day. The Liquid Pool Party happens Friday-Sunday with different gay DJ's ranging from Roland Belmaries and Jay McCracken. The Black Party Expo also happens during the weekend, with a different theme each day. Saturday hosts the Big Bang party at Universal Studios with DJs from Brazil and Mexico, and Sunday will not be left behind with Fasscination party with DJ Paulo, exotic acts, and underground go-go artist. We didn't say you'd have time to catch your breath. http://www.markbakerevents.com
ILLINOIS
CHICAGO
Travel to exotic landscapes and remote cultures and get adrenaline-packed action without leaving the city? Sound too good to be true? Well, take a visit to The Field Museum during the Banff Mountain Film Festival where an action-packed, once-in-a-life adventure can be found without even leaving your seat. This au courant festival is an exploration of the little-known environment of the world's mountains. Expect some award-winning reels and audience favorites from around the globe to be shown right here in Chicago. Catch the high-altitude action April 11. http://www.fieldmuseum.org
LOUISIANA
NEW ORLEANS
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival lineup is having another breakout year! Stars representing nearly every known genre of popular music, like John Mayor and The Eagles, will be coming out for the two-weekend, seven-day festival at the historic Fair Grounds Race Course this spring. Genres include gospel, blues, zydeco, R&B, and good-old Rock 'n' Roll. This year's JazzFest really has something for everyone. Painters, sculptors, and artists of all kinds have their handiwork on display and for sale during each day of JazzFest at the Congo Square, Louisiana Marketplace, and the Contemporary Crafts area. Bring your appetite too; the Food Fair has classic New Orleans staples. In addition to the dozens of fine foods offered (more is never enough), there are two cooking stages at the Fair Grounds Grandstand demonstrating the rich culinary history of New Orleans. http://www.nojazzfest.com
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