Once again, GLBX’s ARTOPIA will take over NSU Museum Fort Lauderdale for its third annual event – an explosion of visual, performing, fashion, and culinary arts.
This year’s extravaganza, sponsored in part by Audi Fort Lauderdale, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and Mad Studios, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 24. The incomparable Daisy D will return once again as this year’s sassy emcee. As we know from last year, ARTOPIA was an extraordinary success. What does the GLBX team have in store for us this year?
With two strong years under its belt, GLBX is making this year better then ever. The evening will begin with an exclusive VIP reception. Special performances will take place on the main stage throughout the night in addition to photographic art displays, fashion cameos, high-tech digital arts, and culinary treats with plentiful cocktails that will blow your mind. The evening will culminate with an after-hours lounge when a special guest DJ takes over to cap off the night with music and dancing.
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Jonathan Hawkins, an internationally recognized performer, will be gracing the stages at ARTOPIA III. He was last seen in South Florida in Andrea Bocelli’s “Live in Central Park Revisited.” Living between New York and Los Angeles, Hawkins has had the privilege of performing around the world. From the Cathedral of Notre Dame to Lincoln Center, the ancient Greek Theatre at Epidaurus to the world famous Birdland Jazz Club, Hawkins has become one of the most sought after crossover tenors with his “tour de force” voice. Hawkins will take you on a journey though tale and song. His exceptionally beautiful and powerful voice coupled with his charming personality make for an unforgettable evening of first-class entertainment.
ARTOPIA’s DJs are Paul Dawson and PJ DeBoy. They starred together in the cult film favorite “Shortbus,” which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. They are the co-creators, hosts and DJs of Mattachine, the long-running NYC monthly and international dance party with recent stops at the Berlin Film Festival, Rio, and Miami. Dawson and DeBoy are very excited to be coming to ARTOPIA.
Photographs by M. Sharkey will enrich the scene with striking images of queer youth across the U.S. and Europe. Sharkey’s photographs are intimate testaments to his subjects’ powerful self-awareness; at once empathetic and opulent, they are the visual counterparts to the voices these young people have struggled—and lately succeeded—to find.
Additional theatrical and melodic treats are in store provided by the amazing Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida and Island City Stage, both of which are this year’s beneficiaries along with the Stonewall National Museum & Archives.
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ARTOPIA is produced by the GLBX, a council of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, created with the firm belief that the inclusion of diversity in business fosters growth and prosperity among the entire community. It is also one of the fastest growing business networking groups in Broward County committed to bringing together straight and gay-owned businesses along with large and small corporations so that together the business community can continue to “build bridges” and infuse dollars back into the area. ARTOPIA was conceived as a cultural event in order to appeal to all aspects of the business and artistic communities.
The exclusive VIP reception begins at 7 p.m. and includes a special performance by Jonathan Hawkins, with ample time to hobnob and mingle with the artists and performers while sipping specialty cocktails and enjoying mouthwatering culinary bites. Other VIP perks include free valet parking. General admission also opens its doors at 7 p.m., getting the party started on the second floor of this spectacular space.
Tickets for ARTOPIA III are available online at GLBX.org or FTLchamber.com. Act now for available ticket purchase discounts. General Admission tickets start as low as $90, VIP as low as $140. Both include culinary delights, entertainment, and open bars throughout the night!
Join our next After Hours Networking event at Audi Fort Lauderdale on August 11th at 1200 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304.
Follow the GLBX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/fortlauderdaleglbx/ or contact the GLBX Council Chair, Karen Prescod at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to obtain more information on how to become a member.
