The South Florida Lambda Chorale have signed up again to perform at Art Explosion which will take place on Saturday, March 11 from 6 to 9 pm at ArtServe, 1350 East Sunrise Blvd., in Fort Lauderdale. Speaking with The Independent Randy Leonard, the group’s artistic director, said “This is the fifth year that we have taken part in the event. It’s a great event that shows the diversity of the South Florida gay arts community. We regard ArtsUnited as one of our sister organizations in the community.” The chorale will be represented by an ensemble of its members who go under the name “Tropic Harmony.” Apart from well known numbers like “Tomorrow” (from “Annie”), “Over The Rainbow” (“The Wizard of Oz”) and “We Shall Overcome” they will be performing “Brothers and Sisters” by Kirby Shaw.

Art Explosion is the largest one-night glbt arts event to take place on the East Coast of the United States every year and encompasses many branches of the arts. The visual art show that accompanies the one night event will run from March 5 to 18.

There is no cost to the artists to participate or have their work included in the exhibit. Last year over 500 people attended ArtExplosion, and thousands viewed the art exhibit during the month. Last year’s contributors included everything from performance artists, poets, writers, singers, musicians, photographers to painters of every description.

There is no theme for ArtExplosion 2006, nor do you need to be a member of ArtsUnited to enter. Artists and performers who wish to participate must complete and submit either a Visual or a Performance/Author Application on or before March 1, 2006 to be considered. Applications are available at ArtServe, 1350 East Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale and the Stonewall Library and Archives, 1717 N. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. Applications can also be requested by sending an e-mail to ArtsUnited1@aol.com, or by calling 954.530.2723.

"The Independent" is proud to again be a sponsor of this event.