Out in the Tropics, presented by FUNDarte, is South Florida’s annual (and first) gender-bending contemporary performing arts festival. The festival brings contemporary GLBTQ artists, whose work reflects the creative depth and diversity within the GLBTQ community, to Miami for a weeklong festival of performances and art events from June 13-16. The 2013 festival will feature el Ciervo Encantado, Taylor Mac, Carmelita Tropicana, Ela Troyano, Enrique Pineda Barnet and Well-Strung.

Taylor Mac wig by Hailand.

Even though every event is a must-see, the provocative and visually stunning theater artist Taylor Mac is not to be missed. Mac opens Out in the Tropics on Friday, June 14th at 8:30 p.m. at the Colony Theatre with his latest work, “A 20th Century History of Popular Music Abridged.” The theatrical concert performance consists of one song from each decade of the 20th century presented as “a performance ritual to help the audience let go of the 20th century and move into the 21st.”

After Mac, get ready for the quirky, all-male string and singing quartet, Well-Strung, a new kind of boy band of classical musicians who reinterpret Mozart, Adele, Lady Gaga and other well-known performers. The quartet, composed of first violinist Edmund Bagnell, second violinist Christopher Marchant, cellist Daniel Shevlin and violist Trevor Wadleigh, closes Out in the Tropics on Sunday, June 16th at 8 p.m., also at the Colony Theatre.

What makes Out in the Tropics more than just GLBTQ festival is the quality of the performers selected by FUNDarte’s Executive Director Ever Chavez. Chavez’s discerning eye for selecting electrifying performers makes the festival a worthwhile visit for South Floridians from across the gender spectrum. But, don’t be led astray. Out in the Tropics is not afraid to confront and address social and cultural taboos head on.

Tickets for events at the Colony Theatre are $30 (per night) or $25 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Colony Theatre box office; by calling 800-745-3000; or online at fundarte.us and ticketmaster.com. The Colony Theatre is located at 1040 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach; 305-674-1040; www.colonytheatremiamibeach.com. Tickets for events at the Miami Beach Cinematheque are $10 for general admission, $9 for students and seniors, or $8 for MBC members. The Miami Beach Cinematheque is located at 1130 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; 305-673-4567; mbcinema.com. For additional information about the event or the festival, call FUNDarte at 305-316-6165 or visit fundarte.us.