By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
Jelsomino Combines Cabaret and Karaoke
A dapper, Michael Capponi, recently hosted the opening night party for Jelsomino, Miami Beach’s opulent, new upscale theatrical karaoke concept- (70% cabaret, 20% Burlesque, 10% karaoke). Think: the Moulin Rouge meets Chicago, In fact, both of those movies were being projected on large screens in between numbers. Capponi, (channeling his elegant Italian nightclub owner/ restaurateur father, Feffo Capponi) unveiled the new club, for which he is promoting special nights each week with a private, VIP opening for 400 guests who gathered to join the nightlife impresario/entrepreneur/philanthropist in welcoming the Ginza Project and Jelsomino founder Tatiana Brunetti in their first South Florida venture.
Guests were greeted by Jelsomino’s entertainment team of professional singers and dancers who kept the cabaret theme going throughout the night with seductive and high-energy performances. Partygoers sipped on Perrier Jouet and Russian Standard cocktails while enjoying and participating in the performances. Gourmet food, cocktails and white glove service combined with the upscale karaoke (background dancers, professional singers and equipment and props), make Jelsomino a unique and welcomed addition to South Beach nightlife.
En Situ: From Wilderness to Studio
Elizabeth Evans Gallery celebrated its inaugural exhibition by featuring two legendary Florida-based artists, Clyde Butcher and Iran Issa-Khan over the weekend. Both known for their love of nature and all things beautiful, Butcher is considered a national treasure for his photographic work in natural settings, especially the Florida Everglades, while Issa-Khan approaches natural objects in her studio, much like she did during her years as a top fashion photographer.
Gallerist and Founder of Elizabeth Evans Gallery, Diana Gratz, along with her handsome husband, George Gratz hosted a fete for almost two hundred collectors and art lovers alike in the beautifully finished space on tiny Marco Island, which was filled with free-flowing Champagne along with stone crabs and other delicacies. Guests included: Lynn Holley, Executive Director, Marco Island Center for the Arts; gallerist, Judith Liegeois, Karen Ardale, Rob K. Blabey, F.B. Paulsen, Jr., Bob Howe, Michael Leondas Kirkland, Jairo Garcia, Issa-Khan’s Studio Assistant with Charly Elvira among others.
The Little Lighthouse Foundation’s Nightmare on the Beach
On Saturday, October 27, The Little Lighthouse Foundation presented its 3rd annual Halloween extravaganza, “Nightmare on the Beach.” More than 1,000 guests piled into the Bath Club for the sold-out affair, which featured music by DJ ELLE, followed by the evening’s headliner: Cato K. For the party, the Bath Club’s 26,000 square foot indoor space was transformed into five themed rooms, which included: The Dos Equis “Most Interesting Lounge,” the Primp VIP Lounge, the Laser Lounge, V2cigs Vapor Lounge, and the Dream Den. The outside courtyard was set up with food stations from Rosa Mexicano, Thierry’s Catering, Lyon+Lyon, Mena Catering, Goya Foods, Tosca, Catering Concepts, and a Nitrogen Bar designed by Cuisineworks. Outlandishly costumed guests marveled at contortionists, aerialists, illuminated break dancers, and a live performance by Orchid to support The Little Lighthouse Foundation that aids underprivileged local children and their families with medical, educational, emotional and financial resources. For more information about the Little Lighthouse Foundation, visit:http://www.thelittlelighthouse.org/.
