Belve Music Lounge presents Ruckus

 Belvedere Vodka played host to one of the hottest (literally and figuratively), most buzzed about experiences during Ultra Music Festival, the Belve Music Lounge at the W South Beach Hotel & Residences. Guests had the opportunity to dance, sample cocktails, take photos at the Belvedere photo booth, take a dip in the private pool, all while listening to  DJ sets including: Blaqstarr, Skrillex, Ruckus, Chuckie, Miss Nine, Dirty Vegas, Roger Sanchez, Moguai, Nervo, Sand er van Doorn, Adrian Lux, Liquid Tod and more.   Other celebrity guests included Tommy Lee, Bob Sinclar, Deadmau5, Carl Cox, Kaskade, Deadmau5, Diplo, and Richie Rich.

Celebrity Apprentice leading contender, Lil’ Jon was sighted at WALL at W South Beach, kicking-off Miami Music Week with a late night DJ set at the exclusive nightclub, which was a celeb Mecca all weekend.  Pro-football stars Miles Austin and Reggie Bush were also spotted at WALL on Friday night. Bush hung out at the same VIP table as Gossip Girl star Jessica Szohr. On Saturday night, Naomi Campbell and her fiancé dropped in for Swedish House Mafia’s Masquerade Motel after party, where guests received glow-in-the-dark RumbaTime watches upon entry.   

 Martin Short, Paul Shaffer and Eugene Levy dined together at Zuma in celebration of Short’s birthday which was on March 26. Camilla Belle was spotted at the table next to the trio. Short continued his 60th birthday celebration with Eugene Levy and Paul Shaffer at The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar over the weekend.  The three amigos were having so much fun enjoying dinner and wine, that Short was surprised when the restaurant brought out a cake for his birthday.  The entire restaurant burst into song and sang “Happy Birthday” to the comedian. 

Zuma was tennis star central last week and weekend.  On Wednesday night, Roger Federer dined with his wife, while at another table Ana Ivanovic enjoyed the Black Cod (our favourite) with a friend. The handsome #41 ranked Feliciano Lopez from Spain was with a few friends at another table and liked the rock shrimp so much they requested 3 orders of it. On Friday night, #1 ranked tennis player Rafael Nadal dined at Zuma while Naomi Campbell and Donny Deutsch dined nearby (separately).

Eric Morillo celebrated his birthday at LIV in between DJ sets- and was treated to an oversized cake, from which a scantily dressed girl popped out. Diddy, Naomi Campbell, will.i.am and apl.de.ap were on-hand for the celebration.

At Gansevoort rooftop, Armin van Buuren, voted #1 DJ by DJ Mag, celebrated the launch of his new footwear and apparel collection, called Q by Armin. DJ Armin distributed signed shoes to guests at the party.

Federer was seen enjoying the Miami Heat vs. Houston Rockets game at the AAA.

Gibraltar Bar at Grove Isle Launches Happy Hour

Every Thursday, Gibraltar Bar at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove will be offering happy hour specials for guests who crave light bites and cocktails after the daily grind. Whether catching up with a friend or co-worker, Gibraltar Bar is setting the scene for the idyllic post-work wind-down amongst spectacular views of the bay. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the happy hour will feature two-for-one champagne flutes and two-for-one well drinks, in addition to a select menu of signature small plates. Gibraltar is located at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove, Florida. Open seven days a week, Gibraltar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch is also available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bar opens Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 11 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight. For reservations or more information, please call 305.857.5007 or visit www.groveisle.com.

Happy Hour at the Bass Museum of Art

On Friday, April 1, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m., the Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach celebrates another installment of their monthly happy hour “Beats After Sunset @ the Bass.” Launched earlier this year, the successful happy hour takes place at the museum’s terrace and attracts art and music hipsters. Scheduled on the first Friday of every month, the event serves complimentary specialty cocktails generously sponsored by Herradura Tequila, Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, and Vitamin Water. Beats will be provided by DJ Yanni Difranco. This week’s “Beats After Sunset @ the Bass” will also serve as the opening reception for the museum’s latest exhibit, Come Together: Frances Trombly and Leyden Rodriguez-Casanova.  Admission to the museum is free for members, $8 for non-members.  Bass Museum of Art is located on 2100 Collins Avenue, for more information call 305.673.7530 or visit www.bassmuseum.org. 

Annual Blacks Gala

Lea and Roy Black present one of the most anticipated star-studded events of the season, The Blacks’ Annual Gala: “That’s What Friends Are For” benefiting the Juvenile Services Department of Miami-Dade through the Consequences Charity & Foundation, with performances by Dionne Warwick, Pharrell Williams, and Pitbull, (strange bedfellows) indeed, at Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach on Saturday, April 2, at 7:00 p.m.  The annual gala raises funds for over 7,500 at-risk youths providing funds for educational opportunities. Tickets start at $650 per person for preferred seating, and $1,250 for VIP. Tables are available in varying seat configurations, starting at $3600. Ticket purchases can be made only by phone at 305.443.8980 or by email at fairchildforconsequences@gmail.com or by going on line to www.theblacksannualgala.com.  Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Miami Beach Cinematheque 

 The Miami Beach Cinematheque will host the opening of its latest art exhibit PIMPWAVES by Italian photographer, filmmaker and artist Leonardo Casali, on Wednesday, April 6, from 7 to 10:30   p.m.  Along with PIMPWAVES, Casali will also be showcasing some of his newest imagery including MOONCAP and a video projection entitled ALPHABE DREAM. Guests in attendance will enjoy light fare and drinks courtesy of Nespresso. Exhibit will be on view through May 31. An RSVP to info@mbcinema.com for opening night is necessary. MBC’s gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and before scheduled films.

1500°Hosts Wine Maker Dinner

1500° at the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach, the farm-to-table eatery is hosting their first ever wine maker dinner on Thursday, April 7 with Rolando Hererra of Mi Sueño Winery.  Organized by 1500° beverage director Julian Uribe, the dinner explores five Mi Sueno award-winning wines, each accompanied by the exquisite cuisine of talented executive chef Paula DaSilva.  A reception with passed canapés begins at 6:30 p.m., with 7:00 p.m. seating.  The four-course dinner menu with paired wines is priced at $120.00 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity.  1500° at the Eden Roc Renaissance is located at 4525 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach.  Reservations for the Mi Sueño Wine Dinner are limited and can be made by calling 305.773.1045 or visit www.1500degreesmiami.com.

Spa for a Cause 

The Seven Seas Aveda Spa and Salon is helping South Floridians celebrate Earth Month with special promotionally priced spa services starting at $50. Guests can feel good about pampering themselves as 20% of all proceeds from eco-friendly spa treatments will be donated to Aveda supported clean water projects at home and around the world.  The spa is also aiding in efforts to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s Disease. Spa-goers will be rewarded with complimentary services and Aveda products with every purchase of a Seven Seas ‘beauty-to-benefit’ gift certificate package.  A portion of proceeds from sales will be donated to the National Parkinson Foundation. To kick off the month-long promotions and welcome the partnership, the Seven Seas Aveda Spa and Salon will host a Get Pampered for Parkinson’s Disease Cocktail Celebration with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres provided by Kitchen 305 and the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort on Thursday, March 31 from 7:00 to 10:00pm. To RSVP, email rsvp@cravingssouthflorida.com.  For appointments call 305.749.2100 or visit www.sevenseasspasalon.com for more information.

Rob Sena, Lauren Minasian, RS Schmitt, Aaron Resnick, and Karina Mora

 By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Maryjoshore@aol.com

Hearts and Stars Shining Bright

It was fitting that the moon shone brighter than it has in 18 years over the Hearts and Stars Gala benefitting the Little Lighthouse Foundation, an organization designed to brighten the lives of South Florida children and families.  It seemed the moon wanted to get close to the 800 generous guests who joined co-chairs Rob Sena, RS Schmitt and Aaron Resnick or to stars such as designer, Luis Valenzuela; singer/songwriter, Shelly Renee, singing star, Nadia Harris, and ebullient local celeb, Buster Cox, at the posh, waterfront Shangri La, (formerly Casa Malinka), home of George Wallner. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Maryanne Salvat and Mary Jo Almeida-Shore  

The Betsy Hotel

The Betsy Hotel will be hosting events for the Ultra Music Festival this week starting on Thursday, March 24.  Take in the experience from its picturesque Rooftop featuring unobstructed ocean views and at B Bar, the Betsy’s glamorous yet inviting lounge. All events are free and open to the public. RSVP required via email to bbar@thebetsyhotel.com, for more information visit www.thebetsyhotel.com.    

 Morgans Hotel Group Hosts Ultra Music Favorites 

The Morgans Hotel Group presents its 2011 line up with performances by Victor Calderone, Carl Craig, Felix da Housecat and many more.   On Wednesday, March 23,   Red Room at Shore Club hosts Carl Craig, Loco Dice, Martin Buttrich and Stacey Pullen. Tickets are available for $20 at Residentadvisor.net/planet20.   On Thursday, March 24 from 7 to 9p.m., SVEDKA Vodka and Giant Step Present TRON: LEGACY R3C0NF1GUR3D Listening Party at the Sunset Lounge at Mondrian.  From Thursday, late night, through Sunday, The Florida Room at the Delano will be hosting many different events during Ultra Music for a complete lineup or for reservations call 305.674.6152 or email thefloridaroom.rsvp@morganshotelgroup.com. 

Radio FG USA at the Setai 

Join Radio FG USA, on Friday, March 25 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Setai, for an intimate “Miami Sunset Party.”  World-renowned DJs, along with Michael Capponi, will join together and take turns playing sets, donating a percentage of ticket sales to Haitian relief efforts through United Way.  Guest DJs include: Bob Sinclar, Alex Gaudino, Bingo Players, David Vendetta, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, EDX, Jérome Isma Ae, Patric La Funk and a very special “Invader” guest playing the closing set.  General admission is $100, for tickets visit www.Wanttickets.com.

 Miami Music Week 2011 at WALL

WALL lounge inside W South Beach will host a series of renowned DJs and performers, and will also introduce new beats from some of the freshest faces in the music industry. Guest DJs include:  Steve Angello, AN21 & Max Vangeli, Third Party, Matteo Di Marr, Swedish House Mafia,  Chuckie + Mync, Yolanda Be Cool, Poet Name Life & Ammo, DJs Dan Castro, Ben DJ, DJ Wady and Staffod Brothers.  Miami Beach boutique Atrium will also design a limited edition collection of tee shirts and scarves that are available for purchase for Miami Music Week at WALL. Tickets can be purchased at www.wanttickets.com  and for a complete line-up visit, www.wallmiami.com.  

Opuim Group’s Miami Music Week 

The mayhem brought to you by the Opium Group, which includes clubs such as:  SET, Louis, Mokai, Cameo and Mansion can be found at:  http://www.theopiumgroup.com/.

Paw Paw Pawpurrazzi 

Victoria Stilwell will be the special guest at Pawpurrazzi, the-one-of- a- kind event that benefits the Humane Society of Greater Miami which takes place at Jungle Island (1111 Parrot Jungle Trail) on Friday, March 25.  Born and raised in Wimbledon England, Stilwell is the star of the Animal Planet show, It’s Me or the Dog, and one of the most recognized and respected dog trainers in the world.  The most unique thing about Pawpurrazzi is that it is one event where dogs are not only welcomed; they are the guests of honor. This event continues to bring Miami’s most influential pet loving philanthropists together to enjoy an evening filled with great food, great music, an exciting silent auction, and fun activities for both two-legged and four-legged guests. It will continue the tradition of hosting the “Great Pets Who Walk in Front of Great People” fashion show as well as pampering four-legged guests with makeovers, a gourmet buffet and dessert bars. Individual seats range in price from $550 to $1000 and tables cost between $5,500 and $10,000.  For further information or for sponsorship opportunities contact Laurie Hoffman at 305.749.1815 or email at laurie@humanesocietymiami.org. 

 Galaxy Gala and Big Bang 

Miami Science Museum’s 2011 Galaxy Gala, which will be held March 26 at the new JW Marriott Marquis & Hotel Beaux Arts (255 Biscayne Boulevard Way), promises to be the museum’s most extravagant to date. The 9^th annual signature event, which is co-chaired by Nancy & Jonathan Batchelor and Nicole & Edgar Lozano, will not only celebrate the museum’s 60-plus-year history but also toast to its exciting future in MiaSci’s new $275 million home on the waterfront in downtown Miami’s Museum Park, which is expected to break ground in late 2011.The 2011 Galaxy Gala will provide a preview of what’s in store at the new museum, with a virtual underwater tour that simulates the 600,000-gallon aquarium, silent auctions in lunar and solar-themed rooms, and live entertainment by Soul Survivors. The gala starts at 7:00 p.m. and will be followed by the MiaSci Young Patrons’ BIG BANG after party, which will actually start with a “big bang” at 11 p.m.  This portion of the evening pays homage to the museum’s planetarium through spectacular lighting effects and dazzling performance artists. The entertainment will be provided by Latin fusion funk band Xperimento and two DJs and will include a premium open bar and   gourmet dessert bar – all for only $50 per ticket.

There are still a select number of tickets available for the Galaxy Gala ($500/person) but if you want to snag a spot at the “Saturn Ring Head Table” ($2,000/couple) move quickly – only a few seats remain.  For more information and to buy tickets, visit:  www.miamisci.org/www/gala_intro.php. 

Bieber-Fever and Operation USA 

On Tuesday, March 29, Miami-based Stone Rose Men’s Apparel Company will host a “picture day” where fans are invited to take a photo with locks of Justin Bieber’s hair in exchange for a suggested charity donation that will benefit Operation USA, which provides relief for the tsunami victims in Japan.   The famous tresses were recently auctioned off for $40,668 on March 2, to benefit the Gentle Barn Foundation, a rescue and rehabilitation charity for animals in need.  Justin Bieber posters will be gifted to the first 50 fans to make a donation. The “mane” attraction will be held at Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge Miami Beach,   from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

Go Shoe Shopping

Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland (7687 North Kendall Drive) will host a charity shoe shopping event on Wednesday, March 30 along with Big Brothers Big Sisters. The first 100 guests who make a donation of $100 or more to Big Brothers Big Sisters will automatically receive a $100 Saks Fifth Avenue gift card. 

The event will feature a champagne reception along with hors d’ oeuvres while guests shop the latest shoe trends available at 10022-SHOE. On the night of the event, Saks Fifth Avenue will launch the Nicolas Kirkwood spring/ summer 2011 shoe line, whose

Designs have been featured on Style.com and Vogue magazines. Celebrities, such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianne Moore, Mary Kate Olsen and Sienna Miller have been spotted wearing the “Young Sole Rebel” line. The Nicolas Kirkwood line collaborated with the designers of Rodarte for its latest creations. For more information, contact:  Cristina Menendez at 305.662.8655, ext. 262.  

MIYO Home Chair-ity

MIYO Home, along with co-owner Fati Rosenberg, is pleased to announce the Chair-ity cocktail event on Wednesday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m., with proceeds benefiting the Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation. To celebrate the launch of the virtual boutique, MIYO Home has commissioned eight local artistic visionaries along with a celebrity interior designer to create a customized MIYO Home Chair.  Artists were invited to translate their visions onto a classic design piece – a chair – using the Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation as a reference of inspiration.  The one-of-a-kind chairs will be on display throughout the evening and auctioned off.  The auction will begin prior to the event on the MIYO Home virtual boutique and will end at the event; 100% of the proceeds from all eight chairs will be donated to the Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation. Among the eight visionaries who have donated their talents: Thom Filicia, Seth Browarnik, Mario Egozi, Iran Issa Khan, Hillary Scrutis, Briggs Solomon, Fernando Wong, and Robert Zemnickis.  MIYO Home is located at 3621 NE Miami Court, f or more information visit www.MIYOHome.com. 

 Japan Relief Rolls at SUSHISAMBA

SUSHISAMBA restaurants will be donating 100 percent of the proceeds from a special, $12 special Japan Relief Rolls (eel, shrimp, tamago, cucumber, yamagobo, kelp paper and eel sauce)  in honor of their country. Available at all SUSHISAMBA locations nationwide, the promotion will run through the end of March and will benefit the Red Cross. You can find more information about the campaign at www.sushisamba.com.

Legendary DJ, Paul Oakenfold took to the turntables at the Tiki Bar at Soho Beach House on Thursday night- spinning some of his best mixes before “folding” at the early hour of 11 p.m., at which time he mingled with members and enjoyed drinks at the bar.  Oakenfold later headed to the Florida Room where he continued delighting fans with his great music.

According to our source, on Thursday, LA Lakers’ Ron Artest “took the sting off his team’s loss to The Miami Heat by letting loose at Mansion, and surprising fans with his prowess on the microphone by performing his new single ‘Peanut Butter’ for the packed house. Lesser known for his rapping skills than his skills on the courts, Artest got accolades from the crowd including Busta Rhymes who toasted Artest with bottles of Remy while partying with Mansion honcho Roman Jones and DJ Bulletproof.”

Busta Rhymes made a cameo at Cameo, on Saturday night, spraying Dom Perignon from the DJ Booth while rapping for over an hour over only to be joined by Hip Hop heavyweight Lil Wayne who joined in -shouting to the ladies that he was “fresh out of jail and on the prowl for female attention,” and belting out hits “Bill Gates” and “Look at Me Now.”  

Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade, Alonzo and Tracy Mourning enjoyed brunch together in the back garden at Eden South Beach on 23^rd street.