By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
The “M” in WMC could easily stand for Madness or Mayhem on any given year, however, this year the “M” took on new meaning, as Madonna released her new CD, MDNA and made a surprise appearance at Ultra during a set by Avicii.
On Friday night, several hundred Madonna fans danced by the pool bar enjoying the ocean breeze at the Delano for the exclusive release party for MDNA, Madonna’s latest album which officially launched on Monday and is already number 1 on the Billboard charts in over 35 countries. MDNA producers hosted VIPs and special guest DJs such as Martin Solveig, Benny Benassi, Sultan, Ned Shepard, Tracy Young and Smirnoff’s Master of the Mix spinners Kid Capri and Just Blaze who spun never-before-heard versions of Madonna’s “Give Me All Your Lovin'” and “Masterpiece.” Guests danced non-stop fueled by the energetic music and Smirnoff cocktails. On the way out, a few V-VIPS received gift bags which included the new Madonna single and her new fragrance, Truth or Dare, which comes out in April. Bravo star, Andy Cohen, was on-hand for the festivities.
Tiesto at the Belvedere Music Lounge
Oakenfold and Tiesto
“Say I’m old fashioned say I’m over the hill” (and if you recognize that song you probably are too) but our favorites every WMC are Paul Oakenfold and Tiesto- and they’ve been around a while too. On Thursday night, Paul Oakenfold took over the Soho Beach House for a four-hour set that had members and guests dancing all around the pool, Tiki bar and on a special bridge that had been built especially for WMC. A newly svelte and young-looking, Oakenfold was friendly, posing and dancing along partygoers. When asked about his new, trim physique, he jokingly replied, “I’ve been on a diet of pizza and beer.”
The next day we got our Tiesto fix at Belvedere Vodka’s Belve Music Lounge, at the W South Beach which set the stage for some of the most memorable performances to date. Tiesto completed a one-hour set to celebrate the launch of Club Life Radio. Despite the temperatures which seemed to parallel those at the center of the earth, hundreds danced and jumped around to the energetic music- turning the lounge into a “day” club. Tiesto received a platinum record at the lounge before turning over the tables to Nervo, Tommy Trash and Dada Life. Lil Jon enjoyed the DJ sets while sipping on Belvedere and lemonade. He remained in the VIP section with his friends, taking pictures with fans. Andy Cohen stood near the private bungalow pools, sipping on a Belve Teabreeze. Also at the lounge was ex-NBA star Dennis Rodman who came relaxed and ready to lounge in the VIP section.
For three days, Belve Music Lounge guests enjoyed live performances in the intimate stage area along with a place for rest and relaxation in the private bungalow, including a gifting suite by SOL Republic where DJs and lucky guests scored a state-of the art pair of colorful lifestyle headphones.
Mia Moretti
The Standard Parties
The Standard Hotel and Spa hosted four buzz-worthy parties. The week started with Kitsuné party featuring Oliver, Penguin Prison, Plastic Plates, Cassian, and Bufi. Friday night’s party paid tribute to the late DJ Medhi with Ed Banger records featuring A-Trak, Boys Noize, Brodinski, Busy P, Gesaffelstein, Surkin and special guests. Busy P dedicated a track to Mehdi and the crowd took a moment of silence to remember him; it was a very special way to celebrate the life of DJ Mehdi (RIP). Saturday was an all-out dancehall party at the Chicken N Beer Party featuring The Jillionaire, Jubilee, Samo Soundboy, Deathface, Rice N Peas DJS. Guests feasted on chef marks special smoked wings and sipped Kanon cucumber lemonade. Sunday closed off the week with an unforgettable Lazy Sunday BBQ featuring Mia Moretti, Cougarskin, Florencia Galarza, Josh Menendez, Prince Peter and a special surprise performance by Caitlin Moe. The most memorable moments were the party crashing unicorn (don’t ask) who made it to the dock all the way from ULTRA and Mia Moretti and half of the party going swimming in the bay.
Dim Mak Pool Party at Dream
Steve Aoki at HIGHBAR
HIGHBAR at the Dream South Beach hosted the famed Dim Mak pool party “Obey the Kitty Miami Edition” on Saturday, March 24 where Steve Aoki along with Lil Jon, Afrojack, Sidney Samson, Joachim Garraud, Junior Sanchez and 12 other Dim Mak DJs kept the energy level up high and had guests on their feet as they played their latest tracks and took over the rooftop space. Aoki, up to his usual crazy tricks, sprayed the guests with champagne (both via the bottle and his mouth), threw a birthday sheet cake at one of the patrons and crowd surfed into the pool with a bottle of champagne in hand. Taking things to the next level, Aoki even climbed the roof of the DJ booth and jumped into the pool and, surprisingly, got up without a scratch. Paris Hilton was rumored to have made a cameo at the event as well.
Music Loves Fashion Parties at the Raleigh 
Crowds of music enthusiasts flocked to the Raleigh Hotel on Wednesday for the most talked about kick-off party for this year’s Miami Music Week. The hotel grounds filled to capacity for the I (love) AVICII Pool Party in association with PACHA, At Night, ULTRA Pool and Ash Alliance, featuring an opening set by CAZZETTE AND FRIENDS, followed by hous of dance music the young, adorable Swede, AVICII. Prior to AVICII’s arrival at the hotel, his long-time mentor and DJ hero, Tiesto, made an appearance in anticipation of the young Swede’s performance. Both DJs were seen laughing inside the VIP cabana before AVICII took to the stage. Hoards of followers cheered as he arrived on-stage and as the dusk set in. Soon after his set began, Paula Abdul, Paris Hilton, and Holly Madison joined the party. Throughout the week, other acts including: highly acclaimed Grammy Winner, SKRILLEX, Zedd, Kill The Noise, Koan, Alvin Risk, The M Machine, Nick Thayer, Dillon Francis, David Tort, DJ Sneak, EDX, Funkagenda, Justin Sheppard, Moguai, Quintino, Riva Starr, Sandro Silva, Sebastien Drums and Swanky Tunes.
DJ Matt Darey
RX Pool Party at the Perry Hotel
The Perry Hotel, formerly known as the Gansevoort, hosted the RX Pool Party on the rooftop. International DJ Matt Darey spun at the event, keeping the atmosphere in true South Beach style. According to an inside source, Darey has made his home away from home on this side of the pond. Promoter Stephen Morris along with DJ/producer Justin Sheppard, were spotted amongst the crowd. Miami-based local favorite DJ Cato K (Y-100, Sirius 36 XM 81 BPM) was also spotted enjoying the event as he prepared for his set at the Ultra Music Festival.
