Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade at The Collection

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

One of the most fun events of the summer actually took place during the day on  Saturday, June 30^th, at luxury dealership, The Collection, which, together with Ocean Drive magazine, and its brand ambassador NBA Champion Dwyane Wade, revealed the all-new, highly-awaited 2013 Porsche Boxster at an MVP brunch event held on-site at the dealer’s Porsche showroom.

The Collection was party central- with great dance music, performances by La Vida Con Fuego, a fashion presentation by Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, free flowing Moet Imperial Ice and Belvedere vodka and delicious offerings from Zuma, City Hall, Yardbird, Swine and the Biltmore–all at 11 a.m. In fact, we had to keep looking out the window to be sure it was still daytime!

Fans cheered when Wade arrived and took the stage along with girlfriend, actress Gabrielle Union and Alonzo and Tracy Mourning to thank the crowd for its support of the Miami Heat and laud the Boxster before introducing Ken Gorin, President and CEO of The Collection.  Gorin addressed the guests, stating:  “We are beyond excited to have celebrated the arrival of the all new Porsche Boxster with our customers.  It’s the perfect combination of sporty and sexy – in essence, the perfect car for Miami.  This car must be seen and driven to be believed!” The party continued long after the speeches, as Wade graciously signed autographs for fans.  After some time in the upstairs VIP area, Wade and Union had some fun in the photo booth-which had been a big hit throughout the event. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Maryanne Salvat

20^th Annual International Mango Festival

Twenty years ago, a seed from one of Dr. David Fairchild’s century-old mango trees was planted in Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s fertile soil. Fast forward to the present and Fairchild is now a haven for tropical fruit research and home to hundreds of mango cultivars. This year, Fairchild celebrates the growth and development mangos have gone through to thrive in South Florida and around the world with the 20^th Annual International Mango Festival this Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission to the International Mango Festival is free for Fairchild members and children 5 and under. For non-members, admission is $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up, and $12 for children 6-17. Those who walk or bike receive $5 off adult admission and $2 off child admission. Those with a Military ID have free admission, with $20 for their spouses and $10 for their children.

Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Present It’s All Overtown

NBA Champion, Alonzo Mourning, and wife Tracy Wilson Mourning, will host It’s All Overtown, “One Night…One World,” a premier annual fundraiser benefiting the Overtown Youth Center (OYC), on Thursday, July 19, starting at 6:00 p.m., at the Rusty Pelican. Guests, alongside Mistress of Ceremonies, Belkys Nerey, WSVN-TV News Anchor, will be transported around the world with entertainment, food, and specialty cocktails, all embracing the evening’s theme of multicultural inclusion. The recently redesigned Rusty Pelican will present the event and serve as the ideal backdrop in which to raise much-needed funds to support the Center, founded by Mourning in 2003. In addition to the many ways supporters can contribute to the long-term fiscal success of OYC, It’s All Overtown event-goers will have a winning chance at silent auction items that include unique experiences compliments of local eateries, hotels and spas, a variety of popular brand name fashion accessories, autographed sports memorabilia from popular athletes both current and legends, including the 2012 NBA Champions, the Miami Heat. Tickets to It’s All Overtown “One Night…One World start at $125 and are currently available. For more information, visit http://www.overtownyouth.orgor call (305) 349-1204.  

Style Saves’ 1 Year Anniversary

On Thursday, July 19th from 9 pm to midnight, stay stylish by giving back! Celebrate Style Saves’ 1 Year Anniversary at Style Saves’ 2nd Annual Summer Fashion Show Fundraiser! To kick off 2012 Miami Swim Week, Style Saves will host an exclusive event at SOHO Beach House featuring four designer fashion shows, sponsored open bar and live DJ. The runway show will showcase looks from Trina Turk, Atrium, Papi swimwear for men & iShine365 swimwear for women. Following the fashion show, the party will continue. Guests will enjoy cocktails and treats from Stella’s Sweet Shoppe while viewing the online auction hosted by charitybuzz featured on iPads throughout the space and capturing memories in the CapturePod photo booth sponsored by Atrium. Tickets cost $100 in advance, $125 at the door. To purchase tickets visit http://stylesaves.charityhappenings.org. 

SALON ALLURE Benefits Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation 

On July 21 and July 22, SALON ALLURE, a four-day boutique tradeshow featuring more than 70 of the world’s most exclusive brands in swim, resort, and now accessories, marks its third anniversary at Swim Week by inviting the public to its first-ever DESIGNER SAMPLE SALE fundraiser, net proceeds for the event will benefit Salon Allure’s charity of choice: Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation (MCHF). Chaired by Norma Jean Abraham, celebrity co-chairs Tracy Wilson Mourning and Lisa Pliner, and style blogger Ginger Harris of Electric Blogarella at the Perry South Beach, attendees will have access to the same luxury swim and resort wear worn by Hollywood A-listers, from Fergie to Rihanna, all at discounts of up to 50 percent off. Guests will also enjoy complimentary cocktails, DJ performances, and the chance to support Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation with each purchase. To learn more and offer support, visit www.mchf.org.

photo: Facebook

Miami Heat coach, Erik Spoelstra, made appearances at Haven and STK this past weekend. He stopped by Haven on Friday night and was spotted sipping cocktails with a few friends. On Saturday night he dined at STK, showing up with a party of 10 including other fellow Miami Heat coaches.

Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield spent the day promoting The Amazing Spiderman– this summer’s biggest blockbuster, at the Mandarin Oriental.

Basketball Wives star, Evelyn Lozada was seen at Books and Books.

Ringo Starr performed at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on Saturday.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

After keeping millions of fans upbeat and entertained throughout the Heat’s championship season, Miami’s own DJ Irie hosted his 8th annual three-day action – packed charity weekend last weekend. The 2012 Irie Weekend began Thursday night with an exclusive Chambord vodka Carnaval themed kick-off event at a private residence on Star Island. The party was so big that the valet had to park the cars a few miles away- and was full to capacity by 10 p.m. -just an hour after the party started.  Guests enjoyed nibbles and cocktails throughout the sprawling, ocean-front property, dancing all night despite the sweltering heat.  Dennis Rodman, dressed with his typical flair, kept himself busy with the Brazilian showgirls as VIP guests gathered on the second floor to sing “Happy Birthday” to DJ Irie, who had celebrated his birthday on the night the Heat won the NBA Finals. 

On Friday, the New Era Celebrity Golf Tournament took place at the beautiful Melreese Country Club where Mayor Carlos Gimenez proclaimed June 29 “DJ Irie Day” and presented Irie with a proclamation amid cheers from the excited crowd. The golf tournament, which Irie admits is “90% party and 10% golf,” featured terrific food from food trucks including Palate Party and Monster Lobster and tastings from Hooters, Miami Subs, Epicure and The Soup Man (the Seinfeld off-shoot). On the green guests enjoyed great music, ice cold Heineken, Red Bull and cocktails. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Beats After Sunset

On Friday, July 6, Bass Museum of Art will host its monthly first Friday happy soiree Beats After Sunset from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy complimentary cocktails by Herradura Tequila and beats by Joseph Anthony while browsing works from current exhibitions “MENS SUITS” by Charles LeDray and “Erasey Page” by Miami-based artist Jillian Mayer in collaboration Eric Shoenborn. Admission is complimentary for members and basspass holders; $8 museum admission for non-members. Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge, will host an after party from 11:00 pm to 12:00 a.m. where Beats guests are invited to enjoy one complimentary beverage and ping pong. 

The Amazing Spider-man IMAX Experience 

For those in need of fleeing the summer‘s sweltering heat an escape to an icy cool IMAX movie theater may be the perfect solution. The Amazing Spider-man, released this week to sold-out audiences nationwide, is a sure bet for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.  With amazing 3-D effects and an impressive cast including, the adorable Andrew Garfield (Social Network), girl-next-door Emma Stone, Martin Sheen, Sally Field, and Denis Leary, the new superhero series is one not to be missed.  

FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach

On Wednesday, July 18, join creators Aleksandar Stojanovic, Matt Heien and Alain Perez as they present the 17^th season of FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach. Since 2003, FUNKSHION has brought Miami to the forefront of the Fashion World, working with designers showcasing in New York City, Milan and Paris. FUNKSHION offers a fun, young opportunity for designer collections to come to life, merging the worlds of fashion and music. Bringing in celebrity DJs and bands, FUNKSHION provides the perfect soundtrack for the catwalk. Every year Funkshion produces runway shows every October, March and July. These events are open to the public, for a complete schedule and to RSVP visit: www.fashionweekmiami.com.

International Mango Festival at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Twenty years ago, a seed from one of Dr. David Fairchild’s century-old mango trees was planted in Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s fertile soil. Fast forward to the present and Fairchild is now a haven for tropical fruit research and home to hundreds of mango cultivars. This year, Fairchild celebrates the growth and development mangos have gone through to thrive in South Florida and around the world with the 20th Annual International Mango Festival on Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission to the International Mango Festival is free for Fairchild members and children 5 and under. For non-members, admission is $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up, and $12 for children 6-17. Those who walk or bike receive $5 off adult admission and $2 off child admission. Those with a Military ID have free admission, with $20 for their spouses and $10 for their children.