By: Maryanne Salvat

Locust Projects Celebrates 2014 Spring Fling: La Dolce Vita

Locust Projects will celebrate the good life at its 2014 Spring Fling: La Dolce Vita, on April 26 at the critically acclaimed Herzog & De Meuron designed 1111 Building on Lincoln Road. Locust Projects’ Spring Fling brings art lovers together for a unique evening featuring art, delicious food, drinks, music – and Locust Projects’ first-ever silent auction of fine wines, led by Eric Larkee, Wine Director of the Genuine Hospitality Group. As a hallmark that makes Locust Projects stand out from other art venues, Locust Projects embraces cutting-edge exhibitions and innovative installations. “We are celebrating more than 15 years of providing local, national and internationally based contemporary visual artists the freedom to experiment with new ideas and methods without the limitations of conventional exhibition spaces. Community support has always been vital to Locust Projects’ success and the Spring Fling is one of Locust Projects’ most important sources of revenue for the year” says Locust Projects Executive Director, Chana Sheldon. The proceeds from this event provide essential funding for exhibitions and programming; for more information visit:www.locustprojects.org.

Community Schools of Miami Gala Among the Stars 

Community Schools of Miami’s largest fundraiser is their annual gala, and this year’s event takes place on Saturday, April 26 at the EPIC Hotel with a black-tie affair to remember, commemorating CIS of Miami’s silver anniversary and 25years of service in Miami-Dade. The theme of the gala is “an evening among the stars”, which pays tribute to the CIS of Miami students (stars) who have successfully graduated high school since the organization’s inception.  For the past 25 years, Communities In Schools of Miami (CIS of Miami) has been a driving force in collaborating with Miami-Dade County Public Schools to improve educational outcomes by providing free programs and tools to keep students in class and on track toward graduation. Tickets for the annual philanthropic event are $200 each, and all proceeds directly benefit CIS of Miami. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cismiami.org or by calling 305.252.5444.   

La Martina Miami Beach Polo World Cup

The Polo Life, LLC presents the tenth annual La Martina Miami Beach Polo World Cup, the world’s largest and most prestigious Beach Polo competition, taking place from April 24 to April 27, between 20th and 22nd streets on the sands of South Beach, Florida, with the support of The Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. This year marks the tournament’s coveted Ten Year Anniversary for the production of the sport’s premium event by The Polo Life, based in South Florida. General Admission and VIP tickets are now on sale at www.miamipolo.com with a dedicated Miami Beach Polo World Cup Travel Package available at the newly opened Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach – one of the tournament’s Official hotel partners.

ParkJockey at the Wynwood Life Festival

Miami’s newest parking app is teaming up with Wynwood Life Festival from April 25 through April 27, to make finding a parking spot at the festival a breeze. ParkJockey, available on the App store, GooglePlay, and the web, is offering advance booking on parking at a discount. The first 50 users to book their parking with ParkJockey will get a free 2-day ticket to the event. ParkJockey will also have a tent at the event, complete with cell phone charging station where users will be able to juice up their phones after all the mural selfies, get free goodies, and learn more about the parking app’s city-wide capabilities.  

By: Maryanne Salvat 

108-Day Nespresso VertuoLine^TM Pop-Up U.S. Tour   

Nespresso has launched the newest addition to their brewing family the VertuoLine^TM system! It is first Nespresso machine that brews both American style large-cup coffee and authentic espresso; Nespresso has created the ultimate tasting experience during the 108-Day Nespresso VertuoLine^TM Pop-Up Tour nationwide. Five simultaneous teams will travel the country to 17 different cities where coffee lovers will have a chance to visit this unique installation. Nespresso experts will be on hand for one-on-one demonstrations of the new system and provide assistance with personalized, complimentary tastings. For more information about Nespresso or to see a schedule of Pop-Up demonstrations visit: www.nespresso-us.com/events. 

Miracle Makers Luncheon and Fashion Show 

Miami’s top philanthropists will be honored at the “Miracle Makers Luncheon and Fashion Show” hosted by the Women’s Committee of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami, along with this year’s co-chairs Irene Korge, Aislynn McDonald, Bronwyn Miller, and Migna Sanchez-Llorens.  The 14^th annual Luncheon will be held on Thursday, April 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. Jennifer Valoppi, multi-Emmy Award winning TV journalist, award winning author, and social entrepreneur, will serve as mistress of ceremonies.  The exclusive event will include a cocktail reception, a luxurious silent auction and luncheon, followed by a spectacular fashion show presented by Neiman Marcus.  Guests will have the opportunity to “meet a match” and experience the life changing impact of mentoring. Individual tickets start at $175 and seating is limited. Guests are encouraged to purchase raffle tickets in advance for the opportunity to win a raffle item, including an amethyst and baroque pearl necklace with 22k yellow gold dipped oval Bali bead, a St. John VIP Shopping experience including a $500 gift card and private champagne reception, brunch for four at the Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne, and an 18k gold ring in precious yellow, green, and blue sapphires by Concita Lach. For reservations contact Shaunte Young, syoung@bbbsmiami.org or Laura Siegel, lsiegel@bbbsmiami.org;
For further information, visit www.wementor.org.

Blues & Brunch Hosted by MISO 

The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO), together with Conductor Eduardo Marturet and its Board of Directors, present a “Blues & Brunch” performance at Juvia Restaurant in the stunning 1111 building on Lincoln Road on Sunday, April 26. Sponsored by Modern Luxury Miami, and organized by Co-Chairs Criselda Breene, Sam Robin & Iran Issa- Khan, with help from the Host Committee listed below, this unique fundraiser takes place in the beautiful ambiance of an award-winning (2013 James Beard Award Winner in restaurant design) South Beach landmark.   The performance by MISO’s professional world-class musicians begins at 11:00 a.m., and consists of jazz and blues music mixed with familiar classical repertoire to create a fun and soulful event for all ages to enjoy. Big hats, bow ties and your favorite fashionable accessories are highly encouraged.  For ticket and table inquiries, contact 305. 275.5666 or visit themiso.org/bluesbrunchtickets.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Benihana Children Helping Children 

Benihana Inc., the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, has officially kicked off the sixth annual “Children Helping Children” coloring contest as part of its Children’s Day activities. From now until May 5, children ages 12 and younger visiting any Benihana location nationwide are encouraged to participate by drawing a picture to depict what the theme of “Children Helping Children” means to them. For each entry form received, Benihana will donate $1 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. On May 6, one winning entry will be selected from each restaurant and the child will be awarded a dinner for eight. Benihana will also name one winning entry through Instagram. An adult parent/guardian simply needs to take a photo of the child’s submission and upload it to Instagram now through May 5 with the hashtag #BENIKIDS and/or #CHILDRENSDAY to be eligible. Additionally, 100 percent of the purchase price of all Benihana Kabuki Kids meals served on Children’s Day, May 5, will be donated to St. Jude. Since the program began, Benihana has donated more than $160,000 to St. Jude. The total collected funds from 2014 Children’s Day initiatives will be presented during a private event for St. Jude patients and their families held on the hospital campus in Memphis, Tenn., on May 21. For more information about Benihana’s “Children Helping Children” promotion and contests, visit www.benihana.com.

Michael Bastian at Cottage Miami 

Ariel Burman and Cottage Miami host CFDA Menswear Designer Recipient of the Year Award winner Michael Bastian, this Thursday, April 10, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.  for a presentation of his much acclaimed Spring/Summer 2014 Collection. Bastian will be presenting his Spring/Summer 2014 Collection and preview his current designs at the Sunset Harbour menswear shop. Guests will be treated to light bites. The event will resume in the evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. with cocktails; For more information call 305.534.9917 or RSVP to rsvp@cottage-miami.com.

PB Fish

Pubbelly Boys Andreas Schreiner, Jose Mendin and Sergio Navarro announce the launch of a new pop-up concept, PB Fish, a Sunset Harbour fish shack, launching Tuesday at PB Steak at 1787 Purdy Avenue on South Beach, and featuring affordable seafood specialties and innovative rum-based cocktails, weekdays from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Their weekday Happy Hour, normally 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. will move from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. to accommodate the expected crowds. Reservations will be available through www.pbsteak.com, www.cityeats.com, and by calling the restaurant at 305. 695.9550.

26th Annual AIDS Walk Miami

One Step Closer to the Cure will occur on Sunday, April 27 at the Miami Beach Convention Center located on 1901 Convention Center Drive. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. The walk begins at 9:00 a.m. For this year’s walk, Philip Levine, Mayor of Miami Beach is the Master of Ceremonies. In addition, television personality Alexia Echevarria from the Bravo Network’s hit reality show ‘The Real Housewives of Miami’ is the Grand Marshal; visit www.aidswalkmiami.org for more information.

By: Maryanne Salvat

MIYO Home Presents Noelia Madiedo: “Untouched”

MIYO Home is proud to present Noelia Madiedo: “Untouched,” an exhibition of travel photography exclusively for MIYO Home. On Thursday, April 3, MIYO Home is teaming up with Amigos For Kids, anon-profit organization committed to child abuse awareness and prevention, to kick-off the annual ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night. To commemorate the upcoming annual signature fundraiser ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night, MIYO Home will donate a portion of the evening’s proceeds to Amigos For Kids. For the unveiling of the photography exhibit, Noelia Madiedo will personally introduce 25 limited and numbered works in editions of 19 that will be on display and available for purchase at MIYO Home until June 2014. 

Taperia Raca 

Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli and business partner Alex Casanova, the talented young duo behind Coral Gables’ foodie favorite Eating House, launch their latest concept, Taperia Raca, a casual and fun Spanish tapas restaurant and wine bar, Friday, March 28 at 7010 Biscayne Boulevard, in the heart of Miami’s MiMo District on the Biscayne Corridor.A trip to laidback Spain, the cozy restaurant seats 16 inside and offers an expansive outdoor garden seating 40. Inspired by the laidback atmosphere of the Corridor, area vintage stores and quirky architectural motifs, Rapicavoli and Casanova put art and music at the center of the experience with brick lined walls, cardboard bullheads and a custom made mural to the tune of Spanish reggae music. Taperia Raca accepts reservations via CityEats. Telephone: 305.751.8756. Website: www.taperiaraca.com. Twitter/Instagram: @Taperia_Raca. 

Funkshion: Fashion Week Miami Beach

Funkshion: Fashion Week Miami Beach celebrates its 26^th season this week in South Beach.  As with every year, FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach, will fuse music and fashion like no other city in the world does!!  FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach is a four day/evening long event for designers to showcase their new collections. As with every season, they allow the general public to attend free of charge. Highlights will include HOLT, Miami Based; KrelWear, and also a Del Wear swim show with a live band made up totally of Military Veterans hosted by producer Stephan Morris.   Guests can rsvp at:  WWW.FASHIONWEEKMIAMI.COM Or  WWW.FUNKSHION.COM.

 An Intimate Evening with Roger Sanchez

Grammy Award winner and architect of the electronic dance music movement, Roger Sanchez, will be giving an exclusive performance at The Setai this Thursday March 27 from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. With Opening sets by Joey Grenier and Lupe Fuentes, revelers can expect an unforgettable night of musical boundaries being pushed. RSVP a MUST and table reservations strongly advised as capacity is limited. RSVP/Table Reservations: Setai@statusluxurygroup.com

 By: Maryanne Salvat 

Funkshion: Fashion Week Miami 

Funkshion: Fashion Week Miami Beach celebrates its 26^th season!! As with every year, FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach will fuse music and fashion like no other city in the world could do. FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach will utilize the fashion tents at Collins Park in Miami Beach as the location for all shows.  FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach is a four day/evening long event that provide an intelligent, innovative platform for progressive and established designers to showcase their collections to media, celebrities, international buyers, and select style makers. The shows are geared towards designer diffusion collections and innovative lifestyle brands; general public to attend free of charge. First 100 people to rsvp – per show. Visit WWW.FASHIONWEEKMIAMI.COM Or  WWW.FUNKSHION.COM  for a full schedule.

Wolfsonian-FIU Inaugurates Power of Design 2014: Complaints 

The Wolfsonian-FIU inaugurates Power of Design 2014: Complaints from March 20 through March 23. The four-day think tank uses art to highlight challenges and initiate collective problem-solving by exploring the relevance of ideas. The festival unites world-renowned thought leaders and visionaries from multiple fields including Pulitzer Prize–winning author Michael Chabon, virtual reality pioneer Jaron Lanier, designer Todd Oldham and Wired magazine powerhouse Clive Thompson for discussions, presentations and performances in an effort to sway locals from dissatisfaction to action. This year’s topic of “Complaints” is not intended as a gripe fest but rather an ideas exchange on what comes next: action, innovation, and solutions. Thursday events are free to the public. On Saturday, March 22, Sean Donaldson, hair mastermind, beauty expert, and owner of Sean Donaldson Hair in Miami Beach, invites the public to confess their inner insecurities at the “Complaints” program. Beauty, life, and wellness experts will play high priest and priestesses giving the best realistic solution to those with complaints related to hair, skincare and body image from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.  Tickets to the entire festival are $1,000 and include exclusive dinners with special guests. http://powerofdesign.wolfsonian.org/about.

MOCA Presents a Night of Music

The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami will host a special evening of chamber music featuring musicians from The Cleveland Orchestra Miami and UM’s Frost School of Music, Thursday, March 20 at  8:00 p.m. A total of 24 musicians will take part in a diverse program which includes musical selections by J.S. Bach, Béla Bartók, Claude-Paul Taffanel, Alejandro Viñao and Witold Lutoslawski performed in an intimate museum setting.  The program will include the premiere of two new chamber works by Frost composition students Peter Learn and Richard Yates under the direction of Andrés Jaime, a doctoral student in conducting at Frost.The event showcases the musical collaboration between Cleveland Orchestra Miami and Frost School of Music during their annual residency and is presented in partnership with MOCA. General admission to Music at MOCA performance is $20; $10 for MOCA members, and University of Miami students and faculty.  To purchase tickets, visit www.mocanomi.org or call 305 893 6211. Advance purchase is strongly recommended as seating is limited.  

 The Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition has joined forces with Miami Rescue Mission to help feed the hungry of south Florida, while offering Youth Fair guests an opportunity to support the cause and earn a special discount. From Friday, March 14 through Sunday, March 30, guests who bring two cans of food per person to the designated tent area in the front gate area, will receive a coupon that can then be presented at any Main Gate Ticket Booth in order to receive a $4 discount off admission.  The canned items will be deposited into a large container, allowing visitors to see the impact their donations are making to assist Miami Rescue Mission, whose volunteers will be on-hand to assist guests. Gates open on weekdays at 3:00 p.m.; weekends and spring break at noon, March 21 through March 30. General admission is $12 with FREE admission every day, all day for children 5 years and younger, as well as adults 65 and better.  Parking is always FREE! Preferred parking is available for $12 per vehicle.  Preferred parking is limited.

Afrojack Launches Capsule Collection at G-Star RAW

Next Thursday, March 27 EDM producer and DJ, Afrojack will be launching his new capsule collection done with G-Star RAW at the G-Star RAW Miami Beach store. The event is open to the public and will run from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. To RSVP, contact  g-star@exposure.net.

EXPRESS Runway Show at the Raleigh Hotel

EXPRESS will take over the Raleigh South Beach on Thursday, March 13 for an exclusive runway show presenting the newest collection for 2014. Special guest appearance by Miami Heat favorite Chris Bosh and live music by DJ A-Trak will set the mood for the evening. The party starts at 4:00 p.m. and the fashion show at 7:00 p.m. RSVP required for attendance by March 12; RSVP@Express.com must be 21 and older to attend. 

bebe’s Sunglass Collection 

Supermodel Nina Agdal and the face of bebe, will be presenting bebe’s Sunglass Collection on Thursday, March 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the boutique’s Miami Beach location. Agdal will be greeting fans at her personal appearance along with other attendees Marysol Patton and Adriana de Moura; Must RSVP to events@bebe.com to attend. Open to the public.

BrazilFoundation 

On Saturday, March 15, BrazilFoundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to support social projects in Brazil, will hold its third annual gala at the new Pérez Art Museum Miami. Sponsored by American Airlines, Artefacto, Audemars Piguet, St. Regis Bal Harbour, Goldman Sachs and Credit Agricole, the evening will bring together over 450 guests to generate resources for the community-led initiatives funded by the BrazilFoundation.  The evening will feature live music by Batuque Samba Funk, and a performance by Miami City Ballet School Ensemble and Quabales.  Notables including international supermodel Adriana Lima, Brazilian television personality Sabrina Sato, Latin Grammy Award-winner Ivete Sangalo, among others are expected to be in attendance.

Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science‘s Annual Galaxy Gala 

On Saturday, March 15, the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science‘s annual Galaxy Gala will benefit the Museum’s new building under construction in downtown Miami’s Museum Park. The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science’s Gala Committee is led by co-chairs Nancy and Jonathan Batchelor and Nicole and Edgar Lozano. Philanthropic Chairs are Trish and Dan Bell and Host Chairs are Alicia Cervera Lamadrid and Alberto Lamadrid. This year’s Galaxy Gala will take place at the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami. The event will be an out-of-this-world sensory experience incorporating interactive screens and preview technology that will be showcased at the new Museum. Guests will experience a seasonal transformation that begins in a tropical environment complete with lush greenery and palm trees before being whisked away to a winter wonderland featuring LED icicle chandeliers and falling snowflakes. The party will continue once the Gala winds down with the Museum’s Big Bang young professionals after party. Catering to young professionals ages 21 to 40, the Big Bang begins at 10:00 p.m. with a cocktail hour and at 11:00p.m., the doors will open to the main event where attendees will join Gala goers and “crash” the party. The Gala will then be transformed into a nightclub-inspired event with a DJ, dancing, special performances and cocktails. The Gala is expected to sell out again. Individual tickets start at $500, with tables ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. For information on tickets and sponsorships, please visit www.miasci.org/gala or contact Ruth Robinson at rrobinson@sciencegala.com. The Big Bang is also expected to sell out. Tickets can be purchased at: http://ypbigbang.eventbrite.com/ or by contacting Thamiah Tutt at ttutt@miamisci.org or 305.646.4283.