By: Maryanne Salvat

RA Sushi Spring Luau Party

Throw on a Hawaiian print shirt and a lei and hula on over to RA Sushi in South Miami on March 22 from 8:00 p.m. to close for a Spring Luau Party. Sail away to an island paradise with beach themed décor, tropical food and drink specials, and a guest D.J. who will keep the tiki torches burning all night long. Enjoy a taste of the good life with RA’s Spring Luau Party specials. Try the Tropical Roll with cucumber, mango, and avocado, rolled and topped with spinach tempura bits, and spicy shrimp mixed with masago and mango salsa ($8). Munch on Pineapple Cheese Wontons, lightly fried wontons filled with cream cheese, scallions and pineapple, served with a roasted pineapple dipping sauce ($7). Savor the Spicy Pineapple Chicken, a mixture of ramen noodles, chicken, green and red bell peppers, onion, and a spicy chili sesame sauce, topped with black sesame seeds ($8). All of the Spring Luau Party cocktails are $8 each. Swim in to RA Sushi in South Miami afor some sun and fun. For more information, visit www.RAsushi.com.

Fairchild’s GardenMusic

Come and experience Fairchild’s GardenMusic Festival starting on Sunday, March 25. GardenMusic will bring the highest-quality and most exciting chamber music to South Florida by creating a powerfully immersive experience. By connecting music with the idyllic setting of Fairchild, musicians and other artistic disciplines will foster a collaborative and creative spirit and provide engaging and stimulating educational opportunities. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet and engage with the musicians, experiencing music on an intimate and personal level. In addition, a series of concerts will allow for a more traditional chamber music experience surrounded by the beauty of Fairchild.  Members: Tent seating, general admission, $25; Subscription to all four concerts, $75; Concert for Kids, free; non-members: Tent seating, general admission, $40; Subscription to all four concerts, $120; Concert for Kids, $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up and $12 for children 6-17. Children 5 and under are free. Tickets at 305.667.1651, ext. 3358 or www.fairchildgarden.org/GardenMusic.
The Barton G. Kids Hear Now Foundation: Party Over Hear!

On Friday, March 30, join the Kids Hear Now Foundation for the first ever “Party Over Hear!” celebration. Hosted by the legendary DJ Irie, guests will enjoy complementary bites and spirits courtesy of the master chefs and mixologists at Barton G. The event runs from 9:00 p.m. to midnight at the exclusive Villa By Barton G. Tickets are $175 for general admission and $500 for VIP, which includes a sit-down dinner, exclusive access to the VIP lounge and special surprises throughout the evening. Tickets can be purchased online at www.kidshearnow.org.

Miami Children’s Museum 2012 Be A Kid Again Gala 

On Saturday, March 31at 6:30 p.m., the Miami Children’s Museum (MCM), will host its much anticipated 2012 Be A Kid Again Gala. This year’s 60s inspired theme, “All you need is love” will celebrate exceptional educational programming and showcase a far out live auction hosted by Dave Barry and Paul Castronovo. The night will also feature a one of a kind Silent Auction with a special Wine Auction chaired by Beverly and Bill Parker. Guests will groove the night away to a spectacular multimedia stage production by The Fab Four that will transport them back in time with iconic Beatles tunes. This year’s Be a Kid Again Gala will pay tribute to and honor renowned local artist, Romero Britto. MCM will honor Britto for his longstanding commitment and dedication to the Museum and to the children of South Florida.  All proceeds will benefit the Museum’s educational programming. For more information, contact Sarah Smith at 305.373.KIDS (5437), ext. 142 or ssmith@miamichildrensmuseum.org

 By: Maryanne Salvat 

Music Loves Fashion 

Man+Machine Presents MUSIC LOVES FASHION, the inaugural four-day showcase of international sounds from the underground and producer symposiums, taking place between 11:00am and 11:00pm each day from Wednesday, March 21st to Saturday, March 24th at The Raleigh hotel, sponsored by Belvedere Vodka and MOET. The week kicks-off on Wednesday, March 21 at 11:00am with the I ¤ AVICII Pool Party in association with At Night, ULTRA Pool and Ash Alliance, featuring an opening set by CAZZETTE AND FRIENDS, followed by hours of blissful tunes by the Swede himself; The Owsla Miami poolside party on Thursday, March 22, starting at 11:00am and presented by No Sugar Added, features the emerging electronic visionary and highly acclaimed Grammy Winner, SKRILLEX, amongst other supporting acts. Tickets are priced from $49.95 to $100 for general admission, with beds or tables starting at $3,000 (6 guests) and cabanas starting at $10,000 (20 guests) each served with magnums of Belvedere and Moet; for a complete schedule and more information visit www.musiclovesfashion.com .

Mondrian South Beach Line Up 

Mondrian South Beach hosts the finest 2012 line up the bay side has yet to see. Poolside partying will be open to the public beginning at noon, Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25 with special performances by Mario Fischetti and Leo Janerio. Ending the week with a high note, Mondrian will feature a special pool party hosted by Michael Capponi and Michael Martin including sounds by Marc Sacheli and JP Rigaud.  Note: All events open to public and entrance is based on doormen discretion; cover charge for entry. For table reservations and for more information call 305.514.1940. 

Shore Club

Shore Club brings the best beats to South Beach, announcing a jam‐packed lineup for Winter Music Conference 2012 presented by Oversea Production USA. Top DJs from around the world will keep the party going day and night, indoors and out. For table reservations please call 786.276.6772; Events are open to hotel guests, VIP cardholders and table reservations only Monday through Saturday. Sundays are open to the public (doorman discretion) with a cover charge of $20.

 Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge

Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge, along with SuperMarket Creative and Nightdrive Miami, is proud to present its lineup of musical talent for Miami Music Week 2012. A slew of renowned and emerging DJs will take the helm at Chalk, the ultimate adult playground, to showcase the venue’s state-of-the-art audio and new music platform during the weeklong celebration of electronic and alternative music. For a complete line-up, schedule, and tickets visit www.Chalkmiami.com or contact info@chalkmiami.com.

Haven Gastrolounge

Executive Chef Todd Erickson and Haven Gastrolounge will be hosting a grand amount of WMC activities throughout the month of March; for a complete line-up of events visit www.Havenlounge.com. 

The Perry South Beach

The Rooftop at the Perry will be celebrating WMC with an exclusive list of DJ’s spinning all day long; for a complete line up visit www.RXpoolparties.com.

 High Bar at Dream Hotel

Dim Mak pool party, Obey the Kitty Miami Edition, presents secret unannounced guests along with Sidney Samson, Rehab, Joachim Garraud, Felix Cartal, Junior Sanchez, & more.Tickets can be purchased via www.wantickets.com & www.miamidreamsessions.com. 

Art of Night: The DJ Series

Hennessy Black is thrilled to present visionary nightlife photographer Seth Browarnik in Art of Night: The DJ Series, his newest exhibit paying tribute to nightlife’s key players – the DJs. Hennessy Black and Browarnik, who has been capturing DJs since the inception of his career, will pay tribute to those he has photographed and befriended since electronic music began making its mark on nightlife. On display at the Shelborne South Beach, the Hennessy Black Gallery will showcase Seth’s pulsating photography and the artistry of the DJ during the week of Miami’s famous music gatherings, Winter Music Conference and Ultra Music Festival. Beginning March 22 and continuing through March 25, the first-ever exhibit will have a three daylong display at the Hennessy Black Gallery inside of the recently renovated Shelborne South Beach Resort, where collectors will have the opportunity to purchase any of the 25 prints.  Browarnik has partnered with Gen Art and electrostub.com to donate a portion of the proceeds of the exhibit to help market and launch the career of Felix Cartal, an emerging DJ releasing his new album, Different Faces, out March 27. As day turns into evening, each night of the exhibit, the Hennessy Black Gallery will transform into an exclusive VIP lounge for approximately 250 guests, including Browarnik’s celebrity companions and some of the DJs featured.

Unplugged and Uncorked Thursdays

Essenisa’s newest happy hour, Unplugged & Uncorked Thursdays, offers 50% off wines (BTG or bottle).The wines are selected for being organically grown or farmed, sustainably farmed, or biodynamic. What does this mean? The wines are not only amazing; they are produced by environmentally responsible wineries. Essensia’s new Signature Chef, Julie Frans, designed a fantastic selection of $9 bar bites lounge menu for the happy hour including Duck Confit Flatbread Pizza, Mini Lamb Sliders, Thai Rock Shrimp Fritters, Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken on Bamboo Skewers and a Cheese & Charcuterie Sampler. Finally, local musicians will set the tone for Unplugged & Uncorked Thursdays. Expect different musical genres and musicians on a weekly basis. The happy hour will be held every Thursday night from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Essensia Lounge. Valet parking is $9.00 for Unplugged & Uncorked guests. For more information visit www.thepalmshotel.com  or call 305.908.5458.

PADDYTHON at Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant

Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant will roll out the barrels, pump up the pipe and amplify the pub culture in South Florida for its second-annual, weeklong St. Patrick’s Day training schedule in preparation for its PADDYTHON event. The brave are invited to take part in the series of events leading up to the PADDYTHON that combines drinking, competition, intellect and charity into a week surely to bring on camaraderie and debauchery amongst all guests.The five-room pub recently celebrated its one year anniversary, and has plans to take that successful celebration to new heights. From March 10 through March 17, Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant has organized multiple events for patrons to learn more about the Irish culture and meaning of St. Patrick’s Day through food, friends, festivities and fun! For a complete calendar of events visit www.fadoirishpub.com.

Gold-Diggers for a Great Cause 

The Gold-Diggers are back for a great cause! On Sunday, March 18, don’t miss out on a chance to receive a new hairstyle, nail polish change or massage from one of Miami’s talented stylists for a small donation. This festive event provides an enthusiastic environment in which all proceeds benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Southern Florida Chapter, and Food For Life Network. Alongside The Gold-Diggers, a woman’s organization dedicated to helping these charities, you will be able to make a contribution and look gorgeous doing it. To make an appointment call Stacy at 786.239.1317 or fire911sir@yahoo.com. Appointments and Walk-Ins Welcomed! Hair Cut $25 * Blow Dry $20 * Nail Polish Change $5 Chair Massage $1 per minute.

Nat Moore Florida Golf Classic Celebrity Weekend

Hall of Famers Bobby Bell, Richard Dent, Artis Gilmore and Moses Malone are just a few of the more than 70 current and legendary sports personalities, actors and entertainers who will attend the 2012 Nat Moore Florida Golf Classic Celebrity Weekend benefiting the Nat Moore Foundation.  The three-day golf and party extravaganza will take place Saturday through Monday, March 17 through 19.  This year, the Celebrity Party will be held at the exciting and entertaining Seminole Hotel & Casino and the golf tournament will once again be held at the world renowned Doral Golf Resort & Spa.  The fun-filled festivities include the Wii sports-themed Celebrity Party and Auction on Saturday, Corporate Skins Game on Sunday, and the golf tournament on Monday. Proceeds from the event will enable the Nat Moore Foundation to continue to provide educational scholarships for high school graduates and support for disadvantaged children and youth in South Florida. To learn more and to become a sponsor, contact the Nat Moore Foundation by phone at (305) 770-0995 or by e-mail at info@natmoorefoundation.net.

27th annual Winter Music Conference at WALL Miami

WALL Miami, in conjunction with partners Belvedere Vodka and Atrium boutique, is proud to announce its lineup of international DJs for the 27th annual Winter Music Conference beginning on Friday, March 16. A multidimensional cast of renowned talent, including Bobby Burns, Pete Tong, Sidney Sampson, Quintino, Seth Troxler, Michael Brun, LA Riots, Jessica Who and many more will descend on the impenetrable nightspot inside W South Beach for a weeklong celebration of electronic and alternative music. Additionally, fashion brand Real Eyes Realize has partnered with Atrium boutique to design two limited-edition “Music Saved My Life”-inspired T-shirts that will be available for purchase throughout the week; for a complete listing of scheduled special performances visit www.wallmiami.com. Tickets can be purchased at www.wanttickets.com or via the WALL iPhone application at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wall-miami-beach/id439021888; Guest list and table reservations only; to reserve a table email rsvp@wallmiami.com.

Alicia John-Powell aka Miss Basia Comes to South Florida

On Friday, March 23, gracing more than 5 million television sets in 14 islands across the Caribbean, CEO of Basia TV, Alicia John-Powell aka Miss Basia, wraps up her successful sixth season of “The Basia Show” at her new, permanent location at Kikor Studio in Miami, Florida. This open-to-the-public show can hold 70 audience members. Guests will be treated to giveaways including a two night stay at Cocodimama beachfront hotel in the Bahamas. The show has successfully been in production for two-and-half-years and is part of the Basia Group of Companies, established and currently headquartered in Miami, Florida. The company is run by John-Powell and her husband, former West Indian Cricketer, Ricardo Powell. The day-time talk show offers an open-format, conversational tone where Miss Basia interviews international and Caribbean celebrities, while keeping her mission of promoting breast cancer awareness at the forefront; taping times: 11:30 a.m./1:30 p.m./3:30 p.m. To be a part of the studio audience contact: shaun@basiatv.com / 305.316.2985 or events@rockawaypr.com / 305.751.9641.

Deering Seafood Festival

Steel drums, Junkanoo musicians and Florida’s freshest fish and seafood are all a part of the 8^th Deering Seafood Festival on Sunday, March 25. Restaurants and caterers line Seafood Alley and local celebrity chefs Giorgio Rapicavoli Miami’s first winner of TV Food Network’s Chopped (Eating House), Kareem Anguin (Oceanaire Seafood Room) and Simon Stowjanovic (Altamare) prepare their specialties in the cooking demo tent. On the main stage, Pan Paradise Steel Band and Caribbean Crew each perform their reggae/calypso sound, followed by Mr. Nice Guy. In the Lil’Shrimp Kids Zone the Discovery Cove offers hands-on adventures, and unlimited fun on the inflatables. The activities offer something for every age with pontoon boat rides, an Artists’ Village, and nature hikes and tours of the historic homes. Admission: Adults $15 in advance online/ $25 at the gate, Child $5 ages 4-14, and Foundation Members Free, includes park entrance and all activities, excluding food, drink, pontoon rides and rock wall. For more information call 305.235.1668 ext. 263 or log on to: www.deeringseafoodfestival.org.  Proceeds from the event benefit the Deering Estate Foundation.

Just in time for spring break things are clearly getting interesting: The world’s leading producer of Fine Champagne Cognac announces the South Florida expansion of its innovative new spirit Rémy Martin V– the brand’s first clear expression.  Following exclusive previews in Miami including New Year’s Eve with Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, Rémy Martin V – pronounced Vee, the French word “Vie” for life – has made its official debut in South Florida. The arrival of this innovative new spirit signals a new era in nightlife and mixology for the region. With its bold flavors and aromatic richness, Rémy Martin V can be combined with many different essences creating smooth and refreshing contemporary cocktails.

 To celebrate the spirit’s official Miami launch, Rémy Martin V hosted a private dinner and an intimate Rémy V tasting experience at Baoli-Vita, led by mixologist, David Soto. Guests, including Jilian Sanz, Sarah Mirmelli, Dirk DeSouza, and Bill Kearney, enjoyed tableside Rémy V cocktails, such as the “V-Sidecar” and “Ginger V-Sour”, while Entourage’s Adrian Grenier and a friend, surrounded by a crowd of female onlookers, enjoyed their own bottle of Rémy Martin V at a nearby table. Socials Akbar Hamid and Patricia Marci took over the chairs and table tops later on in the evening as more Rémy Martin V arrived, while David Saada, Vita’s most legendary persona, danced across the bar.

For a different twist try the Rémy Martin V cocktails created by Baoli-Vita’s mixologist, David Soto:

V-SIDECAR:

• ·         Rémy Martin V
• ·         Cointreau Orange Liquor,
• ·         Dash of fresh Lemon juice,
• ·         Dash simple syrup

GINGER V-SOUR:

• ·         Rémy Martin V
• ·         Pasteurized Egg White
• ·         Fresh lime
• ·         Fresh Ginger
• ·         Dash of Simple Syrup

 For more information and other drink recipies visit: www.remymartin.com.

On Saturday, March 24, The Blacks’ Annual Gala will be held at the exquisite oceanfront resort the Fontainebleau Miami Beach in the main iconic Sparkle Ballroom. This year’s gala will feature a performance by multi Grammy Award winning artists Queen Latifah and Tony Bennett.

As a guest and donor of the event you can expect top tier entertainment, a celebrity red carpet reception, exciting live and silent auctions, unlimited cocktails and gourmet cuisine. The gala also features an After Dinner Celebration featuring Deborah Cox, top DJ’s including DJ Irie and DJ Entice and surprise performers. Tickets start at $650 for an individual to $25,000 for the Platinum Level front row table. Individual tables of ten are offered this year. Founded by Lea Black, both Lea and her husband, acclaimed attorney Roy Black are committed to making each gala bigger and better than ever each year. The red-carpet cocktail reception starts promptly at 6:30 pm and the gourmet sit down dinner begin at 8:30 pm in the Sparkle ballroom. Dress is red carpet ready. All proceeds from the gala benefit The Consequences Charity and Foundation are 501c3 not-for-profit organizations providing educational resources and experiences for kids in need.

For additional information or to purchase tickets contact Jason Clarke at 305.443.8980 or jason@theblacksannualgala.com. Or visit the website www.theblacksannualgala.com.

Tony Bennett photo credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP/Getty Images

On Monday, March 19, Tony Bennett, the legendary seventeen-time Grammy Award winning artist, will be hosting the “Tony Bennett All-Star Tennis Event and Benefit Gala.” The two-part event will begin with a day-time Round Robin tennis tournament at The Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami. The event, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., includes a champagne reception with passed hors d’oeuvres, exhibition matches with the top stars where tennis enthusiasts will get the chance to play with Alejandro Sanz and tennis legends such as Novak Djokovic (#1 in the world), The Bryan Brothers (Twin Professional Tennis Players ranked #1 tennis team in the world), Caroline Wozniacki (#4 in the world), Mardy Fish (#8 in the world & #1 American), Kim Clijsters (US Open Champ), Ana Ivanovic (Former No. 1 in the WTA) and Ryan Harrison (18-Year Old who is considered by many to be the next great American men’s tennis player), Cliff Drysdale (Grand Slam Legend) & Darren Cahill (ESPN Analyst) among many others. Tony Bennett, a lifelong fan of the sport of tennis, will perform “God Bless America” at the tennis tournament. In the evening, Tony Bennett will host a gala at the historic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens where guests will enjoy a seated dinner provided by Cristoforo Pignata (Puntino Italian Restaurants and catering, who is bringing in three of his top chefs from his 5-star hotels in Italy for the event), followed by live performances by Tony Bennett and Alejandro Sanz (multiple Latin Grammy and Grammy Award winning artist) who will join Bennett on stage to perform duets from Bennett’s #1 CD, DUETS II. The Bryan Brothers Band will also perform for invited guests, celebrities & professional Tennis players in attendance.The benefit gala event will be honoring Sean Wolfington, the chairman of The Wolfington Charitable Foundation which actively supports charities that serve the poor and defend the defenseless. Tony Bennett’s All-Star Tennis Event and Benefit Gala will benefit Exploring the Arts, Team Bryan and the Greater Miami Tennis Foundation. Tickets are open to the public and can be purchased by going to www.TonyBennettEvent.com.