“Cosmic Island” Exhibition at the Copper Gallery 

On Friday, January 28, join Copper Gallery for a intimate and unique first look at Adrian Pelligrini‘s “Cosmic Island” Exhibition.  The Opening Reception/Launch will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. at this exceptional new gallery, one of Miami’s most distinctive and promising new destinations for appreciating art and life. The event organized by gallery director, Geo Darder, will feature enticing food, drinks, and wonderful company.   To R.S.V.P. call 305.891.8293 or email GeoDarder@aol.com.  Copper Gallery is located at 13151 West Dixie Highway in North Miami.

A TREEHOUSE For Grownups

TREEHOUSE, a new Miami Beach nightclub, will celebrate its debut with a grand opening reception on Friday, January 28, 2011, 10 p.m. to midnight, featuring complimentary cocktails and music by DJ Troy Kurtz and Canadian DJ duo Ess & Emm. The warm and welcoming indoor/outdoor space will be an adult playground-of-sorts designed and owned by nightlife purveyor Jeremy Waks. Positioned at 323 23^rd Street in South Beach, TREEHOUSE is smartly located among a bevy of hotels and clubs nearby such as The W, Gansevoort Miami Beach, and the Setai Hotel. To RSVP for TREEHOUSE’s soft opening reception, please email treehouse@taraink.com.  For more information  visit www.treehousemiami.com or call 305.674.4478.

 Miami Beach Clean Up

Vice Mayor Michael Góngora will be hosting a South Beach Clean Up on Saturday,   January 29, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.   As the founder of Miami Beach’s first Green Sustainability Committee, Commissioner Góngora makes environmental issues his top priority.   “We are excited to be hosting a second beach clean-up.  I urge you to bring your family and friends and help your community by participating in this event,” states Vice Mayor Góngora.  Other organizations involved include ECOMB, Friends of South Pointe Elementary, Miami Beach Police Department, Opium Group, SofiK9,  SOFNA Parents and Surfrider Foundation. The meeting point for the volunteers is at 3:00pm at Marjory Stoneman Douglas Ocean Beach Park (2nd and Ocean Drive). The Opium Group will be hosting an afterparty for volunteers at Cameo located at 1445 Washington Ave from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. following the cleanup.   For more information and to RSVP please contact Diana Fontani at 305.673.7103 or dianafontani@miamibeachfl.gov.

New World Symphony Grand Opening Gala

What’s sure to be one of the biggest events of the year takes place this Saturday, January 29, as the New World Symphony’s Grand Opening Gala celebrates the first black tie event in the New World Symphony’s Frank Gehry-designed campus (500 17 Street, Miami Beach). The opening gala will unlock this ginormous music box for its supporters, art and music lovers, business leaders and cultural dignitaries.  The gala will begin with cocktails, then New World Symphony Co-Founder and Artistic Director Michael Tilson Thomas will present a multi media concert, featuring the world premiere of stunning video art complementing Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, followed by cocktails amid Gehry’s soaring shapes and then dinner under the stars on the Mary and Howard Frank Plaza and a late night after party and performance by Broadway star Audra McDonald. Gala guests will also take home custom-made Baccarat etched crystal gifts (valued at over $230).  While the ticket prices are steep:  single tickets cost $10,000 and tables go for $100,000, the gala’s net goal, which is set at $1.5 million will go towards the underwriting of NWS fellowships and community engagement programs, bringing free performances and music lessons to schools, retirement homes and hospitals. The gala committee has already raised $2 million for the community engagement programming.  For more information, contact Rebecca Mandelman at 305-428-6733.

 Late Night Breakfast Cravings at Vinyl & Kai Gastropub

Vinyl & Kai Gastropub & Rock Spot is bringing after hours back to South Beach. The Breakfast Club, taking place every Saturday from 3 a.m. to at least 9a.m.,   will offer a special breakfast menu along with a full liquor bar.  The “early bird”   feasting will be hosted by South Beach Legend — Adora and Newcomer Bird Sanchez.  Chucky Brown makes his return to Miami, and will be the resident DJ for this weekly event spinning an eclectic mix, of electro, indie rock, house classics and a little hip-hop. Vinyl and Kai is located at 1131 Washington Avenue for more information visit www.vinylkai.com.

Your Weekly Dose of Cafeina

 On Thursday, January 20,  Cafeina presents another rendition of its weekly musical performance series Wynwood Live, featuring the soulful beats of Miami-based band Ketchy Shuby. DJ Contra will keep the party going into the early hours as guests enjoy $3 Blue Moon specials and $4 specialty cocktails all night. Contact 305.438.0792 or info@cafeinamiami.com for table reservations. Cafeina is located at 297 NW 23^rd St. in Miami.  

 On Friday, January 21, Cafeina will kick-off the New Year with a stylish edition of its Canadian-inspired party series “The Eh Team”.  Along with media partner Wasabi Fashion Kult, and guest hosts and co-founders of the L’Effrontée online fashion boutique Beatriz Martinez and Cristina Salazar,   DJs Ess & Emm (Sasha Lauzon and Michelle Leshem) will dictate the musical score for the evening, in addition to party series-staple Maxwell Blandford and “The Eh Team” newcomer Laura of Miami (Nightdrive/WVUM). Guests will enjoy complimentary Canadian-themed libations by Skyy Vodka from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., along with a Spring 2011 preview of eight cutting-edge accessory designers presented by L’Effrontée. RSVP is recommended to abbey@supermarketcreative.com.

Calling Miss Carnaval at Miss Yip Chinese Cafe

On January 22, the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana will be hosting a casting call at Miss Yip Chinese Café’s new Downtown locale for young ladies between the ages of 16 to 25 for the Miss Carnaval Miami pageant, the kick-off event to the annual Carnaval Miami series of events in March.  From 12 to 4p.m., enjoy music by DJ Ethics while savoring on some Dim Sum and other Chinese snacks. The new outpost boasts a full liquor bar and offers an array of signature cocktails including Lychee Martinis and Mojitos, Madame Ming, Big Bamboo, China Breeze, Shanghai Martinis & more.

The competition is geared towards educated, professional aspiring bilingual young women who will represent the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana during their largest fund-raiser of the year.  Education is the main objective building up to the final competition.  Miss Carnaval Miami has a twenty-nine year history of presenting vibrant, intelligent and articulate young women in the USA, and past winners have moved on to rewarding careers in many different industries. Miss Carnaval Miami now reigns over all the activities of Carnaval Miami ending with Calle Ocho.  For more information visit visit  www.carnavalmiami.com.

An Evening of Sweetness and Laughter

On Sunday, January 9, enjoy “An Evening of Sweetness and Laughter,” a benefit, awards ceremony and comedy show to benefit Mathew Forbes Romer Foundation (MFRF). The event will   feature “Laffing Matterz”, a satirical dinner show which includes a sumptuous sit-down dinner and gourmet dessert selections, and will honor leaders in the medical and scientific communities.  The Mathew Forbes Romer Foundation (MFRF) which supports education and research of children’s genetic brain diseases.  Festivities begin at 4:15 p.m. at the Broward Center for Performing Arts.  Tickets cost $150.  To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.mfrfoundation.org or contact MFRF 561-477-0337 or mfrf@aol.com.

Yoga Does a Body Good

Throughout the month of January, Ayama Yoga in Aventura is celebrating National Yoga Day, (January 23),   by offering free “classes to the masses” all month long.  New students can drop in for a complimentary class any morning, evening or weekend.  In addition, Ayama will offer new students 30% percent off all packages (including 10, 20 and unlimited weekly or monthly classes).  For a schedule of classes, visit http://www.ayamayoga.com/schedule.htm.  In addition, students who attend class on Sunday, January 23, will receive a gift card for a complimentary Aveda pedicure from the Seven Seas Spa in Sunny Isles Beach.  Ayama Yoga Center is located at 2624 N.E. 188th St., North Miami Beach, 305.932.7755. 

Wet Society Sundays at the National Hotel Miami Beach

The National Hotel Miami Beach, along with U4RIA Entertainment and J. Kelly, will officially launch its new weekly South Beach International Pool Party, Wet Society Sundays, this coming Sunday, January 9.  Held at the hotel’s oasis-inspired infinity pool and lounge from noon until sundown every Sunday, the weekly party will offer locals and tourists alike the chance to wet their feet at what’s sure to be among Miami Beach’s most chic aquatic and music scene.  Resident DJ, Bryan Peroni will be joined by special guest artist for the musical programming.

 Next@19th’s Dynamic Jew-View Mini-series

On Sunday, January 9, kicking off Next@19th’s dynamic “JewView” mini-series is First Basket, a documentary that follows Jewish basketball experiences from the stoops of brownstones to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden. The screening will take place at 1 p.m. followed by a pick-up game of Schtickball in Next@19^th parking lot. 

On Wednesday, January 12 at 7 p.m., in honor of a visit from Anat Hoffman of the religious female group, Women of the Wall, Next@19th presents Praying in Her Own Voice, a powerful film that documents the courageous struggle of the religious female group.  Inspiring a movement for equality next to the Wailing Wall – one of the holiest places for Jews is Israel – their story speaks of the deprived status of women in Israeli public life.  Hoffman will be speaking at a presentation of the National Council of Jewish Women at Temple Israel on Tuesday, January 18 at 7:00 p.m.  Next@19th is located at 137 NE 19 Street, on the campus of Temple Israel’s historic site in downtown Miami.  For more information call 305.542.7732 or visit the website at www.nextat19th.org.

 By: Maryanne Salvat and Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

 Pucci’s Pizza: Back By Popular Demand

After an eight year hiatus, Pucci’s Pizza, known to many club goers from back-in-the-day as “Hangover Helper” is back- to feed those late-night/early morning cravings and give you the best Brooklyn style pizza all day long. Tommy Pooch and long time business partner Alan Roth along with, Miami Favorite, DJ Irie have re-opened Pucci’s Pizza in the heart of Washington Avenue and 15^th Street in Miami Beach.   Serving patrons into the wee, post-club hours of the night, diners can expect traditional pasta dishes, hero sandwiches, salads, and good old fashioned slices. Just remember,   “A slice and a Coke, you’ll never go broke!”  Pucci’s Pizza is located at 1535 Washington Avenue.

Titanic Brewery Presents Hoosha

Join local favorite Hoosha as they take Coral Gables by storm hitting the stage on Friday, December 17, at 10 p.m. at Titanic Restaurant & Brewery.  The band is thrilled to welcome a new addition to their family, Alessandro Martino, on guitar, followed by Dizzy Bird at midnight.  Come out and support some great local music along with a free shot with every drink purchase.  Titanic Brewery is located at 5813 Ponce De Leon Boulevard in Coral Gables.

Justin Bua’s Legends of Hip Hop Tour

 On Saturday, December 18, 944 Magazine along with Original MOONSHINE hosts an evening of groundbreaking art, throwback music, and cocktails.  Justin Bua, internationally known for his best-selling collection of fine art posters,  will be unveiling one of his most important pieces to date, a 12-foot original oil painting of the Notorious B.I.G.    Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with a viewing at 7:30 p.m.  The Pick Nation Building is located at 7521 Biscayne Boulevard.  To RSVP to this event, visit info@taient.com.

Zoo Lights and Dinner with Santa

Zoo lights kicks off this weekend at Zoo Miami, formerly Miami Metro Zoo (12400 SW 152 Street) and runs from December 17-30.  Guests can enjoy beautiful animal-shaped lights as they stroll zoo walkways during the 12 nights of Zoo Lights (excluding December 24 and 25) from 7 – 10 p.m. (ticket booths close at 9:30 p.m.).  Guests can enjoy dozens of bright animal-shaped lights, while sipping hot chocolate, munching on delicious cookies, and listening to wonderful holiday music.  Included with admission is a pair of 3D glasses, which will make the Zoo Lights experience even more engaging and amusing.  General admission is $8.95 plus tax per adult and $6.95 plus tax per child.  Zoo members are $7.95 plus tax per adult and $5.95 plus tax per child. 

 Dinner with Santa will take place on December 23, from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.  Families will be treated to a delicious dinner and photo op with Santa at Wings of Asia.  Children will receive a holiday plush gift and will get to make their own holiday ornaments!  Admission includes parking, entry to Zoo Lights with unlimited carousel rides from 7 – 10 p.m. and a classic holiday menu of fresh roasted turkey with homemade gravy, baked ham, candied sweet potatoes with melting marshmallows, herbed buttery carrots, homemade cranberry sauce, dinner rolls with butter, homemade seasonal pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing, strawberry-infused lemonade, and cranberry mint-infused water.  General admission is $42.95 per adult and $39.95 per child ages 3-12.  Zoo members are $38.95 per adult and $36.95 per child ages 3-12. Children ages 2 and under are free. 

A Magic Gala in the Magic City

Head to the Miami Magic Gala sponsored by the Junior League of Miami (JLM) next Friday, December 10 at the Four Seasons (1435 Brickell Avenue). Enjoy dinner and dancing under the stars, and have the opportunity to bid on 15 raffle packages, along with a special diamond raffle. Tickets cost $150 a person, with all proceeds benefitting the JLM projects which help empower Miami’s women, children and families. Contact Bibi Cruz-Ledon Sears/Marlene Fernandez-Karavetsos, 305.443.0160 or email:  cruzie@aol.com / marleneafernandez@yahoo.com.

Be an Amigo!

 There’s still time to donate a toy for the 19^th Annual Amigos For Kids® Holiday Toy Drive Caravan which will take place on Sunday, December 12 at various locations throughout Miami, embarking on a joy-filled journey of delivering gifts with Santa Claus, celebrities and hundreds of volunteers.   You may request to become a volunteer for the caravan by contacting the telephone number below but all are encouraged to log on and donate toys!

The Toy Drive fulfills the specific wishes of each individual child, as indicated on their wish list.  You may deliver toys for the caravan to Ford Lincoln Mercury locations, select TotalBank locations, Gulliver Schools, Miami Dade College, Republica Agency, Todo Frio and any El Dorado location in South Florida throughout the entire month of December.  Visit the website for exact locations.

To donate your time or resources to children in need, or to volunteer to help with the Amigos Toy Drive, please call 305.279.1155 or visit http://www.amigosforkids.org/amigos.php#toydrive-10.

Santa Paws at Daddy O

On December 16, Daddy O Hotel (9660 East Bay Harbor Drive), the Palm restaurant, and Salon Poochini present a special holiday party from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to benefit PetNet, the young professional group of the Humane Society of Greater Miami.   A $25 donation entitles guests to complimentary beer and wine throughout the event and delicious bites, courtesy of the legendary Palm restaurant.  Gluhwein, a German holiday drink of hot spiced red wine will also be served. Santa-Paws will be there for photographs of guests and their dogs for the holidays with a portion of the photo proceeds going toward the cause.

There will also be a silent auction.  Daddy O is a dog-friendly hotel and all well-behaved dogs are welcome.  Tours of the newly renovated hotel will be given. The Humane Society of Greater Miami will have a few of Miami’s most eligible dogs there for adoption. 

RSVP to Ricki Diamond at ricki@humanesocietymiami.org or 305-749-1814

Wild for the Holidays at Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami, formerly Miami Metro Zoo (12400 SW 152 Street) is hosting a few special events this season. The zoo’s glorious grounds come to light for 12 brilliant nights during Zoo Lights, December 17 – 30 (excluding December 24 and 25) from 7 – 10 p.m. (ticket booths close at 9:30 p.m.).  Guests can enjoy dozens of bright animal-shaped lights, while sipping hot chocolate, munching on delicious cookies, and listening to wonderful holiday music.  Included with admission is a pair of 3D glasses, which will make the Zoo Lights experience even more engaging and amusing.  General admission is $8.95 plus tax per adult and $6.95 plus tax per child.  Zoo members are $7.95 plus tax per adult and $5.95 plus tax per child.

 Dinner with Santa will take place on December 23, from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.  Families will be treated to a delicious dinner and photo op with Santa at Wings of Asia.  Children will receive a holiday plush gift and will get to make their own holiday ornaments!  Admission includes parking, entry to Zoo Lights with unlimited carousel rides from 7 – 10 p.m. and a classic holiday menu of fresh roasted turkey with homemade gravy, baked ham, candied sweet potatoes with melting marshmallows, herbed buttery carrots, homemade cranberry sauce, dinner rolls with butter, homemade seasonal pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing, strawberry-infused lemonade, and cranberry mint-infused water.  General admission is $42.95 per adult and $39.95 per child ages 3-12.  Zoo members are $38.95 per adult and $36.95 per child ages 3-12. Children ages 2 and under are free. 

 Dinner with Diego will be held December 28, from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., at the Wings of Asia building.  Diego will be available to take his picture with guests between 8:30 – 8:50 p.m.  Dinner with Diego’s admission includes parking, entry to Zoo Lights with unlimited carousel rides from 7 –10 p.m. and a wonderful dinner including a fresh garden salad with dressing, pan seared chicken breast with herbed shallot cream sauce, chicken tenders with dipping sauce, honey glazed carrots, macaroni and cheese, dinner rolls with butter, chocolate fudge brownies, chocolate blondies, fresh tropical fruit salad, cucumber and lemon infused water, lemonade, and iced tea.  This event is ideal for families with children under eight years of age.  Every paying child also receives a Diego beanie baby plush gift and a meet and greet and photo with Diego!  General admission is $39.95 per adult and $43.95 per child ages 3-12.  Zoo members are $35.95 per adult and $38.95 per child ages 3-12.  Children ages 2 and under are free.   For tickets and more information, visit: www.zoomiami.org