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

Base Paint Tents

During the week of Art Basel Miami Beach 2010, November 30 through December 5,   join Fundación Manos del Sur and Step by Step Foundation, under the artistic direction of Antuan, as they unveil their latest collaboration, Base Paint Tents. The project will showcase an exhibition and cocktail event hosted by EPIC Residences on their Green. The project was conceived as a collaboration of international artists and nonprofit organizations to support the reconstruction of education in Haiti through art. The distinctive elements include creation and exhibition of the tents at a series of locations and then finally setting-up the finished tents in Haiti.  Artists participating include: Antuan and Elba Luis Lugo, Pedro Barbeito, Jose Bedia, Edouard Duval-Carrie, Jose Garcia Cordero, Nicolas Leiva, Leonel Matheu, Ruben Millares and Antonia Wright, Gean Moreno, and Damian Sarno,.  

On Sunday, December 5, FIU’s Frost Art Museum will host the Base Paint Models at FIU’s 8^th Annual Breakfast in the Park.  The event celebrates Art Basel Miami Beach 2010 with a complimentary breakfast that is open to the public.  Festivities begin a 9:30 in the morning and will run until noon.  For more information visit www.basepaint.org.

Eurocinema

Eurocinema, Miami’s newly launched and only foreign film channel available on-demand, will host an Art Basel-inspired cocktail party and viewing of its latest release, Avenue Montaigne on Wednesday, December 1  at 8 PM at The Rooftop at Gansevoort Miami Beach. Guests will experience the journey of a young woman as she arrives in Paris and embarks on a voyage into her dream world of glamour, luxury and the arts; as the story is projected onto the poolside bar’s main wall and streamed throughout its VIP cabanas. Complimentary Absolut cocktails & Perrier–Jouët champagne till 9 p.m., with reduced Absolut cocktails through 11 p.m.  Special guest DJ Joe Dert will spin an open format mix of house and euro-inspired beats. RSVP to Eurocinema@taraink.com. For more information please visit www.eurocinema.com. Gansevoort Miami Beach is located at 2377 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139.

The Miguel Paredes National Gallery

On Wednesday, December 1, join Miguel Paredes as he unveils his latest creation at the National Hotel.  The South Beach destination has   been  transformed in to the Miguel Paredes National Gallery and will celebrate with an opening reception featuring complimentary cocktails by Bombay Sapphire, beats by Buddha Bar DJ Sam Popat and select works by Hernan Miranda.  The event will run from 8 to 11 p.m.    The following evening,   Paredes along with famed rock photographer Danny Clinch will unveil several collaborative works featuring subjects such as Jack Johnson and the Beastie Boys. The event will feature complimentary cocktails by Dewars and beats by DJ Sam Popat.  This event will also run from 8 to 11 p.m. and both will take place at the National Hotel.  For more information visit  www.miguelparedes.com.

Through William Chewning’s Eyes

On Thursday, December 2, explore and experience the elements of nature through the eyes of William Chewning as he displays his newest collection, “William Chewning’s Big Ideas.”  Back to Art Basel Miami Beach 2010, for the second year,  Chewning will captivate his audience at his 1,800 square foot showroom filled with various abstract pieces, each of which were created using reoccurring imagery, realism, environmental elements and allegorical references. 

Join Chewning for an Art Basel cocktail reception from 7 to 9 p.m. as he reveals a compelling and original “vocabulary” of ideas through the translation of his own life experiences.  Miami Design District 126^th NE 40^th Street or for more information contact Erica@ThePattonGroupInc.com.

Original Penguin Miami’s 5^th  Anniversary

E!’s Michael Yo will host the Original Penguin Miami’s 5th Anniversary on Thursday, December 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. Complimentary cocktails and champagne will be served courtesy of 42Below Vodka and Korbel.  Enjoy 30% off the entire store as you snack on Pirate’s Booty treats while local favorite DJ Dank spins great tunes.  To RSVP visit OPGMIAMI@TARAINK.com or call 305.864.3434 x257.

Art Basel and Angelique Euro Café

Angelique Euro Café is excited to bring a little piece of Art Basel to Coral Gables on Thursday, December 2, as they proudly showcase the original and uplifting art work by local Venezuelan artist, Valentina Ramos; which will remain in display through the 5th of December.  Angelique invites its patrons to celebrate their one-year anniversary and enjoy an evening filled with art, wine and live music beginning at 6:30pm with the sultry notes of RK Duo.  At 7pm, the Battle of the Grapes wine tasting will begin as Angelique highlights California’s other grapes.  For more information visit www.AngeliqueEuroCafe.com.

 Cafeina Presents: Three Stooges We Love

Cafeina invites you to celebrate Three Stooges We Love, a night of art, photography & the written word honoring Patrick McMullan, Brian Antoni, and Robert Chambers on Thursday, December 2,  at 11 p.m. Guests will enjoy complimentary Solerno cocktails until midnight and music by special guest DJ Jeffrey Tonnesen. For one-night only, McMullan will showcase So80s on the garden wall, a compilation of classic photos capturing icons of that decade Madonna, Andy Warhol and Liza Minnelli. Antoni will also host a VIP signing of South Beach the Novel and will donate a percentage of book proceeds to The Trevor Project.  And Robert Chambers will present a sculpture installation. To RSVP go to  cafeina@taraink.com or for more information visit www.cafeinamiami.com.

Barbara Hulanicki Presents “FLASH”

Internationally acclaimed fashion illustrator and designer, Barbara Hulanicki, will host her first-side exhibit at Calix Gustav Gallery. The show, aptly titled FLASH, will feature a series of colorfully infused images reflecting the artist’s life experiences as well as her wild and free imagination.  The opening reception will be held on Saturday,   December 4,   from 6 to 9 p.m.  The exhibition will be featured through February 4, 2011.  To RSVP go to Hulanicki@TARAINK.com. Calix Gustav Gallery, 98 N.W. 29 Street.

Stone Crab Feast at Kitchen 305

Stone crabs lovers are invited to come dip and dance at “The Show” taking place every Friday at Kitchen 305 in the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort.  The Show features weekly live entertainment to go along with an all-you-can-eat stone crab feast for $42 per person. Make sure to get your fill in before the season for stone-crabbin’ is over!  

Just a “stones” throw-away from the ocean, Kitchen 305 will serve-up claws in batches of five, accompanied by a bowl of New England Clam Chowder and a Wedge Salad with Applewood smoked bacon.  Endless refills are welcomed if there’s still room after the fresh bread and choice of two sides from another grand selection including rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, grilled Portobello mushrooms, charred-cheddar wrapped beefsteak tomatoes and creamed spinach. For table reservations, call 305.749.2110.
  

Roots In The City Farmers Market Re-opens  

Roots In The City Farmers Market will re-open for business on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at noon. Launched with the support of Wholesome Wave Foundation, the market debuted to national attention in April 2010 as the only wholly local farmer-operated market in Miami and the first urban farmer’s market in Florida to double the value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (also known as food stamps) towards the purchase of locally-grown produce.  Roots In The City Farmers Market is located in Overtown, at the corner of Northwest Second Avenue and Tenth Street, and will be open to the public every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. through early summer 2011.

By: Maryanne Salvat

Let’s Get Funky Buddha

On Thursday, November 18, Nick Noyes a one-man-band phenomenon takes the Bamboo Stage at the Funky Buddha at 9 p.m. While rooted in acoustic folk he crosses genres and back again from funk, reggae and jam to dance and soul. The following night, Nov 19,  Fusik and Brotherly Love Productions host the first 1vs1 B-Boy Battle at the same venue. The top break-dancers in South Florida will be getting together to battle over a $200 cash prize. Fusik has performed at similar events around the world including shows in Los Angeles, France, Spain and Italy and wants to bring that international vibe to South Florida. As always the BLP team holds down their Sunday Night Cookout  at Hurricane Bar – this week’s featured artist is Aquaphonics, a uniquely funky electro-soul indie band . Free BBQ from 6 to 8 p.m. with music at 8:30.

Belle Coeur by Jamie Jo Harris

Jackie Abraham Fine and Estate Jewelry will host the official Miami launch party for jewelry line Belle Coeur by Jamie Jo Harris on Thursday, November 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. On the heels of two successful launch events at Blue & Cream in East Hampton and Fred Segal Santa Monica – where notable attendees included legendary pop icon Paula Abdul, among others – the luxury retailer will celebrate the Miami debut of the hit songwriter’s rocker-chic collection with an intimate reception and viewing. Guests will enjoy complimentary Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur cocktails and Belle Coeur branded bite-size sweets from 2 Girls and a Cupcake while perusing the line’s debut collection and mingling with designer Jamie Jo and her collaborator, celebrity jeweler Rosalina Lydster of Jewelry by Rosalina.  To RSVP   go to bellecoeur@taraink.com.   Jackie Abraham Fine and Estate Jewelry,   1027 Kane Concourse, Bay Harbor Islands.

Art Industry Thursdays

Cafeina and WEC jazz up Art Industry Thursdays this week with a live performance by Angela Laino. The soulful singer will take center stage at 10:30 p.m. in the Wynwood den’s 5,000-square-foot garden, while DJ NuE-DiTTy spins inside the lounge. Art Industry specials this week include $3 Blue Moon beers and a special “Member’s Only” menu for all WEC Perks Card holders (speak softly when requesting it). The party starts at 8 p.m.  RSVP to cafeina@taraink.com with your artistic affiliation to register your WEC Perks Card.

EH Team!  Friday

Anthony Spinello, Qpony, and Cafeina will be hosting the November version of EH TEAM!  Friday.  Drink specials will be offered in honor of Spinello’s birthday bash with  complimentary libations provided by Canadian Mist Black Diamond Whiskey from 9 to 10 p.m.    ESS and EMM, along with Maxwell Blanford, will provide the exquisite sounds.   Complimentary naturalization and disco-ization cards will be provided to “non- Canadians”   in relation to the bill SB 1070.    EhTeam naturalization cards will be taken at the venue; guests will receive complimentary cocktail specials with the card and reduced entry to upcoming special events.

Rock the House at Kitchen 305 

 On Friday, November 19, from 7 to 9 p.m., join Kitchen 305 as it opens its doors for a night of live rock and roll entertainment, a special dance performance and celebrity guests to help raise money for young cancer patients. The Rock the House: Party Like a Rock Star charity event will be hosted by Interscope Record’s Rev Theory lead singer, Rich Luzzi, and Miss Maxim USA, Tami Donaldson, with a special performance by Detour, Los Angeles’ newest and most energetic performance show.  In addition, DJ Mike Palmieri, who has quickly gained notoriety in Los Angeles and Miami nightlife scenes, and veteran drummer Tye Mohawk will play together in an energetic live music show accompanied by rock star dancers, bottle service and drink promotions and an all-you-can-eat stone crab dinner special.  Guests will enjoy surprise rock star VIP appearances throughout the evening and the chance to win an authentic Rev Theory electric guitar, which will be signed and raffled off for charity.  All proceeds will benefit the Rock Cancer campaign for the Broken Bones Foundation and SeventyK, a cancer advocacy group for adolescents and young adults.  Exclusive Rock Cancer bands will be distributed to everyone who donates to the cause.  The evening’s festivities will be dedicated to Taylor Biardi and Marika Jorgensen, two people close to Rev Theory who lost their battles against cancer.  A suggested donation of $10 at the door will go directly to benefit the cause.  For dinner reservations and bottle service, call 305.749.2110.

 Gloria Estefan and Roberto Cavalli Team Up

On Friday, Nov. 19, fashion designer,  Roberto Cavalli and 7-time Grammy Award winner, Gloria Estefan will present an evening under the stars for Miami’s top philanthropists, socialites and celebrities.  The event starts off with a cocktail party, followed by dinner and a Roberto Cavalli 2011 spring collection runway show at Villa Vecchia, (4821 Pine Tree Drive) the Miami Beach estate of Miami philanthropists Norma and Luis Quintero. Net proceeds from the event will benefit The Gloria Estefan Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Additionally, during the event, 10 Miami philanthropists will receive the prestigious Starfish Award, an annual award that recognizes exemplary women who contribute to local, national and international communities.  Tickets to this stellar event are priced from $500 per individual ticket to $10, 000 for a front row VIP table for 10 that includes 10 VIP invites to Vernissage during Art Basel and inclusion in media correspondence and invitations.

For tickets and more information, contact Lori Sundermier at gefoundation@estefan.com or call 305-695-7015.

Next@19^th

On Saturday, November 20 at 7 p.m., head to the Miami International Book Fair for some good old fashioned controversy.  Next@19th hosts Miryam Kabakov, author of Keep Your Wives Away from Them: Orthodox Women, Unorthodox Desires, as she discusses the topic of queerness in the Orthodox Jewish community, opening minds and breaking barriers.  For more information go to www.nextat19th.org.

The 54^th Annual Vizcayan Ball

On Saturday, November 20 at 7 p.m., join the Vizcayans as they honor James Murphy at beautiful event set in the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens:  the 54^th Annual Vizcayan Ball.  The event this year is being sponsored by Jaguar Corporate, along with LAF/CO Santa Maria Novella.  For more information or to RSVP contact Sonia Gibson at Sonia@soniagibsonpr.com or call 305 458-5003.  The attire is Black tie.

A  Real Thanksgiving at Camillus House

On Tuesday, November 23, for the second year in a row, Chef Antaun Teasley, one of the preferred chefs at Club Play, will make Thanksgiving dinner for 500 people at the Camillus House starting at 4 p.m.  To raise funds for this meal, A Good Cause Dinner Gala was held at Club Play in South Beach. Volunteers are needed the day of the dinner. For information on how you can help out, contact Cherry Wells at 786-797-8270 or go online to youngchefcatering@gmail.com.

Thanksgiving at Meat Market

 Meat Market, Lincoln Road’s haute see-and-be-seen steakhouse, is celebrating Thanksgiving with an exciting line-up of mouthwatering specials from chef/owner Sean Brasel and pastry chef Vincent Pantoliano.  Featuring gourmet twists on traditional favorites, Meat Market’s a la carte style menu offers composed turkey dishes, a three-tiered mixed grill and two dessert choices.  The regular a la carte menu is also available. The Meat Market Thanksgiving menu is available on Thursday, November 25 from 5 p.m. to midnight. Meat Market is located at 915 Lincoln Road on Miami Beach. For more information call 305.532.0088 or visit www.meatmarketmiami.com.

Thanksgiving in a Box

Chef/owner Howie Kleinberg and the rest of the pack at Bulldog Barbeque, the smoking hot barbeque joint in North Miami, are offering a stress-free holiday season,   they have put together a delicious down-home Thanksgiving dinner, to go, complete with all the fixings.  For only $20 per person, guests can pre-order and pick up a full meal that is sure to impress.  For more information call 305.940.9655 or visit www.bulldog-bbq.com.

Lorie Lester Studio + Boutique Grand Opening

On Thursday, November 11, from 7 to 9 p.m.,   contemporary sportswear designer Lorie Lester will host the grand opening of her Studio + Boutique along with Ginger Harris, Jennifer Halegua and Nathalie Pozo. Guests are invited to enjoy bites and complimentary cocktails by Solerno Liqeuer,   sweet treats by 2 Girls and a Cupcake and 30 percent off select items throughout the store. The indoor/outdoor affair will feature beats by DJ Keen One so guests can mingle and peruse Lorie Lester’s collection of colorful dresses and tops. The all-in-one boutique also features a studio and cutting room, where Lorie designs and makes all alterations in-house and hard-to-find accessories, handbags and eyewear from a unique mix of up-and-coming brands including Mike Street Wear Brand, Formal Street Wear Brand, Beautiful People Handbags, Gorjana Jewelry and Ankora Jewelry.  For more information or to RSVP, visit lorielester@taraink.com or call 305.864.3434 ext. 122.  Lorie Lester Studio + Boutique is located at 6301 Biscayne Boulevard, suite 103.

 Secondhand Serenade at Whiskey Blue

On Thursday, November 11 at 7 p.m., W Fort Lauderdale and Whiskey Blue invite guests for an exclusive live performance by recording artist Secondhand Serenade.   John Vesely, the man behind Secondhand Serenade, will perform an intimate acoustic guitar set including “Fall for You” and “Your Call” in a rare, unplugged performance andt treat guests to songs from this third album, Here Me Now, released earlier this year.  Admission to the performance is free, RSVP is highly recommended due to limited seating.   For more information visit Wfortlauderdale.events@whotels.com.

The Wolfsonian Quinces

The Wolfsonian museum will celebrate its 15th birthday with a Miami-style quinceañera at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach (4441 Collins Avenue), on Friday November 12 at 8 p.m.  The party is being hosted by The Wolfsonian Visionaries, a new group of members who are passionate about design and interested in working with the museum to develop innovative events, strengthen community ties and raise funds to support museum exhibitions and activities. The evening will include a silent auction as well as music by Miami’s own Grammy-nominated Latin jazz band, Conjunto Progreso, led by Johnny Aguiló, and DJ-about-town Jody McDonald. No word on whether anyone will be brought in on a chariot, or pop out of a giant clam shell, as in the Quinces we attended in our youth, but this sure sounds like a unique twist on the typical gala experience. Tickets for the Wolfsonian Quince cost $250 per person or $2,500 for a table for 10. For more information, call 305.535.2631 or e-mail ian@thewolf.fiu.edu.

Pianist Markus Gottschlich: Jazz | World Concert

On Friday, November 12,   the Byron Carlyle Theater hosts Austrian pianist, composer, and recording artist Markus Gottschlich.  Gottschlich   leads a group of local and international musicians will debut the songs of his upcoming album along with guest performer, Raj Bhandari (who performs with Shakira). Tickets cost $20 ($15 for seniors and students). For more information, visit www.colonyandbryrontheaters.com or call 305.674.1040.

Urban Impressionism: Miguel Paredes

On Saturday, November 13, from 7 to 11 p.m., Paredes Fine Arts Studio will be open to the public offering guests a chance to view never-before-seen art work while enjoying live music and complimentary cocktails by Alambiqu Mixology, Grey Goose, Plymouth Gin, Beefeater Gin, Appleton Estates Rum and Ice Tropez. 

Paredes will present guests with a sneak preview of several signature pieces that will be showcased during his Art Basel exhibits including pieces from his popular Los Ninos, Boroughs and Pulgha & Birds series, a sculpture version of his painting, In the Name of America, that has never been shown in Miami and a first look at his new series, Elements of an Artist.

Shop to Stop MS

The University of Miami MS Center for Excellence and the National MS Society, South Florida Chapter, in association with Miami magazine will host the second annual Shop to Stop MS on Wednesday, November 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Saks Fifth Avenue, Dadeland. Local tastemakers and MS activists will be invited to enjoy 15% off purchases throughout the store while sipping fine wine, sampling cookies, confections and hors d’oeuvres by caterer Fare to Remember. Tickets to the event cost $50 in advance and $60 at the door; in addition, guests will receive a $25 Saks gift card to use anytime. 5% of the event sales will benefit the National MS Society, South Florida Chapter and the University of Miami MS Center for Excellence. Guests will also have the opportunity to buy raffle tickets at the door for a chance to win a bevy of prizes and gifts from the likes of Estee Lauder, Bulgari and even a pair of tickets to a Miami Dolphins home game. For more information and to purchase tickets call 305 243.1388. 

SUGARCANE   Launches Weekend Brunch 

Sugarcane Raw Bar and Grill invites patrons to enjoy weekend brunch starting at 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. True to the tapas-style theme, the new selection brunch dishes were created with sharing in mind. Thoughtfully prepared by Executive Chef Timon Balloo, ingredients are seasonal-sourced with farm-to-table-style preparations when available. Chef Balloo will be changing the menu regularly to reflect the season’s finest ingredients.  Brunch goes until 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.sugarcanerawbargrill.com.

Gloria Estefan and Roberto Cavalli Team Up

On Friday, November 19, fashion designer,  Roberto Cavalli and Gloria Estefan will present an evening under the stars for Miami’s top philanthropists, socialites and celebrities.  The event starts off with a cocktail party, followed by dinner and a Roberto Cavalli 2011 spring collection runway show at Villa Vecchia, (4821 Pine Tree Drive) the Miami Beach estate of Miami philanthropists Norma and Luis Quintero. Net proceeds from the event will benefit The Gloria Estefan Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Additionally, during the event, 10 Miami philanthropists will receive the prestigious Starfish Award, an annual award that recognizes exemplary women who contribute to local, national and international communities.  Tickets to this stellar event are priced from $500 per individual ticket to $10, 000 for a front row VIP table for 10 that includes 10 VIP invites to Vernissage during Art Basel and inclusion in media correspondence and invitations.

For tickets and more information, contact Lori Sundermier at gefoundation@estefan.com or call 305-695-7015