Creative Children Therapy CIFO and David “LEBO” LeBatard

On Thursday, September 30^th from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., CCT will host their 4th annual exhibition “Inspired by the Beat” at the Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation (CIFO) in Miami.  All event proceeds will go to funding the organization’s art programs, which focus on helping children with special needs in the Miami community.   This year’s event will feature local artist David ‘LEBO’ Le Batard alongside 23 artists from CCT’s Artistic Realization Technologies program.  Four collaborative works between the Artists of CCT and LEBO will be auctioned off at the event, which will also feature the debut of “LEBO Live” – A multimedia experience including:  live painting, video mixing, and music.  LEBO’s new coffee table book, Inspired by the Beat will be available for viewing and purchase at the event.  CCT is dedicated to improving the quality of life of children with special needs through “superior therapeutic intervention.” In addition to providing medical services, the main goal is to provide creative programs that help these kids develop socially and artistically.  For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.cct-art.eventbrite.com.

Corey Michaels Premieres His “Rockstar” Video

Miami-based recording artist Corey Michaels will premiere the music video for his infectious first single “Rockstar” from his debut album, Who Killed the King?, with an exclusive performance at TWIST on Friday, October 1^st at 11 p.m. The music video will premiere in the Frolic Video Lounge at 1:00 a.m.,   followed by a performance by Michaels. After the performance, Michaels will be gifting t-shirts and copies of his album to his fans during a meet and greet/signing period. Who Killed the King? is available now at the iTunes Store (http://tinyurl.com/CoreyMichaels).

Diamonds are Forever

On Saturday, October 2^nd, join Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation for the 2010 Diamond Ball.    Start the social season with the party of the year – take a step back to 1950, to an evening of glamour, cheek-to-cheek dancing and culinary delights as they celebrate the 60^th Anniversary of Miami Children’s Hospital!  This year’s theme “Diamonds…Forever: “Honoring the Past. Celebrating the Future”- Commemorating Miami Children’s Hospital Diamond Anniversary – 60 Years of World-Class Care – Anniversary Celebration to honor the legacy of medical excellence while celebrating the future of our children.  Barbara and Jack Nicklaus – the first family of golf, champions of children’s causes, and partners in Palm Beach County – will be inducted into the Ambassador David M. Walters International Pediatric Hall of Fame for their work on behalf of children. Guests will enjoy performances by Cuban-American Grammy Winner Albita, Bruce Green Orchestra and Anthony Bucciero. The event will be held at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach 4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach.  For more information, contact Morgana Rolle at mrolle@mchf.org or 786-624-2038. 

Hollywood Across America

Professionals behind artists such as Miley Cyrus, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning and hit movies like Harry Potter, Transformers, The Da Vinci Code and High School Musical are looking for their next star.  Hollywood Across  America, a hands-on workshop and showcase led by entertainment industry veterans, is coming to South Florida on Saturday, October 2^nd  and Sunday October 3^rd .  Local actors, models and other aspiring talent interested in learning from some of Hollywood’s top industry professionals will enjoy a weekend full of seminars, coaching and performances at Miami Beach’s Sea View Hotel. The two day event will be held at the Sea View Hotel, 9909 Collins Avenue, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.  Tickets cost $445 (payment plans are available). Talent ages: 6 and up.  For more information go to www.hollywoodacrossamerica.com or call producer Sherry Faith at 305-899-2288 and/or 561-239-5445.

 Shoe Shopping at Dulce

On Thursday, October 7, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., reality show vixen Evelyn Lozada will host a private cocktail celebrating friend and renowned Italian shoe designer Francesco Sacco. Held at Lozada’s trendy shoe boutique Dulce, located on Miracle Mile, the intimate event will offer an exclusive preview of the designer’s new collection.  

Esteemed guests, including guest of honor Francesco Sacco, will enjoy complimentary champagne and cupcakes provided by Stella’s Sweet Shoppe. Shoppers will also have the opportunity to have their new Francesco Sacco stems signed by the designer, for a truly enviable pair of soles. For more information call 305-864-3434 extension 122 or Dulce@taraink.com.

Sip and Spa at the Palms Hotel

Sip & Spa at The Palms Hotel is back! The popular weekly happy hour at Essensia Lounge returns on Thursday Oct. 7^th with great drink and food specials which include half-off all appetizers and cocktails from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. plus complimentary Chandon Rose Brut between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. In addition, The Palms AVEDA Spa is offering half-off all spa services from 4:00  to 9:00 p.m. Throughout the month of October, The Palms Spa joins AVEDA’s efforts in raising funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding clinical and genetic research on breast cancer at medical institutions across the globe. The Aveda Pink Ribbon Hand Relief™ will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Palms Spa is also donating 10% of their pink nail polish sales to BCRF.  Sip & Spa takes place every Thursday night from 6:00 to10:00 p.m. at Essensia Lounge and from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The Palms Spa. Valet parking costs $9 for Sip & Spa guests and is complimentary if combined with dinner at Essensia Restaurant.  For more information visit www.thepalmshotel.com or call 305.908.5458. The Palms Hotel & Spa is located on 3025 Collins Avenue.

Cafeina Launches Wynwood Art Center

As if we needed yet another incentive to head to Cafeina, Wynwood’s trendiest lounge/resto/gallery introduces Art Industry Thursdays, catered to the artists, aficionados and curators who help paint the portrait of the Magic City, along with the unveiling of the Wynwood Exhibition Center at Cafeina (WEC), formerly Cafeina’s 1,000 foot art gallery. Beginning Thursday, September 23, members of Miami’s art communities will receive WEC Perk Cards granting them a 25 percent discount on food and drink purchases from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. in addition to a 15 percent discount on non-Art Industry nights (offer not valid during happy hour). Guests attending the launch party will be treated to complimentary cocktails from 8 to 9 p.m. and music by DJ Bhakti Baxter.

 Cafeina’s owner Ivette Naranjo says, “The launch of WEC, Art Industry and the perk cards are a nod to our neighbors who are working together in making Wynwood Art District a success. I want our exhibition space to be a compliment to the Wynwood Art District as opposed to a competitor in it. My goal is to create a place where Miami’s artistic minds gather to enjoy, discuss and display the work that drives them.” If you ask us, Cafeina’s been achieving that since day one.  Guests are asked to RSVP to cafeina@taraink.com with their art affiliation.

Denim and Diamonds

Udonis Haslem and other Miami Heat players will be doubling down, rolling dice, picking their lucky numbers and going all-in to raise money for the Udonis Haslem Children’s Foundation during the 6^th annual Denim & Diamonds fundraising event, which takes place on Saturday, September 25, form 7-11 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom at Fairmont Turnberry Isle (19999 West Country Club Drive in Aventura). 

DJ Irie will serve as emcee and several celebs and sports figures will be on-hand to try their luck at roulette, craps, poker, blackjack and slots.  Expect delicious passed fare from Fairmont Turnberry Isle’s talented chefs, live music and entertainment, cash bars and an impressive array of raffle and silent auction items. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Udonis Haslem Children’s Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to help at-risk youth reach their full potential both in the classroom and as individuals.

General admission tickets cost $125 per ticket in advance/ $150 at the door. VIP tickets are priced at $500 each and include exclusive benefits such as the opportunity to play poker alongside the Miami Heat players. Seating is limited. Tickets may be purchased by calling Barbara Wooten at 954-854-9496.

A Different Kind of Clubbing

For the seventh year in a row, the Junior League of Miami will host a golf tournament to raise funds to support the organization’s ongoing efforts to promote volunteerism and to benefit its community projects. The scramble-style tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. at the famed Blue Monster golf course at Doral Golf Resort & Spa (4400 N.W. 87th Avenue).  The entry fee is $250 per person; $900 for a foursome. Not a golfer? Don’t fret—you can still participate in the post-tournament cocktail reception, which kicks off at 5:30 p.m. The celebratory evening will feature live music, a silent auction and raffle with fantastic prizes, and delicious cuisine. To register or purchase tickets, visit the Junior League website: https://www.jlmiami.org/fundraisers-golfform.php.

By:  Maryanne Salvat

 Arts & Crafts Series at Buck15: Round 2

South Beach’s favorite hidden bar continues its local art contest this September with sneakers sponsored by Puma.  Locals are encouraged to pick up a white Puma sneaker and decorate it any way they wish. Artists have until the 13th of September to hand in their sneakers that will be displayed on the walls of Buck15 along with voting cards throughout the month.  Buck15 patrons will have up until the 28th of September to vote for their favorite piece.  The winners will be announced that Tuesday evening at 11:30 p.m.  First place winner will be awarded a $75 gift certificate to La Epoca Department Store located at 200 East Flagler Street in Downtown; second place winner will receive a $75 bar comp at Buck15 to be used by October 28; third place winner will receive a $25 Miss Yip gift certificate. To participate, contact Cesar@Buck15.net or www.buck15.net.

On Saturday, September 11 from 7  to 10 p.m., coinciding with Wynwood’s monthly art walk, Calix Gustav Gallery will debut its darkest exhibit to-date, Mörker, a look into the gloomy obscurity of children’s dreams. Together, featured artists Johan Björkegren and Ingrid Eliasson along with Jennifer Basile, create an intriguing juxtaposition of fear and serenity through their charcoal drawings and crocheted fiver tapestries. Gallery owner and curator Amanda Fernandez-Leon will also unveil CG Boutique, a smaller gallery within Calix Gustav’s walls intended for the younger art collector.
 

 September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

The Melanie Finley Ovarian Cancer Foundation (MFOCF) is hosting an inaugural awareness week September 13 – 17th,  sponsored by 123 Lumpsum,  featuring a variety of social events to celebrate survivors while raising awareness and donations to fight the disease.  On Monday, September 13th, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. enjoy complimentary martinis and makeovers in addition to a 10% discount on all beauty products with a portion of proceeds benefitting MFOCF.  The event is free and open to the public at  GBS, The Beauty Store 31 N. Federal Highway in Ft. Lauderdale.  On Tuesday, September 14th, from 6 to 8 p.m., wine and dine at a private east Fort Lauderdale residence with live entertainment for $20 per person with proceeds benefitting MFOCF.  There will be a presentation by Dr. Steven Poliakoff M.D., M.B.A., Finley’s doctor and the founder and CEO of South Florida Gynecologic Oncology Associates, Inc. and Executive Medical Director of The Women’s Cancer Research Foundation.  For additional information, contact: info@mfocf.com or jen@wasie.org.  On Wednesday, September 15th, from 6:00 to 7:45 p.m. celebrate National Yoga Month and Ovarian Cancer Month at Ayama Yoga in Aventura with a 90-minute Vinyasa class.  A $10 donation will be made to the MFOCF for every student in attendance.  Students of all levels are encouraged to participate and experience the many benefits of yoga including improved health, posture, strength, balance and flexibility. The cost of the class is $18.  Complimentary refreshments provided by Honest Tea will be available after class.  Ayama Yoga Center is located at2624 N.E. 188th St., North Miami Beach.  Free parking is available.  On Thursday, September 16th, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., enjoy  a fashion fundraising soiree at Lilac And Lilies new boutique across from the Galleria Mall.  Twenty percent of proceeds from sales will benefit MFOCF.  Shop star-studded styles including Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow 1960 jewelry collection, Trina Turk, J Brand denim, Black Halo, Alex & Ani accessories and MM Couture.  The event is free and open to the public.  Lilac & Lilies, 2541 East Sunrise Boulevard, Ft. Lauderdale.  On Friday, September 17th, head to SHO Nightclub from 8:00 to 10 p.m., make a $30 donation to the MFOCF, and enjoy 2 complimentary cocktails and appetizers and then dance the night away at Ft. Lauderdale’s premier, upscale nightclub.  SHO Nightclub  is located at 15 West Las Olas Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale.

Mercadito Midtown 

In honor of the 200 years of Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule, and 100 years of its revolution that began in 1910, Mercadito Midtown celebrates “El Grito de La Independencia” with authentic Mexican cuisine by Chef Patricio Sandoval in a lively, festive ambiance. In addition to the restaurant’s a la carte menu, holiday offerings will include succulent cochinita tacos ($16), made with achiote marinated pork belly, sour orange, pickled onions, and chiles en nogada ($22); a traditional Mexican specialty dish featuring stuffed poblano, pork, beef, dried fruit, spices, walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds, that will be available on the menu during the entire month of September. Mexican Independence Day festivities get underway at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15.  A live Mariachi band will perform from 9 to 11 p.m.  Guests will be able to order their favorite Mercadito cocktails, created by the Tippling Bros., at the bar indoors or at a special outdoor bar.  Mercadito Midtown is located at 3252 NE 1^st Avenue, in Miami’s Midtown Neighborhood. Valet and municipal parking is available. Reservations are suggested at (786) 369-0430; www.mercaditorestaurants.com.

By: Maryanne Salvat and Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Bal Harbour

Emmy Award winning journalist Maria Celeste Arraras, actress and model Paola Turbay and Miami philanthropist and socialite Kelly Gold will host Chloe’s in-store shopping and fundraising event  benefitting Rally for Kids, a non-profit organization providing critical funds for care, treatment and research for children suffering with cancer.  Guests will enjoy live beats, champagne by Louis Roederer and hors d’oeuvres while perusing Chloe’s Autumn/Winter 2010 ready-to-wear collection. RSVP: chloe@taraink.com or 305.864.3434 x 300.

Allison Weiss Brady and Jill Viner along with De Beers will be hosting an exclusive preview of the new De Beers Talisman Collection.  Guests are invited to an evening of shopping, diamonds, and champagne, benefiting Gene Spotlight.   To RSVP go to FNOBalHarbourShops@debeers.com or 305.867.7100

Miami socialites Dana Shear and Vivianne Kurzweil along with VH1’s NBA Housewives Evelyn Lozado and lifestyle editor Jacquelynn Powers will host Trina Turk’s fashion celebration.  Customers are invited to enjoy cupcakes and champagne, and enter for the chance to win exclusive raffle prizes and to purchase the official Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt and tank – to benefit the NYC AIDS Fund. RSVP: TrinaTurk@taraink.com.

Village of Merrick Park

 Village of Merrick Park will host an official Fashion’s Night Out event that will take place throughout the center as well as in participating retailers. Event components will include a Fashion’s Night Out Lounge which will feature cool music, light bites provided by SAWA Restaurant & Lounge, informal modeling and a sneak peak of Fall 2010 trends as well as many other exciting initiatives. Guests will enjoy complimentary cocktails provided by Belvedere Vodka & Atlantico Rum, as well as a coffee station provided by Café Bustelo. Patrons will be able to capture their Fashion’s Night Out experience by receiving a complimentary professional picture with any purchase of $25 or more from any retailer throughout  the center. Fashion’s Night Out participants will include Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Diane von Furstenberg, Jimmy Choo and Etro.  For more information visit www.villageofmerrickpark.com/events/fashions-night-out

Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland

Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland has invited four charities (American Red Cross, Baptist Hospital Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Humane Society of Greater Miami) to participate in a night of shopping that will benefit these charities and give back to the community. As part of the promotion to celebrate fashion, Saks Dadeland is giving a Monique Lhuillier evening gown informal modeling presentation to showcase this fall season’s beautiful dresses.  The evening will begin on the ground floor with a Rock Out and Make Up event, which will feature tips and tricks to looking like a rock star.  Enjoy a sampling of fall must-haves that promise to be cult favorites.  The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami will be offering five-minute neck massages and raffling off a gift certificate to The Spa. The event will be accompanied by a champagne reception provided by Moet & Chandon and   Morton’s The Steakhouse will be serving light hors d’oeuvres throughout the informal fashion presentation on the second floor. The event will also have dueling Dj’s and a book signing by Margarita Zingg, author of Glamour para Llevar.  Miami Magazine is Saks Dadeland’s media partner for this event.  Shop with your MasterCard® card the evening of September 10^th and receive an exclusive Fashion’s Night Out rock ‘n’ roll playlist.  For further information, visit  the the Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland Facebook page for an updated event schedule.