Juanes, Karen Martinez, Juan Luis Guerra , St. Jude Patients Victor, Stephan and Carlos

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

The stars came out en masse for the tenth annual FedEx/St.Jude Angels & Stars Gala on Saturday, May 19. Actress/supermodel Daisy Fuentes, and Latin power-couple, Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Juanes and TV host/actress Karen Martinez, served as the celebrity chairs and were on-hand to mingle with guests at the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami. More than 800 guests enjoyed a Grey Goose cocktail reception, seated dinner and live performances by gorgeous Spanish, Grammy Award-winner, David Bisbal and Vicente Garcia.

Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Juan Luis Guerra got a standing ovation when he was presented with the Al-Rashid Hope Award for his tireless commitment to providing resources for needy children in Dominican Republic and Latina America, particularly in the areas of health, sports and education.

“I am honored to receive this award during such a special year like the 50th anniversary celebration of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Guerra. “While I am passionate about music, I care even more about providing children with the best care, so they can live happy, healthy lives.”

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Tracy Wilson Mourning with beautiful Honey Bugs

We were thrilled to see the joy on the faces of the” Honey Bugs” as they rushed to greet the gorgeous Tracy Wilson Mourning upon her arrival at the Asian-themed 10th Annual Hats Off luncheon on Tuesday, May 8, at Jungle Island, to benefit the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, a program which she founded to provide support and guidance to hundreds of girls (Honey Bugs) in the community.

Tracy was joined by her husband, NBA Champion Alonzo Mourning, who graciously mingled and took photos with admiring fans before giving an inspiring speech in which he lauded his wife and encouraged continued support of Honey Shine. When Tracy took the stage, she shared that 15 of the Honey Bugs have successfully graduated and gone on to higher education thanks to funds raised through Hats Off. “The luncheon was amazing. Our Honey Bugs were glowing and the community support was stellar”, said Tracy.

Honey Shine Members and Co-chairs Cathy Blank and Monisha Melwani helped lead the effort, resulting in a successful silent auction and Camp Honey Shine appeal. Between the Membership program, ticket sales, auction, and appeal, $250,000 was raised for the program. Special recognition was given to Steering Committee Member of the Year, Ayana Rodriguez, and Honey Bug of the Year, Jasmine Thompson, who was selected for her overall achievements in the program. To add, two outstanding role models, Tahiese Beckford and Jonaura Wisdom, were honored with the Mentor of the Year Award.

The highlight of the afternoon was the Honey Bug showcase, where the girls showed off their talents by singing, dancing and walking the runway to model fashions provided by GAP, Aleren, Bloomingdale’s Aventura, Manisha Patel and MIA Shoes.

To join the Honey Shine program or to make a donation, visit HONEYSHINE.org.

By: Maryanne Salvat

Touch and Culture Productions at Chalk Ping Pong & Billiards Lounge

On Thursday, May 31, Chalk Ping Pong & Billiards Lounge presents Tony Touch and Culture Productions, launching their first monthly old-school hip hop collaboration.  The festivities will begin at 10:00 p.m., during The Breaks, Chalk’s weekly hip hop event.  For more information on this event, contact www.chalkmiami.com. 

Sounds of Wynwood Walls 

On Friday, June 1 at 8:00 p.m., in honor of local visionary Tony Goldman’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Wynwood Walls’ musical curator Nestor Torres will kick off the first “Sounds of the Walls” – an all-star musical showcase featuring an array of local talent.  The evening promises an all-star jam session honoring the man who was responsible for the revitalization of areas such as SoHo, Miami Beach, and the new thriving arts district of Wynwood.  Local musical acts slated to perform are Big Brooklyn Red; Monica DaSilva; Andrian Gonzalez; DJ Zoel and Max Farber.  In addition, newcomers to the Walls include young piano sensation Tony Madruga, Sax player Taylor Vega and violin virtuoso Paddy King.  Special guest artists will include percussionist Edwin Bonilla and master pianists Silvano Monasterious and Javier Concepcion.  Of course, Nestor Torres will host the evening, as well as perform with the other acts. .  The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact www.wynwoodkitchenandbar.com.

Kick Off Party for Hell’s Kitchen with Robyn Almodovar 

As one of 18 contestants, local chef Robyn Almodovar will be turning up the heat on Season 10 of “Hell’s Kitchen” (FOX) which premieres Monday, June 4 at 8 p.m. (EST). To kick off the spicy, new season of kitchen mayhem, Almodovar will host a preview party from her food truck “Palate Party” during Monday’s Food Truck Invasion in Arts Park at Young Circle in Hollywood from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy live entertainment and a champagne toast with an opportunity to mix and mingle with the chef herself. Almodovar’s popular food truck Palate Party, which promises to be a “party in your mouth every time”, was recently voted the #3 food truck in South Florida. The first food truck equipped with an actual stage, Palate Party has been custom outfitted with LED lights, a flat screen television and a culinary arsenal worthy of Gordon Ramsay himself. 

Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach Presents RLife LIVE 

Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach presents an exclusive RLife LIVE performance by Ghost of Gloria at the ELLE Spa Terrace on Thursday, June 7.  The performance will take place simultaneously with 19 other RLife LIVE performances around the world as part of Renaissance Hotels’ “GET OUT & Discover” project that brings to life Renaissance Hotels’ first-ever global advertising campaign: “Live Life to Discover.”  The RLife LIVE event will feature a trunk show showcasing items from Saks Bal Harbour, Eberjey Intimates, Citrine By the Stone, Steven Rehage Anton, Pamela B and Bugatchi Uomo as well as raffle prizes from Red Flower, Dr. Dennis Gross Skin Care, and Decleor to name a few.  Guests will indulge in savory cocktails by VeeV Vodka.  Additional participants include Ahava, ELLE, Swank Audio Visual, and Paradise Light and Sound. In honor of this special occasion, ELLE Spa will be offering a 15% discount on the entire spa menu during the month of June.  from influences such as Foo Fighters, Incubus, Sevendust, Tool and more, Ghost of Gloria fuses the unique talents and influences of each member into an unforgettable modern melodic-rock sound.

The Men In Black 3 Miami Red-Carpet screening featuring Pitbull started off with a surprise flash mob, as more than 130 suited agents invaded Lincoln Road to perform a choreographed routine to the hit song “Back in Time.” Pitbull himself came out to witness the action as he greeted fans along the way, enjoying the sight of the huge crowd of dancers and onlookers alike having fun with his latest tune. Following the flash mob, the recording artist took a few moments to thank everyone for coming out and supporting his film, signed posters, and greeted the hundreds of fans in attendance.

Pitbull then joined fellow celebs, rapper, Trina; Braylon Edwards, NFL Player, DJ Chino; Phresh Kidd Ice, musician, and Ted Lucas, founder of Slip N’ Slide Records for photos before dropping a signed photo of himself in the MIB3 time capsule.

The Miami Dolphins Foundation just completed its largest fundraising event of the year, FinsWeekend, which took place from May 17 through 19, at Turnberry Isle Miami and the Miami Beach Marina. The three-day extravaganza featured an exciting weekend of golf, fishing and celebrities. Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, CEO Mike Dee, GM Jeff Ireland, Sr. VP/Dolphin great Nat Moore and Head Coach Joe Philbin took part in the event with a host of players including Reggie Bush, Matt Moore, Cameron Wake, Karlos Dansby. Miami Dolphins cheerleaders, Big 105.9 host Paul Castronovo participated in activities. In all, FinsWeekend raised more than $600,000 for the Miami Dolphins Foundation, whose mission is devoted to providing and supporting signature education, health, youth athletic programs and volunteer activities that inspire and engage communities throughout Florida. For more information about Fins Weekend and other charitable events hosted by the Miami Dolphins, call the Community Relations department at (305) 943-7200 or visit dolphins.com.

The JW Marriott Marquis Miami (Hotel Beaux Arts) hosted the 10th annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Miami Gala on Saturday night, for which a slew of high-profile individuals gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  A-list celebs staying at the hotel over the weekend included Colombian music sensation Juanes and Grammy-winning, Spanish pop singer David Bisbal, both staying at the Hotel Beaux Arts, and Dominican, singer songwriter Juan Luis Guerra.  Other celebrities attending the gala included: Ricky Martin, Alejandro Sanz, DJ David Guetta, TV personality actress, Giselle Blondet, and Daisy Fuentes, to name a few.  Check back next week for gala coverage and photos. 

While staying at the Hotel Beaux Arts on Saturday, Grammy award-winner Juan Luis Guerra had an early dinner at db Bistro Moderne. Later that evening, Latin Grammy winner Juanes also dined at db Bistro Moderne with Miss Universe 2001 Denise Quinones and guests.

 We had the distinct pleasure of joining the exquisite, Maggie Henriquez, President and CEO of Krug Champagne a couple of weeks ago at an exclusive luncheon at Conrad Miami, where Henriquez entertained a small group of journalists who tasted Krug’s newly released Vintage 2000, Vintage 1998, and Krug’s signature Grand Cuvee and legendary Rose. Henriquez took the lively group (which became livelier after every sip) through a journey which included the Maison’s long history and Krug’s unique approach. A born storyteller, the brilliant Henriquez captivated us with exciting anecdotes about each of the vintages, which she described with the reverence and knowledge of a mother describing each of her children. Krug’s newest innovation includes the recently launched bottle ID codes which enhance the tasting experience by highlighting the unique characteristics, history, and tasting notes for each bottle of Krug disgorged after 2011.

The afternoon was an enlightening and delicious journey of Krug’s generous spirit and philosophy of uncompromised excellence.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Exhale Mind Body Spa Launches Tata Harper Pure Facial 

Tata Harper the eco-friendly skin care line and Exhale Mind Body Spa are thrilled to announce the launch of the all natural Pure Facial with Tata Harper’s newly formulated back-bar products, available for aesthetician use only. The luxurious and may I say quite relaxing, facial consists of cleansing, exfoliation, beta hydroxyl, hyaluronic acid, collagen reinforcement, moisture retention, lipids, omegas and an infusion of antioxidants, all enjoyed with signature aromatherapy. (It will make you feel and look many years younger). Tata Harper products are also available for purchase at exhale locations. Founder Tata Harper redefined natural skincare with her eponymous line, which offers innovative products that are 100% natural and 100% effective. “Our mission to support overall well being with our nontoxic products that are results oriented, is very much in line with exhale’s mission,” says Harper. “We strive to encourage a healthier lifestyle for consumers everywhere through our business, and Exhale’s transformational programs and therapies work toward that as well.”; for more information on the skincare line, visit www.tataharperskincare.com or to schedule an appointment with Exhale Mind Body Spa, www.exhalespa.com. 

Nicky’s Week at RA Sushi

RA Sushi will host its eighth annual “Nicky’s Week” fundraiser Sunday, May 27, through Saturday, June 2, to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of the world’s premier centers for research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other deadly diseases since it opened 50 years ago. The Scottsdale-based restaurant and bar will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of a variety of menu items and beverages to St. Jude to help support the hospital’s lifesaving mission. Since its inception, Nicky’s Week has raised more than $943,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and RA Sushi hopes to surpass the $1 million mark this year.The special Nicky’s Week menu, available at RA Sushi in South Miami includes: Edamame, Tootsy Maki, Shrimp Nigiri, Pork Gyoza, Chicken Yakitori, Garlic Citrus Yellowtail Tapas, plus a variety of select beverages. All 25 RA Sushi locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Nevada and Texas will participate in the fundraiser.

City Theatre’s 17^th Annual SUMMER SHORTS FESTIVAL

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County proudly presents City Theatre’s 17^th annual SUMMER SHORTS FESTIVAL, South Florida’s fast and furiously fun program of the nation’s hottest short plays, staged in the intimate Carnival Studio Theater (Ziff Ballet Opera House) from June 1 through17. Under the new direction of Producing Artistic Director John Manzelli, the sizzling 17^th season of the company’s acclaimed SUMMER SHORTS FESTIVAL features fifteen performances of eight original short plays – some raucous, others innovative and poignant, but with the ultimate goal to make audiences laugh. Tickets are $35, and may be purchased through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling 305.949.6722, or online at www.arshtcenter.org.