Nikki Adamkova, George Wallner, and Ximena Gonzalez

The first annual Hearts and Stars Gala took place Saturday evening at Casa Malinka, the waterfront estate of Russian super-model, Malinka Max and George Wallner to benefit The Little Lighthouse Foundation and Ronald McDonald Charities of South Florida. This “un-gala” seemed like a “pretty people convention” with over 600 well-heeled, great looking guests in attendance.  Instead of assigned seating, drawn out speeches, or banquet food (not that there’s anything wrong with that!) the Hearts and Stars gala featured an informal gathering, wherein guests roamed the expansive property, danced, mingled, bid on terrific auction items, enjoyed gourmet food from food stations provided by Devito South Beach, the Chop House, The  Ivy and GREY GOOSE cocktails a-go-go and were treated to a fashion show and two incredible musical performances, one by up-and-coming superstar, charismatic, NIR (who we tout as a young, Israeli Justin Timberlake, except even more gorgeous) and another  live performance by the legendary Pras Michel, founder and former member of the multi Grammy award winning group, The Fugees.  NIR showed off his terrific vocals, which are rivaled only by his dance moves, performing his debut single “Here I Come” along with dancers from the Strip.  Can we say “HOT?!”  After a brilliantly colorful fashion show by designer Rosita Hurtado, Pras Michel and his new band AXIXS wowed the crowd with a concert which included their new single “Hipstar”, along with other classics mixed in with the requisite Gaga, and the multi-platinum selling single “Ghetto Superstar,” (mashed-up with Dolly Parton’s “Islands in the Stream”- who knew both songs have the same melody?) which was even better than the original, complete with a fireworks display in the background.  Read the rest here »

Winter Music Conference

If you are reading this right now, it appears that you have survived the first half of WMC! Congratulations!   Here’s the line-up for the rest of the week.

On Thursday, March 25, W Hotel’s Global Music Director, Michaelangelo L’Acqua, will host a private party to launch the brands’ 7^th CD compilation, Symmetry – which he curated himself. Miami’s elite will gather for a cocktail soirée in the Penthouse Extreme Wow Suite and enjoy a performance by The Golden Filter.

Our favorite Wynwood lounge, Cafeina will round up Winter Music Conference with three days of special performances. On Thursday, March 25 the lounge-meets-art gallery hosts “Electrosonic Miami” with featured artists Cristian Varela, Marco Bailey, Tim Baker, Lele Sacchi, Greg Gow, Tom Hades, and David Gonzalez. On Friday, March 26 DJ Motion Potion brings WMC’ers “Silent Disco,” along with the sounds of Panic Bomber. On Saturday, March 27, Cafeina presents “E! Glam Tour” with music by Dangerous Muse, Kill Hannah and Shiny Toy Guns.  While you are there, be  sure to check  out the best crab cakes this side  of the universe and Chef Guilly Booth’s other delectable menu additions.  Our latest craving:  coconut battered calamari.

Larry Tee

South Beach newcomer, Coco de Ville at Gansevoort South will host WMC events for the first time this year.  Thursday, March 25 there’s a listening party for Nikki & Rich with special guests LA Riot from 8 pm to 10 pm. Immediately following is “Dance or Die” with Larry Tee, Automatic Panic, Alexander Technique, Dangerous Muse, DJ Cat, Lauren Flax, Matt Devine & Greg (Kill Hannah), MK and performances by Erika Jayne and The Fire and Reason. On Friday, March 26, “Party Crash” brings out Ruckus, Cory Enemy, and DJ Shuttle. The Saturday, March 27 wrap-up event will be the Dirt.nasty. (not a typo) album release party with Devin Lucien and Jesse Marco.

Catch “Mash-up Master” DJ Joe Dert spinning at various venues throughout the weekend: Thursday, March 25 at Philippe hosted by Hassan Radouane at 9pm, Friday March 26 at Mivi, and Saturday, March 27 with dual sets at Plunge and Karu & Y.    Read the rest here »

The American Red Cross presents its annual Red Cross Ball on March 27, at 7 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne (455 Grand Bay Drive).  In light of recent disasters, the Red Cross needs your support more than ever,  so consider joining over 400 influential leaders of Miami’s social and corporate communities for a night of elegance, delicious food, music and dancing.  In addition to the auction which features items such as cruises, trips and other fabulous items, Will Earl Spanheimer, a young artist in residence with the San Diego Opera will perform. Tickets cost $500 per person.  Tables are also available.

For more information contact Kenia Tedesco at 305.728.2512 or email:  tedescok@usa.redcross.org.

This concert will be held from noon-10 p.m. on March 28, at the Central Broward Regional Park, located at 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, Fl and feature several musical genres including, Kompa, Reggae, R&B, Hip-Hop, Soca, Gospel and Latin.  The stellar line-up of invited guests include: Tabou Combo, Nu Look, Jahnesta, Sweet Mickey, Sister Sledge, Donna Allen, Whodini, Special Ed, Nadine Sutherland, Glen Washington, Singing Melody, Abijah, Causion, King Banton, Barbee, Twiggy, Maurice, Hope for Tomorrow, Junior Tucker, Sherell Rosegreen, and DJ Griot.

Tickets cost $15.00 and are available online at www.tohaitiwithlovebenefit.com or by calling 888-695-0888 or at various ticket outlets across Broward and Dade County.

RA Sushi (5829 SW 73^rd St.) and Yelp.com invite all levels of competitive eaters to enter its Maki Madness sushi-eating contest on Wednesday, March 31, from 6-9 p.m. to benefit Miami Children’s Hospital’s Radio Lollipop.®.  The grand prize winner will receive free sushi for a year, and bragging rights as the RA Sushi MAKI MADNESS champion.  Second place gets a $100 gift certificate and third place gets a $50 gift certificate.  All participants will receive a RA Sushi sweatband or t-shirt and participants (21 years and older) who do not advance to the final three will receive Penny Drink and/or Appetizer Cards for use during their next visit.

Maki Madness is limited to the first 30 entries. Applications are available at RA Sushi in South Miami.  The deadline to register is Monday, March 29 and all eaters must be at least 18 years old to participate. Registration to compete includes a $10 entry fee (cash only), which will be donated to Radio Lollipop® of the Miami Children’s Hospital along with donations from guests at the door. Round 1 starts at 6:30 p.m. and the Championship Maki Madness is at 8:30 p.m.  For more information call 305.341.0092.

Fenom Absinthe and the Big Bounce

 Absinthe will be the liquor of choice during the Big Bounce album release after party on Friday, March 19, following their concert which takes place at the Colony Theater at 8:00 p.m.  The after party, sponsored by Fenom Modern Absinthe will be held at The Florida Room.

 Exhale

 Exhale Spa at the EPIC Hotel is celebrating its grand opening on Tuesday, March 23 with an exclusive event hosted by Ocean Drive Magazine’s Suzy Buckley and exhale’s Danielle Terranova. Guests will be treated to light bites by Executive Chef John Critchley of Area 31, fresh juice and raw treats by Blueprint Cleanse and have the opportunity to experience Exhale’s active and multi-disciplinary approach that combines fitness and movement with spa and healing therapies in a modern, tranquil day spa setting. To score an invite or to RSVP, contact exhale at 305.423.3900.