The National YoungArts Foundation’s annual Backyard Ball on January 10, raised more than $1.7 million to directly support the organization’s contributions to the artistic development of talented young artists from around the nation.  Master teachers such as James Caan, Phylicia Rashad, Jeff Koons, Sylvia Plachy, Livingston Taylor, Tierney Sutton, Rebecca Walker, Desmond Child and Carrie Mae Weems, worked with 170 YoungArts finalists during the week leading up to the ball and attended the party on the YoungArts campus.

Belvedere Vodka recently hosted a star-studded poolside party for Jeremy Scott’s book launch hosted by fashion house Moschino at The Thompson Hotel Miami Beach. Over 400 guests attended including Miley Cyrus, A$AP Rocky,  Nicky Hilton, Mr. Brainwash and Flaming Lips front man, Wayne Coyne. Robert Pattison, girlfriend FKA twigs and four other friends dined at Katsuya at SLS South Beach.

By:Maryanne Salvat 

#TedLovesMiami

Gino Campodonico, Netty Del, Juanjose Rangel,Rachael Russell, Jhon Jairo Santos and Jasmine Stewart are welcoming high end luxury brand Ted Baker London to Miami Beach on Thursday, January 15 at 7:00 p.m. Expect vintage cocktails by the master mixologists at Zacapa accompanied by a special performance by The French Horn. Illustrator Mia Mandela will be on-hand to customizing Ted Baker totes! This is a private event, RSVP required.

The public is free to join in on the celebration this weekend for the #TedLovesMiami grand opening on Friday and Saturday, January 16 and 17!

Art of the Party Presented by PAMM and Louis Vuitton

This year Pérez Art Museum Miami will put a contemporary spin on a classic tradition with a ‘modern gala’ on Thursday, January 17. Art of the Party Presented by Louis Vuitton will debut a contemporary spin on a classic tradition with help from event mastermind Lee Brian Schrager. Taking the place of the annual Ball, this unforgettable celebration will allow guests to choose from a Chef’s Table seated dinner or the lively Supper Club dinner lounge; attendees will then reconvene for a live outdoor concert. The proceeds from the evening’s ticket sales fund the museum’s robust education program, which is the largest behind the Miami-Dade County school system and has garnered participation from more than 80,000 adults and children since December 2013. For more information visit: www.pamm.org.

Debris Free Oceans 

Debris Free Oceans is thrilled to announce the launch of their presence in Miami by hosting a cocktail soiree on Friday, January 16, at Treehouse. The Miami-based non-profit organization to inspires local communities to responsibly manage the lifecycle of plastics and waste as part of a global initiative to eradicate marine debris from beaches, reefs and oceans. Suggested donations of $25 will be received at the door which includes an open bar from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m.   Guests will enjoy a live art installation by Dave L – a local Miami artist whose work reflects the ocean and nature and music by Lance-O from Kulcha Shok Muzik.  The event will also feature a silent auction with items including: paddle board lessons courtesy of First Paddle Co., art work by Dave L, gift certificates from First Surf Shop, and much more. All guests must be 21+ to attend the event.

MISO Presents Ocean Drive in Vienna 

The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO), under the baton of Music Director and Conductor Eduardo Marturet, presents the popular returning concert series “Ocean Drive in Vienna,” introducing the world premiere of “Concertino for Toy Piano” written by MISO Principal Trumpet and Composer-in-Residence, Sam Hyken. This new work highlights the musical talent of pianist Julia Bueno, a spirited young ten-year-old musician who started taking group piano classes at the SharpMinds Academy in Miami at age five. An avid composer, Bueno has already won First Prize of her age group in the Composition Contest at the MMTA Honors Recital, crediting her inspiration to history, creative writing and robotics.   Included on this year’s program is another world premiere by MISO Composer-in-Residence Paul Desenne entitled “Blues’n Danube,” a clever twist on the well-known waltz by Johann Strauss, Jr., as well as a South Florida premiere of “Sobre las Olas,” written by Justino Rosas. Salsa legend Oscar D’ León and Cuban-born journalist Ismael Cala from CNN Español will also make an appearance, combining elements of Viennese classical music with the nuances of Latin rhythms.   Sponsored by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Knight Arts Challenge, recognizing the importance of MISO’s Composers-in-Residence program, MISO’s role as Miami’s hometown orchestra is to continually celebrate the cultural vibrancy of South Florida by being Miami’s distinctive musical voice. For more information, call 305 275.5666 or visit www.themiso.org.

“Be A Voice, Feel The Passion”

Voices For Children Foundation, a Miami not-for-profit organization advocating for children in foster care, and Presenting Sponsor Harry Winston, Inc., the  international fine jeweler and watchmaker, will serve as hosts to approximately 500 of Miami’s most influential and philanthropic individuals for the organization’s 30^th anniversary “Be A Voice, Feel The Passion” gala. The event will kick off with a cocktail hour at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, January 17, at host sponsor Mandarin Oriental. At this premier annual fundraising event, film and television actor Christian Slater and his wife Brittany Slater will serve as honorary co-chairs, while radio personality Paul Castronovo of local radio station BIG 105.9’s “Paul and Young Ron Show” will serve as emcee. Guests may participate in live and silent auctions for luxury goods and travel experiences, providing desirable and unique items for guests and supporters. Up for auction are tickets to Stella McCartney’s Spring 2016 Presentation in New York, exclusive membership to The Edition Beach Club, the opportunity to drive a Tesla Model S for a day, and a private shopping spree at Ralph Lauren Bal Harbour. This year, the gala will partner with RedCap to provide guests safe rides to and from the events in the guests’ own cars. To learn more about underwriting opportunities and sponsorships, or to purchase a table or tickets to the event, call 786.469.3857 or emailRAmador@BeAVoice.org.

Carb-Up at Scarpetta 

In preparation for the upcoming 2015 Miami Marathon on Sunday, January 25, Scarpetta, Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s AAA four diamondaward-winning Italian eatery, will once again offer marathon runners a special $39 “Carb-Up” prix-fixe menu. This year, the menu is available early and late night on Friday, January 23 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and again from 10:00 p.m. until midnight,as well as on Saturday, January 24 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The three–course menu is a delicious way to power up before the big run, specially crafted to ensure runners’ muscles are fueled and energy levels are up for optimal performance. Reservations are required; for more information visit: fontainebleau.com/miamimarathon.

The Board of Trustees of the Barnes Foundation announced that they have named Thomas “Thom” Collins as the new Executive Director and President of the Barnes Foundation. An innovative educator, accomplished art historian, administrator and author, Mr. Collins, a Philadelphia native, has more than 20 years of experience at some of America’s top arts institutions. He comes to the Barnes after serving for five years as director of the Pérez Art Museum Miami, Florida (PAMM). At PAMM, Mr. Collins oversaw construction of the new Herzog & de Meuron-designed building located in downtown Miami, which opened to great acclaim in December 2013. During his tenure, the museum achieved an overwhelming increase in membership, annual giving, attendance, and major gifts, published important exhibition and collection catalogs, added significant works of art to the collection, and began in-house production of critical new digital education tools.

“It will be a privilege to lead the Barnes Foundation in its next chapter,” said Mr. Collins. “With its world-class collection, critically acclaimed new building, award-winning programs, growing membership and engaging array of courses in art and horticulture, the Barnes has become increasingly accessible to a more diverse audience than ever before. I look forward to working with the staff and Trustees to further its mission.”

Prior to joining PAMM, Mr. Collins served for five years as director of the Neuberger Museum of Art in Purchase, New York. Mr. Collins’ tenure at the Neuberger Museum of Art was highlighted by significant growth in attendance and annual giving, and the creation of major endowments for new programming initiatives and capital improvements. He also oversaw the museum’s exhibitions, permanent collection displays, and a far-reaching platform of community-based educational programs for school children and adults in Westchester and Fairfield Counties.

Before heading the Neuberger Museum, Mr. Collins served as director of the Contemporary Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, 2003–2005; chief curator at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, 2000-2003; associate curator at the Henry Art Gallery in Seattle, Washington, 1998-2000; and Newhall Curatorial Fellow at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, 1994-1997.

Mr. Collins earned his MA in Art History from Northwestern University and his BA with honors in Art History and the History of Religion from Swarthmore College. He currently holds memberships in the Association of Art Museum Directors, the Association of Art Museum Curators, and the College Art Association. For more information visit: www.barnesfoundation.org.

By: Maryanne Salvat

National YoungArts Foundation Backyard Ball

On Saturday, January 10, the National YoungArts Foundation will be celebrating the 2015 YoungArts winners from across the nation at their annual Backyard Ball. This year the esteemed Arison Award Honoree is renowned visual artist Jeff Koons and the 2015 Arison Alumni Honorees are Grammy Award-nominated recording artist, singer, songwriter, actor, YoungArts Master Teacher and 1999 YoungArts Winner in Theater, Josh Groban, and Grammy and Country Music Association Award-nominated singer-songwriter and 2003 YoungArts Winner and U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, Chris Young. The Gala is YoungArts’ largest annual fundraiser and the culmination of YoungArts’ signature program, National YoungArts Week, which provides a select group of YoungArts Winners with life-changing experiences, including master classes, workshops, interdisciplinary activities, performances and exhibitions. The distinguished event will include an alumni performance directed by renowned dancer, choreographer and YoungArts Artistic Adviser Bill T. Jones and will be emceed by YoungArts alumna and actress Zuzanna Szadkowski. Tickets to the attend the Backyard Ball can be purchased at www.youngarts.org/purchase-tickets.

St. Jude Red Carpet for Hope

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® is proud to announce its special partnership with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for the national viewing party of the 72^nd Annual Golden Globe^® Awards. The party, St. Jude Red Carpet for Hope, will take place on Sunday, January 11 at the Trump National Doral Miami. This exclusive event will be hosted in Miami for the first time, and will help raise money for the lifesaving work of St. Jude, where no family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food.Guests will enjoy a red carpet reception, live auction, a dinner featuring stories from local St. Jude patient families and the live telecast of the Golden Globe^® Awards. Individual tickets are $250 for general admission. Table sales and sponsorships are available. To register, call 305.265.1371 or visit stjude.org/redcarpetforhope.

4^th Annual Splendor in the Garden

Lush, tropical landscapes become the perfect setting for Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s trendiest event of the year – the 4^th Annual Splendor in the Garden luncheon and fashion show fundraiser. The event benefits Fairchild’s education, conservation science, and horticulture programs and is held on Wednesday, January 14 from 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Co-hosted with Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, the event features Spring 2015’s hottest styles in a runway show presented by Ken Downing, Neiman Marcus Senior VP and Fashion Director. The event is co-chaired by Swanee DiMare and Frances Sevilla-Sacasa and is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables and Cutler Bay, Marquis Bank, and Perry Ellis International. Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard, Miami Herald columnist and fundraiser for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and The Buoniconti Fund,serves as this year’s emcee. Upon arrival, guests are treated to a champagne reception on the sunny mosaic patio of the Visitor Center. The party then moves to the tented marquee overlooking the tropical foliage and sparkling Pandanus Lake. A refreshing lunch by Le Basque Catering starts the fashion show off on the right note. Models walk down the runway spotlighting the most coveted looks and colors for Spring 2015 with ensembles put together by Ken Downing. Guests who like the outfits they see on the runway can purchase them after the show at the Backstage Boutique. The day closes with recognizing the 2015 Fairchild Philanthropy Honorees – those who have demonstrated dedication to supporting the growth of the Garden and the community at large. Tickets start at $300 and are available online, by emailing sshubin@fairchildgarden.org, or by calling 305.667.1651, ext. 3375.

Pérez Art Museum Miami Hosts Art of the Party Presented by Louis Vuitton

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) will host its most important annual fundraising affair on Saturday, January 17.  The proceeds from the evening’s ticket sales fund the museum’s robust education program, which is the largest behind the Miami-Dade County school system and has garnered participation from more than 80,000 adults and children since December 2013.  Art of the Party Presented by Louis Vuitton will debut a contemporary spin on a classic tradition, on a new date and with a modern format conceptualized by event mastermind Lee Brian Schrager. Louis Vuitton has a longstanding affiliation with the world of art and is proud to present Art of the Party. The event will showcase the architectural gem’s distinct, interconnected spaces with three forms of expression in a single evening: Chef’s Table, Supper Club, and Remix.The three adaptations of Art of the Party will be infused with the essence of Brazil with famed Rio de Janeiro-based Chef Thomas Troisgos of the internationally regarded Olympe Restaurant and a live waterfront concert by popular Brazilian band Batuke Samba Funk featuring Pee Wee Ellis, the legendary sax player and bandleader for James Brown.  Chef Troisgos, the fourth generation of a clan of chefs that has made history in modern gastronomy, will arrive to Miami specifically to present custom dinner menus for Art of The Party Chef’s Table and Supper Club. For more information visit: www.pamm.org.

Pitbull & La La Anthony

With a loud “Dale!,” and the charisma that has catapulted him to international fame- earning him the title “Mr. Worldwide,” Pitbull did not merely welcome 2015 at his New Year’s Revolution at the shiny-new Thompson Miami Beach hotel, Pitbull downright demanded the new year arrive with a BANG! And that it most certainly did. At the stroke of midnight, the 700+ revelers were doused by confetti shot from rooftop canons under what seemed like the world’s largest balloon drop. Pitbull’s co-hosts La La Anthony and Rocsi Diaz kept the crowd’s attention between exciting performances by Becky G., Enrique Iglesias, Fall Out Boy, Fifth Harmony, The Band Perry, and world-class magicians The Misdirectors. Ne-Yo surprised fans by joining Pitbull on stage for a live performance of their new hit, “Time of Our Lives.”  Also at the party were  a series of FOX stars, including Benjamin McKenzie (Gotham), Ed Weeks (The Mindy Project) Lamorne Morris (New Girl) and Taraji P. Henson (Empire, debuting this month). Director Lee Daniels and ABC’s The Bachelor Juan Pablo Galavis and former Family Matters’ star, Jaleel White, (aka Steve Urkel) were also spotted in the party’s exclusive VIP section.

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Siena Tavern Miami was a celebrity Mecca on New Year’s Day, as celebrity chef Fabio Viviani hosted actor Chase Crawford, WB’s Arrow star Colton Haynes,  JC Chasez , Gotham star Ben McKenzie,  Ryan Phillippe, and Glee’s Matthew Morrison.

Debra Messing rang in the New Year with a party of 10 at Midtown Miami’s Bocce Ristorante.

Ryan Phillippe was also spotted at the SLS South Beach and Hyde Beach. Seen at Thompson Miami Beach for Pitbull’s New Year’s Revolution were:  Pitbull, Ne-Yo, Fall Out Boy, Fifth Harmony, The Band Perry, Becky G, La La Anthony, Rocsi Diaz, Benjamin McKenzie, Ed Weeks, Lamorne Morris, Taraji P. Henson and Lee Daniels.

Entertainer, Nick Cannon DJed at WALL lounge at the W South Beach on New Year’s Eve.