On Saturday night, Solange Knowles performed a an intimate gathering at the Standard Hotel and Spa. The performance was a surprise for the special guests participating in the Camp Standard Weekend in honor of the hotel’s tenth anniversary.

Earlier in the evening, Adriana Lima attended the Miami City Ballet’s 30th anniversary gala in a beautiful tent on Miami Beach.

Spotted at STK Miami on Friday night was Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter, Sam Smith, who dined with a group of friends.

Rosie Perez was the guest of honor at this year’s YoungArts Backyard Ball, which took place Saturday, January 9 on the YoungArts campus.

Orange is the New Black star, Australian model, Ruby Rose hosted the grand opening of Icon Nightclub Saturday night. Rose DJed for almost 2 hours and was lively and interacted with the crowd.

Kevin Hart was on-hand on South Beach for the premiere of Ride Along 2 last week.

Michael Bay hosted a screening for his new movie, 13 Hours at the AMC theater in Aventura.

Andy Garcia dined at Brickell’s newestst hotspot, Komodo, on Thursday night.

Ryan Phillippe hosted the Five Star New Year’s Eve party on Watson Island on December 31, alongside fiancé, Stanford Law Student, Paulina Slagter. The pair danced and enjoyed spirits while ringing in 2016.

Pamela Anderson hosted the NYE party at Fifty Ultra Lounge.

Jennifer Lopez rang in the New Year at E11even at a party hosted by Drake.

JLo’s ex, Puff Daddy hosted a late night (early morning) New Year’s Eve party at his Star Island manse. Spotted at the party: The Weeknd, Rita Ora, Alonzo Mourning, and Jermaine Dupree.

Andrea Bocelli performed an intimate concert at a private home at the Ritz Carlton Residences Key Biscayne. The concert was a fundraiser hosted by Pomellato jewelry hosted to benefit Baptist Health South Florida.

Pitbull has been spotted at the new Palmeiras Beach Club in Grove Isle.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

After keeping millions of fans upbeat and entertained throughout the Heat’s championship season, Miami’s own DJ Irie hosted his 8th annual three-day action – packed charity weekend last weekend. The 2012 Irie Weekend began Thursday night with an exclusive Chambord vodka Carnaval themed kick-off event at a private residence on Star Island. The party was so big that the valet had to park the cars a few miles away- and was full to capacity by 10 p.m. -just an hour after the party started.  Guests enjoyed nibbles and cocktails throughout the sprawling, ocean-front property, dancing all night despite the sweltering heat.  Dennis Rodman, dressed with his typical flair, kept himself busy with the Brazilian showgirls as VIP guests gathered on the second floor to sing “Happy Birthday” to DJ Irie, who had celebrated his birthday on the night the Heat won the NBA Finals. 

On Friday, the New Era Celebrity Golf Tournament took place at the beautiful Melreese Country Club where Mayor Carlos Gimenez proclaimed June 29 “DJ Irie Day” and presented Irie with a proclamation amid cheers from the excited crowd. The golf tournament, which Irie admits is “90% party and 10% golf,” featured terrific food from food trucks including Palate Party and Monster Lobster and tastings from Hooters, Miami Subs, Epicure and The Soup Man (the Seinfeld off-shoot). On the green guests enjoyed great music, ice cold Heineken, Red Bull and cocktails. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Maryanne Salvat

Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge Grand Opening

Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge hosts its grand opening celebration, becoming South Beach’s first and only sanctuary to these time-honored games on Thursday, January 5. Managing partners Robert Chalk, Sayra Moto and Joseph Blount will be joined by Miami Beach Vice-Mayor Michael Gongora, who will present them with a certificate of recognition and preside over the lounge’s inaugural ribbon cutting ceremony. Local street artists Jessy Nite, George Sanchez Calderon, Pest 131, Pucho, Typoe, JillBird, and She Kills He of Primary Flight will also be on hand to unveil a custom paddle wall art installation. Along with complimentary ping-pong and billiards, guests at the event will enjoy cocktails by Absolut Vodka and Jose Cuervo Tequila, as well as music by DJs Keen One and Chris Oh of Primary Flight. The private grand opening begins at 9:00 p.m. and is by invitation only. Doors open to the public at 10:00 p.m., RSVP to RSVP@chalkmiami.com.

Inventive Art Class at the Bass Museum of Art

The Bass Museum of Art will host an Inventive Art Class on Sunday, January 8, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., as part of its successful IDEA@thebass program. Students ages 5 to 11 will work as a team with a parent or guardian to solve a design challenge. This month’s challenge will be to teach students how to create their own flipbook and Zoetropes. Class begins promptly at 2:00 p.m. and has a series of planned activities until 4:00 p.m.  IDEA@thebass is an interactive program that was developed to promote design-thinking skills, support creativity, and personal expression. The Inventive Art Classes are held on the second Sunday of every month and feature various design challenges meant for children and their parents or guardians to complete as a team. Inventive Art Classes are limited to 30 students and advance registration is required. Admission to the classes is free for dual/family members and $10 per child for non-members.

Kreiss and Alonzo Mourning Celebrate Launch of Design District Showroom

Kreiss, the internationally acclaimed home furnishings and design powerhouse along with retired NBA All-Star and philanthropist Alonzo Mourning, will celebrate the arrival of its Design District showroom on Tuesday, January 10, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Guests will welcome the luxury brand’s new Miami location, which will offer the company’s casual yet elegant handmade furniture, fabrics, finishes, fine linens, accessories and exclusive design services, with eco-friendly cocktails courtesy of VeeV, hors d’oeuvres and a sneak peak of three new collections. In honor of the grand opening, The Norman and Eileen Kreiss Foundation has designated the Honey Shine Mentoring Program as the event’s beneficiary. Handcrafted from natural materials, including hand-carved woods, organic patterns and textures, and earth-inspired colors and hues, Kreiss furnishings serve as a warm, inviting backdrop for those who enjoy the privileged, active and free-spirited lifestyle of the quintessential Californian. For more information or to rsvp contact Kreiss@taraink.com or call 305.864.3434 ext. 199.

Come Together and Feed South Florida

Members of the South Florida community are invited to join the fight against hunger and attend Feeding South Florida’s (formerly Daily Bread Food Bank) “Come Together” evening event on Thursday, January 12. Celebrating its 30^th anniversary, Feeding South Florida is hosting a soiree at the Margulies Collection Warehouse, which will feature food, spirits, incredible artwork, live entertainment, some of South Florida’s top chefs, and more. Proceeds/sponsorships will benefit Feeding South Florida; a not-for-profit organization that feeds South Florida’s hungry in order to improve their lives. Attendees should dress for the “Come Together” event however they feel comfortable – from jeans to tuxedos. “Come Together” event chairs are Maria R. Millares, president of the Board of Directors for Feeding South Florida; Chef Allen Susser, one of South Florida’s top chefs; and Terry Zarikian of China Grill Management and New York’s City Harvest. Current event sponsors are JM Family and Millares & Company; in-kind sponsors are The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse, VSBrooks Advertising, Panache Party Rentals, Le Basque, Bacardi, Southern Wine & Spirits, Shutter Box Photo Booth, VOSS Water and Neiman Marcus.Also participating in “Come Together” are some of the South Florida’s top restaurants including China Grill, Asia de Cuba, Egg & Dart, City Hall, Mercadito, Ortanique on the Mile, Chef Allen, D Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean, Scarpetta, The Forge, La Palme D’Or Restaurant at the Biltmore, Makoto, 1500° at Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach and Whisk Gourmet Food & Catering.Feeding South Florida’s mission is to feed South Florida’s hungry in order to improve their lives. It does this by distributing food and groceries through its network of not-for-profit organizations, educating the public about the issue, and engaging our community in the fight to end hunger. Event is from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.; individual tickets are $125. To RSVP and/or for sponsorship information, contact Jessica Diaz at 954.518.1839 or Jdiaz@feedingsouthflorida.org, or visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org.

Mommy & Me Tea at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will hold a special Mommy & Me Tea on the veranda and in the ballroom of the Jean Ellen Dupont Shehan Visitor Center on Sunday, January 15. Mothers, daughters and grandmothers will all delight in the ambiance of Afternoon Tea served at beautifully set tables, complete with fine china, by the delightful Fairchild volunteers. The menu includes scones, mini tea sandwiches, cookies and petit fours. Live music by local guitarist Rob Friedman is sure to enhance the guests’ experience. Tea service begins at 3:00 p.m. Cost per person is $27 for members, $37 for non-members and $17 for children 12 and under. For more information and reservations, please call Marnie Valent at 305.667.1651 ext. 3359.

Heather Bailey, Tracy Wilson Mourning, Ayana Rodriguez, and Nadine Valme

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

 More than 500 of Miami’s leading ladies kept their hats on under the big top for the circus-themed Hats Off luncheon hosted by Tracy Wilson Mourning at Jungle Island on Tuesday, May 3, the Honey Shine Mentoring Program’s premier fundraising event.  Circus performers, colorful animal statues, a cotton candy vending machine, snow cones, circus fare and Grey Goose cocktails added excitement to the already whimsical afternoon, which began with a silent auction filled with so many name-brand and hand-crafted items that even Mourning delayed her entrance into the actual luncheon to bid on several terrific bargains. 

Once inside the main ballroom, guests delighted in the wall-to-wall circus décor: tabletops adorned with colorful linens, with centerpieces comprised of hand-painted hat boxes surrounded by circus treats including animal crackers, peanuts, and cracker jacks and a stuffed circus animal wearing a Honey Shine t-shirt on each chair.  Read the rest of this entry »

More than 500 women and a few good men gathered on Tuesday, as Tracy Wilson Mourning hosted the 7th Annual Hats off Luncheon at Jungle Island in support of the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, which funds bi-monthly workshops and a four-week summer day camp for 100 at- risk girls. Well-heeled socialites, including Lisa Pliner, DJ Kerr, Jennifer Postrel, Marisa Toccin, Merle Weiss, Heather Davis, Jennifer Boin, Nancy and Lana Bernstein, Daisy A. Casuso and Mari Alarcon-Grimalt, and Jackie Nespral (who served as mc) would have made Minnie Pearle proud by sporting their favorite fedoras, bonnets, panama hats and sombreros at one of the most exciting luncheons of the year. One guest wore a hand-made straw hat decorated with a real garden, butterflies and all!

Kim Kardashian served as the gorgeous and gracious hostess for Russell and Danny Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation‘s star-studded Art For Life Miami Beach gala to benefit art programs for disadvantaged youths at the Fontainebleau on Saturday. Despite Kardashian’s inability to pronounce the word, “philanthropic,” the reality star has demonstrated her commitment to the organization by answering, “Yes,” time and time again when asked for support, explained Danny Simmons. This year, Kardashian auctioned off the dress she wore when she met Prince Albert of Monaco. No word on what happened while she was in the dress or if there’s any incriminating evidence on it, (ala Monica Lewinski’s infamous blue Gap dress). Kardashian’s dress is still on the auction block, in case you’d like to run some tests on it before you get it dry cleaned. Other items up for bid at http://www.charitybuzz.com through March 24, include VIP passes to Beyonce’s upcoming tour; a meet and greet with Kanye West; portraits of Will Smith and Morgan Freeman by celebrated photographer Robert G. Zuckerman; a trip to Four Seasons Great Exuma; and a roundtrip seaplane excursion for eight courtesy of V1 Jets.

Honorees at this year’s gala, which was chaired by Forge owner, Shareef Malnik, included Anheuser-Busch, Inc., the Rubell Family Collection and Jeffrey Soffer, Chairman of Fontainebleau Resorts. A visibly surprised Alonzo Mourning, was given a congratulatory tribute on the retirement of his Miami Heat jersey and an award for his numerous philanthropic endeavors through Alonzo Mourning Charities. Celebrity attendees included, charming actress Vivica Fox, who assured us that the upcoming Curb Your Enthusiasm season will be the funniest yet; extra crispy actor-turned-author, George Hamilton; New Orleans Saint/Kim Kardashian-beau, Reggie Bush; Miami Dolphin, Brandon London; former Mexican President Vicente Fox and his wife Marta (no relation to Vivica); Miss Africa USA 2008-2009, Nyasha Zimucha and legendary soul singer Betty Wright.

Upstairs at the Fontainebleau, in the Glimmer Ballroom, the Wellness Community held its 8^th annual Heart & Star gala, co- chaired by real estate developer/hospitality entrepreneur/ nightlife impresario, Michael Capponi. What the event lacked in celebrity muscle, it made up for in elegance and glamour. Over 400 VIPs gathered to support the Wellness Community, which provides services and support to families living with cancer. Among the A-listers in attendance: CBS-TV’s chief weathercaster Lonnie Quinn; Alan and Diane Lieberman; South Beach publishing magnate, Jerry Powers; CEO and founder of Niche Media, Jason Binn; attorney Danny Weiss and his wife, arts activist Merle; Brazilian neo-pop artist, painter and sculptor, Romero Britto; and Rock Band, founder, Lee Dahlberg. Among the top-selling items in the live auction were: a custom painting by Romero Britto, a chance for a young basketball fan to be a “ball manager” on the court during a home Miami Heat game and a full day aboard Capponi’s yacht, complete with gas, food and drinks. Because two of the most well-respected nightlife impresarios, Shareef Malnik and Michael Capponi, chaired galas on the same night at the same time, a number of socialites were forced to shuttle between the two, much like Katherine Heigl’s character in 27 Dresses. Leaving them to wonder, “Doesn’t anybody own a calendar around here?”

The official Art for Life Miami Beach after-party took place the next night at the Forge’s Soul Kitchen, where guests Queen Latifah, Indianapolis Colt, Dwight Freeney, Kansas City Chief, Larry Johnson, San Francisco 49er, Vernon Davis, Arizona Cardinal, Darnell Dockett, Dallas Cowboy, Marion Barber, Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Antonio Bryant, and congressman, Kendrick Meek feasted on traditional Southern cuisine. Hosted by, you guessed it, Russell Simmons and Shareef Malnik, the event raised additional awareness and funding for the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.