Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, LeBron James photo courtesy Manny Hernandez

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

When our beloved Miami Heat finally won the NBA Championship, a victory more than two years in the making, Miami as a whole experienced the cathartic joy- as we are now all, on some level, champions. Nowhere was this more evident than at LIV at the Fontainebleau, just a few hours before dawn, on Friday morning, and on the streets during the championship parade and at the American Airlines Arena (AAA) for the championship celebration on Monday.

“We are the Champions” blared through the speakers at LIV nightclub at just before 3 a.m. on Friday morning, as the newly crowned, World Champions, Miami HEAT, fresh from winning the NBA championship entered the massive nightclub for their official victory party, to the ecstatic chants of thrilled fans, who shouted, “Let’s go Heat!”  The chanting changed to “MVP” shortly thereafter, as LeBron James made his way to the stage at the back of the club, wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the “vampire image” of his face.   The music stopped for a bit as Heat owner Micky Arison and coach Eric Spoelstra were cheered on as they took to the stage to address the fans and thank them for their support. Read the rest of this entry »

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.”

Read the rest of this entry »

 On Thursday night, following Wayne Boich’s stellar cocktail party at his three story Murano Grande penthouse, LIV hosted a slew of celebrities as TIESTO spun at his sold out event.  Notables included: Adrien Brody, Vanessa Hudgens, and Michael Bay.  

Miami’s Zuma was a hot bed for celebrity sightings. On Friday night, Rosie O’Donnell and her fiancée Michelle were spotted enjoying the Alaskan king crab and the Yuzu Keylime Pie. Real Housewife of Atlanta, Nene Leakes and Real Housewife of Miami, Marysol Patton were also seen enjoying their evening telling jokes the entire night – the two ate together at Prime 112 the night before. Shakira was also spotted on Friday, as well as 90210’s Jessica Lowndes. Star Jones and Vivica A. Fox dined together on Sunday night.

Rosci, host of 106 & Park and Terrell Owens hosted the “Hennessy Takeover” event at Cameo wherehip hop heavyweight Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, Mike Epps, Maybach Music Group artist Stalley and FloRida were all in attendance. The Boss, Rick Ross, counted down to 2012, while the crowd toasted with glasses of Hennessy.  After the toast, Ross performed his hits “Imma Boss” and “On One”.  That night, 2012’s most expensive VIP table, costing a whopping $100,000 was purchased by a British businessman who wishes to remain anonymous.  The table was hosted by The Boss and came complete with 50 bottles of Moet Rose.

More than 1,000 guests joined Univision’s El Gordo y La Flaca co-host Lili Estefan, gathered to ring in 2012 at the fourth-annual Vitamin C Communications’ New Year’s Forever event at the historic Bath Club.

Saturday night’s sold out New Year’s Eve event at Bâoli-Vita was a fabulous way to ring in 2012.  The evening, fueled with champagne poured by “Crazy Angels” dressed in white, had a special guest performance by R&B artist Nelly.

Up and Coming artist Jake Miller, Jason Derulo, NeYo & DJ Irie performed at the Orange Drive Miami Beach Music Festival.

AtThe Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar, Chris Tucker dined with Al and Nancy Malnik, Shareef Malnik, Gabrielle Anwar and friends in the private wine cellar on New Year’s Eve.

Nikki Beach Saint Barth rang in the New Year with a performance by Wyclef Jean. 

CeeLo Green dined at Philippe Chow Miami over the weekend. He came in just before closing at 1 a.m. and Chef Philippe Chow personally cooked for him and his guests; Christopher Brian Bridges, also known as, Ludacris, was dining nearby with a large group including Marco Andretti.

Philippe Chow Miami’s signature satays were a hit at Sean “P. Diddy” Combs’ house for his private soiree on New Year’s Eve. Rihanna was seen noshing on the tasty treats.

NeYo and Jeniya Penrod

NeYo was at Nikki Beach Miami on Sunday, January 1, with his fiancée Tishawn along with a group of friends including “Cheetah Girl” Adrienne Bailon.

Our spy in L.A., fellow Miami Socialholic™ Maryanne Salvat, reports:  Maroone 5 front man Adam Levine was spotted with girlfriend, Victoria’s Secret Angel, Anne Vyalitsyna having lunch at Chateau Marmont.  Entourage’s Jerry Ferrara was seen at the JW Marriott LA, looking lean and fit after shedding 60 pounds.

Lea Black

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Lea Black worked the room like a “hundred thousand dollar hooker” (her words) during the animated auction at the Blacks’ Annual Gala at the Eden Roc Renaissance on Saturday night –the party of parties- which gets bigger and better every year.  While the event is technically hosted by Lea AND Roy Black – Roy admiringly introduced his wife prior to her taking the stage by admitting that he is just a “Househusband.” Who ever thought we’d see the day?  A beaming Roy looked on as Lea- stunning in a low-cut, sparkly, black Versace gown which showed off her newly trim and toned “everything” worked the room like only she can. And what a room it was…wall to wall rectangular tables covered in silk silver tablecloths, surrounded by Miami’s who’s who, enjoying a gourmet meal served family style.  Recent Celebrity Apprentice alum, Grammy Award winning artist/actress/Diva Dionne Warwick wowed the crowd with a mini-concert of her most famous songs, including “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” and “That’s What Friends Are For,” which had some guests singing along arm-in-arm.  Warwick departed abruptly, perhaps to get some beauty sleep, the reason for her firing from Celebrity Apprentice.

After dinner, guests were escorted into the Pompeii Ballroom, for the “Nightclub Experience,” where DJ Irie spun great dance music until after midnight, when Grammy Award winning singer/record producer, Pharrell took to the stage to perform and work the crowd into a frenzy. The feisty and seemingly tipsy, Brazilian wild child, Adriana de Moura joined Pharell on-stage, dancing with the rapper, and with Roy Black, who was also up there, with a  gaggle of gals. Read the rest of this entry »

Tinsley Mortimer and Brian Mazza

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

The week leading up to New Year’s Eve was so packed with celeb-filled events and celebrations that it made going out on the big night seem almost like overkill. From a penthouse party which included Beacher’s Madhouse Oompa Loompas which packed into a party bus to LIV;to the official grand opening of Lords South Beach Hotel, which was so packed that it seemed the penthouse terrace was going to go the way of the elevator from the Tower of Terror; to LeBron James’ star-studded birthday bash, South Beach got an electric awakening from its post-Basel slumber and bid adieu to 2010 in its typical mayhem and style.

Oh Lordy

Tinsley Mortimer, Richie Rich, Tracy Young and Lady Bunny hosted the coming out bash for Lords South Beach on Wednesday night. Read the rest of this entry »