By:  Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore and Maryanne Salvat

Art Basel, the Mecca for art collectors and enthusiasts will take over Miami from December 6 through 9, 2012.  In its 11^th season, the most prestigious art show in the Americas will feature more than 260 leading galleries from North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa, among the most respected in the world that will showcase works by more than 2,000 artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.  Special exhibition sections feature young galleries, performance art, public art projects and video art and musical experiences. Art Basel will provide a vital platform for art lovers, allowing them to both discover new developments in contemporary art and experience rare museum-caliber artworks.  In addition to the actual show at the Miami Beach Convention Center, art museums throughout South Florida, satellite art fairs, and events for and by curators provide the perfect forum for encountering and experiencing art and design. Every year, a greater number of art collectors, artists, dealers, curators, critics and art enthusiasts from around the world participate in Art Basel – and the requisite parties keep the locals and the visitors in an art-induced state of bliss.  Without a doubt, sunny Miami is the favorite winter meeting place for the international art world.  Below, we have highlighted just a few of the major events that are scheduled this year, and are sure to make Art Basel 2012 the best to date.  Be sure to visit Passport Miami for the latest updates. Read the rest of this entry »

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SLS Hotel South Beach Presents Halloween 

On Saturday, October 27, from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., Hyde Beach at SLS Hotel South Beach will host the Christie’s Mad Hatters Party. Complimentary hats will be provided by Christie’s and music by Lazerdisk and on Wednesday, October 31, Bacardi will provide courtesy cocktails at Hyde Out a Haunted Havana Halloween event at SLS Hotel South Beach’s Hyde Beach. Sounds by Lazerdisk, Party Sex, and The Chain Smokers from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Nightmare on the Beach 

On Saturday, October 27, join The Little Lighthouse Foundation for its 3rd annual Halloween party: Nightmare on the Beach at the historical Bath Club from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. All attendees will be treated to top shelf open bar, cuisine from some of Miami’s top restaurants and caterers, and music from world renowned DJs. Lose yourself in a world of Nightmare vs. Dream, when you attend Miami’s most audacious, spectacular, costume extravaganza! General admission starts at $100 per person.

Veuve Clicquot: Yelloween Masquerade Ball

The terrace at EDGE Steak & Bar will transform into an al fresco ultra lounge for the Veuve Clicquot Yelloween Masquerade Ball on Saturday, October 27 from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., where Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label will flow for Miami’s social crowd decked out in Halloween costumes. Comfortable sofas will be set up throughout the terrace, which is adorned with lush greenery and twinkle lights strung from the retractable awnings. DJ Sol Martinez will play loungey house music with a spooky twist, and cocktail servers will serve the VIP tables throughout the terrace. A custom Veuve Clicquot outdoor bar will be set up for guests to mingle around and enjoy the vibe. For table reservations, call Edge at 305.381.3190. For room reservations, call 305.381. 3381. 

“Beam Me Up” Halloween Bash

SuperMarket Creative will transform Studio 743’s special event space into the location for its highly anticipated “Beam Me Up” Halloween costume bash on Saturday, October 27. Located in the heart of South Beach, the event space boasts a futuristic appeal that is reminiscent of space age architecture, making it the ideal venue for the occasion. Guests will experience a fashion-forward space disco atmosphere, posing alongside SuperMarket’s famous ‘Land on the Moon’-inspired vignette, which has proven to be one of the fete’s most popular features, photographed by Stian Roenning. DJs for the evening include Ess & Emm, Mister Drake, Lolo, Bonnie Beats and The Kid with a slew of local guest acts. Patrons will enjoy complimentary Dos Equis and Herradura cocktails from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. Early ticket purchase fees are $15 and $20 at the door. Tickets are available for purchase at www.BeamMeUp.ticketleap.com. 

“Nightmare on 23^rd Street” at  Cafeina

On Saturday, October 27, Cafeina Wynwood Lounge will transform its interior lounge/art gallery and outdoor gardens into a haunted abode for its second installment of “Nightmare on 23^rd Street.” The Halloween costume party will feature disco beats by resident DJ Supersede and a special guest, New York-based Roxy Cottontail and spooky live video mixes in the garden by local video vixen VJ EditMonster. Cafeina’s haunted crew will serve up $190 Beluga Vodka bottle specials in the spooky manor-esque lounge or fog-laden outdoor garden, while ghouls and gals enjoy lethal libations such as $5 RedRum shooters, made with Fireball Whisky, all night.  Costumes are encouraged. Event admission is $5. Advance table reservations are available by contacting info@cafeinamiami.com.

Halloween Happy Hour at Conrad Miami

On October 31, Conrad Miami will host a Spooktacular Halloween Happy Hour from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy half-off drink specials and hors d’oeuvres. Best costume wins a special prize.

RA Sushi Boo Bash

Have a ghoulishly good time on Halloween at RA Sushi in South Miami’s Boo Bash party. On October 31 from 7:00 p.m. to close, party the night away with spooktacular food and drink specials, a costume contest, and a guest D.J. Enjoy some freakish fun at RA Sushi in South Miami. Boys and ghouls are encouraged to dress up for the Boo Bash costume contest. Those dressed to kill will have the opportunity to take a bite out of some serious treats, including a $100 RA gift certificate for the first place winner and a $25 RA gift certificate for second place. To keep the Halloween bash going all night long, a special guest D.J. will spin a haunting mix of beats. Grab a broomstick and fly into RA Sushi in South Miami. For more information, visit www.Facebook.com/RASushiSouthMiami.

Halloween at Villa 221 

On Wednesday, October 31, Problem Kids and ArtOfficial alongside DJ Ethics are celebrating Halloween at Villa 221 with an array of live bands, DJs, costume contests and food trucks by Cuban Cube and Monster Burgers. Complimentary vodka will be served from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. with a $10 admission at the door. Guests must arrive before 9:00 p.m. to be eligible for the costume contests. Best female costume, best male costume and best couple costume contest will each go home with over $1,000 in prizes from ISA boutique, N&K Designs, Savvy girl Boutique, SOLE FLY, HipStar Clothing, and Keep it Kush Papers & Apparel among others. The party will then continue with Villa 221’s Haunted House After Party featuring eight DJs including: Minimax, Juan Fonseca, Gabe Alvarez and Andrew Beato spinning techno upstairs and BD HBTS, YSL and Ethics downstairs spinning hip-hop and open format.

Fairchild’s Howl-o-ween
Don’tmiss out on one of the only days of the year that guests can bring their pooch to Fairchild—Wednesday, October 31. At Fairchild’s Howl-o-ween event, now in its fourth year, guests can take advantage of a great opportunity to enjoy special activities just for pups as they parade through Fairchild’s lush surroundings all the while showing off their Halloween costumes. Guests and their dog can hop on a special 1:00 p.m. doggy tram ride too!!

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 »

 By: Maryanne Salvat 

Music Loves Fashion 

Man+Machine Presents MUSIC LOVES FASHION, the inaugural four-day showcase of international sounds from the underground and producer symposiums, taking place between 11:00am and 11:00pm each day from Wednesday, March 21st to Saturday, March 24th at The Raleigh hotel, sponsored by Belvedere Vodka and MOET. The week kicks-off on Wednesday, March 21 at 11:00am with the I ¤ AVICII Pool Party in association with At Night, ULTRA Pool and Ash Alliance, featuring an opening set by CAZZETTE AND FRIENDS, followed by hours of blissful tunes by the Swede himself; The Owsla Miami poolside party on Thursday, March 22, starting at 11:00am and presented by No Sugar Added, features the emerging electronic visionary and highly acclaimed Grammy Winner, SKRILLEX, amongst other supporting acts. Tickets are priced from $49.95 to $100 for general admission, with beds or tables starting at $3,000 (6 guests) and cabanas starting at $10,000 (20 guests) each served with magnums of Belvedere and Moet; for a complete schedule and more information visit www.musiclovesfashion.com .

Mondrian South Beach Line Up 

Mondrian South Beach hosts the finest 2012 line up the bay side has yet to see. Poolside partying will be open to the public beginning at noon, Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25 with special performances by Mario Fischetti and Leo Janerio. Ending the week with a high note, Mondrian will feature a special pool party hosted by Michael Capponi and Michael Martin including sounds by Marc Sacheli and JP Rigaud.  Note: All events open to public and entrance is based on doormen discretion; cover charge for entry. For table reservations and for more information call 305.514.1940. 

Shore Club

Shore Club brings the best beats to South Beach, announcing a jam‐packed lineup for Winter Music Conference 2012 presented by Oversea Production USA. Top DJs from around the world will keep the party going day and night, indoors and out. For table reservations please call 786.276.6772; Events are open to hotel guests, VIP cardholders and table reservations only Monday through Saturday. Sundays are open to the public (doorman discretion) with a cover charge of $20.

 Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge

Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge, along with SuperMarket Creative and Nightdrive Miami, is proud to present its lineup of musical talent for Miami Music Week 2012. A slew of renowned and emerging DJs will take the helm at Chalk, the ultimate adult playground, to showcase the venue’s state-of-the-art audio and new music platform during the weeklong celebration of electronic and alternative music. For a complete line-up, schedule, and tickets visit www.Chalkmiami.com or contact info@chalkmiami.com.

Haven Gastrolounge

Executive Chef Todd Erickson and Haven Gastrolounge will be hosting a grand amount of WMC activities throughout the month of March; for a complete line-up of events visit www.Havenlounge.com. 

The Perry South Beach

The Rooftop at the Perry will be celebrating WMC with an exclusive list of DJ’s spinning all day long; for a complete line up visit www.RXpoolparties.com.

 High Bar at Dream Hotel

Dim Mak pool party, Obey the Kitty Miami Edition, presents secret unannounced guests along with Sidney Samson, Rehab, Joachim Garraud, Felix Cartal, Junior Sanchez, & more.Tickets can be purchased via www.wantickets.com & www.miamidreamsessions.com. 

Art of Night: The DJ Series

Hennessy Black is thrilled to present visionary nightlife photographer Seth Browarnik in Art of Night: The DJ Series, his newest exhibit paying tribute to nightlife’s key players – the DJs. Hennessy Black and Browarnik, who has been capturing DJs since the inception of his career, will pay tribute to those he has photographed and befriended since electronic music began making its mark on nightlife. On display at the Shelborne South Beach, the Hennessy Black Gallery will showcase Seth’s pulsating photography and the artistry of the DJ during the week of Miami’s famous music gatherings, Winter Music Conference and Ultra Music Festival. Beginning March 22 and continuing through March 25, the first-ever exhibit will have a three daylong display at the Hennessy Black Gallery inside of the recently renovated Shelborne South Beach Resort, where collectors will have the opportunity to purchase any of the 25 prints.  Browarnik has partnered with Gen Art and electrostub.com to donate a portion of the proceeds of the exhibit to help market and launch the career of Felix Cartal, an emerging DJ releasing his new album, Different Faces, out March 27. As day turns into evening, each night of the exhibit, the Hennessy Black Gallery will transform into an exclusive VIP lounge for approximately 250 guests, including Browarnik’s celebrity companions and some of the DJs featured.

Get fresh “produce” at this year’s 11th annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival with Flavour Gallery’s latest line-up of five original, festival-inspired designs set to launch during the four-day food frenzy, February 23-26, 2012.
 
A first time collaboration, Flavour Gallery is the official merchandise producer for the Festival with 19 different style variations for men and women.  The special collection, which launches alongside the spring 2012 line, will be available for purchase beachside by the Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village and outside the North Venue tents during the evenings.  Tanks, t-shirts and long sleeves will retail between $25 to $40 and will also be available online at www.flavourgallery.com  for pre-order as well as during and following the Festival.

Gibraltar Bar at Grove Isle Launches Happy Hour

Every Thursday, Gibraltar Bar at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove will be offering happy hour specials for guests who crave light bites and cocktails after the daily grind. Whether catching up with a friend or co-worker, Gibraltar Bar is setting the scene for the idyllic post-work wind-down amongst spectacular views of the bay. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the happy hour will feature two-for-one champagne flutes and two-for-one well drinks, in addition to a select menu of signature small plates. Gibraltar is located at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove, Florida. Open seven days a week, Gibraltar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch is also available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bar opens Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 11 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight. For reservations or more information, please call 305.857.5007 or visit www.groveisle.com.

Happy Hour at the Bass Museum of Art

On Friday, April 1, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m., the Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach celebrates another installment of their monthly happy hour “Beats After Sunset @ the Bass.” Launched earlier this year, the successful happy hour takes place at the museum’s terrace and attracts art and music hipsters. Scheduled on the first Friday of every month, the event serves complimentary specialty cocktails generously sponsored by Herradura Tequila, Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, and Vitamin Water. Beats will be provided by DJ Yanni Difranco. This week’s “Beats After Sunset @ the Bass” will also serve as the opening reception for the museum’s latest exhibit, Come Together: Frances Trombly and Leyden Rodriguez-Casanova.  Admission to the museum is free for members, $8 for non-members.  Bass Museum of Art is located on 2100 Collins Avenue, for more information call 305.673.7530 or visit www.bassmuseum.org. 

Annual Blacks Gala

Lea and Roy Black present one of the most anticipated star-studded events of the season, The Blacks’ Annual Gala: “That’s What Friends Are For” benefiting the Juvenile Services Department of Miami-Dade through the Consequences Charity & Foundation, with performances by Dionne Warwick, Pharrell Williams, and Pitbull, (strange bedfellows) indeed, at Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach on Saturday, April 2, at 7:00 p.m.  The annual gala raises funds for over 7,500 at-risk youths providing funds for educational opportunities. Tickets start at $650 per person for preferred seating, and $1,250 for VIP. Tables are available in varying seat configurations, starting at $3600. Ticket purchases can be made only by phone at 305.443.8980 or by email at fairchildforconsequences@gmail.com or by going on line to www.theblacksannualgala.com.  Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Miami Beach Cinematheque 

 The Miami Beach Cinematheque will host the opening of its latest art exhibit PIMPWAVES by Italian photographer, filmmaker and artist Leonardo Casali, on Wednesday, April 6, from 7 to 10:30   p.m.  Along with PIMPWAVES, Casali will also be showcasing some of his newest imagery including MOONCAP and a video projection entitled ALPHABE DREAM. Guests in attendance will enjoy light fare and drinks courtesy of Nespresso. Exhibit will be on view through May 31. An RSVP to info@mbcinema.com for opening night is necessary. MBC’s gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and before scheduled films.

1500°Hosts Wine Maker Dinner

1500° at the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach, the farm-to-table eatery is hosting their first ever wine maker dinner on Thursday, April 7 with Rolando Hererra of Mi Sueño Winery.  Organized by 1500° beverage director Julian Uribe, the dinner explores five Mi Sueno award-winning wines, each accompanied by the exquisite cuisine of talented executive chef Paula DaSilva.  A reception with passed canapés begins at 6:30 p.m., with 7:00 p.m. seating.  The four-course dinner menu with paired wines is priced at $120.00 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity.  1500° at the Eden Roc Renaissance is located at 4525 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach.  Reservations for the Mi Sueño Wine Dinner are limited and can be made by calling 305.773.1045 or visit www.1500degreesmiami.com.

Spa for a Cause 

The Seven Seas Aveda Spa and Salon is helping South Floridians celebrate Earth Month with special promotionally priced spa services starting at $50. Guests can feel good about pampering themselves as 20% of all proceeds from eco-friendly spa treatments will be donated to Aveda supported clean water projects at home and around the world.  The spa is also aiding in efforts to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s Disease. Spa-goers will be rewarded with complimentary services and Aveda products with every purchase of a Seven Seas ‘beauty-to-benefit’ gift certificate package.  A portion of proceeds from sales will be donated to the National Parkinson Foundation. To kick off the month-long promotions and welcome the partnership, the Seven Seas Aveda Spa and Salon will host a Get Pampered for Parkinson’s Disease Cocktail Celebration with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres provided by Kitchen 305 and the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort on Thursday, March 31 from 7:00 to 10:00pm. To RSVP, email rsvp@cravingssouthflorida.com.  For appointments call 305.749.2100 or visit www.sevenseasspasalon.com for more information.