The Bass Ball: A Kaleidoscopic Night of Art, Fashion and Fun

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On February - 11 - 2026

Photo credit: World Red Eye

The Bass proved once again why its annual gala is among the most anticipated dates on the Miami art/social calendar. The Bass Ball: Kaleidoscopic brought out artists, fashion-forward philanthropists, socialites, and party people to honor the fabulous Cathy Vedovi—the collector and designer whose French roots and LA education have made her a true icon in our local arts scene.

Photo credit: World Red Eye
Photo credit: World Red Eye

The theme was “Kaleidoscopic,” inspired by the museum’s exhibition The Kaleidoscopic: Writing Histories Through the Collection. The evening reflected the multifaceted nature of storytelling through art, welcoming artists and art lovers into a richly layered visual experience. This wasn’t your average black-tie affair; the guests took the theme to heart with outfits that were pure creative genius. Everywhere you looked, there were bold prints, shimmering textures, and over the top accessories that turned the museum into a living, breathing art gallery.

Silvia Karman Cubina, Cathy Vedovi, Paul & Trudy Cejas & Paolo Vedovi
Cathy Vedovi, Mera Rubell & Trudy Cejas
Cathy Leff & Angie Ferrer

Guests were immersed in lavish décor by Alejandro Muguerza, complemented by a dynamic lighting installation by artist MIKIHUMO that illuminated the museum’s façade and interior. Dinner by Le Basque was top-tier, as usual, but it was the outstanding music that really set the night apart. Things kicked off with smooth jazz by saxophonist Manuel Echazabal in the Social Assembly Lounge, giving everyone a chance to catch up in style.

Evelio Gomez, Keith Pomeroy; Lorena Gomez, Carlos Betancourt, José Díaz, Alberto Latorre & Cristina Lei Rodriguez
Evian Kudnik, Paola Martínez & Samantha Díaz
Alberto Latorre, Mary Jo Shore, Carlos Betancourt & Sofía Citarella
DJ ClaudioF

But even before the dinner plates were cleared, the vibe shifted into high gear. The museum lobby transformed into the ultimate energetic dance party thanks to @DJCLAUDIOF aka Claudio Figueroa, the man behind the vibe at Casa Tua. He was on fire, spinning every genre imaginable—from global house beats to crowd-favorite anthems.

Sofía Citarella & Mary Jo Shore

The music was so good it kept the gorgeous, fashion-focused crowd glued to the dance floor, keeping the energy electric well into the early morning hours. Let’s just say no one was ready to go once the “lights came on.”

Caitlin Collins & Ariel Penzer Milgroom
Dr. Mary Jo and Michael Shore in the Mirror Photo Booth by InstaMirrorPhoto

All of the glam and fun supports a worthy cause, with proceeds going directly to the museum’s education programs and world-class exhibitions. Be sure to keep up with all of the happenings at the Bass on Instagram @thebassmoa and online at https://thebass.org.

Photos

Courtesy of the Bass Museum and World Red Eye.

Hope for Animals: an Evening of Compassion

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On January - 22 - 2026

An Evening of Compassion, the inaugural signature fundraising event for the Hope For Animals Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting homeless, injured and endangered animals, will host its inaugural event on January 27. Join community leaders, partners, and animal advocates at Toku Modern Asian to raise critical funds and awareness for animal welfare—while also supporting families facing hardship who are struggling to care for their beloved pets.

Guests will enjoy an elevated cocktail-style experience featuring meaningful connections, raffles, and impactful storytelling centered on compassion, collaboration, and community impact.

For more information visit:

https://hopeforanimalsfoundation.betterworld.org/events/benefiting-Hope-for-Animals-Foundation

Luminous Global Lights Up the Night

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On September - 30 - 2025

In luminous shades of pink, white, and shimmering garden hues, Luminous Global cast its spell over Coconut Grove last Friday with the 4th Annual Light Up the Night Gala at the storied Mayfair House Hotel & Garden. Themed The Enchanted Garden, the soirée unfolded as both a celebration and a call to action—empowering women to take charge of their health while raising critical funds for the early detection of breast cancer.

The evening drew an elegant guest list including supermodel and Real Housewives of New York original cast member Kelly Killoren Bensimon; Florida State Representative Fabián Basabe; Claudine De Niro; and Marta and Ron Bloom—all in support of the Luminous Advocacy Group and its visionary Global Founder & CEO, Marylin Dans.

Guests sipped artfully crafted LALO Tequila cocktails—the Hibiscus Paloma and Rose Margarita—beneath twinkling lights at the al fresco reception before moving indoors for a candlelit dinner and poignant survivor testimonials. The program also honored this year’s benefactors, including Jose and Heidi Dans, Norma Jean Abraham, Ana VeigaMilton, Sari Sosa, Dr. Ramona Probasco, and Julio Figueroa Cisneros, as well as distinguished awardees: Xiomara Beatriz Brandfon, Rosario Rico Toro Korn, Enrique Martinez, Jessica Cristobal, Vivian Quiroga, Frank Navarro, and Manny Lara.

Also in the spotlight was Luminous—the groundbreaking breast familiarity tool designed to give women a visual reference for their breast health. By illuminating soft tissue and blood flow, the device encourages users to establish a baseline, making it easier to detect changes over time. Already available across the EU and UK, and soon expanding into the Middle East and U.S., Luminous is reshaping the conversation around early detection and awareness-first living.

One of the evening’s highlights came courtesy of “Pop Provocateur,” Robbie Elias (@RobbieEliasofficial) who took the stage, dazzling guests with a kaleidoscope of crowd-pleasers—from “Mr. Brightside” to “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” to cult-favorite “Pink Pony Club.” In true showman fashion, Robbie turned the ballroom into a pulsating dance floor, leading a frenzied celebration/dance marathon that lasted late into the night. As the newest member of Miami Sound Machine, Robbie Elias divides his time between sharing the stage with Gloria Estefan and igniting the crowd with his electrifying performances at his residence at Faena. He even “out-Beyonces Beyoncé!”

Blending glamour with gravitas, the Light Up the Night gala shone as both a celebration and a call to action—empowering women, honoring survivors, and inspiring a future of greater health equity. To learn more or to support the Luminous Advocacy Project, visit www.luminousglobal.org.

(Photo Credit: Ruben Correa/WRE)