First Annual Art Deco Jazz Week at The Betsy-South Beach

In conjunction with the Miami Design Preservation League’s annual Art Deco Weekend festivities, which this year, celebrates its 35^th year, The Betsy-South Beach, located on historic Ocean Drive, will celebrate with the First Annual Art Deco Jazz Week from Wednesday, January 11 through Sunday, January 15.  Art Deco Weekend, the largest and longest running festival on Miami Beach, closes Ocean Drive to traffic from Friday, January 13 – Sunday, January 15. In addition to musical performances, the weekend highlights include the Annual ADW parade, classic car show, lecture series, film series, antique vendors, guided tours, Art Deco and MiMo furniture exhibit, and more. The Betsy-South Beach, which presents a year-round calendar of arts, cultural and philanthropic events will enhance its regular Wednesday and Thursday night performance series with a number of additional acts in honor of the festival, featuring a line-up of notable performers. For more information call 305.760.8288 or visit online www.thebetsyhotel.com.

Meals on Wheels 

Join Apollo Bank this Thursday, January 12, from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. for some of Miami’s best gourmet restaurants on wheels! Come enjoy munching on delicious food from Miami’s most popular food trucks, like Dim Ssam A GoGo, Latin House Grill, Jefe’s Original Fish Taco & Burger, Grill Master Cafe and Sugar Rush, and mingle with Brickell’s business and residential crowd. Apollo Bank is located at 1150 South Miami Avenue.

Before They Were Famous: Behind the Lens of William John Kennedy 

At the age of 81, fine art photographer William John Kennedy began an unprecedented journey and meteoric rise to fame. His recently published archive of negatives from 1963 and 1964, when he befriended and photographed rising stars Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana, was quietly introduced to the public by publisher KIWI Arts Group as a collection of silver gelatin prints at a pop-up gallery in Miami Beach last December. After six stops in major international cities and at SCOPE Miami during Art Basel Miami Beach, the collection finds a new temporary home aboard SeaFair during Miami International Art Fair (January 12 – 16, Booth #312), a five day extravaganza of art and culture situated along the waterfront near Bayfront Park. The curated, museum-style exhibition dubbed “Before They Were Famous: Behind the Lens of William John Kennedy” introduces the pivotal moments and players who shaped the course of American art in the second half of the 20^th century. From Kennedy’s images of the groundbreaking exhibit Americans 1963 at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, curated by the esteemed Dorothy Miller, to the artists with their iconic works—plus never-before-heard 1960s audio conversations between Warhol and artist Ultra Violet—the overall multimedia experience will transport visitors through an important piece of art history. Miami International Art Fair: Preview and KIWI Arts Group Champagne Reception on Thursday, January 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (VIP, Press); Fair Hours are Friday, January 13 to Sunday, January 15 from noon to 10:00 p.m. and Monday, January 16 from noon to 7:00 p.m.; www.mia-artfair.com for tickets and fair information or call  305.200.3047 | www.kiwiartsgroup.com .

American Fine Wine Competition

The Fifth Annual American Fine Wine Competition is an extraordinary event that celebrates the finest wines produced in the United States. Presented by Patriot National Insurance Group (PNIG) and Patriot (PATNAT), the event itself is comprised of several events, culminating in a Gala celebration taking place on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at the Boca Raton Resort Club & Spa in Mizner Center. The Gala Dinner will feature all the wines entered into the Competition served along with a four-course dinner and live entertainment. Legendary chef Emeril Lagasse will make a special appearance on stage, during which he will prepare the evening’s main course during a live cooking demonstration. Tickets for the Gala Dinner are $300 per person. Prior to the Gala Dinner and other unique events hosted by the AFWC, an invitation-only VIP Reception, will take place this Thursday, January 12, at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Telephone: 561.504.VINE; www.americanfinewinecompetition.com.

Robert Redford Honored at YoungArts Gala 

On January 14, YoungArts will honor actor Robert Redford with the Arison Award at “An Affair of the Arts” performance and gala at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts starting  at 6:15 p.m. The gala evening kicks off with a street performance outside the historic Gusman Center in Downtown Miami. Attendees will then make their way into the theater for an interdisciplinary performance by YoungArts alumni from around the nation, this year featuring Marcus Canty, 2009 YoungArts Finalist in Voice in his first live performance since the X Factor, and a special awards ceremony honoring special guests Robert Redford, Doug Aitken and Robert L. Lynch. After that, it’s off to the J.W. Marriott Marquis for dinner, dancing and special presentations by YoungArts alumni. Grey Goose will keep guest hydrated through it all. Tickets for performance and awards ceremony are $20 ($10 for students with valid ID).  Tickets for the gala begin at $650, tables begin at $6,500, and corporate sponsorships are available. For more information, e-mail gala@youngarts.org.

 Educate Tomorrow “I Love the 80s” 

If you love the 80s, then head to the “I Love the 80s” Gala on January 14 to benefit Educate Tomorrow, a non-profit organization whose mission is to create independence for disadvantaged and foster youth through education, mentoring, and life skills training. The festivities will take place at a luxurious private bay front estate (17575 Old Cutler Road) and feature cocktails from Grey Goose and Bacardi, 80s tunes, and a silent auction.  So throw on your favorite 80s garb and big hair and brush up on your Rubik’s Cube skills. Regular tickets cost $150; VIP tickets are $250. All of the proceeds from ticket sales, auction items and sponsorships will directly benefit Educate Tomorrow. For more information, visit www.EducateTomorrow.org or call 305.374.3751. 

Be a Voice, Build a Dream Gala

Voices For Children Foundation, the fundraising arm of the 11^th Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program, is proud to announce that the 2012 “Be a Voice, Build a Dream Gala,” will be held on Saturday, January 14, at Mandarin Oriental, Miami. The magical evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. with cocktails, Padron Cigars and a silent auction. Following the cocktail hour, guests will be invited into the main ballroom for an evening of dinner and dancing, along with entertainment and a live auction led by BIG 105.9 Radio’s Paul Castronovo and Co-Chair Jeff Berkowitz. This year’s event will honor Paul & Swanee Dimare, influential leaders and inspiring philanthropists of the South Florida community, with the 2012 Humanitarian Award. South Florida’s own CBS Channel 4 News Anchor, Shannon Hori, will serve as the evening’s Mistress of Ceremony. Individual tickets for the Gala are $500 and $1,000 for premier seating. To learn more about underwriting opportunities and sponsorships, or to purchase a table and/or tickets to this exclusive event, call 305.324.5678 or email TRodriguez@voices4.org.

Wings Down Under: A Parrot Feeding Adventure

Zoo Miami is proud to present its latest interactive exhibit – Wings Down Under: A Parrot Feeding Adventure – at its Australian lobe. This free-flight, 1,656-square-foot aviary houses over 300 brightly colored birds including – cockatiels, parakeets, and rosellas, all parrots native to Australia. Upon arrival, guests will be surrounded by the sounds of the birds chirping and singing in the aviary’s peaceful environment encircled with a lush landscape inspired by the Australian Outback. For $3, guests can purchase a seed snack to feed the birds. The friendly birds will fly and perch on visitors’ arms or hands (and sometimes heads) in order to nibble on the treats. In addition to being a fun exhibit, Wings Down Under: A Parrot Feeding Adventure, is a learning experience. Zoo staff is available at the site to answer any questions and educate the public about the birds’ habitat and behaviors, as well as issues, concerns and challenges facing birds in the wild. The exhibit is open daily from noon to 4:30 pm. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information visit www.zoomiami.org.

By: Maryanne Salvat

 15^th Annual Brunch for the Animals

Dogs and their owners are invited to attend the 15th annual Brunch for the Animals on Sunday, December 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event, hosted by TV personality Louis Aguirre from Deco Drive, will take place at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel at 1601 Collins Avenue. Co-Chairpersons are Louis Aguirre, Selene Arvesu, Gingi Beltran, Irene Korge, Ann Rubino and Maggie Villacampa. Two-legged guests will enjoy a scrumptious holiday brunch while sipping on cocktails and taking in the magnificent view from the lawn of the hotel. Our four-legged attendees will dine on a home cooked meal from the Loews Loves Pets Room Service Menu. Owners are encouraged to dress their dogs in holiday wear.G uests can start their holiday shopping early at the exciting silent auction and merchant booths that will be set up, including an exciting vintage booth called Scrappy’s Vintage Corner. Admission is $150 per person (dogs are complimentary). Children ages 3-10 are $35 per person. Valet parking is available for $25 or there is a public garage across the street on 16th Street. Seating is limited so RSVP early. Call Laurie at 305-749-1815. 

GEE Beauty Hosts Lea Black’s Sudden Youth Skincare Debut Fete and Pop-Up Shop 

GEE Beauty, the modern makeup and skincare studio, welcomes Real Housewives of Miami star and Sudden Youth Skincare founder, Lea Black, for the launch of her new line with a pop-up store at Bal Harbour Shops. Kicking off the unveiling with a cocktail fête on Thursday, December 8, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Lea will mingle and treat guests with the Sudden Youth Skincare mini facial experience. The pop-up shop is open from Thursday, December 8, through Sunday, December 11. Lea will also be on-hand Friday, December 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information call 305.868.3533. 

Chef Daniel Boulud and Mixologist Xavier Hérit Present: Amuse-Bouches for Her & For Him 

Chef Daniel Boulud and Restaurant DANIEL’s renowned mixologist Xavier Herit are making their way to Miami on Monday, December 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., to welcome cocktail aficionados with a sultry evening of delicious concoctions paired with Boulud’s legendary cuisine – served in small bites. The celebration takes place in the Bar and Lounge of Miami’s favorite new restaurant, db Bistro Moderne, and now also Downtown’s hottest drinks destination. Guests will depart with a signed copy of “Cocktails and Amuse-Bouches: For Her & For Him”, the chef’s charming new two-volume boxed set published by ASSOULINE. Event cost is $95 per person (includes a signed copy of book). For more information or to buy tickets contact 305.421.8800.

Jason Taylor Foundation Hosts 3CiNTERACTIVE  

While Miami Dolphins All-Pro Jason Taylor is preparing for his team’s upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Jason Taylor Foundation is preparing for one of its most popular events, the 3Cinteractive JT’s Ping-Pong Smash 8 – Presented by Publix, the original celebrity, doubles table-tennis tournament.  Proceeds from the event, which will take place on Monday, December 12 at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, will benefit the Jason Taylor Foundation, whose mission is to support and create programs that facilitate the personal growth and empowerment of South Florida’s children in need by focusing on improved health care, education and quality of life. This one-of-a-kind event will once again pair community members with some of the Sunshine State’s most recognizable personalities from the worlds of sports and entertainment, including Taylor, as well as many current and former Miami Dolphins players.  The duos will compete in a round-robin style ping-pong tournament while raising money for local children’s charities. The fun-filled, electric atmosphere will also feature DJ Laz of Power 96 filling the arena with today’s hottest music, in addition to the LuckyFan Fun Zone, where those in attendance can enjoy a Best Buy gaming station, haircuts, interactive games and more! Prior to the action that evening, JTF will put on the fourth-annual Ping-Pong Smash Kids Clinic – Presented by the Miami Dolphins.  Nearly 100 deserving children will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the world’s fastest sport from former Puerto Rican Junior National Table Tennis Champion and two-time JT’s Ping-Pong Smash Champion, Juan Ly.  The Kids Clinic will take place from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., also at Hard Rock Live. Doors open for the 3Cinteractive JT’s Ping-Pong Smash 8 – Presented by Publix at 5:30 p.m. Admission to the event is a $5.00 donation to the Jason Taylor Foundation.  For more information, call (954) 424-0799 or visit www.jasontaylorfoundation.org or www.facebook.com/jasontaylorfoundation.

Celebrate the Holidays with Exciting Events at Zoo Miami

This holiday season Zoo Miami is hosting a myriad of exciting and fun activities for everyone. At Zoo Miami, guests can enjoy beautiful animal-shaped lights as they stroll zoo walkways during the 8 nights of Zoo Lights, have Dinner with Santa, and watch the animals open their specially-prepared gifts during Holiday Gifts for the Animals.

The zoo’s glorious grounds come to light for 8 brilliant nights during Zoo Lights, December 16 through 23 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. (ticket booths close at 9:30 p.m.). Guests can enjoy dozens of bright animal-shaped lights along walkways, listen to wonderful holiday music, sip hot chocolate, munch on delicious cookies, and take a ride on a camel, the wildlife carrousel or the hippo slide (the world’s largest inflatable slide). Included with admission is a pair of 3D glasses, which will make the Zoo Lights experience even more engaging and amusing. General admission is only $5 per person plus tax. Food, beverages, camel rides, carrousel and hippo slide are all available at additional costs.

Dinner with Santa will take place on December 17, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Bring the kids to meet him before he has to rush back to the North Pole! Enjoy a delicious holiday dinner with the family, photos with Santa, a holiday plush gift and holiday craft-making for the little ones!

Dinner with Santa admission includes parking, entry to Zoo Lights from 7:00 to10:00 p.m. and a classic holiday menu of fresh roasted turkey with homemade gravy, baked ham, candied sweet potatoes with melting marshmallows, herbed buttery carrots, homemade cranberry sauce, dinner rolls with butter, homemade seasonal pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing, strawberry-infused lemonade, and cranberry mint-infused water. General admission is $39.95 per adult and $33.95 per child ages 3-12. Zoo members are $36.95 per adult and $30.95 per child ages 3-12. Children ages 2 and under are free. To make a reservation, call 305-251-0400, ext 84941.

Another fun family activity is Holiday Gifts for the Animals! Every weekend in December, including Christmas Day, watch the animals joyfully open holiday gifts prepared by zookeepers and volunteers. The animals enjoy opening up their enriching gifts and you’ll be entertained watching them. To save time, buy your tickets online at www.zoomiami.org. Zoo Miami’s regular hours are 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; ticket booths close at 4:00 p.m.