The Story Matters
Calendar p. 12 Pinnochio, French Flicks, Library Books, Metrozoo, Drag Queens, Jewish ghosties and Power Pop, Pop, Pop...
Vol. XXIV No.50
December 10, 2009
Visit us at miamisunpost.com
GAG RULE
County Still Seeking to Jail Citizen Activists? STAFF P.2
MAYHEM P.4
POLITICS P.6
HISTORY P.8
CALENDAR P.14
BOUND P.17
COMMUNITY P. 18
FASHION P. 20
P. 10
411 P. 21
Meet the SunPost Contributors Marguerite Gil W RITER French-born Marguerite Gil is as talented as she is beautiful. Her accomplishements and degrees are many. With a Master’s Degree in Literature and Civilization and a Bachelors Degree in Education both from the Universite de Paris VIII, Marguerite speaks three languages and was Knighted by France in the order of Arts and Letters. Dame d’Escoffier. Since arriving in Miami in 1981, she has worked as a writer/photographer/radio show host, art consultant and arts instructor for numerous organizations as well as a contributing local and national award winning journalist. She also somehow finds the time to exhibit her paintings and scultpture.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kim Stark kim@miamisunpost.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jeffrey Bradley
PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Kim Stark kim@miamisunpost.com ACCOUNTING Sandie Friedman
Stuart Davidson Marguerite Gil Mary Louise English Jennifer Fragoso John Hood
SALES DIRECTORS Jeannette Stark Jamie Nunez Stuart Davidson
Paula Pellegrino Joe Robertson Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
PUBLISHER EMERITUS Felix Stark (1929-1995)
Susan Richard Kim Steiner
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Mary Louise English CALENDAR EDITOR Jake Orsinni calendar@miamisunpost.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Stuart Davidson
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FOR ADVERTISING & RATE INFO: Please call 305.538.9797 or email kim@miamisunpost.com SUBSCRIPTIONS First class mailing subscriptions are available at $150 per year. Call 305.538.9797. Copyright: The entire contents of SunPost are copyright 2008 by Caxton Newspapers Inc. No portion may be reproduced in whole or part by any means including electronic media without the express written consent of the publisher. Covering Miami Beach, North Bay Village, Surfside, Bay Harbor Islands, Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach, North Miami, North Miami Beach and Aventura, Coconut Grove, Brickell Avenue, Downtown, Design District, Wynwood, Upper Eastside, and Miami Shores.
Page 2 • Thursday, December 10, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
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www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, December 10, 2009 • Page 3
Tropical Mayhem BITS AND PIECES OF MIAMI LIFE
Miami through my iphone by Ines Hegedus-Garcia - ines@miamism.com
Pop Up Shopping Do not miss a little designer shopping in the Design District this holiday season. Fendi; Proenza Schouler; Duncan Quinn; Jessica Trosman; Christian Dior Homme; L'Eclaireur; Stubbs and Wootton; Pharrell William's Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream; Katherine Fleming; Maia N.; Cynthia Rowley; Gucci; and Neon Monster all have a some form of free-standing, artsy, pop up-boutiques in the iconic Moore Building. These micro shops will be on hand through the holidays and some until the spring. From Fendi is this divine canvas bag in a box, that begs to be customized. Called the limited-edition Baguette Mezzo Punto, it includes a canvas baguette, needle, thread and howto charts to help you embroider the logo—so you can own your own needleoint Fendi. $995.
MIAMI ROLLS KIND OF DAY The day after Black Friday I mysteriously found myself at Aventura Mall and low and behold....a parking lot full of sick rides. I was hoping the owner of this Rolls would not find me crouched over his front grill while capturing the shot (yours truly reflected on the lower left corner). Good capture, great shopping, next Stop .... The Collection!
Biscayne Balans Opens From the folks who have run Balans on Lincoln Road since
Design District Moveable Feast We really like the sound of this. One of Miami’s top rated and well-loved chefs, Jonathan Eismann will host a restaurant crawl with stops at his Design District staples Pacific Time and Pizza Volante, Q Barbecue and Fin (his 2 newest ventures). The moveable feast is Thursday at 7pm. Starting at Pacific Time, 35 NE 40th St., Design District. Tickets and info: 305-722-7369
1997, comes Balans on Biscayne Blvd. Famous for their divine, killer breakfast, not to mention the rest of their menu, Balans has been a local favorite hangout for years. Mimo locals are already making this location a favorite as well. 6789 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami. 305-0534-9191.
Fabulous Family Fun Day in the Design District Do not miss this if you have kids. The Miami Design District will be having the first ever Family Day throughout the District. Tons of activities and adventures for the kids and fabulous shopping for parents! Pizza making and free espresso at PizzaVolante, mommy make-overs at En Avance, fake tattoos and tree trimming at Brownes & Co., kid garage bands at Q, face painting at Marimekko, ice cream at Genius Jones and so much more for you and your kids to do. Saturday, December 12, from 12pm - 4pm in the Miami Design District. NE 2nd Avenue and 40th Street - North Miami Avenue and 39th. $3 valet parking available throughout the District. Page 4 • Thursday, December 10, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
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PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINING IN YOUR POOL * We do not use any foam buoyancy equipment www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, December 10, 2009 • Page 5
A Special Moment in Time COLUMN
Ida and Isidor Cohen: The Founders By Seth H. Bramson mrfec@yahoo.com
Who was this Isidor Cohen fellow, and why does he deserve to be memorialized in a history column in Miami Beach’s leading newspaper? As it happens, and as was noted in last week’s column, Isidor Cohen was Miami’s first permanent Jewish settler, he arriving on the shores of Biscayne Bay on February 6, 1896, after being stalled in Jupiter for several weeks during one of Miami’s not infrequent yellow fever epidemics. With the lifting of the quarantine, he gathered his belongings and goods, which he planned to use to start his new business in the growing community on the shores of Biscayne Bay, and boarded a boat for Lemon City, now known as Little Haiti, but at that time the only usable steamship dock in that area of Southeast Florida. Arriving at Lemon City in a rainstorm, he was able to move his possessions and get them onto a buckboard (a horse-drawn, flat-bottomed freight vehicle with low sides) in order to move them to “the center of town,” which, at the time, was no more than a clearing with mostly shacks and tents for workers clearing the land and building the Royal Palm Hotel on the banks of the Miami River. Cohen needed to either purchase a lot and have a store built, or, at the least, rent space where he could begin his business of selling dry goods. There is, among Miami’s legitimate historians, some discussion of whether Burdine and Quaterman, the Sewell Brothers or Isidor Cohen was the first retail merchant or had Miami’s first store, but, and in any case, the fact is that the land on which the stores and building were to be built had to be purchased from “the mother of Miami,” Julia Tuttle. Learning that Mrs. Tuttle owned the majority of property in the then a-clearing village, he approached her to attempt to arrange for the purchase of a lot, and it is from that point that we begin to learn that Isidor Cohen’s sense of humor was one of the many things that endeared him to what, in July of 1896, would become the City of Miami. In 1923, Isidor wrote and self-published Historical Sketches and Sidelights of Miami, Florida, his hardbound book that is today considered not only a major collector’s item but a de rigeur piece that is a “must-have” for any serious Miami memorabilia collector or local historian. Historical Sketches was one of the first-published of Miami’s histories. It was in his book that Cohen related his encounter with the formidable Mrs. Tuttle as he describes the interview he had with her for the purpose of purchasing or renting property from her on the north side of the river. The results, Cohen write, were disappointing. In going to see her and explaining his plight of needing a place to start and operate his business, she appeared sympathetic but told him, in no uncertain terms, that he would have to wait until the land was cleared and the streets were laid out. He explained to Mrs. Tuttle that he was, owing to his “destitute condition,” unable to wait, whereupon she suggested that he take a job with her clearing land for $1 per day. Showing his wonderful sense of humor, Cohen wrote the following in his book: “Turning to Mrs. Tuttle I tried to impress ‘this naïve lady’ that ‘the last labor of that character my race had performed was in the land of Egypt’ and I went on to inform her that ‘it would be a violation of my religious convictions to return to that condition of servitude!’” Following various machinations in arranging to bring his goods into Miami, finding a suitable location to open a store and confirming his housing arrangements, Cohen set out to acquaint himself with the vaPage 6 • Thursday, December 10, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
Above: Isidor, left, with Ida and their new born daughter, Claire, who would later marry Sydney Weintraub. Left: Although a local personage has tried to claim rights to the term "Magic City" the phrase is long in the public domain, this issued very early in the 20th century booklet proof of that fact. Cohen was one of the city's earliest boosters and proudly proclaimed Miami as "the magic city" in his 1923 book. Below: In 1929, Mayor C. H. Reeder presented Isidor Cohen and other surviving Miami pioneers with this certificate of appreciation for what they did in helping to found "the magic city."
garies of the area, its geographic nuances and the fads and foibles of the locals, tasks at which history has proven he was imminently successful. On April 22, 1896, Cohen was among the approximately 300 people who watched the first Florida East Coast Railway passenger train arrive. (The very first train, a work and supply unit, had arrived one week earlier.) Cohen relates that he was privileged to meet not only Henry Morrison Flagler but also his now-famous-in-Florida-history lieutenants, James E. Ingraham (Flagler’s land commissioner), Joseph R. Parrott (his railroad vice president) and R. T. Goff, at that time the FEC’s superintendent. As was his wont, Cohen commented on the four men, referring to them as “an odd lot.” NEXT WEEK: The Cohen story continues and we learn how Ida Schneidman became Isidor’s bride. Seth H. Bramson is adjunct professor of history at both Barry University (where he is Historianin-Residence) and Florida International University (where he is Historian-in-Residence at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute). He is the senior collector of Miami memorabilia and Floridiana in the country and is the single most published Greater Miami history book author in America. Twelve of his 17 books deal directly with the villages, towns, cities and people of Miami-Dade County.
Politics COLUMN
Vanities of the Bonfire
In this time of Thanksgiving... Thank You! Miami Beach
JB On Good Government By Jeffrey Bradley Picture 300 intrepid Greeks bottling up Xerxes’ 10,000 Immortals in a rocky defile, the Spartans slice-anddicing the Persians into Mickey Mouse tossed salad. But while King Leonidas’ cohort reaps glory, a small band of fainthearts steals away, first most dastardly showing the despot a way through the pass to take the Greeks in the rear. <Ouch!> While we weren’t expecting Thermopylae, still, at what point did we become a satrapy of the county? We may have missed that memo, but we sure didn’t miss this one Jorge Gonzalez sent Mayor Bower and the commission concerning our ability to make independent fire service decisions: “Please see the attached letter from Mayor Alvarez memorializing their position on the matter.” Memorializing their position? Would that be in the same way as Al Capone memorializing Bugs Moran’s position? Let’s put this strong-arming into context. Indian Creek Village and Surfside have been lately chatting up Miami Beach about our provisioning them fire/rescue services, meaning, specifically, the county’s far more expensive services would end up getting the boot. But the strong mayor takes exception; by framing it “a critical public-safety issue,” he points out (in said memorializing letter) the excellent service the county provided all these years, then declares “my desire and heartfelt belief that the current division of responsibilities not change.” Here’s the kicker: “I do not believe that… any current municipal fire department should encroach on anyone else’s jurisdiction.” Encroach. Good Ford! When el jefe barks, people jump. Not that we usually mind him throwing his weight around, especially when he’s knocking over county commissioner fief carts. (Anything bearing a Dennis Moss letterhead surely gives us the willies!) But why are we tiptoeing around like servants of stealthy step? Exactly who invited this county warlord to bring his diktat this side of the Bay? If no one did, if he requested this sit-down, then why did we not seize the initiative by handing over a rolled parchment bearing our own list of demands? Indian Creek Village and Surfside simply want to use Beach fire/rescue services without hassle and pay for it. Everyone stands to benefit, service-wise or financially, from this nifty arrangement except the county, which stands to get left out — precisely why The Mayor wants to put the kibosh on it. For once municipalities start uncoupling themselves from county services, who knows where that business ends? Better to keep it status quo, nice and tidy for the county. I mean, if the various townships suddenly stopped filling county coffers with their ducats, what would become of us? More to the point, those landed-gentry-for-life commissioners would have to take their freebooting elsewhere in search of the Royal Fifth. Heavens to Betsy! So, of course, the Miami-Dade Commission rushed in typical ham-handed fashion to force a ballot question abolishing municipal fire services altogether, and establish an all-encompassing countywide mega-department instead. My, what a prize plum to bestow on some crooked political crony, this bottomless pit for doling out chunks of largesse to connected insiders. Yeah, that sounds right. But attend closely. These municipalities won the right to legally opt out of their county contracts! That means we can poke the county in the eye with a sharp stick if we want to. It also makes Alvarez’s letter little more than a rat’s writ, writ for a rat. And apparently that’s just how Indian Creek Mayor Bob Diener sees it, too, calling it “outrageous.” He also believes the county’s out to intimidate Miami Beach. Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett concurs. He “expects to work with Miami Beach… and save significant costs compared to the county.” So we’re all onboard with this, right? Well, no. Seems Mayor Matti Bower has no stomach for a fight. She’s afraid of jeopardizing costly projects that may or may not depend on the goodwill of the county. So we’ll just go trotting along and jumping through hoops on the off-chance that our handler might throw us a bone? Bruth-a. And what would our mayor do? Apparently close her eyes, and hope everything goes away. See, Indian Creek should understand that “Miami Beach has to look out for its own interests.” She goes on to say, “I feel that we shouldn’t discuss this with them anymore.” Matti dithers while Surfside burns. Even if we stand to lose a lot of money. Even if it means abandoning our neighbors. Even if it handcuffs our independence. Sounds like Matti’s taking a page right out of the Thermopylae playbook. At the first sign of trouble, slip away through a gap and abandon your friends. So much for doing the right thing. So much for inspired leadership. Still, at least she leaves a glimmer of hope: “I don’t know what my commissioners will say.” How about: “Let’s send these impudent scalawags back over the Bay to tell their liege-lord and master that independent Miami Beach kowtows to no one.” And next time Xerxes, er, Alvarez dispatches emissaries demanding tokens of earth and water in obeisance, let’s hope our Spartans don’t slink away, but instead throw the beggars down the well where, no doubt, they’ll find earth and water aplenty.
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www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • December 10, 2009 • Page 7
PHOTO FEATURE
The Man(ny) Behind the Lens By Mary Jo Almeida-Shore maryjoshore@aol.com
If you have glanced at the pages of the Miami Herald, Ocean Drive Magazine, People, Vogue, Rolling Stone, US Weekly, Paper, Socialmiami.com, or the New York Post over the past two decades, chances are you have come across Manny Hernandez’s photos. And if “beauty lies in the eye of the beholder,” then you are lucky if you have been “beheld” by Manny’s eyes and lens — a lens that has captured such beauties as Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Jennifer Lopez and Sharon Stone. For the past two decades (what, did he start in kindergarten?), long before the advent of the digital camera, when taking a photo required an actual scientific skill set and artistic view (beyond that necessary for pushing a button), the Miami native born to a Cuban father and Chilean mother was photographing icons of Miami life, including Gianni Versace, Celia Cruz, the Estefans and ‘90s fixtures Madonna, Sylvester Stallone and Prince. The mild-mannered, humble and all-around-nice guy sat down with the SunPost to share his experiences as a photographer within the continuously changing Miami social landscape and the inspiration behind his exhibit, titled “This is It by Manny Hernandez,” on display through January 3 at the Palms Hotel on Miami Beach. Tell me about the exhibit. What was your inspiration? What should we expect to see? The last exhibit I did was in 2006. I have so much material from the ‘90s that I thought I should do one more exhibit before I start showcasing the last 10 years. "This is It" and my 2006 exhibit, "It's Never Going to Happen Again," have only images from 1990-1999, all shot in negative film. (I switched to digital in 2000.) I selected 23 photos out of thousands; seven images are from the 2006 show just because I love them. These include: Gianni Versace posing in front of his Ocean Drive mansion, Celia Cruz, Christy Turlington in a photo shoot with Herb Ritts, Hugh Hefner, Prince at Glam Slam, Martha Stewart and Jennifer Lopez. This show is special because part of the proceeds benefits diabetes research, the disease that took my brother recently. How has your job changed over the past decade? Well, with digital cameras anyone can take a photo, see what they shot, and reshoot what they don't like, over 1,000 times with an eight-gig card. Before the digital camera, a photographer had to possess camera knowledge and photography skills, such as aperture, ISO readings, flash settings, etc. Now cameras do everything. Since photography has become a lot cheaper, the business as a whole is oversaturated. So-called “respectable photo agencies” have destroyed the business, giving photos away for really cheap, if not free. Also there is currently little respect for copyright. Blogs are constantly stealing images. Another big change is that several large magazines have closed in the last decade. How has Miami changed since you started shooting? Celebrity culture has changed. Before you had movie and TV stars; now you also have reality stars, Food Network personalities and anyone on cable (laughs). I remember on any given week we had Madonna, Sharon Stone, Sly Stallone, Versace, Jack Nicholson, Elton John, Naomi Campbell, or Cindy Crawford as common sightings. Now I get Lil John, some random baseball player, or the star from that Bravo show… Which celebrities have most inspired you? Do you have favorites? One of my favorite subjects was Madonna, whom I photographed many times — whether I was invited inside to her party or saw her on the street. I also loved photographing Celia Cruz and her husband, Pedro Knight. For a while I created a series of shots of celebrity couples kissing, such as the Estefans, but Celia and Pedro wouldn't kiss for a photo. One day I insisted and Celia laughed and said to me, "Manny, si el quiere" (basically, if Pedro wants to). I asked Pedro, who in his Cuban accent told me, "Manny, estamos muy viejo pa eso — eso es de jovenes." (We're too old for this, that's for young people.) He finally obliged and gave his wife a sweet kiss on the cheek. This photo is displayed as part of my current exhibit. (It happens to be this author’s favorite shot.) Other celebrities I have enjoyed photographing: Jennifer Lopez, since the beginning of her career, and Marc Anthony, back when he sang freestyle and acted in a movie in Miami with Tom Berenger called The Substitute. One who stands out is Selena. I had many opportunities to photograph her, up to her last Miami performance, a week before her death. Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls also seemingly passed away right in front of my lens. Page 8 • Thursday, December 10, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
Are there any celebrities who have been difficult to photograph? I didn't have as much difficulty shooting celebs in the ‘90s as I do now. For a while when Stallone was in town I had problems with his bodyguard, until one day I found him [Stallone] not working at an event. I went up to him and we had a beer and chatted. He and I became friends and I never had a problem again. That happens often. Sometimes bodyguards have the wrong impression of me — misinformation perhaps — but then I befriend them. I have many celebrity friends who understand what I do and now they call me. I guess it has taken awhile for them to see I'm not a monster (laughs). Are there people in the community who have helped you along the way or with whom you particularly enjoy working? I have many, many people who have helped me throughout my career. I guess working as Tara Solomon's photographer covering all the coolest events helped a bit. I have covered the Miami and Palm Beach society scene, the South Beach party scene, the Latino celebrity scene and almost every Miami boutique grand opening for fashion's top designers. I have many dear friends in this town whom I love as family... you know who you are. If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be doing? I would probably be working in television or in the entertainment field. Where do you see yourself in five years? What’s next? I love photography so I will keep shooting. I eventually want to teach at a college. I have a few offers to do some photography shows in New York, LA, Toronto, Mexico City and Hong Kong which are pretty exciting. I also see myself publishing a series of books solo and in collaboration with other projects. What philosophy guides you, personally and professionally? I've never taken “no” for an answer — there is always another way to reach your goal. I believe that is important to get to know a person, to then make your own personal judgment.
This page: Clockwise From Above: 1. Liza Minnelli. 2. The Bee Gees. 3. Christy Turlington photographed by Herb Ritts. 4. Gianni Versace. 5. Bette Midler.
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • December 10, 2009 • Page 9
COVER STORY
GAG RULE County Still Seeking to Jail Citizen Activists? Written by Michael W. Sasser If Miami-Dade County has its way, residents who engage in making “false statements” pertaining to the content or effect of a legal citizen’s petition process, as determined by police, could be fined or even jailed. The argument came Wednesday, in the form of a challenge by Miami-Dade County seeking to overturn Federal Judge Alan S. Gold’s August 1, 2008 ruling against the county in a lawsuit won by former Miami Beach Mayor David Dermer. “Simply put, it’s a very, very bad law,” said Dermer. “The County passed a bad law because of personal political problems.” David Dermer vs. Miami-Dade County overturned an ordinance that manifested in 2006 in the wake of a recall effort directed at Commissioner Natacha Seijas. It criminalized the making of false or misleading statements in petition drive signature efforts and designated fines and imprisonment terms for those in violation. County Mayor Carlos Alvarez vetoed the ordinance, only to witness the commission override his veto with only Commissioners Katy Sorenson and Carlos Gimenez in dissent. The broad definition, subjective nature and ambiguity of what constituted false statements was a key factor in Dermer’s challenge. “It criminalizes core political speech,” said Kent Harrison Robins, the attorney who represents Dermer in the case. “What is a false statement? Who gets to decide that? This empowers police to make that determination.” Dermer’s lawsuit asserted that the ordinance was deeply flawed and unconstitutional. It offered neither a definition of what constitutes a false statement or any guidelines for enforcement. “It’s a dragnet to arrest anyone involved in a petition effort,” Robins said. Robins added that the ordinance cast a wide net. It also criminalized those who support others accused of making “false statements” in a petition effort. “If someone gives $50 to an organization that then goes and makes a ‘false statement’ … can be arrested,” Robins said. “If the board of an organization takes a position…they can all be arrested.” The ordinance did not just seek to deter allegedly false statements made about the content of petition drives, but also deter commentary as to the results of the proposed initiative, Robins said. “What’s a false statement when it comes to the effect of a petition?” Robins said. “That’s like trying to predict the future. It criminalizes opinion.” Robins said that the effect of the ordinance was
to virtually shut down petition efforts. “David Dermer said he did not get involved [in petition drives] because he was chilled that by taking action, he could be arrested within the parameters of such a sweeping dragnet,” Robins said. However, according to Assistant County Attorney Randy Duvall, Dermer’s status as an injured party was one of the key points heard by the appellate panel. “We’re pleased that the court did seem interested in our two main points, including Dermer’s lack of standing, Duvall said. “He didn’t have sufficiently direct injury or stake…for the court to even hear the matter. His concern…was purely subjective.” Duvall said that the court also seemed interested in the second contention made by the County in regard the intent requirement contained within the ordinance, “in a positive way from our perspective.” The petition process is one that is near and dear to Dermer’s heart – and his public career. Prior to two terms as Miami Bach mayor, Dermer was best known as the charismatic leader of Save Miami Beach, a grassroots organization dedicated to reform by petition of waterfront development regulation. Last year, Robbins successfully argued before Judge Gold that the ordinance chilled future petition challenges by allowing police officers to censor political speech. Gold, in agreeing with Dermer and Robbins in a 44-page ruling, found the ordinance unconstitutional and said that it infringed on core political speech in violation of the First Amendment. A panel of three 11th Circuit Court judges heard arguments from Robins and from attorneys representing the County in its appeal, Wednesday. “We were pleased that the focus seemed to be on our main two issues,” Duvall said. “The County was pleased with the focus of the court, although we’re certainly not going to predict anything.” Both sides maintain a wait-and-see perspective. “I don’t know where the court will go,” Robins said. “Anything could happen. It’s up to the judges and you really can’t read too much into their questions.” Robins did say he believes the only way the County could save the ordinance is for the judges to entirely rewrite it, and that the County might desire that. He said it could be a week or a year before the Court came to a conclusion. “It’s unfortunate that the County is spending the people’s money to try to take away our inalienable rights.” Dermer said.
Calendar WHAT TO DO IN MIAMI THIS WEEK
SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK
Page 12 • Thursday, December 10, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
SAVE THE DATE:
December 11
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17:
MUSIC Sweet Honey in the Rock
A NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS BASH
The popular African-American all-female vocal ensemble, Sweet Honey in the Rock brings to Miami an inspirational holiday concert. Celebrate their honey-dipped sounds, ranging from blues, spirituals, gospel, rap, and reggae to African chants, hip-hop, ancient lullabies, and jazz. Sweet Honey’s collective voice, sometimes accompanied by hand percussion instruments, produces soulful harmonies and intricate rhythms. 8pm. $60.00. Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. For info: 305-949-6722. or arshtcenter.org.
This should be a riot. To bring back a little Halloween hysteria, Murk’d Miami and Public Wizard team up to throw the bash of all bashes. A costume dress-up party featuring electro-dance joints mixed with a Hip-Hop flavor. Live performances from Miami’s own Parable & Javier F. Ordonez, Llama Beats, Skam2 & Rahsaan. 10pm. Free in costume or $7 cover. Electric Pickle, 2826 N Miami Ave., Miami. For info: Murkdmiami@gmail.com.
December 11
BOOKS Annual Book Sale Books for a great cause! Choose from over 50,000 donated books, DVD's and CD's. Prices start at 50 cents. This ninth annual event benefits library programs. 10am. Miami-Dade Public Library, Main Auditorium, 101 W. Flagler St. Miami. More info: 305-375-2665
December 11
MUSIC Miami Music Festival The nation's newest showcase and conference for emerging musical acts and independent artists will perform on more than 25 stages in clubs, restaurants, tents and hotels in downtown Miami. All genres of music including Rock, Alternative, Pop, Latin, Urban, Caribbean and Jazz. $10 single-event ticket; $25 one-day or $50 three-day pass. 8pm. Miami Music Festival Tents. SW 7th St & S. Miami Ave., Miami. For info: miamimusicfestival.org.
December 12
ART Second Saturday Arts Walk Get your fill of amazing art in Wynwood for the Saturday Arts Walk. Hob knob with artists and gallery owners, revel in our local cultural endeavors. Just one of the new exhibitions to see this month is Beg, Borrow and Steal with 260 works from Andy Warhol, Adam McEwen, Dan Flavin, Jeff Koons, Barbara Kruger and 70 other artists different generations. At the Rubell Family Collection, 95 NW 29th St., Miami. For info: 305-573-6090 or rfc.museum.com
December 12
MUSIC Progressive Power Pop
As a part of the first annual Miami Music Festival, Dreaming in Stereo will be performing at Transit Lounge. Headed by pop musician
Fernando Perdomo with Cynthia Kivlan on flute, Roger Houdaille of Ex Norwegian on Bass, and Derek Cintron of Dc3 on drums. $5. 8pm. Transit Lounge, 729 SW 1st Ave., Miami. For info: 305377-4628 or dreaminginstereo.net.
December 12 THEATRE Cantorial
A young couple hears eerie, hauntingly beautiful Hebrew singing when they move into a new condo. Unbeknownst to them, their condo is a former synagogue, and is haunted by the ghost of it’s Cantor. From the author of Deathtrap and The Stepford Wives comes Cantorial, an original comedy that was a smash hit in New York at the Jewish Repertory Theatre. $38. 8pm. Broward Stage Door Theatre, 8036 W. Sample Rd. Coral Springs. For info: 954-344-7765 or stagedoortheatre.com
December 12 FOOD
Not Another Ordinary Wine Tasting Exhausted by the wine phrases, "apple, pear, and lime," "chalky, then slatey" and the ubiquitous "pencil, barnyard, and pain grille?" Then head to Michy's Restaurant on Saturday afternoon to taste 12 wines paired with music, art, film, and historical figures. This open forum tasting requires 20 adventurous participants. $55. 2:30-3:30pm. Michy's, 6927 Biscayne Blvd, Miami. For info: 305-759-2001 or michys.com.
December 12
MUSIC Brian Stokes Mitchell Dubbed “The Last Leading Man” by The New York Times, Brian Stokes Mitchell is the quintessential musical theatre performer. In fact, in the past few years Stokes’ performances as a solo vocalist have been praised by critics nationwide with sold-out performances at the Hollywood Bowl, Disney Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Tanglewood, Ravinia and Symphony Hall. His musical versatility and voice has kept him in demand by some of the country’s finest conductors and orchestras, performing Broadway showtunes, jazz standards, and contemporary pieces. 8pm. $75.00. Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. For info: 305-949-6722. or arshtcenter.org. ABOVE: PINNOCHIO. LEFT: DINING WITH THE DIVAS. FAR LEFT: NANCIE SERPICO WHITE, RIVER OF GRASS, 2007.
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost •December 10, 2009 • Page 13
Calendar WHAT TO DO IN MIAMI THIS WEEK
BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL
December 13
SOCIAL Florida’s Vanishing Beauty Opening reception for artist Nancie SerpicoWhite. 3-6pm. Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, 6767 Crandon Blvd. Key Biscayne. For info: BiscayneNatureCenter.org. LEFT: PETER COFFIN, UNTITLED, 2008.
December 11, 12, 13 THEATRE Telling Tall Tales
Miami Children's Theater will be performing the well-loved children’s classic Pinnochio, for kids this holiday. Old Italy comes to life in this acclaimed musical adaptation of the classic tale of the wooden puppet who yearns to become a real boy. An evocative score, colorful costumes and exotic locales including the sinister Land Of The Toys and the interior of a genuine Italian whale. Coral Gables Youth Center Theater, 405 University Drive, Coral Gables. For info: miamichildrenstheater.com.
December 13
SOCIAL Dining with Drag This sounds fabulous! Dine on delectable titbits while oggling grown men in lipstick and wiglets! Sounds like a great time to me. Catch cabaret shows while Dining with the Divas at the Tender Trap Resturant. Hosted by Geraldine, Fernan Dcute, Strawberry and Akisha Dumant. 6pm. Tender Trap Restaurant, 661 Washington Ave. Miami Beach. Dinner Reservations: 305-812-6627.
December 13
BOOKS Dan Bowden’s Annual Reading Semi-retired Ransom Everglades teacher Dan Leslie Bowden, 80, will read Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory in what has become an annual tradition at Books & Books. Bowden, whose Georgia accent makes the Alabama author’s work come alive, has read from the book every year at the store since 1999. He began reading it to his students in the 1950s. 8pm. Free. Books and Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. For info: 305-442-4408 or booksandbooks.com.
December 13
FILM Classic French Cinema Housed at the Ballet Concerto School of Miami, Cineclub 24 runs classic films every Sunday afternoon. This week's showing are 3 french classics Carnival in Flanders (La Kermesse Héroïque), Fanfan la Tulipe and Les Belles de Nuit. In French with English subtitles at 2pm, 3:45pm and 5:30pm. $7 donation. Ballet Concerto School of Miami, 4180 SW 74th Ct. Miami. For info: 305-677-3602 or cineclub24.com. Page 14 • Thursday, December 10, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
December 14
MUSIC Open Minds Monday Sophie Moon hosts an evening of live art, music and open jams every week featuring bar specials like $4 Kamikazes and Lemondrops and $5 Coronas and tequila shots. 9pm. Jazid, 1342 Washington Ave. Miami Beach. For info: 305-673-9372 or jazid.net.
December 15
CHRISTMAS Winter Wonderland Festive displays, holiday entertainment, photos with Santa and the Festival of Trees - just a few fun things to do at Dr. Wilde's World at Metro Zoo. This year each tree will be decorated in a different, fun theme like Safari, Morocco, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Italy, Butterflies and Angels. $5 raffle ticket to win a tree. Benefits Zoological Society of Florida and Miami Metrozoo; daily through Sunday, Jan. 3. 10am - 5pm. $15.95. admission. Kids 2 and under Free. Miami Metrozoo, 12400 SW 152nd St., South Miami-Dade. For info: 305-2510400 or miamimetrozoo.com.
PLAYDATE FOR KIDS
December 13 +
FUN Zoo Keeper Tours This is a great birthday party idea, especially if your child loves animals. Have the party at Metro zoo and then in groups of 5 take the kids on the zoo keeper tour. Get face-to-face with animals in off-exhibit areas with zookeepers. For ages 8 and up. Runs twice a day, 7 days. Two people minimum; $65.95 for two people, $22.95 for each additional person up to five people, 7-day advance reservation required. Miami Metrozoo, 12400 SW 152nd St., South Miami-Dade. For info: 305-251-0400 or miamimetrozoo.com.
DO YOU HAVE A KID PLAYDATE SUGGESTION? SUBMIT IT TO KIDS@MIAMISUNPOST.COM. IF YOUR DATE IS PUBLISHED, YOU WILL WIN FREE TICKETS TO THE MIAMI CHILDREN'S MUSEUM.
Cafe Avanti would love to help you celebrate the holidays with family and friends.
hoose your own custom menu and your fine wine, make our dining room your own. Celebrate a special family dinner. Let us do all the work and you enjoy your company. Unwind after a long day with great food and good cheer in a beautiful, warm atmosphere.
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Entertain at home with catering from our delectable menu
Gift Certificates are always a great gift for those who love good Italian food. Company parties big and small are welcome OUR STAFF WOULD LOVE TO HELP CUSTOMIZE YOUR CELEBRATION CALL LUIS 305.310.3630 732 41ST STREET, MIAMI BEACH • 305.538.4400 www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, December 10, 2009 • Page 15
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Full gallery of contemporary, traditional and antique reproduction furniture from the top manufacturers of Europe, the Americas and the World
Page 16 • Thursday, December 10, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
Bound COLUMN
Critic with a Fist Japanese and Thai Specialties! "Enjoy Exotic Dishes of the Orient" THE FRESHEST INGREDIENTS: Sushi, Yakitori, Sashimi, Teriyaki, Tempura, Pad Thai, Curry Lunch/Dinner/Drinks Open 7 Days
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Love to Write? Then the SunPost Wants You! We are looking for freelance contributors to write on a whole host of subjects: WINE POLITICS ART MUSIC PEOPLE THEATRE ARTS COMMUNITY KIDS SUBMIT A WRITING SAMPLE TO: kim@miamisunpost.com
Manny Farber Kicked Film Ass By John Hood
How the fuck did I not know about the film criticism of Manny Farber? Granted the bulk of his beautifully brutal work occurred before I made my way into the cold cruel world. But a lot of things went down before there was a Hoodlum mouthing around, and I’m in on their particulars. Like film noir, for instance, the genre that some claim I actually seem to be re-living out, in living color. Or pulp fiction, the form that appears to fit me like one of Brando’s well-torn tees. Then there’s the raked lid, the zooted suit, the guys and the dolls and the gun molls, each of which gets me giddy with go-cat-go. All of those great good things existed prior to my time on this wicked earth, and I’m obsessively intimate with every single solitary one of ‘em. So then why in the world was I not hip to a cat that covered the flickers like some pulp fiction pugilist who stepped straight outta gangland? No reason. There’s no excuse either. I missed out on
and merits memorization, I’ll be at this task for quite some time. And you know what? I’ll enjoy every mad minute of it, even if it takes to the last of my hard living days. Why? Because every time I crack the spine of this ass-kicking collection, I learn something, that’s why. And not just something about film either. (Though there is that.) No, when I crack the spine of Farber, I learn something about sight and sound and thought and action and how to angle it all into word. Mostly though, reading Farber I learn something about my own bad self. And that, my good friend, is no easy feat. Take “Underground Films,” the piece which hits on the heels of “Hard Sell Cinema” and kicks off the years 1957-77. Basically a diatribe about how bad boy “soldier-cowboy-gangster directors” like Raoul Walsh, Howard Hawks, William Wellman, William Keighley and Anthony Mann had “turned out a huge amount of unprized, second-
“He’s not some cranky curmudgeon lamenting the loss of his or his movie’s youth. No, his is a studied attack, keen, knowing and carefully calculated to ring in the ears of both victim and reader until the cows jump over the moon.” a heavyweight champion of word and wisdom. And I’ll be kicking myself in the ass until I can’t lift my two-tone shoes off the blood-spilled pavement. Or at least until I completely read and then reread Robert Polito’s comprehensively edited Farber on Film (The Library of America $40). And since the 800+ page book reportedly contains everything the master ever crafted about the pictures, and since everything he ever crafted about the pictures begins at brilliant, ends at astounding,
gear celluloid,” Farber is as mad at the men who made the movies as he is at the audience who watches them. In this case it’s the “tide” that was “in the process of burying a group that kept an endless flow of interesting roughneck film passing through the theaters.” To Farber, “Americans seem to have a special aptitude for allowing History to bury the toughest, most authentic native talents.” And he’s not about to let ‘em get away with it without at least a fat black eye.
Of the action directors, Farber dug Hawks the most, “because he shows a maximum speed, inner life, and view, with the least amount of flat foot.” “His best films” (from Scarface to The Big Sleep) “have the swallowed-up intricacy of a good soft-shoe dance.” Walsh’s films (They Drive By Night, White Heat) “are melancholy masterpieces.” Wellman is “at his best in stiff, vulgar, low-pulp material.” And “Mann’s inhumanity to man can be studied best in The Tall Target, Border Incident, etc.” This is a mind that’s mulled over mayhem, and he it rest until the best of it gets recognized. But Farber’s no mere cheerleader. Far from it. In fact he bitchslaps more than he applauds. I couldn’t even begin to list the names of films and directors and actors and writers who get dressed down and shown they’ve no clothes, but I will tell you that in addition to the above-mentioned, there are damn few who don’t. Still, Farber’s is not a gratuitous ass-kicking. He’s not some cranky curmudgeon lamenting the loss of his or his movie’s youth. No, his is a studied attack, keen, knowing and carefully calculated to ring in the ears of both victim and reader until the cows jump over the moon. I’ve neither the time nor the space to truly do this work justice. I doubt seriously if I’ve got the talent either. But what I do have is an assurance that if you read even one of these essays, you will be awakened. Yes, more often than not it’ll be akin to being awakened with a fist to the face. But it’s awakened nonetheless. And anyway, the more black-andblue the bruising, the least likely you are to ever forget it. Read Farber. You’ll never see another movie the same way again.
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • December 10, 2009 • Page 17
Community COLUMN
Bustling Biscayne By Marguerite Gil (megs@famae.org) Photos: M. Gil
Has anyone else noticed that the Upper East Side is seriously bustling? I mean wine and hors d’oeuvres tastings, new businesses like KOEL flourishing, monthly full-moon drumming nights at Le Café (Lavazzon Gallery) and all sorts of fun events are sprouting up in the newly renamed NE, MIMO part of town. Case in point: Two weeks ago KOEL, located at 6400 Biscayne Blvd., opened its doors with a spectacular nighttime party that was hot and heavy. Leo Koel is the man behind the innovative endeavor and he is presently offering a limited edition of upscale, haute couture gowns for the South Florida gala crowd, as well as prêt-a-porter apparel. Also, expect to find several fun boutiques within the twostory building, including a trendy flower shop, a bakery that makes fresh pastries daily and an espresso bar. Parking across the street is free. Doesn’t that sweeten the pot? A couple of blocks north, discover fashions created by designer to the stars Julien Chang. Next door, exotic Southeast Asian artifacts from Indonesia and the South Pacific are 60 percent off regular prices. Holiday shopping beckons. Did I say sale? Check out bottom-dollar prices for top-notch furnishings at KMP on 65th and Biscayne during the month of December. Also on view: works of three Greek-Cypriot artists from the island of Cyprus. Details: KMPfurniture.com. Cross the street to UVA 69 at 6900 Biscayne Blvd. and discover an amalgam of musical evenings and special tastings that will leave you wanting to join their mailing list. Besides the affordable meals, UVA has now opened an upstairs art gallery. Present exhibition is entitled “Mojito Visions.” Pizza anyone? Luna Corner Pizza is the latest MIMO eatery to open. The newly installed pizza parlor is already doing brisk business and is located at 6815 Biscayne Blvd. or visit www.lunacornerpizza.com. A few more tasty tips: Within the last few weeks, Ysee Gaudel opened a wine space on the corner of 72rd Street and Biscayne. You’ll find great wines Above: Hors d'oeuvres presented to invited guests at UVA 69 for a and champagnes at moderate prices as well as holiday tasting. Right: UVA 69 coowner and artist Sinuhe Vega personalized service and samplings. Cheers! stands next to one of his original Michy’s, 6927 Biscayne Blvd., is presenting “Drinking out of the paintings which can be viewed in Box” on December 12 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. There is a price to the UVA upstairs art space. pay but knowing Michy, it will be well worth it. Reservations: 305759-2001. Searching for a delicious gourmet Japanese restaurant? Try Moshi-Moshi at 7232 Biscayne Blvd. Besides the regular sit-down guest menu featuring Chef Hiro’s specialties, take-out customers can watch anime (Japanimation) films projected on the wall behind the sushi chef. Worth the wait. OK, so you’ve partied every evening this past week and overindulged again. Your exhausted bod is begging for some pampering. Head to the Green Market every Saturday and Sunday on the Soyka grounds at the 55th Street Station. Fill your recycled grocery bags with fresh fruits and veggies. Hopefully those natural foods will bring your immune system back up to par, so you can over indulge once again at the next MIMO festive event. Which should be any minute now…
Page 18 • Thursday, December 10, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
Above: Gala gowns available at KOEL on Biscayne Blvd. and 64th St. Below Left: Owner of KOEL at his opening night party. Below right: One of the paintings displayed at the Femmeart Exhibition at the Coppertone Building in MIMO on view during Art Basel.
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, December 10, 2009 • Page 19
Fashion LOCAL STYLE PROFILE
Style Child:
Liza Benkovitch By Jennifer Fragoso
Liza Benkovitch, born in Moscow and currently enrolled in an MBA program at the University of Miami, took the time to sit down and share her opinions about fashion. On the surface many people tend to confuse fashion with frivolity, but one meeting with Liza will prove any naysayer wrong. This vibrant and charming young woman has a great spirit that is only enhanced by her impeccable style. In addition to her current studies, Liza is also starting a nonprofit that will provide business mentoring for handicapped youth. As Liza puts it, “I feel very strongly about providing a business foundation for young people as it will give them a better lead on the future.” With passion and devotion like that, we too should feel strongly about Liza and her contributions to the Magic City in both fashion and function. Jennifer Fragoso: What fashion icon do you feel you emulate? Liza Benkovitch: I am a mix. I like Victoria Beckham; I think she has impeccable style — a lovely Hermes bag over her arm, a pair of high-heeled pumps paired up with skinny jeans or a classy mini dress defining her toned legs. I also like Charlize Theron; she is so classy! What is your definition of style? To me style is charm and self-confidence, a definition of who you are. Your clothes should reflect your personality and character. I lean towards a more avant-garde sense of style and I guess that says something about me. What is your favorite trend right now? I’m not big into trends. I like a more classic look but since you asked, I love Herve Leger Dresses. What trend have you adored so much that you’ve found a way to incorporate it into your everyday dressing? The skulls trend! Thomas Wylde skulls scarf along with black skinny jeans, an Hermes belt and white Louis Vuitton loafers is totally my style. I like the sexy rock girl look. What trend past or present do you abhor? Empire waist dresses with a belt over the waist. I don’t think it is a flattering look for me. What fashion risk have you taken that has paid off? Wearing a Jean Paul Gaultier see-through dress, not knowing it was see-through of course. What fashion risk have you taken that completely backfired? High-waisted belts, definitely not my style. Oh, and anything frilly with prints is also a big no-no for me. Louboutins or Manolos? Louboutins, for sure, and also Roger Vivier. Favorite bag? My original Stephen Sprouse Speedy bag by Louis Vuitton. Favorite designer? Dolce & Gabbana
Page 20 • Thursday, December 10, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
Above Left: Liza is pictured wearing a Dolce Gabanna corset, Moschino pencil skirt and Louis Vuitton bag. Above: Liza wearing Herve Leger. Far Left: Roger Vivier Rose 'N Roll platform sandal. Notice the "thorn" shaped heel. Left: Jennifer Lopez in her iconic green Versace at the 2000 Grammys.
Most iconic dress? Jennifer Lopez in the green Versace dress at the Grammys in 2000. It is a little too revealing for my taste but it certainly was a statement piece. Do you prefer to dress up or be more relaxed? I like to dress up or look well puttogether. Whatever it is I am wearing, whether it be casual or dressy, shoes are always number one. The wrong shoes will make the outfit look horrendous! That goes for both men and women! What are your go-to-in-a-pinch items in your closet? My all-time favorite Marciano black mini dress with gold Louboutin pumps. When I have nothing to wear I wear that. If you had “nothing to wear,” where would you go first and why? I would go to Dolce & Gabbana. Their clothes fit me like a glove. A pair of straight-legged jeans, a white blouse and black pumps make me feel sexy no matter where I’m going. You seem to do a great deal of traveling. How do you approach dressing in Miami versus D.C. or even Germany? Since Miami is such a tropical place I tend to wear mostly denim skirts and heels. In D.C. it is all about the pencil skirt, a more classy and professional look. In Germany, well, I find the style to be a bit more conservative; the less labels you wear the better you will be. Now in Moscow the fashion is outrageous. Women there are really more glamorous and daring. This Style Child is fun, flirtatious and extremely loyal in keeping with her astrological sign, Leo, so when you see her at Segafredo on Lincoln Road tip your hat to her in recognition of her efforts to keep Miami beautiful. Bravo Liza, you are the first Style Child in this series that will highlight the gems of this glorious and, yes, magical city.
411 An Evening in Vogue at Casa de Suenos Photos: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
Gigi Ganatra and Pippa
Cindi Carr and friend at An Evening in Vogue
JR and Loren Ridinger with Russell Simmons
Mike and Alicia Piazza
Katrina Campins and Matt Heien
Rene Ruiz and his ladies
An Evening in Vogue at JR and Loren Ridinger's
Lea and Roy Black
Suzy Buckley, Hadley Henriette and Julian Chang
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • December 10, 2009 • Page 21
The 411
Art Basel Brunch at Sagamore
Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, JR and Loren Ridinger
COLUMN
Baseling By Mary Jo Almeida-Shore maryjoshore@aol.com
rt! It's the first word and what it’s all about right? Well, mostly…! In addition to works by Chagall, Picasso, Matisse, Miro, Botero, Calder and Warhol, all under one roof at the Convention Center, stand outs during Art Basel week included: Calix Gustav Gallery which held several receptions celebrating the unveiling of Grit: to endure a trying situation and continue on without complaint and Monitoring Art; urban impressionist Miguel Paredes' The Manifestation of Crossover Art at a pop-up gallery on Lincoln Road; Carlos Betancourt's Lapidus Infinitus at Diana Lowenstein Fine Arts; David LaChapelle's Cars and Money; Kenny Scharf's Art White Collection and William S. Chewning’s exhibition at Miami Art Group Gallery.
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Dean & Dan Caten of Dsquared
ussell Simmons, Shamin Abas and Michael Capponi hosted a benefit at Capponi’s home on Sunset Island in support of Empowerment through Education for Africa on Friday night. Guests bid on auction items such as a diamond ring from Royal Asscher’s Stars of Africa collection, a three-night trip to Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, Mexico, and brunch for eight with Nacho Figueras, the face of Ralph Lauren, at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. The event raised more than $27,000 in just two hours.
R Christian Louboutin and friends
he Box at Nikki Beach provided a bit of shock value with a mix of burlesque, meets folly, meets the Muppet Show (one giant, excitable vagina Muppet to be exact) and a Chihuahua. Following an early dinner show, the racy party started at 11:00 p.m. (more like 1:30) and went into the wee hours of the morning. The notorious closing party was especially wild as the anatomically innovative acts of the Vaudeville Theater from New York City turned up the heat. The champagne was flowing nightly, as guests such as Richard Johnson (Page Six), Andre Balazs, Lorenzo Martone, Vito Schnabel, Russell Simmons, Jay Jopling, Eric Omores, Keith Menin, Jack and Lucia Penrod, Simon and Francesca Hammerstein, Rick Yune, Chris-
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Lucia Penrod and Friends
Page 22 • Thursday, December 10, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
tian Louboutin, Dean and Dan Caten of DSquared marveled as performers took art to the stage with kitschy crowd pleasers and playful eroticism. Like it or not, it was definitely nothing we’d seen before. ashes- lots of them! Art Nexus took over the W South Beach on Wednesday night, adding a signature Latin flavor. The next night (morning) at W, Vito Schnabel, Stavros Niarchos and Alex Dellal’s allnight after-party at Wall (following the Rosen/Brant/Mugrabi dinner) was among the most packed and energetic scenes of the week. The music consisted of one-minute mash-ups of ’70s and ’80s pop (Michael Jackson, Queen, Stones), and it got Naomi Campbell and Calvin Klein (not together) dancing between and on top of the vinyl banquettes. Friday’s Whitewall/Kipton Art Foundation party at The Box was attended by a host of VIPs, including Tara Solomon, Brian Antoni, Kipton Cronkite, Whitewall’s Michael Klug, Vanity Fair’s George Wayne, Annabel Vartanian, Merle and Danny Weiss, Daniela Swaebe, Lauren Foster, and Marcia Levine. On Saturday, Verizon Wireless and BlackBerry teamed up with music producer, Timbaland, for a party at the Fontainebleau to celebrate the release of his highly anticipated album Shock Value II. Timbaland took the stage with Brandy and JoJo, both of whom collaborated on his new album. Other notables in attendance included: Adam Levine, Brandon Davis, Dita Von Teese, Elle Macpherson, Fat Joe, Kelly Bensimon, Nicky Hilton, Russell Simmons, Serena Williams and Travis McCoy. At the Raleigh on Saturday night, David LaChapelle’s Art Deco Happy New Year 1932 included synchronized swimmers in flowered bathing caps and glittering suits performing Putting on the Ritz in the pool, an actual size, ice sculpture of a Maybach, and thousands of black and silver balloons. The party concluded with a number of revelers, including LaChappelle himself, jumping in the pool.
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An Evening in Vogue-Eric and Stacy Milon
Kelly Bensimone and Jonathan Cheban
n Evening in Vogue at JR and Loren Ridinger’s Casa de Suenos was an exclusive, intimate, star-studded affair featuring local A+ listers and a spectacular, never-before-seen Versace runway show. One of the week’s best parties, taking place on the most gorgeous (read coolest) night of Art Basel with celebs such as Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Vanessa Williams, Russell Simmons, Mike Piazza and Scottie Pippen, enjoying free-flowing Cristal, and mingling with fellow beautiful, fun, fashionable people. It’s no surprise that this was “the hottest ticket of Basel week” according to businesswoman, editor, columnist and “girl-about-town,” Loren Ridinger.
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tandard, The Standard that is, was ground zero for some of the most exclusive and highly-anticipated events of the week including: Paul Kasmin’s dinner for Mattia Bonetti; Bruce Weber’s book signing hosted by Andre Balazs; Francois Nars / Lorenzo Martone cocktail party; the Creative dinner and the Whitney Museum soiree.
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xclusive dinners: Fendi and Swarovski held small private dinners at the W South Beach on Monday and Wednesday nights. On Thursday, Aby Rosen, Peter Brant and Tico Mugrabi, held a dinner for 600+ at the W that encompassed Solea, the Living Room and all surrounding areas. Just to name drop, some of the guests included: Val Kilmer, Stephen Dorff, Michael Ovitz, Blaine Trump, John McEnroe, Naomi Campbell, Nicky Hilton, Eva Chow, Calvin Klein, Jane Holzer, Eugenio Lopez, Maja Hoffman, Alejandro Santo Domingo, Don and Mera Rubell, Micheal Lynne, Wendy Stark, Jacqueline Schnabel, Bill and Maria Bell, Eli Broad, Yvonne Force Villareal and Leo Villareal, Aaron Young, dozens of art dealers. Cartier held a private dinner on the same night over at Mr. Chow, showcasing some of their sparkliest wares. At the Webster, Viktor and Rolf held a much smaller dinner affair on the third floor on Friday.
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e Baron, the chicest Parisian nightclub this side of the Seine, took over the Florida Room, making Francophiles of the best of us, for a host of nightly parties throughout the week. The fashionable, French and beautiful (often all-in-the-same) gathered until sunrise to dance to a refreshing mix of songs including everything from The Doors, to the Beach Boys and even a bit of Sweet Home Alabama (not a Boom Boom or Pow at this place).
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ashion – better known as “wearable art” was ever-present, especially since Vivier, Pucci, Viktor and Rolf, Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Altuzarra and Lanvin all celebrated with boutique and/or shopping events.
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nbelievable art gatherings- Craig Robbins, the Rubells, Ulla and Gert Elfering and Carlos and Rosa De la Cruz once held events to celebrate and showcase their extensive art collections. o sleep! After all, what is Art Basel if not one, not-to-be missed, 100-hour day!
Andre Balazs and Richard Johnson
Genia and Eric Omores
COMING UP: MEOW The Cat’s Meow is the official new Thursday night party at B.E.D., starring a sexy cast of burlesque dancers, fire eaters, contortionists, and leather body suit-clad “kitties” crawling around purring up next to guests and a risqué version of Sarah Palin reciting some of her famous one-liners while sporting only a short red signature blazer and frames. Each of the two dinner seatings (8:00 and 10:00 p.m.) include three to four shows.
WOOF! On Saturday, December 12th , Miami’s finest four-legged pooches (along with their two legged humans) are invited to celebrate the launch of Lulu Flynn Shriftman’s new book The Ultimate Dog Party and the debut of her new pet program at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa. There will be dog treats from Three Dog Bakery and The Doggie Bag Café as well as entertainment such as pet grooming, canine counselors and doggy t-shirt making courtesy of C by me. The fun goes from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. and takes place at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa 10295 Collins Avenue.
Naomi Campbell at Wall
MUSIC Miami local girl, and award winning, recording artist Stephanie Carcache will be performing live at the Miami Music Festival from December 10-12 in Downtown Miami. And did we mention she’s a dead ringer for Kim Kardashian (well, maybe just a look-alike, a definite boost to her music career). Carcache will debut her new hit, “Mr. Player,” produced by Grammy award winner, Cory Rooney. Visit www.miamimusicfestival.org for details and ticket information. To learn more about Carcache, visit www.myspace.com/stephaniecarcache.
CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS: Anna Kournikova and Enrique Iglesias dined at 8 oz Burger Bar on Tuesday. Nearby, Serena Williams stopped by with some friends for a late night dinner. Producer/NERD Pharrell Williams and some friends had lunch at 8 oz on Friday. Dita Von Teese was at Lincoln Road’s Books & Books on Friday to sign copies of her book (yes, all that and she “writes”). On Saturday night, she performed her infamous Bird of Paradise act at LIV. Athlete-turned-author Lance Armstrong toured the Bass Museum of Art with artist Dzine, who sold a site-specific installation piece later that day for $75,000. Paulina Rubio and tennis star John McEnroe were also at the Bass Museum with Mexican billionaire Eugenio Lopez Alonso at the unveiling of his Jumex collection. The Misshapes were all over the place last week- at Le Baron, the Standard, BBar at the Betsy, Club 50 at Viceroy, Shore Club Penthouse, the Webster and Rok Bar (not necessarily in that order). A slew of celebs partied at the Raleigh hotel including Calvin Klein, David LaChapelle, Cruz Diez, Diana Picasso, Christopher Ciccone, Andre Balazs, Daphne Guinness, Sam Keller and Jamie Drake. LaChappelle and Keller were also spotted alongside Dean and Dan Caten and Jeffrey Deitch at Kehinde Wiley’s Fish Fry at Shore Club on Sunday.
Art Basel Calvin Klein at W
CuCu Diamante
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An Evening in Vogue at Casa de Suenos - Versace
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Art Basel Brunch at Sagamore
Art Basel Brunch at Sagamore
Calvin Klein at Wall
Art Basel Around Town
Christopher Cataldi and Katherine Ransdell at The Standard
The Webster's Frederic and Laure at Le Baron
Elsa Benitez and Alejandro Grimaldi
Joe Castillo, Frankie Belmont and Chris Fuentes
Tara Solomon, Miguel Paredes & Nick D'Annunzio
The Misshapes at BBar
www.miamisunpost.com â&#x20AC;˘ The SunPost â&#x20AC;˘ December 10, 2009