Newsletter

“Boston is such a beautiful city”, says Oren Nizri. On Friday, October 3, the hotshot DJ/producer will bring his enviable skills to a set at Machine in Boston. But he’s also planning to stick around for a while longer, and not to nurse a morning after hangover. “I’m staying an extra day just to relax and explore more of the city”, he says.

He may be looking to relax, but this rising star has been a busy bee since first moving to Miami five years ago. Beforehand, the Israeli DJ was a popular music personality in his home country, hosting his own radio show (”In My House“) and spinning the hottest clubs across the Middle East and Europe. Still, he admits moving to America was a daunting task given the difference reception dance music receives. “America radio is not big about house music,” says Nizri. “In America, house music is still considered underground. Unless you have satellite radio, you will not be able to listen to dance music at home. In Israel and Europe, we are used to having a variety of radio stations that cater to every single type of music that exists. The level of music exposure is totally different and as an artist, that causes a big impact in the development of your career.”

Nizri also says that there are some differences - and similarities, too - between gay nightlife in America and Israel. “The main similarity is the concept - let’s have a blast dancing! - and the production value of the parties in terms of decor, entertainment, sound system, marketing and all the other details that make an event extra special and unforgettable,” he says. “A difference is that in Israel, parties are much more mixed than here. Israeli people will go to a good party no matter if it is gay or straight. Here, it’s much harder to find that mix. And I know that well, because I play for both audiences alike on a regular basis.”

Whatever the differences, Nizri is certainly adjusting well. He’s an increasingly recognizable and in-demand DJ on the stateside scene. In fact, he’s earned a coveted spot in next month’s series of White Party events in Miami. Perhaps it all goes back to his signature sound, a classic and upbeat house vibe that harks back to his own favorites: early influences like David Morales and Frankie Knuckles, and contemporary peers like Freemasons and Masters at Work. Above all, Nizri focuses on creating a vibe that captures the very spirit of dance music and encapsulates what first attracted him to the genre. “In Israel, house music and dance music unite people in the parties [people] who are all about going out and having a wonderful time, dancing the night away and forgetting about their problems and worries. Even though dance music is always evolving with the the years, it [still] has a lot of similarities with classic house. It is funky, driven and upbeat. That has influenced my style up until today.”

Upbeat is a key word. Nizri says he tries not to over-think his sets, and mainly aims his laser-like focus on having a good time…and making sure that the crowd does, too. “My sound is very European…filled with soulful, deep and funky beats that progress into big room, high-energy tracks with sexy and uplifting vocals,”he says. “I get all the time that my sound is so different and unique, but the reality is, I am not making any effort to be that way. I am just spinning what comes from my soul and what gives me goose bumps when I play.”

Besides the Israeli and European influences, Nizri says his adopted hometown of Miami is also working his way into his sound. “After living in Miami for five years now, the Latin flavor can be felt in my sets,” he says. “The big drums, the shakers and the percussion keep people grooving and dancing non- stop.” And the more they move, the happier this DJ is. “Music has been my passion since as long as I can remember, and to be able to share my knowledge and musical taste is a wonderful experience,” he says.

A DJ who is more concerned with serving his crowd than serving his ego? Is it too good to be true? “I consider myself and entertainer,” says Nizri. “The direction of my sets depends on the setting of the venue and the crowd that I have in front of me. To me, it’s all about pleasing the crowd and not giving a break to the dance floor”. “It’s my job to make your night out memorable,” he promises. Hey Oren? Thanks for the memories.

First of all, I want to thank to New England Out At Night Magazine’s Scott Kearnan and Bill Berggren for the great interview and coverage of Oren Nizri’s career and performance at Boston’s Machine Nightclub. As a matter of fact, it was a very successful party filled with great energy and reviews. Also, special thanks to Sean Caron, Bill Friar, DJ JST, DJ Sun One, lighting girl Kira, the staff of Machine and the friendly patrons for the warm hospitality and for making our trip so much fun and memorable. Thank you guys! www.nightclubmachine.com

Beginning today, October 9 through October 11,2008, the three-day Miami music seminar Beats on the Beach will bring hundreds of today’s up-and-coming music professionals to South Beach for an opportunity to network, perform and gain knowledge at one of the most influential music seminars to hit the beach in years. With the Doubletree Surfercomber Hotel serving as the host hotel, the main focus of Beats on the Beach this weekend is to merge some of the most influential figures in the music, media and entertainment industries with aspiring artists, DJs, producers, attorneys, managers, models, consumers and entrepreneurs.To register and for the complete information, click on www.beatsonthebeach.com

Living Room Nightclub grand opening: Friday October 17 at 300 SW 1st Avenue, Las Olas Riverfront, upper level loft, Fort Lauderdale. The 11,000 square feet of interactive and sensory pleasure is ready! The outdoors front area is called Inverness, a zen meditation garden that explores the elements of fire and water. Opal Room, a spectacular mood changing ultra lounge. Meditation, a warm and contemporary living loft space with floating beds and luxurious waterfront view. The Gate, scintillating menu of sight and sound specially designed for hardcore dancing that features the most powerful sound system in Fort Lauderdale. For guest list to the grand opening, e-mail us at GiveMeABeatProd@aol.com We are close, are you? www.livingroomnightclub.com

On Thursdays, Mokai, located at 235 23rd Street in Miami Beach, dedicates the evening to soulful and funky beats and serves as one of the favorite places to continue with the evening festivities after the Gansevoort South rooftop party hosted by Michael Caponni. Featuring its resident DJ-Stan and among A-list celebrities and an experience that flawlessly integrates a rich, dark and elegant decor, one of the most exclusive venues in South Miami Beach takes you to a different dimension with the creativity of its concept and its gorgeous design. Perfectly suited for corporate events and special celebrations of all sorts, Mokai is a must see. www.mokaimiami.com

On Saturdays, Cesar Sotomayor Marketing Group and his team host their fabulous weekly soiree Midtown Famous at Grass Restaurant and Lounge, located at 28 NE 40 St. Miami, in the heart of the design district. The ambiance of Grass invokes dinner in paradise with cushy white banquettes and sofas, and a full bar illuminated by a wall of apothecary jars brimming with colorful flora. The seductive space turns into a very high-energy party as Cesar takes over the outdoors space and gets together a mixture of nicely dressed and good looking scenesters from all over Miami. With a variety of fun tunes and house beats, the crowd makes Midtown Famous home into the wee hours in a trendy yet very enjoyable atmosphere. A great change from the beach on a Saturday night! www.grasslounge.com

The international limelight became even more focused on our island when superstar chef Emiril Lagasse decided to open one of his famous restaurants in the select St.Moritz of the Loews Hotel. But it wasn’t only because Emiril himself was standing in the kitchen, shouting his trademark “Bam”! at every ingredient. This superbly-run restaurant has distinguished itself since day one with its bisques, gumbos, and jambalayas du jour, which are routinely delectable. Upscale entrees marry the elements of down-home Creole cooking with traditional French technique, and every dish finds its complement in a wide-ranging wine list. Emiril’s has certainly become a bastion for immodestly hip and hungry celebs and satisfied locals. www.emerils.com

South Beachites, both current and former, have a confirmed fondness for Tiramesu. Way ahead of its time with its family style, copper-spot service of homemade pasta, this elegantly casual Italian eatery opened on the corner of Ocean Drive and Fifth street just prior to the area’s renaissance. And it lost none of his appeal or local acclaim when owner Graziano Sbroggio relocated the restaurant in 1997 to Lincoln Road, where it has been a consistent, reliable performer ever since. A busy interior dining room, attended by some of the most efficient servers on the beach, is an ideal place to spoon up a power lunch. At night, the candlelit sidewalk cafe tables bring to mind a romantic evening in Venice and are a beacon for those craving a bowl of gnocchi bolognese, a glass of Barolo and a big portion of the eponymous dessert that, like Tiramesu itself, will always be fashionable. And if the concern is the diet, keep in mind that Tisamesu only serves food that contains no trans fat. www.tiramesu.com

Marriott South Beach at 161 Ocean Drive has to be one of the most chic hotels on our island with a very exquisite Miami flavor to it. The art deco vibe of its art and decor along with the high-end yet very inviting ambiance of the property makes it one of the preferred places to stay and enjoy the weather on the Beach. Not only that, but the Deco Blue Terrace restaurant and outdoor lounge overlooks the beautiful pool area and is located only a few yards away from the ocean. The Terrace is a fantastic place for frozen drinks in the afternoon, for a casual dinning experience throughout the day and even brunch on the weekends. A venue that offers a very personalized service for locals and visitors alike, it’s just perfect as a different hang-out place to experience in the South of Fifth area. For more information, click on www.marriottsouthbeach.com

On Sundays, you know that the two-room, airplane looking and sophisticated Aero Bar is the place to be, as Omar Gonzalez, Paolo Pincente and Dustin Reffca present the now infamous Click. In the mix, expect celebrity appearances, sexy fashion shows, Miami personalities and the hottest crowd from Miami and beyond at this weekly dance party filled with great energy, outrageous shows, fashion and a trendy yet very comfortable ambiance. There are rotating DJs and entertainment on a weekly basis, so make sure to update yourself with each weekend happenings at www.oagproductions.com

Situated close to the world famous Wolfsonian Museum, the World Erotic Art Museum is minutes away from Ocean Drive at 1205 Washington Avenue. The World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM) is a definite must for all liberated art lovers, fun, sensual, erotic and educational. The WEAM has a fantastic collection of art, sculpture, tapestries and artifacts from many of the world’s most influential cultures past and present, exquisite ancient to contemporary classics. Be sure to add this highly interesting attraction to your list of things to do on our island. This serves as a unique opportunity to view the greatest collection of erotica you will ever see and a celebration of who we are. For information about hours of operation and other details, click on www.weam.com

On Sunday, October 19, Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and the Gay and Lesbian Business Committee invite you to come out for a day in the Flamingo Park with live music, soft drinks, and light fare as the kick-off party for Gay Pride Miami 2009, that is scheduled to take place on our island on Saturday, April 18, 2009. “It’s hard to believe a city as diverse and as inclusive of the GLBT community has not had an official Miami Beach Gay Pride in the past”, expressed Bower in a past press release. “I am very proud to be a part of such a historical event in our community and I will make every effort to ensure that it will be a success,” she concluded. Come out, support and bring the community together on Sunday, October 19, as its slogan says.

Have you already joined GLBT Community? No, this is not a new dating web site. Instead, GLBT Community focuses on leveraging information and commerce within a very powerful consumer group. If you didn’t know and according to a recent published analysis by Witeck-Combs Communications and Packaged Facts, the total buying power of American GLBT adults in 2008 is projected to be $712 billion, up from $690 billion in 2007. Ken Stanton, CEO of GLBT Community, expressed in one of the latest press releases: “Our goal with the web site is to be the ultimate source of information and social networking within the GLBT universe. GLBT Community is a safe place for all members, whether they’re there to find friends, business contacts or relationships worldwide”. And he added: “With new laws like the recent approval of broad protections for all workers and the continuing struggles for same- sex marriage acceptance, these are exciting times”. With this said, Ken and his business partner and president Mike Mazer, invite you to join GLBT Community and to take advantage of the networking opportunities that this professional system offers. To join and to find out more about the web site, click on www.glbtcommunity.com

Supporters of presidential candidate Barack Obama will like to know that some music personalities are working hard and doing their own efforts to accomplish his election. “Change The World“, is a song co-written by Andy Fraser and Gioia Bruno, produced by Musiq Maniacs and remixed by DJ/Producer Maximus 3000. “Change The World” is written for and inspired by Obama. The track is a donation to the Obama campaign and it belongs to its supporters. “Share and spread the word, vote for a change”, is what the press release to introduce the track stated. To listen to the track along with its remixes, click on www.djmaximus3000.com

Last but not least, we want to share with you excerpts of a letter that the godfather of house music, Frankie Knuckles, wrote to the press about the rumors of his leg being amputated: “Almost 10 years ago I broke my right foot. And instead of sitting still and allowing it to mend properly, I returned to the road and continued to travel during the healing process. Well, the foot never healed properly and over the last 10 years, it continued to give me great difficulty. Throughout that period, I developed a disease in my foot called osteomialitis. (a disease of the bone). For years I worked with my doctors to combat this illness and they informed me that all this work was pretty much the equivalent of putting a band-aid on the situation. Eventually, I was going to get my foot amputated. I praise my doctors for helping me put up with a good fight. But what was inevitable came to fruition on July 3rd… I didn’t lose my leg but I lost my foot. I didn’t have a problem losing my foot. After all, I still have another. But I did have a problem losing my life. I am 1000 percent better now than my body is rid of the disease and I’m no longer living in pain. I lived with that pain for almost 10 years and most of you never knew it. And you weren’t supposed to….I can’t thank you all enough for your prayers and best-wishes. I’ve managed to rise every morning with a smile on my face and endure every obstacle that’s been put on my path to get to where I need to be, on the dance floor with you.” Frankie

This Saturday, October 11, The Adrienne Arsht Center of the Performing Arts‘ after party host committee invite you to a fantastic gathering of cocktails and dancing named “Coming Up Roses” from 10:30 PM to 1 AM at 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami. The music will be provided by DJs Paul Sevigny and DJ Ruckus. Tickets are on sale for 100 dollars for members, and 150 dollars for non-members. Part of the proceeds will benefit the arts and education programs and outreach initiatives at the Arsht Center. To purchase tickets, call 786. 468.2036, e-mail gala@arshtcenter.com, or visit the web site www.arshtcenter.com

The 12th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 18th at the elegant Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Miami. Presented and produced by the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (producers of Winter Party), this dinner celebration is one of the most prestigious annual events that has as a goal to continue unifying the community and to honor its most hard-working community leaders and heroes. The fantastic evening will start with cocktails and a silent auction at 6:30 PM, immediately followed by the dinner and ceremony at 8 PM and the dance party starting at 10 PM. For detailed information regarding sponsorship opportunities, to become a host of the event and to purchase tickets, click on its web site www.miamirecognitiondinner.org

The 7th Annual Miami International Wine Fair to be held October 25-27 at the Convention Center, is the largest wine expo in Florida and one of the leading industry events in the country, featuring 65,000 square feet of exhibit space and some 1,200 wines from 15 countries available for tasting. Whether you are seeking new competitive brands to increase your portfolio, or anxious to find distributors around the country for your existing wine collection, the Miami International Wine Fair is the one event that you can’t afford to miss this year. www.miamiwinefair.com

The South Florida International Auto Show 2008 is scheduled to take place from November 7-16, 2008 in the Miami Beach Convention Center on sunny South Beach. Car-related merchandise and more than 1,000 of the industry’s latest vehicles for the upcoming year are on display by world-leading auto manufacturers. Featured exhibits include brands such as Aston-Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati and Rolls-Royce. Car lovers, this is a week not to be missed! You can find all the detailed information in the web site www.sfiautoshow.net

One of the most celebrity attended and most media covered 100% HIV/AIDS fundraisers in the world, White Party Week Miami, is scheduled this year from November 26th through December 1st 2008. The producer and beneficiary of the event, Care Resource, announced the theme of “Mount Olympus” for this year’s festivities. Florida Resident’s Passes and tickets are available for purchase starting September 1. The Florida Resident Passes are available for 150 dollars, which gets the holder admission to both the 24th Annual White Party at Villa Vizcaya on Saturday, November 29th, and Poseidon’s Muscle Beach party on Sunday, November 30th. The line-up of exhilarating parties and world-class DJs include names such as Abel, Alyson Calagna, Bill Hallquist, Chris Cox, David Knapp, Herbie James, Kidd Madonny, Joe Gautheraux, Manny Lehman, Oren Nizri, Phil B, Randy Bettis, Tony Moran, Victor Calderone and Wendy Hunt. To learn much more about Care Resource, White Party Week 2008 and all the details, click on its web site www.whiteparty.org

Miami Beach Bruthaz 2008 took place from July 17th-20th in South Beach, and it was a resounding success! The whole weekend of events that included high-end networking events, informative workshops, exhilarating dance parties and trendy fashion shows had an amazing turn out. The reviews from visitors from different cities around the country has been incredible so far, as many promised to be back for next year’s weekend. The support of the local community was also very overwhelming, and we sincerely want to thank to the South Floridians who attended as well as the press for the great coverage of the events. Thank you to The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel, MetroMix.com, Mark’s List, 411 Magazine, Express Gay News, Great Party Pics, Edge Magazine, Gay SoFla On-Line Magazine, Latino Boys Magazine, Hotspots Magazine, and others, for your valuable participation. The main dance event at Score Nightclub was terrific, as you can see in the pictures above. And special thanks to founder Ian Smith and everyone else who was involved during the weekend. Everything run very smoothly and with a lot of professionalism. You bet next year’s line-up will continue to grow, as Miami Beach Bruthaz is sure to become a yearly South Beach staple that has as its main goals unifying the community during Summer season and contributing to increasing the gay community’s presence in the country and the world. We are already working on 2009 festivities and with the involvement of other talented individuals and prestigious organizations that have shown their interest in working with us, we know that Miami Beach Bruthaz 2009 will continue to offer a fantastic weekend in America’s hotspot, South Beach. Thank you again! www.miamibeachbruthaz.com

Talking about amazing feedback and excitement, South Florida is all exited about the grand opening of Living Room Nightclub, the multi-room, multi-million dollar venue that will be opening its doors during this Summer season in Fort Lauderdale. We have been receiving endless e-mails requesting information and details about the venue, and as of right now, we can share with you the following: the mega-club will offer different rooms (indoors and outdoors) and different formats of music. The design is classy, sophisticated and revolutionary. One of the room is called the Opal Room, a white and clean water based mood space. Then you have Meditation, which is an industrial loft with an elevated VIP area that will be overlooking the yachts and the Intercoastal Waterway. The third indoor room, The Gate, is the main dance floor, which is darker, sexier, opulent and perfectly suited for hardcore dancing. Living Room Nightclub has pure cyber-based technology and the most impressive sound system that Fort Lauderdale has ever seen. Interior designer and nightlife impresario Mark Lowe (owner of the venue) stated in one of the latest press releases: “If I don’t blow your head off when you walk in Living Room, then I didn’t do my job”. More details yet to come..getting ready? www.livingroomnightclub.com

Summertime has brought together special events, grand openings and wonderful celebrations like the 10 year Anniversary of Lincoln Road’s infamous Score Nightclub. This past Sunday, July 27, among complimentary massages, stiff cocktails, fresh entertainment and the always sexy and changing decor, Billy Kemp and Luis Morera threw a 10-hour marathon that had a packed dance floor from the Tea Dance, which started at 5 PM with the tribal sounds of DJ Drew Tribe. Door diva Asia Aviance had a busy time welcoming some of the most important personalities of the community including: party couple Jessica Londono and Michael Gongora (who have been hanging out together a lot lately), Hotspots Magazine publisher Peter Clark, celebrity photographer Dale Stine, party promoter Lynn Bove, Halo owner Babak Movahedi, Latino Boys Magazine’s Adeilson George and Peter Mentek, professional dancer Michelle Fernandez, Puma’s Harold Leath, Wire Magazine’s Carl Zablotny, Thomas Barker and Alfredo Barrios, personal trainer and business owner Jim Keizer, event photographer and always sweet JR Davis, hair stylist Carolina Betancur, GaySofla’s David Wylie and Geo Bustamante, sales rep Lucia Torero, bartenders Patrick Suaraz and Luke Hobbs, real state agents Jorge Zevallos and Mary Silverino and Crunch Fitness’ Lesley Thomas, among many others. By 1 AM, NYC’s Peter Rauhofer took over the turntables with his hard, deep and dirty beats until closing time. Thank you to Billy and Luis for the great party, for the wonderful and fun celebration, and for working so hard to offer South Beach a good looking and exiting dance club for our entertainment! www.scorebar.net

Last week, Masterbeat.com featured Megatron (a.k.a. Giuseppe D) and vocalist Michael M’s 2008 electro cover of the classic post disco anthem “Right On Target” on its homepage spotlight. Originally produced by Patrick Cowley in 1982 and sung by Paul Parker, it had reached number 1 on the Billboard dance charts in 1983. Parker and Cowley receive a respectful homepage from Miami based recording artist Michael M. DJ/Producer Maximus 3000 has remixed the track, and he explained in the latest press release: “This project means a lot to me. Not only is this one of my favorite tunes of all times, as well as from Michael M, but also the opportunity to work with friends in the capacity of creation is a humbling experience. The track hit #1 in 1983; perhaprs we can repeat history in more ways than one!” If you didn’t know, Masterbeat has recently acquired the entire Sony/BMG family of labels and has begun to release fantastic dance and 12″ collections and maxi-singles of some of USA’s brightest top 40 artists. Congratulations to Giuseppe D, Michael M, Maximus 3000 and the other producers/remixers involved in this exciting project. To see “Right On Target” in Masterbeat, click on www.masterbeat.com

On Thursdays, the sensational rooftop of the Gansevoort South at 2377 Collins Avenue, is the hip venue that hosts Michael Capponi’s weekly Thursday soiree that has been running for over two years now. Join the glamorous and the model types as you enjoy incredible views of the ocean and great cocktails with sophistication. The Gansevoort South is ostensibly an export from New York City, but in truth, it carries the grandiosity of a Vegas resort with a 50 foot shark tank, and the signature trappings of luxury Miami hotels like an ocean-beach front beach club and spa. The only noticeable nod to New York chic is the magnificent rooftop Plunge Lounge, which is a perfect place to start the party on Thursdays. If you didn’t know, the brand new David Barton Gym will also open its doors in this same building, and the Gansevoort promises to be one of the hottest entertainment complex in the upcoming high-season in Miami Beach. For more information on its gatherings and services, click on www.gansevoortsouth.com

Tamara, located inside the historic National Hotel on 1677 Collins Avenue, is a perfect place for any dining occasion. Whether entertaining clients for a business lunch or spending a romantic evening with a special someone, Tamara, named after Tamara de Lempicka, whose artwork appears throughout the hotel, offers breathtaking ambiance, consistent service and unforgettable food. Executive Chef Frederic Delaire prepares a tantalizing French mediterranean bistro menu, combining the traditional french school of cuisine with contemporary international and local Floridian flavors to create a delicious and unique culinary experience. Entrees include filet de Mahi-Mahi in Provencale, grilled ribeye with green pepper corn sauce and poulet fermier roti, a double free-range chicken breast marinated in fresh thyme with pommes frites. Before or after dinner, make sure to enjoy the National’s signatures cocktails either outdoors at the poolside oasis, Zee Pool Lounge, or inside at the vintage and chic D’Lounge. To make reservations, click on www.nationalhotel.com

Restaurateur Graziano Sbroggio’s latest venture is one of the freshest on Lincoln Road - literally. Le Bon, which means “It’s good” in the Italian dialect of Sbroggio’s native Veneto region, serves flavorful mussels prepared in more than a dozen ways: six types of steaming pots, five bake au gratin variations and, of course, raw on the half shell. In addition, Le Bon offers delicious Belgian specialties such as a seafood Waterzooi and stone crabs (in season), superb fries and a stylish and modern decor. A perfect spot for seafood lovers, lunch meetings, casual and even romantic diners, Le Bon’s concept, location (723 Lincoln Road), great service and flexibility works very well for day or night occasions. www.lebonrestaurant.com

Marriott South Beach at 161 Ocean Drive has to be one of the most chic hotels in our island with a very exquisite Miami flavor to it. The art deco vibe of its art and decor along with the high-end yet very inviting ambiance of the property makes it one of the preferred places to stay and enjoy the weather on the Beach. Not only that, but the Deco Blue Terrace restaurant and outdoor lounge overlooks the beautiful pool area and is located only a few yards away from the ocean. The Terrace is a fantastic place for frozen drinks in the afternoon, for a casual dinning experience throughout the day and even brunch on the weekends. A venue that offers a very personalized service for locals and visitors alike, it’s just perfect as a different hang-out place to experience in the South of Fifth area. For more information, click on www.marriottsouthbeach.com

On Fridays and in spite of the tough economy, you can still see the long lines of partygoers lined-up at SET Miami, at 320 Lincoln Road. The beautiful crowd seems to be always anxiously waiting to cross the velvet ropes and to party into the wee hours with the European house music beats of its resident, French transplant DJ Pedro, and guests. The decor is almost as sexy as the foreigners and the locals who have made SET literally a “set” venue on Friday nights. Filled with glamour and the anticipated South Beach drama, SET Miami serves as a perfect example of the Miami Beach and celebrity oriented hang out place, which is all about who you know and see and be seen. However once you are in, a great time is almost guaranteed! It’s all about being in the right mood for it, you may think. For more information about its upcoming events and to experience a SET night out, click on www.setmiami.com

La Piaggia, at 1000 South Point Drive in Miami Beach, it’s considered by The Sun Post as “the best beach club in Miami”. This beach haven restaurant and club overlooking the legendary Fisher Island, has quickly become a favorite of the “jet setting” crowd on our island. With its tropical essence and fantastic international, French and Mediterranean menu, La Piaggia is the ultimate escape for a picture perfect afternoon in Miami. The style is European and designed just like the resorts in the French Riviera. “Great food, full bar, a saltwater lagoon, table and chair massages and waterfront view”, is how The Sun Post describes La Piaggia, with all due justice. The highlights of the brilliant menu include fresh seafood - such as the poached salmon and French mussels served in white wine and cream sauce - along with classics like The Tartare du Gorille, a tartar steak. Miami’s elite are flocking to this secret hideaway where every member is treated like royalty. www.lapiaggiabeach.com

The world-famous Mandarin Oriental Hotel infuses the city’s hotel pool scene and fantastic views with relaxing Asian elegance. The Brickell Key outpost features an infinity-edge pool that cuts to a view of Biscayne Bay with the Miami skyline, showing it as a futuristic metropolis. The hotel’s man-made beach adds to the aquatic ambiance with elevated lounge mattresses and elegant beach furniture. A favorite hang out place for suits and scenesters, the hotel is an excellent option for foreigners’ leisure and business needs. The soothing spa, the entertainment, the great service, the upscale restaurants and the treats of the Mandarin Oriental know how to draw Miami’s nightlife crowd to the mainland and the Key. www.themandarinoriental.com

One of our favorite dining extravaganzas starts today, Miami Spice 2008! Join The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and savors Miami’s eclectic and fine cuisine during Miami Spice, the summer mouth-watering restaurant promotion that invites you to experience South Florida’s most refined restaurants and chefs from all over the world. During the next two months, Miami’s hottest eateries offer three-course meals (Lunch 23$, Dinner 36 $) featuring exquisite dishes at really affordable prices. A real treat and opportunity for the locals during this Summer season to experience the magnificent dining spots and innumerable cuisines in Miami-Dade County. For more information about Miami Spice 2008 and the participating restaurants, visit its web site www.ilovemiamispice.com

The 12th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 18th at the elegant Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Miami. Presented and produced by the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (producers of Winter Party), this dinner celebration is one of the most prestigious annual events that has as a goal to continue unifying the community and to honor its most hard-working community leaders and heroes. The fantastic evening will start with cocktails and a silent auction at 6:30 PM, immediately followed by the dinner and ceremony at 8 PM and the dance party starting at 10 PM. For detailed information regarding sponsorship opportunities, to become a host of the event and to purchase tickets, click on its web site www.miamirecognitiondinner.org

One of the largest HIV/AIDS fundraisers in the world, White Party Week Miami, is scheduled this year from November 26th through December 1st 2008. Care Resource announced the theme of “Mount Olympus” for this year’s festivities. At the moment, Florida Resident Passes are available for 150 dollars, which gets the holder admission to both the 24th Annual White Party at Villa Vizcaya on Saturday, November 29th, and Poseidon’s Muscle Beach party on Sunday, November 30th. This limited offer is available to Florida residents only with proof of residency. We will keep you updated with the entire line-up of exhilarating parties and DJs. There is already some great information posted in its web site www.whiteparty.org

Another longstanding and seemingly successful South Beach institution may well have become the latest victim of this season’s rough economic waters. “Available for Rent” signs in the upper windows and the night crew standing out front unable to gain entrance for their shift late Monday afternoon were tell-tale signs that Touch may have lost it and served its last meal. Calls to the main number of the popular restaurant went unanswered. No official word yet on the fate of this Lincoln Road institution or on that of its presumed sister steak house supposedly under construction in the former Pacific Time space facing Touch on the north side of the Road.

Meanwhile, over on Washington Avenue just south of 7th Street, recently opened Heathrow Lounge still seems to be trying to hit its stride. On Friday, July 18, the place had a well publicized party with a live performance by British performer Jamie Lindell. DJ Induce kicked off the night spinning classic tracks to a crowed house. Lindell’s performance was good, but a long way from one of his best. And once he was done the place emptied out very fast, with only a few stalwarts staying for after concert drinks. Seems that Heathrow still hasn’t found that elusive niche yet, let alone hit it’s stride.

Fast cut to downtown Miami on Friday, July 25 at the trendy Vagabond where…literally…the sky was falling. First reported as a speaker from the venue’s sound system falling and hitting a girl on the head, it turns out to have been an acoustical ceiling tile. When the fire department arrived around 1 AM on Saturday, the girl claimed to be ok and refused treatment. Not so lucky the Vagabond, where fire officials reportedly found several ceiling tiles in trash cans outside the club and subsequently closed the place for the weekend. Vagabond will be back in business on Thursday we are told…with new ceiling tiles.

Concert promotion giant Live Nation recently inked a 10 year deal with the City of Miami to manage and operate the Bayfront Park Amphitheater, a thus-far underutilized venue described by some as an unpolished gem The mega-corporation, which operates several concert performance venues in South Florida including Miami Beach’s Filmore at The Jackie Gleason Theater, now appears to be eyeing other venues in downtown Miami and South Beach to round out its Dade County portfolio. Among possibilities under consideration according to some sources are Space, Parkwest and Nocturnal in Downtown Miami and Cameo and the original Billboard Live space on Miami Beach. All appear to be likely fits for Live Nation’s appetite and requirements for a major club venue in the area. And all appear to be having their own problems at the moment. As of today, no comments from Live Nation or the venue owners, but such a move on Live Nation’s part seems very smart, and could provide strong competition for the Opium Group’s longstanding domination of the area’s nightlife scene.

Word is out that a well-known night life personality has been spotted scouting out several vacant condos in and around Miami Beach’s Art Deco District. No confirmation as of yet, but it could mean that a move is in store to bring the scenester closer to some favorite stomping grounds.

Speaking of spotting, sometimes it isn’t all that easy at Bella Napoli, the long-running and unpretentious Italian eatery on Alton Road. Locals and celebs alike all seem to love the place and everyone dresses way down to match the relaxed and casual atmosphere. In spite of the difficulties of figuring out who is who in plain clothes, the report is that former Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora and Candidate for US Congress Joe Garcia, both appropriately dressed down in tee shirts, shorts and baseball caps, were at the hangout together on Monday night and appeared to be swapping campaign stories and strategies while enjoying the house specialties. Makes you wonder if Gongora is getting the political itch again….and reminds us that Bella Napoli is a great place to find the elite on the down-low.

Finally, if the Latest Buzz and the heat of summer have gotten to you and you need to unwind, head over to the Standard for a class of free yoga on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:15 PM and Saturdays and Sundays at 3 PM through the end of August. Much better for you than an early cocktail. And you never know who you may run into there!