MiamiNights - Miami Night Clubs, Nightlife

So guess who i bumped into last night at The Vagabond? Er, well, I'm guessing by the post title you know it was Lazaro Casanova. I've known him casually since my days of going to Revolver, so it was nice to come across him and chat for a while about all the things he's doing. If you don't know, MSTRKRFT has basically taken him under their wing, and he is releasing his own music and DJing all over the globe. Literally this guy is poised to become part of the new generation of Miami DJs going big (my other two picks would be Danny Daze and Otto Von Schirach).

It seems like he is rarely in Miami anymore, so I knew there had to be a good reason he was in town. He mentioned that this Thursday he'll be spinning at Dream. Now, his sets are nothing like the ones he used to spin at Revolver, instead he is playing gritty and dirty house music -- but good house music. If you like DJs like MSTRKRFT, Felix Cartal, Erol Alkan, Boys Noize and the likes, you'll love his shit.

Lazaro also has a new single available now on iTunes called "Venganza". Check it out, I think you'll be pleasanly surprised.

Ugh, sorry for not posting anything lately, but I sort of started a part-time gig with the Miami New Times, and I can't blog when I'm at the office because a) they don't pay me to blog for other people, and b) because I'm pretty sure they are monitoring what everyone is looking at. So until I get into the groove of things over there, posts might be a little sparse on my end.

Anyway, everyone needs to go to Jazid tonight because slut-of-the-site Jessica Who? is getting her very own night at DAMNSON, which happens every Tuesday at Jazid. In honor of the Who? they are renaming the night tonight to !DAMN GURL! I don't I need to say much else, since there is a video to be watch. Click play!

God, Mansion is the new Ike Turner. Someone else has come forward saying Mansion bouncers used unnecessary force. Rapper Grandaddy Souf alleges he was basically attacked by several bouncers at Mansion, then stripped naked and then taken outside to be "left to die". Here is the Herald's explanation:

The club was packed with recording artists, but at one point, Watts was separated from his group. A bouncer, who is identified only as John Doe 1, asked for Watts' identification, which the rapper did not have on him.

Watts tried to explain who he was, to which the bouncer responded: ''I don't give a [expletive] who you are,'' according to the complaint. Parks said Watts raised his arms and told the security guard that he didn't want any trouble, but that sparked a brawl.

The bouncer struck him, Parks said, then Watts pushed back.

Suddenly, Watts was surrounded by 10 bouncers who began kicking, punching and stomping him before stripping him of his clothing, according to the complaint. The guards also choked Watts until he was unconscious, dumped him outside and ''left him to die,'' the complaint states.

The incident happened back in 2007 when Grandaddy was in town for the Ozone Awards. I'll admit when I started reading this story I automatically thought, "Here is someone trying to take advantage of Mansion when they are down." But he may have a legitimate case since passerbys took pictures of him bloody and beat up on the ground. The photos were then posted on MediaTakeOut.com.

Why do I feel this may turn a lot uglier for Mansion and its parent company the Opium Group?

 

Give them hideous props and let them think they are rockstars. Check out the photo booth pictures from the Chromeo event last week at the Fifth courtesy of Polite In Public. Trust me, it's not pretty. Although, it's insanely funny but for all the wrong reasons. Thank god I was sober, but if not there was a good chance you would have seen my drunk ass in this gallery.

So if you don't know already the former Boom Boom Room space was taken over by Alfred Spellman of Rakontur and Keith Paciello and transformed into a new lounge called Bella Rose. In Lesley Abravanel's Velvet Underground column, Spellman says the place aims to bring back the South Beach of yore:

"We were getting really tired of the same stale bottle service nightlife options, so we wanted to do a small room, kind of a throwback to The Spot or Lua."

I have yet to check out the space, but anything is an improvement over the Boom Boom Room, which need I remind everyone a few weeks before its demise it experienced a drive-by shooting. I'll get everyone the full report on the place as soon as I can get my ass over the causeway.

There are also other new places you need to watch out for. Tony Guerra's Aero Bar should be opening soon in the area near the Ganesvoort Hotel and Collins Park. And the airport-themed lounges doesn't stop there as Heathrow Lounge opens up in the ill-fated area of Washington Avenue between 8th and 5th streets (actually, reps for the place have contacted me saying while the place is English inspired, it definitely isn't inspired by the English airport). However, Dek23, which is located in the same area, has been able to pull a steady stream of quality clientèle in an area better known for seedy clubs with even seedier people, so why can't Heathrow do the same?

Leave it to the Miami Herald to run a piece that is so blatantly obvious that I didn't need Ms. Lydia Martin's painfully cliche-ridden story to tell me something I think everyone knows: Douchebags buy bottles in order to score pussy (now that is an award-winning headline). Oh and leave it to Tommy Pooch to take this piece to a whole other level of supreme douchiness when he gives Martin what perhaps is the most asshole-sounding quote ever given when talking of the ghosts of South Beach past:

"If we made you buy four bottles, and you're only four people, you can bet we didn't want you there," says longtime party promoter Tommy Pooch, who, with partner Alan Roth, is behind jam-packed Tuesday nights at the Delano and Sundays at the Shore Club. "You're probably ugly. We were hoping you would just leave. But you were so desperate to get in, you agreed to the four bottles, and now we're stuck with you."

You think the douche factor would stop there, but no -- it continues on. Some London transplant that goes by the name of Romy Grantley gives a quote talking about his spending habit at Set:

"I'll spend about $3,000 every Friday on three or four bottles," Grantley says. "I usually split the bill with a buddy. It's worth it. . . . There is no place that's better anywhere in the world. Not in Ibiza. Not anywhere. When I first started coming here, nobody knew who I was. Now, because I have my own table, I'm well known at the top club on the Beach."

Oh Lord! Someone should tell Grantley he is supporting somebody's expensive coke habit by shelling out that much money every week. And god, he sounds so proud of the fact that he is getting robbed blind by the Opium Group.

The winner here is obviously the clubs and promoters. Kudos to them for actually taking advantage of the simple minded. 

Thanks to Dan Renzi (Real World Miami alum) for the heads up. For all you models out there Jay McCarroll winner of Season 1 of Project Runway will be in town for the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival at the end of this month. While in town, he will be hosting a fashion show of his very own work. So if you got model proportions (I surely don't), there are holding a casting call this Saturday at the Maxine Hotel, 1756 Collins Ave. from noon to 5 p.m.

Here is more infomation from Renzi's blog:

Jay McCarroll, winner of Project Runway Season 1, is coming to Miami for a screening of his documentary "Eleven Minutes," about his show in New York Fashion Week.

The screening will be followed by a party on the Dorset Hotel rooftop deck, featuring a fashion show of Jay's latest line.

Casting models models models:

• Women: at least 5'8", sizes 2 to 4
• Men: 5' 10" to 6' 2", sizes 40R to 42L, lean trim body types

Agency affiliation helpful but not necessary. There is no pay. All products, makeup, hairstyling, everything is being donated. There will, however, be heavy media exposure.

You do not need to make an appointment; this is an open call. But for more information, email lisa@mglff.com or call 305-534-9924.

Plum Miami Beach did a cool video feature on the Sunday night Bingo event at the Standard. This is one of the things I always say I'm going to do but never do. I swear playing bingo at the Standard is on my list of things to do in 2008. Shit, it's already April, I need to get on the ball!

File this under "What were they thinking?" Chromeo is stopping by The Fifth Thursday, April 17, for a special live peformance along with Louis XIV. Why the fuck would Chromeo play at The Fifth? I mean Studio A is just over the causeway and a much better venue for this kind of show. I can't for the life of me understand this decision.

And for those wondering why Chromeo was oddly absent during WMC, it seems that being MTV's Artist of the Week is enough reason to raise your appearance rate to $10,000. I was told most promoters laughed at the figured and told them "No thanks." I mean asking for that kind of money and not even having a hit on your repertoire is pretty ballsy and Chromeo ended up losing big time for having big egos.

But I guess they are back to redeem themselves with this special concert. Tickets are on sale for $20 at www.bfg.tickets.musictoday.com. But I do have some bad news kiddies -- the event is 21 and over. I'm not sure if the Fifth understands 80% of Chromeo's fan base is probably under the age of 20.

In case you have no idea who Chromeo is, I leave you with their '80s-insipired music video for "Bonafide Lovin'".

Mansion, a group of bouncers and the Opium Group find themselves in a whole mess of trouble after three University of Delaware students say they were beat up by nearly a dozen bouncers after they refused to pay their bill. According to the Miami Herald, the group was told to skedaddle from their table because they needed it for other patrons. The students asked for their bill but when the waitress told them it was $700, they asked to see a physical copy because they didn't agree with the charges. Here is where things get messy:

At this point, a third person came over to the table and asked the students to come into an office in the back, which was filled with roughly 10 bouncers. When the young men again refused to pay without seeing a tab, employees of the club turned physical.

[...]

Sweeney, who is over six feet tall and 200 pounds, was taken to the floor with a choke-hold. After taking a few kicks, he passed out. The bouncers also went to work on Merryman and Costello.

The students then agreed to pay the $700 with a credit card and were told that Costello and Sweeney could go. But the bouncers said they weren't through with Merryman, according to Dennis.

''We're going to teach you a lesson,'' one told Merryman, said Dennis, who did not know what was meant by that.

Sweeney and Costello refused to leave without their friend, and all three took another round of blows. Finally, Merryman was able to barge past two bouncers and out a side door, where he was met by Miami Beach police, who were headed in the other direction.

Opium Group, you should remind your bouncers that they are not the law, not even within your buildings.

Oh and futher proof bouncers aren't the brightest of the bunch -- the whole thing was supposedly caught on video! I mean come on, a few of them had to know a camera was there.

Apt. 423 (formerly Apt. 407) is NOT at some poor fool’s apartment. It’s at Love Hate (423 Washington Ave., Miami Beach) starting tonight. Apt. 423 is the underground’s underground party because it attracts a very non-typical, South Beach crowd. For now, at least. Hopefully you’re not a typical South Beach reader who will go to this party and spoil the vibe. No offense, but keep away from things you’ll never understand.

I’m talking music, son. If you dig disco dancing, put your t-straps on and be prepared to twirl. From disco to electro to straight up rock 'n' roll, Apt. 423’s musical tastes run the gamut. DJs Jonathon, Josh and Ray Milan handle the decks – which turns this party into a secret society of music nerds. Except in 423’s case, all the nerds are handsome – glasses and goggles included.

Here’s where you can become their friends: www.myspace/apt407miami

The title is actually a misnomer since I went to some day events on Friday, which let me tell you are no where near as fun as the night events. See day events are mostly in South Beach which unfortunately due to the high volume of people this week, it just turns into one big clusterfuck of spring break frat boys and male Euro-trash in short-shorts clearly outlining their packages -- oh and of course DJs and industry people as well. On my walk to wherever the fuck I was going I saw Steve Aoki trotting his way up on Collins who stopped for a minute when he bumped into the MisShapes that were in head-to-toe black clothing that was completely inappropriate for how hot it was.

I first ventured into the Scion event at the Raleigh's pool, which if you've never seen it is absolutely gorgeous. There was a mix of plenty of hot bodies looking to catch the acts scheduled to perform and the occasional family with a WTF face who obviously realized they booked at the wrong time of year. Anyway, I'm not sure who was on when I got there but I notice the itinerary said Calvin Harris would be on at 6:15, so I scrambled out of there to check out a few more parties.

The Windish Agency event at South Seas had an amazing lineup. Unfortunately the South Seas pool area is as appealing as a wool sweater in Miami. To top it off, the hotel next door had a pool event as well and with no barrier between the two, the sound kept on bleeding. I was only able to catch Drop The Lime before I decided to leave.

Click here to read full article..

In case Winter Music Conference isn't your thing, there are definitely other things still going on in the city. Today actually marks that start of Fashion Week Miami Beach bringing with the back the tents at 11th & Ocean. Showcasing this year will be Puma, Sweetface, LE JEAN DE, Christina Ferrari, Akademiks, Puta De Madre, Russell Simmons, Justin Timberlake, Parish, Marceau and Heatherette. So if you are interested in goin, you can RSVP at the Fashion Week Web site, but remember entrance to these kind of events is all based on who you know, since space is very limited.

Full schedule after the jump. 

Click here to read full article..

So you honestly didn't think all we were going to do for WMC would be the Downtown Riot 2 party? Hell no! Miami Nights is also pulling hosting duties at the Social party at Snatch on Friday. And trust me, you are going to want to be there. The lineup includes DJ Mehdi, Annie Mac, VNDLSM, Eamon Harkin & Rok One, Nasty Nav, Obi, Red Foxx. Tickets are available via Wantickets.com for $10 -- and that's on a Friday night! It's a steal if you ask me.

I hadn't heard much on what Rokbar was going to do for Winter Music Conference, but finally they released their lineup and it's pretty damn impressive. Some pretty big acts are going to be playing there and it's going to be great since Rokbar will provide an intimate feel. Also WMC will be the first time Joshua Menendez's Revolver party comes out of hiatus/retirement/whatever. Past Revolver WMC parties have been legendary, and while I don't think this one will match past editions I still expect it to be tons of fun.

Also a bit of warning, if you plan to go, get ready to get very cozy with all the strangers surrounding you because as we all know Rokbar is tight. Here is the lineup:

Wenesday: Bottles & Models

Hosted by Playmate Raquel Gibson
DJ Tito & DJ 88

Thursday: DJs Are Not Rockstars

Stretch Armstrong
Junior Sanchez
DJ Cat
Alexander Techinique

Click here to read full article..

Well were officially a week away from the start of WMC and all of us here at Miami Nights are excited. Not to mention our medicine cabinets are full of robitussin, vitamins, minerals, aspirin, codine, metamucil, B12 shots, poppers and the likes. Were like a freaking meth lab technicians dream truly. But we don't cook meth, were just healthy young adults trying to stave off sclerosis, lung cancer and liver cancer any way possible.

All that aside it's time for another edition of WMC 2008 Lineups!!! Hoooraaaay. The Shelborne Hotel and Shine Nightclub have a HUGE lineup both day and night events well worth taking a gander at. I'll highlight a few here as the list is too long to possibly post but you can click here for their FULL lineup.

The Shelborne Poolside 12:00pm - 10:30pm

Thursday March 27th

• Evolve w/ Victor Calderone, Behrouz, Chus and Ceballos and more

Friday March 28th

• Pacha Miami Festival w/ Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso, Fedde Le Grand, Sander Kleinenberg and more

Shine Nightclub 10:00pm - 5:00am

Friday March 28th

• Def Mix w/ David Morales, Frankie Knuckles, Sebastian Gamboa and more

Saturday March 29th

• Hope in Miami w/ Nick Warren, Dave Seaman, 16 Bit Lolitas and more

Additional Information:
Info line: (001) 305.341.1455
For Press Passes: dennis@shelborne.com
Table and Cabana Reservations: wmc@shelborne.com or shine@shelborne.com
Advance Tickets: www.wantickets.com/shelborne or www.clubtickets.com/shelborne

Web Link:
www.shelborne.com
www.shinesouthbeach.com
www.myspace.com/shinemiami

VNDLSM or VND & LSM, but certainly not Vandalism, are the latest up-and-comers coming from our neighbors to the North. The Ontario-based duo are quickly rising to become the newest electro kings, right on the heels of another Canadian export -- MSTRKRFT.

They make their Winter Music Conference debut this year at the Social party at Snatch along with DJ Mehdi, Annie Mac, Eamon Harkin & Rok One, Nasty Nav and local DJ Obi T. They were nice enough to answer a few questions for Miami Nights, so read at your own risk.

MN: I bet you get compared a lot to another DJ duo from the Ontario area that is missing a few vowels. Do the comparisons bother you?

V: We love MSTRKRFT.  They like us.  To be compared to the best electro group in north america is not a bad look.  Have you heard VUVUVU? wow.

Click here to read full article..

Where have you been all my life Rokbar? Well you've always been there but you haven't shown your true colors until last night. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I haven't had so much fun in a while until I went to Rokbar last night for the Thursday night Bollocks party. I know, Rokbar isn't exactly the most authentic rock club out there, always feeling like a Downtown club repackaged for a South Beach tourist market. However it seems the club is finally finding its stride, taking a more laid back approach omitting the needless Top 40 sets by mediocre DJs.

Rokbar is still the same "Back in Black" club that its been since it underwent renovations, but there seemed to be less of an emphasis on bottle service, focusing more on just have a good time. Live music is now part of the repertoire, and even if it isn't always successful at least it's a risk I can appreciate. DJ Tommy Ryk stuck playing a good mix of indie dancefloor hits, '80s, electro and the occasional crossover hip-hop tracks, a far cry from the Rokbar norm. M.I.A, Daft Punk, Boys Noize, Feist, the Killers, Hot Chip, Le Tigre -- yes, at Rokbar! It surprised me because the usual Rokbar DJ set consist of the occasional Nirvana, AC/DC and Red Hot Chili Pepper track following the latest Top 40 hip-hop.

The door also seemed more relaxed, with not as much emphasis on letting those in who are "dressed to impress" -- the three words put together that I hate the most. The crowd actually looked like patrons who would go to a place called "Rokbar", instead of your douchy South Beach tourist in a half-opened button-up shirt exposing his lobster tan.

My only quip with the venue is drink prices. I'm sorry, $12 for a small cup of vodka & tonic is not acceptable in my book. I expect those prices at places like Set, Karu & Y or Skybar at the Shoreclub, but not at Rokbar. 

However, because the music and atmosphere was so good last night, I'll let them slide this time. So I guess what I am getting to is that my Thursday nights now belong to Rokbar, the new love of my life.

And on an extra note, Lil' Jon was there last night with a very small entourage composed of what seemed to be two people. I'm not sure if it was just entering Rokbar to get into Mynt, but I saw him enter and then exit 30 minutes later. 

I thought it might be cool to include some poolside events and hotel party's. These events are free and are a great way to see your fellow electronic music peers in the light of day as opposed to trying to guess if him or her is hot or not in the low lights of da club. Because I hate being caught off guard in the Taco Bell on Biscayne while gorging on pinto & beans when a girl says hello to me and I realize that is not the same person I was talking to last night.

Anyhow below are the events being held at the Delano and Skybar @ The Shore Club. Get your ass out of bed at a reasonable time and enjoy the Miami "Winter".

The Delano Hotel:

Thursday March 27
• Demon Days An Official Planet E Selection Featuring: Carl Craig (Miami Exclusive) Gamall and Roland Appel

Friday March 28
• Alex Barck of JAZZANOVA DJ Moni Taylor McFerrin & TK Wonder Darek Mazzone

Saturday March 29
• Turntables on the Hudson Christian Prommer

Skybar @ The Shore Club:

Wednesday, March 26
• Opening Party with SMAC Entertainment
Thursday March 27
• Misshapes Spin Poolside DJ Gomez and DJ Ross 1 in the Redroom Hosted by Roy Alpert, Paulo Cardoso and Tatanka (Favela Chic)
Friday March 28
• Paul Harris (Dirty Vegas) & Friends Spin Poolside and in the Redroom

Editor's Note: This a three-part series of our choices for the best WMC parties. Duran, B.A.C. and Lackner will give you their top 5 picks on what you absolutely cannot miss during the week of WMC. Don't forget you can post your WMC even on Miami Nights by clicking here.

Honestly 5 events isn't nearly enough to capture the calamity that is WMC. However the only way you can not OD stay sane during this week is to plan and not kill yourself running around Miami trying to see everything. It's pretty much impossible. So below I present you with my 5 can't miss events. As you know we do things differently on Miami Nights so I hope we are able to present you with some diversity in music and style. Enjoy!

DJ Funk, Drop the Lime, Le Castle Vania, Jason Tyler, Local Hero, Acid Girls, Ocelot and more @ Indra Lounge Tuesday

Indra Lounge you say? That's right, I was surprised to see it posted in our events section but I like the line-up alot. I'm a little weary of Indra since I have never been but to get a chance to catch Ocelot and Acid Girls would make for a great night. This is a WMC friendly event also so if you are a badge holder you get in free before midnight. Otherwise buy a ticket or pay $25 bucks at the door.

Nic Fanciulli, Audiofly, Tiefschwarz, Paul Harris, MURK, Cedric Gervais, Chris Lake, TV Rock, Pier Bucci, Armand Pena, Shlomi Aber,Steven Lee, Steve MacGranite & Phunk, Noir, Anja Schneider & more Wednesday @ Nikki Beach

I thought it would be cool to have a day event. I like the aspect of being out on the beach after a night of heavy drinking with a mojito in hand and listening to the likes of Fanciulli, Aduiofly and some local boys in Armand and Cedric. This party will go from 11am-10pm so you have plenty of time to get back to your hotel and wash up before the night starts. Or if your like Lackner, roll around in your Miniature Pinscher's shit then hit the town. Whatever your in to.

Get Physical with M.A.N.D.Y., Heidi, Junior Boys, Noze, Italoboyz + Guests @ Studio A

Sorry but I still can't get lasts years party out of my head. M.A.N.D.Y. and Booka Shade KILLED it and this year I expect no less from the German duo and Junior Boys. Has anyone heard the Junior Boys Body Language compilation cd? No? I suggest you buy it! Anyhow the German crew from Get Physical knows how to throw down and you definitely do not want to miss this party. Last year the place was packed wall to wall so get there early in case Studio A reaches capacity. Click here to check out our pics from Get Physical 2007.

Ferry Corsten, Sander Van Doorn, Eric Prydz and David Guetta @ Space Thursday

You just can't keep a great club like Space down. You got trance in the main room with Corsten and Van Doorn, and arguably the most talented member of the Swedish Mafia Eric Prydz on the terrace and David Guetta spinning after hours. Need I say more? Nah.

James Zabiela & Nic Fancuilli @ Studio A Friday

This is here simply because Zabiella was beyond amazing last he was here. The production with all the additional screens and cameras was amazing and we should expect the same level of commitment for WMC. Click here to check out pics from James Zabiela last time he was here and I think you will be convinced it's worth going to.