2010.03.25

Vol. XXV No. 12 March 25, 2010 Visit us at miamisunpost.com

The Story Matters Calendar p.14Head to the Emerald City, to see Alicia Keys live, while munching on Organic Goodies from Paradise.

TWEETING FOR VOTESSouth Florida Celeb Couple in National Nuptials Contest SEE PAGE 12

MAYHEM P.4 NEWS P. 6 POLITICS P. 7 HISTORY P.8 PROFILE P. 10 CALENDAR P.14 411 P.17 FILM P. 22 ART P.24 FASHION P. 26

EXECUTIVE EDITORKim Stark

[email protected]

SOCIETY EDITORJeannette Stark

[email protected]

COPY EDITORMary Louise English

CALENDAR EDITORJake Orsinni

[email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSJeffrey Bradley

Stuart DavidsonMarguerite Gil

Mary Louise EnglishJennifer Fragoso

John HoodThomas QuickRuben Rosario

Mary Jo Almeida-ShoreKim Steiner

Michael Sasser

Carl Zablotny

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSStuart Davidson

Eitan Moshe KleinMary Jo Almeida-Shore

Marguerite GilInes Hegedus-Garcia

Jennifer FragosoMitchell Zachs

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

Kim Stark

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ACCOUNTING

Sandie Friedman

SALES DIRECTORS

Jeannette Stark

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PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Felix Stark (1929-1995)

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• Thursday, March 25, 2010 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com

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KMP FURNITURESHOWROOM: 6444 Biscayne Blvd., Miami • 305-438-1797

kmpfurniture.com

Pantoni Chair$265

www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, March 25, 2010 •

I truly believe that good architecture should stimulate thought and discussion and that'sEXACTLY what 1111 Lincoln Road is doing (pronounced eleven-eleven). This mixed-useparking lot structure by Herzog and de Meuron has everyone talking: from praises to ad-monishments, it's all there. This building has been slowly introduced to a tough MiamiBeach crowd ... how will it stand the test of time?

Miami through my iphone

CONTROVERSIAL ARCHITECTUREby Ines Hegedus-Garcia - miamism.com - [email protected]


BY GEORGE KOTTLER

Last week I discovered a small, hidden gem of a place — Vital-

ife, down at 744 Sixth Street at the corner of Meridian Avenue —

that serves up incredibly delicious, natural foods that are pre-

pared on the premises daily.

I have visited Vitalife for healthful vittles three or four times

since then. Here are some of the delights you’ll find on a rotating

basis: Homemade soups include lentil, barley, roasted vegetable,

spinach and portabello mushroom.

Among the hot dishes are turkey with tomato basil, kung pao

chicken and seitan cacciatore. Cold items can include mahi mahi

salad, quinoa, brown rice, seitan, tofu, kale salad and old standbys

chicken and tuna salads. Meat and poultry are free range. Soups

are priced according to quantity; hot and cold items are sold by

weight.

Chef Peter, who began his career nearly 20 years ago at

Union Square Cafe in Manhattan, mans the kitchen. SoBe's gain

and Easton, Pa.'s loss, he packed up his family and moved here

just four weeks ago after the recent miserable Northern winter.

Vitalife does not have fancy surroundings but the food is deli-

cious. Non-health-oriented folks will be surprised by how tasty it

is. There are tables inside seating about 15 and the restaurant is

applying for a permit to add more tables outside. Come on down

now and enjoy healthy eating before the summer heat sets in.

An amazing set of keys. A magical collection of Key

pendants brimming with intrigue and allure. An ex-

citing array of chains of varying lengths and ma-

terials all from Tiffany. We just love that they

have such a vintage feel. Like an heirloom

passed down through the generations from

mother to daughter. There are oodles of styles,

colors, sizes and prices. The platinum Petals key (left)

is covered in 1.18 carats of brilliant round diamonds.

2.25” long. $6,500. The mini Heart key (above) is sterling

silver with a sweet Tiffany blue enamel heart. 1” long.

$125. Diamonds aside, the Trefoil key is an absolute fave

in 18K gold. 2.25” long. $900. And the best thing of all, if

you don’t feel like heading to Tiffany in the Bal Harbour

Shops, then buy yours online at tiffany.com.

Vitalife is a Healthy Hidden Gem

Tropical MayhemBITS AND PIECES OF MIAMI LIFE

Tiffany Keys

MIAMI,SPEAK YOUR MIND!

SPEAK YOUR MIND, MIAMI! WE WELCOME YOUR THOUGHTS, REVIEWS, MUSINGS, AND

PONTIFICATIONS ON ANYTHING TO DO WITH MIAMI LIFE. PLEASE MAKE IT SUCCINCT,NEWSWORTHY, INTERESTING AND UNDER 300 WORDS. EMAIL YOUR THOUGHTS [email protected] ATT: SPEAK YOUR MIND.


BUY1 PAIR OF COMPLETE EYEGLASSES AND GET THE SECOND

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For three Monday nights in the late winter, Lincoln Road’s Colony Theatre was alive with light, life andmore than a few laughs. The normally quiet night for the Road was being energized by the Kevin & CarusoMagic and Comedy Show.

“By the third week, we had over 300 people,” said the show’s producer, Kevin Jeffrey. “It was doing verywell.”

However, not long afterward, Jeffrey pulled the show. He said dealing with the theater’s managementcompany, Global Spectrum, and particularly union theater workers became cost inefficient, unpleasant andcumbersome. The theater is dark again on most Monday nights and Jeffrey said he isn’t interested in comingback any time soon.

“Unfortunately there were many issues,” Jeffrey said. “I’ve been working in theater for 20 years but havenever dealt with unions and never experienced anything like this.”

The Kevin & Caruso Magic and Comedy Show remains a popular and successful attraction at the DeauvilleBeach Resort, Jeffrey said. But he had wanted to offer a second show somewhere in the area and opted forthe Colony.

What followed was a litany of troubles, Jeffrey said. “Because it’s a union house, there are so many inefficient habits

that it made things impossible,” he said. “It was not cost efficient orpractical.”

Jeffrey cited several examples. Performers could not load in theirown costumes, which they resented and wanted particular care takenwith. Usher requirements for performances were “ridiculous.”

“We had to have four people come in for four hours minimum inorder to turn the projector on, when my guy could easily have done it,”Jeffrey said. “It was just absurd things.”

Jeffrey also claims that workers were generally unfriendly andchanged their minds frequently, complicating the job of production.

“One guy even lectured me on things that were none of his busi-ness,” Jeffrey said.

In early March, Jeffrey pulled the plug on the show at the Colony.“There was no practical way to rectify the situation,” Jeffrey said.

“I wrote letters to the city but they were uninterested because they paythe management company to run things. It’s ridiculous that I wrote aletter to the city — and they gave it back to Global Spectrum. The citywas just not interested.”

Jeffrey said he is trying to get back some of the money he paid foruse of the facility but said he knows it won’t happen.

Max Sklar, tourism and cultural development director for the Cityof Miami Beach, said he had not personally been contacted about theissue.

“I didn’t know anything about it until after they had pulled theshow out,” Sklar said. “I know Global Spectrum had been communi-cating with [Jeffrey] and I know he wasn’t happy and had pulled out.”

Sklar said he was aware that Global Spectrum had tried unsuc-cessfully to get Jeffrey to keep the show at the Colony.

“He’d already made his mind up, though,” Sklar said. Global Spectrum manages the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Colony and the Byron Carlyle under

contract with the City of Miami Beach. Sklar said the company has managed those facilities for a little over ayear and there have not been many complaints.

“Honestly, I can’t recall getting another complaint — nothing stands out in my memory,” Sklar said. Sklar said his office is familiar with most of the users of the Colony Theatre because most are city grant

recipients.“We interact with them all the time, so we would hear if they had problems,” he said. Sklar said that since most users of the Colony are smaller organizations on tight budgets, agreements are

made with unions to minimize expense. He said he has not heard specific complaints about union workersfrom Colony users at all.

Still, Sklar said, the city is not involved on a day-to-day basis with management of the theater.

Management at Global Spectrum did not make a scheduled phone call with SunPost to comment on thesituation.

The closing of the Kevin & Caruso Magic and Comedy Show at the Colony Theatre has been noted bylocal businesses.

“It’s a shame because it is a slow night and it brought people to Lincoln Road,” said one Lincoln Roadbusiness operator who did not want to be identified.

Jeffrey said he is trying to identify another location for an additional weekly show, but he remains upsetabout the experience at the Colony Theatre.

“It sucks because the city hoots and hollers about the need for entertainment and this cost them noth-ing to bring hundreds of people to Lincoln Road,” Jeffrey said. “The city could have stepped in. With all themoney they spend trying to bring people into town — they could have stepped in. They just weren’t interested.”

News

Producer Pulls Showfrom Colony TheatreBy Michael W. Sasser


PH

OT

O: S

B D

AV

IDS

ON

Not long on the job — not long at all — and the commissioner has al-

ready recused himself. Not a very auspicious beginning. As the new presi-

dent and CEO of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Commissioner

Jerry Libbin already had to weather a “potential” conflict with a member of

MBCC’s board of governors.

Libbin, as president, will report to the board of governors. Moreover,

the president is tasked with carrying out the board’s policies and vision.

Avoiding even the appearance of legal mischief, this sent the commish scur-

rying for advice to City Attorney Jose Smith — just to be safe. Libbin was-

n’t sure if he should legally recuse himself but did so anyway. For this, he’s

to be commended; but there’s more to come.

While granting the commissioner’s experience in working with the

community (his business ties, too), this kind

of thing can make you go hmmm…

Now, the commissioner has a fairly good

track record despite that unfortunate It’s all

about the parking quote — which surely

puts him no deeper into the transportation

dark ages than any other sitting commissioner

(just more articulate is all). And he rightly

claims that the Chamber wants someone at

the helm who can build “leadership experi-

ence.”

Mr. Aaron Perry, chairman of the board

of MBCC governors, agrees. He extols Libbin’s creativity, business smarts and community roots be-

fore remarking that that is why they chose him. “And he happens to be a commissioner.”

Libbin is unforthcoming about how helpful his being a sitting commissioner is. But why be coy?

That’s the very reason he was chosen!

In our view, after the Commission itself, the Chamber of Commerce should be the most politi-

cally powerful entity in city politics as that’s where the economic clout is. But even under strong

leadership, the MBCC’s influence wasn’t much more than marginal. And, for the last three years, for

x-reasons, membership dropped, the board fractured

and the group’s political influence fell to nil minus the

square root of zero.

This harks back to ex-mayor David Der-

mer’s “Save Miami Beach” legacy, wherein hiz-

zoner successfully peddled the notion that it

was us “good” residents vs. those “bad” de-

velopers, with the Orwellian twist that he then

himself presided over the biggest building

craze ever experienced by Miami Beach. (And

some say that electioneering slogans don’t res-

onate with the people. Huh!) We know more

than a few members from the tie-dyed and

ponytail set that still believe this nonsense.

Well, some people think OJ’s innocent, too. Go figure.

This rift continues. And it must be got over if we’re to become a common community instead

of a pastiche of balkanized enclaves. Competing interests, piled one atop another, eventually make

the machine seize up. And too many of our elected and administrative officials fall prey to champi-

oning the NIMBY de jour rather than address the bigger picture.

So, Commissioner and now-President Libbin, here is your challenge…

• Mind the Sunshine Laws. This means no discussing government-related business secretly

with other elected officials.

• Steer clear of impropriety. Apparently you’ve already determined by way of the city’s legal

office that no prohibition exists to your serving as president. And bringing the matter before the

Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust was a good move.

• Avoid loopholes. The ethics commission supports an MBCC Select

Committee to oversee your employment issues and circumvent your need for

recusal. So listen up.

Underscoring the need for conflict-of-interest avoidance, the Chamber

removed both the city manager and police chief from its board to maintain

an “uncomplicated governing position” between the organization and Libbin.

So apparently, the commissioner does get it. Other commissioners have

fallen far short over a lot less when it came to exploiting their influence.

Luckily, they were rebuked. We’re not of the opinion that this commissioner

suffers such hubris or is so ignorant of what is and what isn’t appropriate.

… And here is your charge:

Sail prevailing steering currents to

amass, consolidate and adroitly use the

power that ducats flowing into state coffers

emboldens; but beware the jealousy of oth-

ers, the slings of hypocrisy and arrows of in-

famy that will surely follow your efforts. It

takes resilience and sagacity — and some-

one unafraid of wielding power — to use this

powerful base for serving the good of the

people.

Knitting together the resident/business

fabric will be serious work now that the so-

cial moths have done their worst. Stay steady; be consistent. And the last thing we want is the Cham-

ber becoming a creature or tool of the Commission. Even a whiff of influence peddling will be

jumped on all over these pages and shouted from the barricades.

“And now” (quoting a famous 19th century politician), “beware of rashness. Beware of rash-

ness, but with energy and sleepless vigilance go forward and give us victories.”

Be the man. The man for all reasons.

COLUMN

The Man for All Reasons?By Jeffrey Bradley

Politics

www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • March 25, 2010 •

“The last thing we want is the Chamberbecoming a creature or tool of the

commission. Even a whiff of influencepeddling will be jumped on all over thesepages and shouted from the barricades”

SUNSET LAKE: 2020 ALTON ROAD, Miami Beach - Thisproperty is finally being built. Part of a divided lot, it hassat for the better part of 2 years. Grab the opportunityto own one of the first brand new, ultra-modern, Greenhomes on the Beach! Ideal for a Family or SecondHome. Golf Course View, walking distance to LincolnRoad Mall. Great Location. Roof Deck. Hurricane re-sistant features, emergency generator, pool and muchmore! Designed by respected Miami Architect, so cus-tomize now during construction. 3300 SQ FT.$1,699,000. Contact: Jeff Morr, Majestic Properties.305-398-7888 or [email protected].

TIDBITS

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

“Our town,” Miami Beach — one of the world’s greatest resorts — hashad more words written about its history than any other city of its size inAmerica. The story is so incredible, so intriguing and so replete with manydifferent, true and real characters that “fascinating” is one of the minoradjectives to describe that history.

But perhaps most interesting is the fact that Miami Beach came toprominence not because of the names of its great, original founders,builders and developers but because

one man, at the time recognized as the greatest p.r. — public relations— person in America, conjured up a word to describe the beautiful swim-suit models that his vision foretold him would be the salvation of OceanBeach, the failing land enterprise on the islandacross Biscayne Bay from what was already beingcalled “the Magic City.” And that man believed theuse of that word to describe those models wouldmake everybody in America — at least all ofthose east of Kansas City — aware of MiamiBeach, that mostly mangrove sandbar is-land that Carl Fisher and Jim Allison hadpurchased from John S. Collins and hisson-in-law, Thomas J. Pancoast.

Fisher and Allison spent an enor-mous amount of money clearing landand preparing the oceanfront island forsale. With the assistance of John H. Levi,a former yacht broker who had handledthe sale of a luxurious vessel to Fisherand then had become his right-handman in the building of Miami Beach, andC. W. “Pete” Chase, who would becomehis head salesman, Fisher and Allisonworked day and night to sell land on theisland. Unhappily for them, and evenafter offering the land free to anyonewho would build a house and live on theproperty, there were few takers.

The four men were nearly out ofideas when Levi, following his returnfrom a trip to New York, casually an-nounced to Fisher and Allison that hehad the solution to the “selling prob-lem” but that they would have to spendsome money to bring in (according toLevi) “the best p. r. and promotions guyin the world.” “And who might that be?” Fisher asked. Whereupon Levi replied “Steve Hannagan.”

In the years that have passed since Hannagan’s untimely (and to some, unseemly) termination asMiami Beach’s publicity director in the late 1940s or very early 1950s, and his replacement by HankMeyer, and, later, Harold Gardner as the city’s publicity and public relations directors (the title pre-

ceding today’s director of tourism or protocol or whateverterm the powers that be want to use), Steve Hannagan’sname, sadly and unhappily, has almost faded from the pub-lic consciousness. It remains memorialized — as it shouldbe — in Miami Beach history books such as this writer’sSunshine, Stone Crabs and Cheesecake: The Story ofMiami Beach, wherein Hannagan receives the long overdueaccolades he is absolutely entitled to.

So what, exactly, did Hannagan do that makes him suchan important figure in Miami Beach’s more-than-140-year(from the time of the mangrove sandbar island’s discoveryin 1870, not its 1915 incorporation date) history? Well,

even if he had done nothing else, it was Steve Hannagan who came up with the idea of using beautifulyoung women wearing skimpy (for the time) bathing suits in glamorous and seductive poses, runningdown the beach, leaning against palm trees, lolling on sea walls and park benches and generally doingwhat beautiful young women do in ads such as those: look enticing as they participated in the promo-tions that were the predecessors of Jim Dooley’s famous Northeast Airlines Cuh monnnn down! com-mercials. And what did Mr. Hannagan call those beautiful young women in their strikingly attractiveposes? Why, “cheesecake,” of course!

Next week, more on the cheesecake story — including how Carl Fisher’s wife, Jane, became partof “the look!”

COLUMN

It All Began with “Cheesecake” – Seriously!By Seth H. [email protected]

A Special Moment in Time

ABOVE: JACKIE OTT (AT LEFT) THE FAMOUS WATER TOT, ISSHOWN WITH SEVEN STRIKING YOUNG CHEESECAKE MODELSON THE BEACH AT MIAMI BEACH IN THE EARLY 1920S. WHILETHE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS ARE UNIDENTIFIED, JACKIE WOULD GOON TO A LONG CAREER DOING WATER SHOWS AND MANAGINGPOOLS AND CABANA CLUBS IN THE GREATER MIAMI AREA.

ABOVE: WHAT COULD BE MORE ENTICING THAN THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLWHO, IT APPEARED, WAS "WAITING FOR YOU IN FLORIDA"? LEFT:THOUGH TODAY WE SMILE AT "THE LOOK," THE BATHING SUITS ANDBEACH ATTIRE (NOTICE THE SHOES!) WERE NOTHING SHORT OF SCAN-DALOUS TO THE PRUDES AND WOULD-BE MORALS KEEPERS OF THETIME.


RIGHT:BEHIND THE UM-BRELLA, THE CHEESECAKEMODELS GIVE OFF A DIS-TINCT AIR OF SENSUALITYAS THEY POSE FOR STEVEHANNAGAN'S PHOTOGRA-PHERS.


If you’ve ever been to Bash, Shadow Lounge or Liquid, or patronized Level or Karu and Y, Gerry Kellyis the man to thank for those bracing nights.

The Irish-bred nightclub owner began his career as a women's haute couture fashion designer, set-ting up shop in Stuttgart, Germany, and soon after became an event promoter for the renowned PACHAnightclub. "Since the recession, doing women's haute couture was like the kiss of death," states Kelly. "It'sa dying art. You don't make any money out of it, you just get in the papers all the time. But it was a pas-sion that I loved to do."

This inspiring and enthusiastic motivation landed the designer a contract to style the wardrobe for Eu-rope's acclaimed Simply Red lead singer, Michael "Mick" Hucknall. In 1993, Kelly made his debut onSouth Beach, having been prompted by his former client to move to the city and partake in directing eventsfor Hucknall’s new South Beach club, Bash. Although the club was co-owned by actor Sean Penn, Kelly waswary of an area that was alien to him. He decided to take a chance, offering them a three-month stay —but upon arrival, he knew this was a city with potential.

Kelly then spent the next 16 years opening, running or directing some of the most lavish and chicnightclubs that have blessed our city, catering to everyone from tourists and locals to A-list celebrities likeMadonna, Donatella Versace and P. Diddy, to name a few.

PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY YOU SHOULD KNOW

Gerry KellyNight ImpresarioBy Thomas Quick

In 2009, after resigning as vice president of downtown hot spot Karu and Y, Kelly decided to take hisEuropean flair to Gulfstream Park and Casino to construct a new venue where the creative vision was his.Kelly began designing his club, MI-VI (pronounced “MI6”), using 17th- and 18th-century England as thebasis for his dynamic palette, importing Victorian-style furniture from Egypt, lining the bars with poshflowing drapes and erecting an extravagant statue of Queen Elizabeth I at the club’s entrance. These giveMI-VI a sense of nobility that is luxurious yet welcoming.

"Building the palace and opening the doors, then expecting people to walk through them... those daysare over," says Kelly. This understanding of nightlife evolution gave the club owner theme ideas such as"Kingdom Thursdays," "A-list Fridays" and "Monarchy Saturdays," which is described as a night with a lit-tle something for everybody, gathering an eclectic melting pot of dancers and drinkers.

Since opening on Jan. 23, Kelly's new Gulfstream home has been prospering. "One of the reasons Icame out to Gulfstream is because this compound is what I call the ‘sleeping giant’ on the Miami-Dade andBroward line," Kelly explains. And while we see the Gulfstream Village beginning to flourish, Kelly’s pres-ence is sure to hasten the “sleeping giant’s” awakening, while reminding us all how to let loose and havea good time.

PHOTO: MITCHELL ZACKS/MAGICAL PHOTOS


"Get Off the Road"and do it on the lane

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- Miami Herald

THE HAPPY COUPLE STRIKING A POSE ON OCEAN DRIVE.

for votesOK, so maybe it isn’t quite infinite, but it is a cause célèbre that is

reaching quite a few people in South Florida and beyond. And it isbeing promoted by such high profile local luminaries as South Floridaüber promoter Michael Capponi, beloved South Beach Wine & FoodFestival head honcho Lee Schrager and local publicist Lisa Silvera, toname just a few.

Just what “it” is, is the stuff of quintessential South Florida public life,complete with requisite color and characters. It’s a slip of a tale of thecommunity’s tight-knit glitterati. It is, in fact, a marketing movement.

But is also the tale of the impending nuptials of local celebrity cou-ple Tara Solomon and Nick D’Annunzio.

Just this week, Capponi spelled out the effort in an email to hiswidely coveted email list. Its message was simple: “Please help Nickand Tara make it into thetop 50 in Crate & Barrel'sDream Wedding contest!Only one week left to get1,500 votes. Please votetoday! (Each email accountcan vote once.) If everyonereceiving this would justvote once, we can makeour goal!” It was followedby the web address for in-terested parties to vote.

At issue is a contestsponsored by the estimable retailer and DailyCandy.com. In it, couplesplanning weddings have the chance to win a grand prize of a $100,000gourmet wedding. First, though, they must earn enough online votesto make the top 50. Then the winning couples (there are awards be-sides the grand prize) will be chosen by the sponsors and A-list plan-ner extraordinaire Jo Gartin (who will also organize the grand prizewinners’ big day).

Solomon and D’Annunzio were on holiday in Palm Springs whenTara came across mention of the contest. The two are no strangers topublic life. Solomon is a writer, television personality and co-principalof TARA, Ink, a public relations, special events and creative marketingfirm with offices in Miami Beach, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. A res-ident of Miami Beach since the late 1980s, Tara is considered a SouthBeach pioneer, credited for helping to shape South Beach’s demimonde

through her popular Miami Herald nightlife and social column, “Queenof the Night,” which she penned and photographed in the 1990s.

D’Annunzio specializes in strategic marketing, event coordination,product development and public relations. He has worked with manyof the most successful companies in the beauty and fashion worlds increating national event strategies and product development. He haspartnered both personally and professionally with many local organi-zations and national charities including D.I.F.F.A., National Parkinson’sFoundation, Fashion Group International, Miami Beach Chamber ofCommerce, Miami City Ballet, Boys and Girls Club and Cystic Fibrosis.Nick has also co-produced and sponsored numerous regional fashionsshows for designers including Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Cynthia Row-ley and Betsey Johnson.

These days the couple of12 years are partners inTARA, Ink.

Still, they weren’t look-ing for anything high profilewhen, on a whim, Tara sug-gested entering the contest.

“I hadn’t entered a con-test in, well, decades. Ithought it would be fun andit reminded me of theseharebrained, campy things Idid as a kid to entertain my-

self,” Tara said. “I don’t think Nick even heard me when I told him I wasgoing to enter us.”

Not long after they entered the contest, the couple discovered thatgarnering enough votes to make it to the top 50 was no easy thing, de-spite their marketing prowess and massive contact list.

Hampering the effort were Solomon and D’Annunzio’s very differ-ent perspectives on the contest — perspectives that have amused andentertained circles of Facebook and Twitter friends and social contactsfor weeks.

“It began quite innocently and it became a campaign,” musesSolomon. “Nick is, well, a reluctant co-entrant. I’m not allowed to pro-mote it to his friends, our clients or people he considers mutual friends.So those people I’ve known longer, I claim. I have to speak in code so

Please see Contest on page 23

COVER STORY

“The first time Nick went off the edge was when he got in the

elevator and someone recognized him from the flyer I had made andput under doors,” Solomon Said.

Written by Michael W. Sasser

Local Celeb Couple in National Nuptials Contest

T WEETING

CalendarWHAT TO DO IN MIAMI THIS WEEK


LANG LANG

March 25ART[Name]A wonderful opportunity to support the local art scene with a fundraiser held by [Name]Publications, a non-profit miami-based book publisher. [NAME] Publications is pro-ducing a series of books that focus on Miami artists. For the fundraiser, ten artists havedonated multiples that will be sold for $250 each. Artists include Jacin Giordano,Frank Benson and Jennifer Cohen. Reception 7-9pm. De la Cruz Collection, 23 NE 41Street Miami. For info: 305-576-6112 or delacruzcollection.org.

March 26-28FESTIVALUltra Music FestThe legendary Ultra Music Festival hits town this weekend as part of the Winter MusicConference. The Twelfth Edition will run for 2 days and 2 nights with 16 stages and fea-turing more than 200 Djs, bands and producers. The Crystal Method, David Guetta,The Disco Biscuits, Passion Pit and Carl Cox are only a few of the artists performing.$350 two-day VIP pass, $139.50 two-day pass, $250 Friday VIP, $89.95 Friday only, $250Saturday VIP. 4pm. Bicentennial Park, 1075 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. For info: ultramu-sicfestival.com.

March 26-28FESTIVALBluesFestA 3-day muisc, food and beer festival featuring na-tional and local blues artists like The Daddy WagsTrio, Joey Gilmore featuring Aishya Z, Bill Wharton“The SauceBoss”, IKO IKO, Deck 52, Steve Thorpe,Hep Cap Boo Daddies, Blind Willie, The Big CityBlues Band, Ben Robinson and Piano Bob’s88’s. Free. 8 p.m. Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, 60Merrick Way, Coral Gables. For info: 305-774-1883 or bierhaus.cc

March 26DANCEJoffrey BalletChicago’s Joffrey Ballet will be at the Arsht for two nights thisweekend. The company was the first dance company to perform atthe White House; first to appear on television; first classical dancecompany to go multi-media; first to commission a rock ‘n’ rollballet; and the first and only dance company to appear on thecover of Time Magazine. The program will consist of 4 dances,Confetti, Valses Poeticos, Aria, and Age of Innocence. 8pm.$25 - $120. Ziff Ballet opera house, 1300 Biscayne Blvd.,Miami. For info: arshtcenter.org.

March 26COMEDYChelsea Bang BangThis 21 city tour celebrates the release of stand-up comedienne, humorist, televison host and ac-tress Chelsea Handler's third book, ChelseaChelsea Bang Bang. $57.50-$90.50. 8pm. TheFillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater,1700 Washington Ave. Miami Beach. For info:305-673-7300 or livenation.com. Also catchHandler when she hits Books and Books, CoralGables for an author chat and book signing be-fore her performance. 3pm. Free. Books andBooks, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. For info:305.442.4408 or booksandbooks.com

March 26SPORT

Tennis Anyone?Roger Federer will begin his quest for a third

tennis title this weekend at the Sony Er-icsson Open on Key Biscayne. Thetwo weeks of tennis concludewith the women’s final on Satur-

day, April 3 and the men’s final onSunday, April 4. $5-$425. 8pm. Crandon Park Tennis Center, 7300 Crandon Blvd,

Key Biscayne. For info: sonyericssonopen.com or 305-442-3367.

March 27MUSICAlicia KeysCatch Alicia Keys in concert, performing songs from her newest album,The Element of Freedom this Saturday. The Freedom Tour hits Miami for

a one-night-only show. 8pm. $46.50-$125. American Airlines Arena, 601Biscayne Blvd; Miami. For info: aliciakeys.com

March 27KIDSWe’re Off to See the WizardFollow the yellow brick road to the Wizard of Oz Educational Exhibition

at Miami Children's Museum. Join Dorothy and Toto on a multi-sensory,cross-disciplinary exploration of the Land of Oz.Every day is a new Oz character day, so kids canenjoy different character related activities, like artsand crafts. Mondays are Be a Munchkin; Tuesdaysare Wizard Science; Wednesdays are Glinda’s Bub-ble Wand; Thursdays are We’re Off to See the Wiz-ard; Fridays are Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers ArtActivity; Saturdays are the Tin Man Freeze Dance;and Sundays are Do you have the courage to beKing of the Forest? with a Lion’s Obstacle Course.$7.50-$15. Miami Children's Museum, 980MacArthur Cswy., Miami. For info: miamichil-drensmuseum.org.

CALLED ”A SENSATION” BY THENEW YORK POST, THE MUSICALCOMES TO MIAMI AS PART OFTHE ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER’S BROADWAY IN MIAMISERIES. MAMMA MIACOMBINES ABBA’S GREATESTHITS, INCLUDING “DANCINGQUEEN,” “S.O.S.,” “SUPERTROUPER,” “TAKE A CHANCE ONME” AND “THE WINNER TAKESIT ALL,” WITH AN ENCHANTINGTALE OF LOVE, LAUGHTER ANDFRIENDSHIP. 8PM. $25-$72. ZIFFBALLET OPERA HOUSE, 1300BISCAYNE BLVD., MIAMI. FORINFO: ARSHTCENTER.ORG.

SAVE THE DATE:TUESDAY, MARCH 30

MAMMA MIA

Please see Calendar on page 16

ABOVE: JOFFREY BALLET.BELOW: ARTIST, JOSE ALVAREZ, DE MORA LUMINISAT THE DELACRUZ COLLECTION.


March 27MUSICSizzling SalsaLatin hearthrob, Victor Manuelle will make womenswoon with a special concert celebrating his YoMismo Tour. $57-$108. 8:15pm. James L. KnightCenter, 400 SE 2nd Ave., Miami. For info: jlkc.com

March 27SPORTWalk with the ButterfliesWander through The Deering Estate on a butterflywalk while taking in some rarely seen species ofbutterfly. Walk with a naturalist through varioushabitats in search of Dina yellow, Dingy purplewing,and Atala butterflies, as well as others of the nearlyforty species recorded on the estate. Reservationsthree weeks in advance required. $5-$7. 2pm.Deering Estate at Cutler, 16701 SW 72nd Ave., Per-rine. For info: 305-235-1668 ext. 242 or deeringes-tate.org.

March 27ARTGallery of Fabulous WomenPart of the Miami Beach Women's Conference is an art ex-hibit featuring the works of 13 local female artists includingHannah Lasky, Winsome Bolt, Paula Turk and DenaStewart. 10am. Free. Art Gallery at the Miami Beach Conven-tion Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach.For info: womensexhibit.com

March 28FESTIVALSeafood FestLobster, garlic blue crabs, fresh crawfish, oysters,conch, mountains of shrimp, grilled tuna and dol-phin, fresh sushi, seafood paella...just some of theseafood on offer at this year's Deering Seafood Fes-tival. Also to be had are Cooking Demos by localcelebrity chefs, art exhibits, the Li’l Shrimp KidsZone, pontoon boat rides, Bahamian Junkanoo, Reg-gae and Steel bands and tours of the Deering Estate.$15. 11am. Deering Estate at Cutler, 16701 SW 72ndAve., Perrine. For info: 305-235-1668 ext. 242 ordeeringestate.org

March 28FESTIVALArteamericasArteaméricas is the premier art fair of Latin American art. Returning for its eighth year, itwill showcase the latest trends in paintings, sculpture and multimedia. Over 40 galleries willbe participating, representing more than 300 emerging artists and renowned masters. Thisyear the fair will include galleries from Haiti, Spain and Germany. $12. 12pm. ThroughMarch 29. Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach.For info: arteamericas.com.

March 28FOODOrganic ParadiseThe most coveted meal ticket in town, is an evening at Paradise Farms in Homestead wherelocal guest chefs prepare six course meals using organic products from the farm. This week-end the chefs are Michelle Bernstein of Michy’s, George Fistovich and Jordi Valles of TheRitz-Carlton, Key Biscayne and Marc Vidal of Solea. Cockails start at 5pm, dinner at 6pm.$165. Reservations are required. Dress is upscale casual. For info: 305-248-4181 or par-adisefarms.net.

March 29MUSICLang LangNamed the hottest artist on the classical music planet,by The New York Times, 26-year-old Chinese pianistLang Lang has inspired 40 million Chinese kids to playthe piano. His biggest accomplishment yet, was to playat the Beijing's Olympics opening ceremony. His Miamiappearance will be with the Schleswig-Holstein MusicFestival Orchestra, which was founded just over twodecades ago by Leonard Bernstein and is comprisedof the world's best young musicians under the age of27. $50-$125. 8pm. Knight Concert Hall, 1300 BiscayneBlvd., Miami. For info: arshtcenter.org.

March 31ARTThe World is YoursCatch the solo exhibition of LA-based artist and filmmaker Drew Heitzler at Locust Projects. The in-stallation focuses on a video projection that explores the 1932 film Scarface. Heitzler edits HowardHawkes’ adaptation of Scarface, produced by Howard Hughes, to exclude dialog and create an ab-stract narrative that shifts the focus from drug and street crime to white-collar crime and governmentcomplicity. The installation will also include appropriated photographs from the book HowardHughes, His Life and Madness that explore how the Howard Hughes Medical Center, originallyheadquartered in Miami, was a tax dodge for Hughes made possible by a collaboration with Richard

Nixon’s brother. The windows of Locust Projects will be lined with imagesfrom the cover of a 1974 issue of Playgirl Magazine, which included an arti-cle about Howard Hughes and Richard Nixon. 155 NE 38th Street, Suite 100,Miami,. For info: 305.576.8570 or locustprojects.org.

CalendarWHAT TO DO IN MIAMI THIS WEEK VICTOR MANUELLE

FAR ABOVE: MARISAFINOS, PRETTY LIL'PUP 2009. ABOVE:DOROTHY FROM THEWIZARD OF OZ. LEFT:ROGER FEDERER.


Evelyn Lozado and Never Winter Lead Actress Chiara Thielman


411

Pras, David Sugarman, Korina Mora

Liannet Borrego, Moe Charif, Rebecca Swann and Al Charif at the Miami Film Festival

Amedeo Scognamiglio of Faraone Menella at Saks Dadeland

MJ Barton with Entertainment Attorney Aaron Resnick and a Friend Rex Lee at STK MiamiSorah Daiha and friendsJulie Brown and Francisco Llado

Greg and Jean Marie Kouri

Niki Adamkova, George Wallner and Ximena Gonzalez

Never Winter Director Moe Charif and Dr. BrandtGrey Goose Vodka reps at the Manor

GALAS GALOREThe first annual Hearts and Stars Gala took place Saturday evening at

Casa Malinka, the waterfront estate of Russian supermodel Malinka Max andGeorge Wallner, to benefit The Little Lighthouse Foundation and Ronald Mc-Donald Charities of South Florida. This “un-gala” seemed like a “pretty peo-ple convention” with more than 600 well-heeled, great-looking guests inattendance. Instead of assigned seating, drawn-out speeches, or banquet food(not that there’s anything wrong with that!), the Hearts and Stars Gala fea-tured an informal gathering, wherein guests roamed the expansive water-front property, danced, mingled, bid on terrific auction items, enjoyedgourmet food from food stations provided by Devito South Beach, the ChopHouse, The Ivy and GREY GOOSE cocktails a-go-go. They were also treated toa fashion show and two incredible musical performances, one by the up-and-coming superstar, charismatic NIR (whom we tout as a young, Israeli JustinTimberlake, except even more gorgeous) and another live performance bythe legendary Pras Michel, founder and former member of the multi GrammyAward-winning group, The Fugees. NIR showed off his terrific vocals, whichare rivaled only by his dance moves, performing his debut single “Here ICome,” along with dancers from the Strip. Can we say “HOT?!” After a bril-liantly colorful fashion show by designer Rosita Hurtado, Pras Michel and hisnew band AXIXS wowed the crowd with a concert that included their newsingle "Hipstar," along with other classics mixed in with the requisite GaGa, andthe multiplatinum-selling single "Ghetto Superstar,” (mashed up with DollyParton’s “Islands in the Stream” — who knew both songs have the samemelody?), which was even better than the original, complete with a fireworksdisplay in the background. To see the video of Pras’ performance, go towww.miamisocialholic.com.

"We have received nothing but positive feedback from all in attendancethat this was a first-class event, and have built a good foundation for the fu-ture. We were amazed at the resources, time, effort, and personal investmentpeople had in making this event a success both financially and otherwise, andthe generous contributions from so many including Pras and Axixs, GeorgeWallner, and our sponsors and hosts," said Rob Sena, founder of Little Light-house Foundation.

On the same night, at the Mandarin Oriental, the Women of Tomorrow(WOT) Mentor & Scholarship Program’s power players Jennifer Valoppiand Telemundo President Don Browne along with Gala Chair Marisa Toc-cin, WOT Vice President and State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle,and honorees Madeleine and Micky Arison, Lora and Fred Drasner and

Jason and Haley Binn celebrated the WOT annual gala along with nearly 500philanthropists. Celebrity guests and VIP attendees included tennis masterSerena Williams, Victoria’s Secret supermodel Selita Ebanks, Latin heart-throb and Billboard-nominated singer/actor JenCarlos Canela, renownedartist Romero Britto, news anchor Maria Celeste Arraras and singer/song-writer Jamie Jo Harris.

Also on Saturday, The Wellness Community presented a Night in MonteCarlo at the Eden Roc. The elegant affair was chaired by Michael Capponi andDebra Schottenstein. David Gandell was named the Heart of Gold Honoreeand Lonnie Quinn served as the auctioneer for the second year in a row.

WINTER MUSIC CONFERENCEIf you are reading this right now, it appears that you have survived the first

half of WMC! Congratulations! You must have been eating your Wheaties andtaking your Geritol. To those of you who remember Wheaties and Geritol com-mercials, and, well, pretty much anyone actually legally old enough to get intothese events: YOU ARE TOO OLD TO GO! Consider yourselves warned. But forthose of us who continue to attempt to defy gravity and time, this year’s lineuppromises one heck of a ride.

Our favorite Wynwood lounge, Cafeina, will round up Winter Music Con-ference with three days of special performances. On Friday, March 26, DJMotion Potion brings WMC’ers “Silent Disco,” along with the sounds ofPanic Bomber. On Saturday, March 27, Cafeina presents “E! Glam Tour”with music by Dangerous Muse, Kill Hannah and Shiny Toy Guns. Whileyou are there, be sure to check out the best crab cakes this side of the uni-verse and Chef Guilly Booth’s other delectable menu additions. Our latest crav-ing: coconut-battered calamari.

South Beach newcomer Coco de Ville at Gansevoort South will host WMCevents for the first time this year. On Friday, March 26, “Party Crash” bringsout Ruckus, Cory Enemy and DJ Shuttle. The Saturday, March 27, wrap-upevent will be the Dirt.nasty. (not a typo) album-release party with Devin Lu-cien and Jesse Marco.

Catch “Mash-up Master” DJ Joe Dert spinning at various venues through-out the weekend: Friday, March 26, at MI-VI; and Saturday, March 27, withdual sets at Plunge and Karu & Y.

The Opium Group has a winning lineup featuring Axwell, Benny Benassi,Bob Sinclar, Boys Noize, Calvin Harris, Dim Mak Records, Dirty Dutch, Dub-fire, Fedde Le Grand, F*** Me I'm Famous, Joris Voorn, Kaskade, MSTRKRFT,Nic Fancuilli, Pryda, Roger Sanchez, Sasha & John Digweed, Sebastian In-

COLUMN

Let the Music PlayBy Mary Jo [email protected]

The 411

Aritst, Stephen Gamson at the Hearts and Stars GalaCindy Carr and Lola Jacobson at Women of Tomorrow Gala


Stephanie Sayfie-Aagaard and Morton Aagaard at the Women of Tomorrow Gala

Don Browne, Maria Browne, Brenda Diaz-Balart and Jose Diaz-Balart

Lora Drasner, Fred Drasner, Karen Piazza and Katherine Fernandez Rundle at theWomen of Tomorrow Gala

Jennifer Valoppi, Romero Britto and Marisa Toccin

grosso, Steve Angello, Strictly Defected and more of the best events you will findduring the WMC at their venues Mansion, SET, Louis Bar-Lounge and CameoTheatre. For more information and to buy tickets, visit: theopium-group.com/wmc2010.

Club 50 at the Viceroy will host a series of pool parties, events and greattalent including: David Vendetta & Micah the Violinist, Ruben Moran (Saxo), RonCarroll, John Shelvin, Grasshopper, Lou Flores, Tom Novy, Funkerman, Mas-simo Martinelli, Julian Ingrosso, resident DJ’s Nano & JP Candela from PachaMadrid & Ibiza. For more information and to buy tickets contact: 305-503-4400 ext 7138 or [email protected].

The Florida Room at Delano brings an extremely strong and talented lineupas well. On Friday, the legendary Paul Oakenfold and special guests will be spin-ning in a true house fashion. Giant Step Magazine presents Questlove, YamenAllworld and Giles Peterson on Saturday night. The Florida Room will end theweek in style with its “Unofficial Closing” starring Ruckus, DJ Berry and otherspecial guests that you won’t want to miss. Table reservations are strongly rec-ommended. For reservations please call 305-674-6152. Doors open at 10 p.m.

Skybar at the Shore Club and Aquabooty have teamed up for WMC thisyear. On Friday night, we party all night long for a good cause with AquabootyPresents Beats Build Hope, a benefit for Next Aid, Soil and Green Waves. OnSaturday, Aquabooty presents the Beats in Space edition featuring DubtribeSoudsystem Live!, DJ Harvey, Crazy P, Aeroplane, Metro Area DJ Set, Jazznova,Rich Medina, Tim Sweeney, Alex From Tokyo, Citizen Kane, Djini Brown, And DJKemit. For the grand finale on Sunday, Hard Rock’s Rehab invades Miami for anall-day, all-night party at Shore Club’s pool. There’s a $25 entry fee for all events.For table reservations please call 786-276-6772.

America's number-one-selling DJ, Louis Devito, will showcase his famed'New York City' energy with a performance at Kitchen 305, located inside theNewport Beachside Hotel & Resort, on Friday, March 26. Before Devito takes tothe turntables, Exodus, Miss Shawna and Ilgin, Turkey's favorite DJ, will spintheir most popular tracks starting at 9 p.m. Admission is $20 or free with aWinter Music Conference badge.

New York City mega club Pacha NYC returns to Miami kicking things off onWednesday night with DJ heavyweight Danny Tenaglia and special guest PacoOsuna at Parkwest. Friday, March 26, Pacha NYC and Mixmag will present theBlack Eyed Peas' will.i.am with Boyz Noize and D. Ramirez. Then on Satur-day, house prodigies The Martinez Brothers will get things going while JonathanPeters spins a special late-night session. For more information and to purchasetickets visit www.pachanyc.com/miami2010.

PIRATE STEREO For the first time ever, Pirate Stereo, critically acclaimed DJ duo, will

be hosting their official album-release party in downtown Miami, show-casing new original material on Friday, March 26. For this one extraordi-nary night, they will be taking over a space in the heart of downtown andproclaiming it their “WMC Safe House.” The safe house is located directlyadjacent to Club Space and Nocturnal, it is within walking distance of UltraMusic Festival and best of all, it has been outfitted with state of the art light-

ing and sound for the release. To purchase tickets visit wantickets.com/wmcsafehouse or wmsafe-

house.blogspot.com or call 305-793-0990.

A FASHIONABLE SPIN ON WMC:FUNKSHIONABLY LOUD

Music and passion take center stage once again at 11th Street andOcean Drive on Friday night with a free concert by Little Louie Vega and arunway show for LV Clothing from 5-8 p.m. If you are looking for somethinga bit more upscale Friday, visit www.funkshion.com to RSVP for the PitahayaSwimwear, Fall/Winter 2010 runway show at the Setai Hotel at 8 p.m. It isopen to the public, but RSVPs are required. After a month’s worth of shows,Funkshion features DJ Jon Cutler and famed Parisian Hotel Costes DJ,Stephane Pompougnac, spinning the beats for their closing night party onFriday. If you have missed anything (including the amazing Buffalo by DavidBitton show last night at the Setai Hotel), just check miamisunpost.com orpick up next week’s paper for photos.

COMING UP:THE RED CROSS BALL

The American Red Cross presents its annual Red Cross Ball on March 27at 7 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne (455 Grand Bay Drive). In light of re-cent disasters, the Red Cross needs our support more than ever, so considerjoining more than 400 influential leaders of Miami’s social and corporate com-munities for a night of elegance, delicious food, music and dancing. In additionto the auction, which features cruises, trips and other fabulous items, Will EarlSpanheimer, a young artist in residence with the San Diego Opera, will perform.Tickets cost $500 per person. Tables are also available. For more informationcontact Kenia Tedesco at 305-728-2512 or email [email protected].

TO HAITI WITH LOVE BENEFIT CONCERTThis concert will be held from noon-10 p.m. on March 28 at Central

Broward Regional Park, located at 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill. It will fea-ture several musical genres including kompa, reggae, R&B, hip-hop, soca,gospel and Latin. The stellar lineup of invited guests includes Tabou Combo,Nu Look, Jahnesta, Sweet Mickey, Sister Sledge, Donna Allen, Whodini, SpecialEd, Nadine Sutherland, Glen Washington, Singing Melody, Abijah, Causion, KingBanton, Barbee, Twiggy, Maurice, Hope for Tomorrow, Junior Tucker, SherellRosegreen and DJ Griot.

Tickets cost $15 and are available online at www.tohaitiwithlovebenefit.comor by calling 888-695-0888 or at various ticket outlets across Broward andDade County.

COMPETITIVE EATERS HEAD TO RARA Sushi (5829 SW 73rd St., South Miami) and Yelp.com invite all levels

of competitive eaters to enter their Maki Madness sushi-eating contest onWednesday, March 31, from 6-9 p.m. to benefit Miami Children’s Hospital’s

Radio Lol-lipop. The grand prize winner will receive free sushi for a year, and braggingrights as the RA Sushi Maki Madness champion. Second place gets a $100 giftcertificate, third place a $50 gift certificate. All participants will receive a RASushi sweatband or T-shirt and participants (21 years and older) who do notadvance to the final three will receive penny drink and/or appetizer cards foruse during their next visit.

Maki Madness is limited to the first 30 entries. Applications are availableat RA Sushi and the deadline to register is Monday, March 29. Registration tocompete includes a $10 entry fee (cash only), which will be donated to RadioLollipop of the Miami Children’s Hospital along with donations from guests atthe door. Round 1 starts at 6:30 p.m. and the Championship Maki Madness isat 8:30 p.m. For more information call 305-341-0092.

CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS:A very low-key Marisa Tomei hung out at Cafeina in Wynwood sipping hot

tea on Friday night. The Academy Award-winning My Cousin Vinny actress,who was dressed down in a gray hoodie, sat outside with her friend, refusingany photos. Maybe it was because she wasn’t wearing any makeup, or perhapsshe had a stomach ache. Who knows? She slipped in and out virtually unnoticed.

Dennis Rodman threw a party at Kitchen 305 in the Newport Beach Hotelon Friday. Reality star Brittanya Ocampo (Rock of Love, Charm School) andElaine Lancaster joined in the fun, with tunes provided by Joshua Thomas, akaDJ Zeke (Isaiah Thomas’ son). Rodman spent the better part of the weekendhanging out poolside at the Newport.

Entourage’s “Lloyd!,” also known as Rex Lee, got Lasik surgery on Thurs-day (can the guy not even have surgery in private!? Good Grief!). Our guess ishe’s working on his image, now that he will be playing an agent on the show.Over the weekend, Lee had dinner at STK Miami Beach. According to oursource, “The pair was having so much fun dancing to ‘80s hits in their booths;Rex snapped pictures with fans who yelled ‘Lloyd!’ a la Ari Gold and at one pointbounced from table to table mingling with other restaurant guests.”

On Thursday, Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade dined at Mr. Chow. RogerFederer and Victoria Silvstadt were spotted there on Saturday.

After tearing up the dance floor at the Women of Tomorrow Gala, Victoria’sSecret model Selita Ebanks and tennis star Serena Williams partied at WALL atthe W South beach until about 2 a.m.

On Saturday, Creed front man singer/songwriter Scott Stapp and his wifeJaclyn Stapp, winner of Mrs. Florida America, dined at Casa Tua with Allison &Chip Brady of Florida Dental Benefits, Inc. celebrating Jaclyn's recent modelingcover of the March issue of Palm Beach Young Society Magazine.

Miami-based GREY GOOSE Vodka headed north to accept a “BestiesAward” at The Academy Awards VIP viewing party was held on Sunday, March7, at The Manor in Wilton Manors. Prior to the show and during commercialbreaks, Joan Rivers impersonator Joe Posa greeted guests on the Blue Carpetand presented “Besties” awards to community members in the audience.

Rob Sena, Commissioner Micheal Gongora and Soraya Rivera-Moya


Ivette Naranjo, Gino Campodonico and Maile Rodriguez at CafeinaDJ Tamara Sky and Friends at the Never Winter afterparty at Cafeina

he doesn’t know what I’m doing.”Solomon said her husband-to-be has actually can-

celed contest participation four times. “The first time Nick went off the edge was when he

got in the elevator and someone recognized him fromthe flyer I had made and put under doors,” Solomonsaid. “He told Nick he recognized him from the flyer.Nick asked what flyer. So, the guy showed it to Nick.”

The second cancellation came after Nick’s friendsposted it on the future groom’s Facebook wall.

“The third time was just because,” Solomon said. It was all good fun. And then recently Solomon dis-

covered that the couple was lagging way behind the topvote-getters and in serious danger of not making thefirst cut.

“That’s when I had to go into hard-core mode,” jokedSolomon.

Being both extremely busy and hamstrung by D’An-nunzio’s reticence, Solomon said her friends stepped ineither voluntarily or after she asked.

Of course, those friends are hardly low profile.Schrager solicited support, tweeting to his almost 2,700followers. Silvera launched a campaign for national sup-port from other publicists, on her own. This week’s e-blast by Capponi reached… well, no one knows howmany people. But many. His e-list is considered to bemassive. His Facebook fans list is more than 1,100names long.

Friends assisting in the effort are more than happy tohelp the respected couple.

“Nick and Tara are amazing and we have beenfriends for many years,” Capponi said. “We have alwaysbeen supportive of each other and I wanted to help.Sending an email out was the least I could do and withthe outreach to thousands of people that are continuallyinvolved, I hope it will give them the votes they need towin. The response has been outstanding and the com-ments, heartfelt. I wish them the best.”

Well-known spinning celeb DJ Irie said she thinks aNick and Tara win would be good for more than just thecouple and their friends.

“If my girl T needs my help, I’m there,” DJ Irie said.“Nick and Tara are good friends and do a lot of good forothers. They have a shot at this if we all show our sup-port and vote. How great would this be for Miami?”

DJ Irie has 3,310 fans on Facebook and almost18,000 followers on Twitter.

Solomon said she is very grateful for the help offriends — and that she has learned a lot.

“This has given me hands-on experience with Face-book and Twitter 4.0,” she quipped. “I’ve dealt with thispromoting clients all the time. But this is taking it to theguerrilla level.”

Solomon said she personally felt like maybe, justmaybe, she was getting over her head when she postedon a site defined as “Hot Jewish Girls.”

“I realized later, it was like a swinger’s site so I

deleted it,” she said. “But, hey, Nick has left me nochoice with his rules!”

More recently, Solomon said, “I even tweeted to LadyGaGa last night!”

Although the campaign has been light-hearted,Solomon admits she is competitive and would bethrilled to win.

“My wedding scenario (see sidebar) is if we win,”Solomon said. “Otherwise the reception will be atCracker Barrel or something!”

At this point, though, Solomon is grateful that the vot-ing deadline is March 31 and afterward, “it will be out ofour hands.” She also said she has read other contest en-trants’ stories and there are many deserving couples.

“It makes me realize how fortunate we are,” she said.Winning, though, would also attract positive atten-

tion to Miami Beach, Solomon said. There will be some advantages to the campaign

being concluded — one way or another. “Despite doing what we do, we’re both very private

people,” Solomon said. “We were anticipating very quietnuptials… well, no mas.”

However the contest turns out, Solomon said sheknows one absolute result.

“I’ve already won — I’ve got Nick.”To vote for Nick and Tara in the Crate & Barrel's

Dream Wedding contest, visit www.ultimatewedding-contest.com/entries/38937.


National Nuptials Contestcont’d from page 13

COVER STORY

Crate & Barrel UltimateWedding Contest: Nickand Tara

TELL US YOUR LOVE STORY.

We met at a club in South Beach, a chance en-counter with mutual friends. He liked my legs, but com-plimented my Gucci stilettos. He knew the instant wemet that we were destined to be together. Worried thathe was too young, too smooth and perhaps too into myshoes, I took a bit longer. But his boyish swagger,megawatt smile and old soul eventually won me over.Twelve years later, the club has long since closed, butwe are going strong. More in love than ever, we figuredit was about time to make things official.

DESCRIBE THREE DETAILS OF YOUR WEDDING.

After a traditional church ceremony, we'll celebratewith family and friends at an Old Hollywood-themedreception at an iconic hotel in Miami Beach — a trib-ute to my late parents, who were married there in1957. Classic cocktails by a lantern-lit pool will kickthings off, followed by a degustation menu with winepairings. There will be lots of candlelight, voluptuousflowers and pink champagne. We’ll dance to Rat Packstandards; guest favors will be pouches of Italian loveknot cookies. The wedding cake — adorned with vin-tage topper — will be semi-sweet chocolate withfluffy coconut icing.

DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM DAY.

Our perfect day starts with kisses and breakfast inbed, followed by a workout at the gym (Nick) and read-ing the morning papers over chai-spiced coffee (Tara).We'd then hit a flea market to find vintage treasures forour home and stop at open houses on the way back,collecting design ideas. Next would be sushi and a mati-nee movie, followed by a late afternoon walk on thebeach and cocktails at sunset at a clandestine dive.Then home for a cheese course with condiments, anddessert tray of all things dark chocolate... and morekisses.

To vote for Nick and Tara in the Crate & Barrel'sDream Wedding contest, visit www.ultimatewedding-contest.com/entries/38937.


PerspectiveCOLUMN

Being Me Smoke-FreeBy Jennifer fragoso

Name: Jennifer FragosoAge: 38Years smoking: 23SMOKE FREE: Three Weeks

WEEK 4: STILL KEEPING SCORE

After a tumultuous few weeks of detox, I feel like Luke Skywalkerupon his return to the Millennium Falcon after dueling with Darth Vader:like a new man — OK, a new woman, but you get the picture.

Being me smoke-free is a little like learning to walk all over againbut I’m getting used to it. I’m learning a lot about myself. I realize nowmore than ever, as the dust settles, that I’m no different from a junkie. Iused cigarettes as an escape, as a way to blend in. I used cigarettes tokeep me in my own safe little world. Pulling away and lighting up be-came a way for me to keep my moments in public private… because thereality is that I’m an uptight loner trapped in the body of a cool, fun-lov-ing person. Yes, you read that right; I’m cool and uptight. Smoking waslike a camouflage jacket I used to cover this up in public. Smoking al-lowed my cool side to mingle while my uptight side sought shelter fromtoo much stimuli. Smoking made me feel like I was grounded; it was myway of finding order in chaos and now I’ve got to do it on my own. Ihave to wrestle the crowds when I’m out myself — and you know what?I’m ok with it. Clarity rocks!

This battle is ongoing and although I’m gaining more insight every-day, I have to remember that “Chaz” is never all that far away. But fornow I am enjoying this bit of light considering I’ve been in a dark tunnelfor more than three weeks. I’m enjoying running on the beach, andclimbing stairs without having shortness of breath. I’m enjoying cominghome to a fresh-smelling apartment. I’m enjoying all the space I have inevening bags since I’m not toting along Marlboro Lights with me any-more. I’m enjoying freedom from the tyranny of smoking. Much like theend of Trainspotting, “I choose life.” I choose to face the problems ofmy life head-on without the buffer I relied on for so many years. I amdoing it; I’m being me smoke-free.

Are you an adventurous filmgoer? Do you seek out alternatives in your movie diet to the comfort foodprovided at the local cineplex? Do you hunger for the work of directors who refuse to defer to the taste ofone particular demographic? If you're vigorously nodding your head, then we have much to discuss. Contraryto an understandable but inaccurate misconception, Miami Beach is not quite, at this very exciting momentin time, a wasteland for the seventh art. Stimulating, provocative work arrives at this city's screening venueson a regular basis, and this column aims to showcase these titles.

Take, for instance, the two main features showing this weekend at the Miami Beach Cinematheque , thatcozy oasis for movie lovers tucked away, for the time being, in the heart of Española Way. Both films comefrom directors who began their careers making acclaimed shorts.

In the English coming-of-age drama Fish Tank, Andrea Arnold, who won a 2005 Oscar for her live-actionshort Wasp, continues to show an affinity for capturing the lives of young working class women. Her subject thistime is 15-year-old Mia (Katie Jarvis), a rebellious troublemaker who dreams of becoming a famous hip-hopdancer…if only she can avoid getting sent away to a "special school" by her boozy mum (no love lost there, really!).Complications ensue when Mia meets Connor, Mom's hunky new boy toy (Inglourious Basterds' MichaelFassbender), and their tentative relationship is the highlight of the film.

Arnold alternates a gritty handheld style with some quietly lyrical moments, such as when Mia experiencesphysical contact with Connor. During these scenes, Arnold uses a subtle form of slow motion, so it feels as if timestands still. Indeed, Fish Tank plays like a Ken Loach kitchen sink drama as envisioned by Headless Woman auteurLucrecia Martel. Even when the story follows a familiar route, Arnold conveys the raw emotions of Mia's sexualawakening with an immediacy that almost transcends the unfortunate clichés that spoil the film's last 20 minutes.

There is, however, nothing clichéd about the blissful silliness of the loony, lovingly handcrafted animated featureA Town Called Panic. The brainchild of the madly imaginative Belgian duo Stéphane Aubier and Vincent Patar, the film reunites the characters from the filmmakers' successful series of shorts…who happen to be three plasticfigurines. Cowboy and Indian share a home with Horse, who's celebrating his birthday when the movie opens.His housemates agree to build him a barbecue made out of bricks, but a typing error causes their online orderto be ever so slightly larger than expected.

To say any more would ruin the pleasure of watching the stream-of-consciousness chain of events that Aubierand Patar orchestrate with a eye-popping sense of wonder that recalls Nick Park's delightful Wallace and Gromitshorts and the animated segments in Pee-wee's Playhouse. Let's just say that if you're looking for lovestruckhorses dancing under a disco ball, fiddle-playing sheep, maneating barracudas, and a plug-in swordfish thatdoubles as a chainsaw, this is your movie. Here's to more demented misadventures from this rambunctious team,and here's to genre-busting fare that delivers the goods with a sense of fun that trumps anything playing at amultiplex near you.

Miami Beach Cinematheque, 512 Española Way, Miami Beach. For information: mbcinema.com or 305-67-films.

COLUMN

Something Newin Art CinemaBy Ruben Rosario

Cinema

Food

Walk into Hakkasan in the Fontainebleau, Miami Beach and instantly feel envelopedin a mysterious Asian environment. As you enter the restaurant you’ll be led through anumber of peek-a-boo carved wood paneled-room separators, which gracefully dividethe various dining areas. Past royalty in China were treated to similar sensual Feng Shuiinteriors.

Hakkasan has created an elegant yet warm atmosphere with impeccable service.In less than one short year after opening, they have also receiveda Zagat rating as Best Newcomer. Expect to taste traditional, au-thentic Chinese Dim Sum, a la carte lunches and dinners. Theyrecently added brunches on weekends too.

Banquettes are made with luxury leathers and are all handstitched. Every detail is tailored for comfort and efficiently. Theexpertly crafted Nurumi bone china was chosen by perfectionistAlex Conti who is the eatery’s GM. He also chose the rich backcomfy cushions that are distributed throughout the restaurant.He even selected the cherry wood chopsticks, which are washedand re-oiled nightly, preferring the elegant eating utensils overcheap splintery common chopsticks. The tables are made of 2-inch thick, blocks of dark wood and the chairs are tapered andrelaxing. One central LED light descends from the ceiling ontoeach table, which gives the restaurant a favorable Zen-like am-bience.

There are a wide range of light dishes served family stylethat are meant to be shared. Come with a healthy appetite be-cause the menu includes a variety of dumplings, congees, stir-fried rice & noodles, barbeque platters and more. Daily madeDim Sum are creative and in addition they make all of their own

Exceptional Asian Dining at HakkasanBy Marguerite Gil([email protected])

ABOVE: THIS IS THE WAY THE SHRIMP WONTON IS SERVED TO GUESTS OF HAKKASAN.


ABOVE: BUCCHERO OINOCHOEWITH ENGRAVED DECORATIONS.LEFT: GENUCILIA TYPE PLATEWITH RED PAINT. BELOW: SMALLBOWLS.

COLUMN

The Etruscans inLatium on Exhibit atthe Freedom TowerBy Marguerite Gil([email protected])

Artsyrups.

We started with a tasty hot broth in a large hand-thrownstoneware bowl that had two really big Shrimp Wontons in it,surrounded by light angel hair noodles, bok choy and finely cutherbs. Next we shared the Har Gau ($8) which are bite sizedumplings, folded like a spring roll with a perfectly cookedshrimp inside. Our waiter also brought out a serving of PrawnCheung Fun ($8) which is wrapped with a rice sheet, con-taining a large steamed prawn that was cut into smaller por-tions and filled with small strips of bamboo shoots. As well asthe steamed selections, the menu offers a variety of cookingtechniques such as grilled and deep fried specialties. SteamedChar Sui Bun ($6), is similar to Baozi but smaller and is filledwith a honey-pork interior. The accompanying sauce is cre-ated with fine strips of ginger soaking in Chinese black vine-gar. The Soy Sauce Chicken contains sweet and sour stripsof chicken, noodles laced with spices, soy and herbs. Yummy.

Their menu is written in Chinese and includes the Englishversion of the dishes but has very little explanations as to whateach dish contains. So unless you can read Chinese, you’llhave to rely on the wait staff help you choose your meal. Ourwaiter Chris, chose everything that we ate and everything wasexceptional.

There are of course, staples such as Roast Duck with Sin-gapore Vermicelli, Sweet and Sour Pork and Fish platters.

Desserts are beyond decadent. We shared a Chocolateand Banana Fondant that was accompanied by a rich ba-nana ice cream topped with dark chocolate shavings, (be stillmy heart). All sorts of “adult beverages” are available as wellas teas from around the world. Prices range from $6-$22 formenu choices. Cocktails are pricey but Chris assured us thatthe bar uses only the best spirits for their drinks.

Alex Conti said “We could charge more, like the restau-rants in South Beach but we don’t want to deceive our guests.We want our clients to keep coming back over and overagain.”

Hakkasan is located in the Fontainebleau Hotel, 4441Collins Ave., Miami Beach. ADA accessible. For info:Fontainebleau.com

Under the patronage of the Consulate General of Italy in Miami,lovers of art and archeology will be able to experience an extremelyimportant FIRST-EVER exhibition of the Etruscan civilization beforethe Common Era… right here in downtown Miami. On display in the2nd floor gallery of the Freedom Tower, a small but powerful sam-ple of archeological urns, potteryand sculptures that were exca-vated just north of Rome in theVulci, Tarquinia, Cerveteri andVeio regions of central-west Italy.

The Etruscans were a peopleof ancient Italy who settled in anarea called Etruria. The Etruscancivilization arose in the latter partof the 10th century B.C. and lasteduntil the end of the 1st centuryB.C., when it was absorbed by theRoman civilization.

The artifacts on display havebeen mainly unknown to the gen-eral public until now. They repre-sent a fascinating witness to thedevelopment of a time when theEtruscans started to “change”with innovative schools ofthought, appreciation for the loveof culture, philosophy and lan-guage and even experimentedwith a higher concept of economics and poli-tics. Suddenly lifestyles blossomed for themasses into an Etruscan elitism where it be-came fashionable to perform complicated ritu-als and expand on the idea of entertainmentand ceremony.

Many objects on view pay homage to theimportance of positive expression of social lifesuch as beautifully decorated containers(kraters) and goblets or delicately painted serv-ing platters which were no longer restricted tothe wealthy. For the Etruscans, the diffusion ofthese objects brought about a reputation aspleasure-lovers dedicated to gastronomy andgaiety.

Also on view, The Francois Tomb. In 1857, Prince Torlonia,then owner of the land around Vulci, entrusted a Florentine ar-chaeologist named Alessandro Francois, to the exploration of thenecropolis to the east of the Fiora River. The result of this excava-tion was the discovery of one of the most celebrated chamber tombs

of Etruria. Follow the narrative storyabout the opening of the tomb withthe visual, explanatory installation inthe adjacent space.

Free and on view throughApril 4, 2010. Hours: Noon -5 p.m.Tuesday-Friday from Noon to 4p.m. on Saturday. MDC’s FreedomTower, 600 Biscayne Blvd. Miami.


Nestled on one of the Design Districts narrow streets lies a compelling art exhibit that Miami residents shouldfeel privileged to witness. A display of terror meeting a harmonious and tranquil period in time, depicting deathin a frozen instance: this is the Dead Dads Club Corporation and their collection of five pieces displayed at theSpinello Art Gallery. Showcased are four portraits that have been embellished in a light red and white color schemeadjacent to a landscape with a rich, dark, yet damp tone; each relaying a shocking piece of reality. Of course deathhas been a theme for many artists, but the Dead Dads Club Corporation differs from the rest in their attention todetail and their unique medium. The 63" x 79" cotton canvases are colored with such minute precision usingCrayola Crayons, a tool that we've all been accustomed to in the early years of our lives but could not fathom theiruse in high art.

Scott Shannon (President) and Rory Carracino (Vice President) started the corporation five years ago,conceptualizing their ideas prior to their physical efforts in creating the monuments. The duo first met inPhiladelphia attending the University of the Arts. The stay was short lived for Shannon, who although is a classicallytrained painter, found the school to be constraining and felt the urge to venture deeper in his passionate trek. Alreadyfamiliarized with crayons by using them as a sketching tool throughout his career, he found them to be a well suitedmedium for his dismal and somber arrangements. "I like the crayon for this stuff. While the context is pretty morbidto some people, I like the contextual shift of morbidity to the child like medium." states Shannon. "The way I dealwith color is kind of light, while my dealing with context is pretty dark." Shannon also prides himself in his use oftraditional classical styles, exercising his knowledge of portrait and landscape construction in the collection.Another concept utilized by the team is the process in which the pieces are generated. This particular collectionwas foreshadowed by "overly simplified death notes." Each work of art is titled with a morose lasting set of wordsthat provides the viewer with an attachment to the still victims. Titles such as "Everything I Leave to You", "Tell CindyI Love Her", "I'm So Sorry", and the heart-wrenching caption that could draw a tear from the most hardenedindividual "Hi Dad, Send Money", heading their single landscape portraying a body wrapped in plastic, drapedalong a murky forest.

Anthony Spinello, gallery owner and curator is ecstatic to have the workshowcased on his walls. "Miami hasn't seen anything like this" Spinello says. "I feelprivileged to be the one to debut it. It is pretty monumental when you think of themedium and the scale." Spinello and the artists met one year ago in his galleriesprevious location in Wynwood. Having a common friend who goes simply by "BlackBooks" (another artist that contributes to Spinellos gallery), they kept in contact.After five years of producing the collection, Dead Dads Club Corporation was readyto go public and felt right at home in Spinello's quaint showroom.

The pieces have yielded an impressive response but when discovering theextent that one goes through to develop a single composition, the respect for theartist can break barriers. Each piece can take anywhere from four to eight monthsand could even go beyond that. The three portraits are photo based and can takeup to 300 hundred shots before the right moment is caught.

Although these are melancholy images and death can be easily depicted fromthe work, Shannon claims that the focus of the picture is life. "It's in the act."Shannon explains. "There's still life. Their eyes are focused and there's clearlysomething out there. In my mind, when I look at them I still see life in them andthey are living people. It's not the end as much as it's the beginning." While eachof Shannon's projects feature a different theme (Dead Dads Club Corporation beinga separate entity from the rest), his priority is to assure that his work is substantiallyappealing. The notion of a tangible piece of beauty hanging from a wall is motivationfor the artisan and as he continues to plunge into his works, possibly expandingon his Dead Dad Clubs Corp. days to come are as bright as his unrivaled medium.The quest for allure and artistry in any form will hopefully encourage the gifted artistto endure the time and effort it takes to make us reflect on pieces that only a personof that caliber could devise.

Spinello Gallery 155 NE 38th Street No. 101 Miami. For information: 786-271-4223 or spinellogallery.com

COLUMN

Dead Dads Club Corporation: Death at a StandstillBy Thomas Quick

Art


ABOVE: DEAD DAD’S CLUB CORPORATION, PORTRAIT. I'M SO SORRY. BELOW: DEAD DAD’S CLUBCORPORATION, PORTRAIT. EVERYTHING I LEAVE TO YOU.

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Donald J Pliner celebrated 20 years of fashion with a retrospective of hiswork and a preview of the spring 2010 collection at his boutique in theAventura Mall. The event took place on Saturday, March 13, and for thosewho were unable to attend, Donald has been kind enough to share histhoughts and reflections on a career that seems destined for another20 great years.

Twenty years is a long time. Does any one thing stand out when youlook back at everything you have accomplished with Donald J Pliner?

It is so hard to pinpoint one thing. I have been fortunate enough to haveaccomplished so much over the course of my career and I feel like there isstill so much more ahead of me.

Did you reflect on your 20-year anniversary when designingyour spring 2010 line?

I did. But, I always reflect on my past when designing currentcollections. I have an extensive library of my work that spans 20years. I always review it when designing a current collection andsee how I can incorporate the works of my past and modernize itto make it current.

You have gone from designing apparel to shoes and ac-cessories and back. Do you favor a particular area of de-sign or do you simply enjoy doing it all?

I enjoy designing it all, but I am particularly fond of shoedesign.

Your motto is "when the feet are uncomfortable, sois the mind, so is the body, so is the soul." Why do yousuppose that it is so difficult to find both beautiful andcomfortable shoes in our vast marketplace?

Many shoes are designed with only aesthetics in mind.I take everything into account — a shoe cannot only befashionable, it needs to be comfortable. I have a shoe fitmodel that tries on every one of my shoes. She must be ableto walk a flight of stairs and wiggle her toes in them.

What is or has been your greatest inspiration? My wife, Lisa.

During your career you have seen trends come and go. Which trend came and never left youfrom a design standpoint?

I believe comfort is a trend that will always be prevalent in my col-lection.

Speaking of trends, how do you maintain keepingthe balance between incorporating trends into yourown design philosophy?

I am always inspired by the current fashions andtrends, but I try to make them work within the parame-

ters of what Donald J Pliner stands for. I try to create piecesthat are fashion forward but still comfortable and wear-

able.

You began your career in L.A. Whatbrought you to Miami?

I have always loved the fact thatMiami has the feel of a European citybut with American amenities. I lovethe mix of people and the energy ofthe city.

What's next for Donald JPliner?

You’ll have to wait and see… Ifeel like I am only in my infancy and

there is still so much more in front of me.

You and your wife Lisa are very phil-anthropic. Can you tell our readers a lit-tle bit about the work being done withyour Peace for the Children Founda-tion?

Currently, our focus has been onbuilding playgrounds in underprivileged

areas through Kaboom!. It has been themost rewarding experience.

What inspired you to create thePeace for the Children Foundation?

After returning from Kazakhstan,where we adopted our daughter Starr,we were moved to create a founda-tion to help children, after seeing somany children who never know aplayground or laughter within thewalls of the orphanage. We de-cided as a family to return homeand try to enrich the lives of thechildren in our own backyard.

To learn more aboutPeace for the Children Foun-dation log on to peace-

forthechildren.org.

StyleCOLUMN

Donald Pliner Celebrates 20 Years of Fabulous FashionBy Jennifer Fragoso([email protected])



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