Battle of the Jazz Bands in Miami

Melton Mustafa
Melton Mustafa has invited you to the event 'Battle of the Jazz Bands' on Miami Carol City Chiefs! Witness the challenge of whose jazz band reigns supreme....

May 11

Location: Joseph Caleb Center Auditorium.

54oo NW 22nd Ave, Miami.

Time: May 11, 2009 from 8pm to 10pm

Organized By: Melton Mustafa

Event Description: Witness the challenge of whose jazz band reigns supreme....Dade meets Broward....May 11 Joseph Caleb Center Auditorium. 54oo NW 22nd Ave, Miami. This free concert will be great for the family!!!! Pass the word!!!

See more details and RSVP on Miami Carol City Chiefs:

http://mccchiefs.ning.com/events/event/show?id=2203114%3AEvent%3A297961&xgi=0WOjAav

To Do in South Florida - December

Dec. 9
Ex- Doobie Brother – Michael McDonald
8 p.m.: Culture Room, 3045 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale;
954-564-1074; $40-$68.

Dec. 12
Alhambra Orchestra’s holiday pops concert; 7 p.m.;
The Barnacle Historic State Park, 3485 Main Hwy., Coconut
Grove, 305-442-6866 or www.alhambramusic.org; $10.

Dec. 13
Y-100’s Jingle Ball, featuring Rihanna, Fall Out Boy, Katy
Perry and Jesse McCartney,; 7 p.m.; BankAtlantic Center, 2555
Panther Pkwy., Sunrise. Ticketmaster, $43.


Mixed Fighting Alliance’s “There Will Be Blood 2008”;
8 p.m., American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. Miami;
786-777-1250 or aaarena.com; $33-$200.

Dec. 14
Lil Wayne’s “I Am Music Tour,” with Keyshia Cole,
T-Pain and Gym Class Heroes; 7 p.m.; American Airlines Arena,
601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. 786-777-1250 or aaarena.com;
$36.75-$76.75.

Live Video From Obama Election Night Rally in Grant Park

By Neonu Jewell

I was there for this momentous night. God blessed us with 70 degree weather (Chicago? November?); the stage was set. You have heard the stories, commentary, and seen footage. Now Click Here for my video experience of the night Illinois Senator Barack Obama became the 44th President (elect) of the United States of America. Sounds good every time, doesn't it?!

To Do This Week in South Florida

Fridays in Miami
REGGAE @ BELLA ROSE ON SOUTH BEACH EVERY FRIDAY

Location: Bella Rose Lounge, 423 16TH Street, Miami Beach (between Washington & Drexel)

Time: 11pm - 4am, No Cover

Starring one of the most thorough reggae DJs on South Beach: DJ DHARMA "THE NIGHT NURSE",Featuring the most magnificent and the most humble DJ on the planet: DJ SELF BORN, rockin everything else you love but don't usually get to hear.

Special invited guests every week include: SIZZLA KALONJI, CAPELTON, JAH CURE, RED RAT, MAVADO, DAMIAN "JR. GONG" MARLEY, COLLIE BUDDZ, MIDNITE, MORGAN HERITAGE, BARINGTON LEVY, FREDDIE MCGREGOR AND MANY MORE OF YOUR FAVORITE REGGAE ARTISTS.

Click here for more social events and Halloween events for a cause in South Florida (Miami, Ft. Lauderdal, etc).

This Week in South Florida

Monday, October 20

This Week in South Florida

Saturday, October 18

Artwalk

Time: 7pm - 10pm

Click here for more info.

Downtown Hollywood hosts a free monthly ArtWalk on the third Saturday of each month, showcasing some of the unique local galleries, shops, and restaurants in its historic downtown art and entertainment district. The ArtWalk starts at the Comfort Zone Studio and Spa, 2028 Harrison Street, and continues throughout the downtown.

Thursday, October 9 - November 3

Festival Miami

Click here for more info. and tickets.

Festival Miami, the annual music festival that opens the South Florida arts season, provides superior and diverse musical programming. Festival Miami hosts 23 concerts over a four week period, with each week having its own unique theme. The four one-week themes include “Great Performances,” “Jazz and Beyond,” “Creative American Music,” and “Music of the Americas.”

Friday, October 17 -19

Sunny Isles Beach Jazz Fest

Click here for more info. and admission prices.

The inaugural Sunny Isles Beach 2008 Jazz Fest promises to generate excitement within the South Florida community and abroad; attracting both local audiences and tourists from around the world. The Saturday, October 18th event featuring David Sanborn will be general admission (rain or shine); so bring your blankets and your lawn chairs.

This Week in South Florida

Friday, September 12
Broadwalk Friday Fest
Location: Hollywood Beach Theater, Johnson Street & the Broadwalk, Hollywood Beach
Ph: 954-924-2980
Cost: Free

The 2nd and 4th Friday nights each month are designated as Broadwalk Friday Fest where music-lovers can enjoy oceanside performances at the outdoor Hollywood Beach Theater. This week features entertainer Inca Spirit. You can enjoy the performance and waterfront dining at its best along the oceanfront Broadwalk or IntraCoastal Waterway. Paid festival parking is available at the Johnson Street municipal garage and surface lots at Michigan and Garfield streets, and at the Oceanwalk Mall next to the Ramada Inn Hollywood Beach Resort at Hollywood Boulevard.


Saturday, September 13
Friends & Family Festival
Location: Florida Memorial University Campus, 15800 N.W. 42nd Avenue, Miami Gardens
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Ph: 305-626-3624

Florida Memorial University, South Florida's only historically black college or university, is hosting a free festival to celebrate its 40th anniversary. There will be festivities for the whole family, including entertainment, food and fun, games and prizes!! Special performances on the Kids World Stage between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Steel Band, Gospel and Jazz performances on the Flag Pavilion Stage from 1 to 5:45 p.m.; and the Grand Finale - Step Show and Fireworks Extravaganza from 6 to 9 p.m.

This Week in South Florida

Through September 30
Recession Relief

Location: The Icebox Café, 1657 Michigan Ave., Miami Beach

The Icebox Cafe has a “Recession Cruncher” dinner menu available Sunday through Thursday until Sept. 30 that features $15 entrees such as chicken paillard provenzale, tofu and vegetable tempura and vegetable skewers. On Sept. 10, the café hosts a five-course, Asian-inspired dinner featuring boutique wineries from California and Australia. Cost is $65. Reserve at 786-201-3505.

Friday, September 5

Cocktails for a Cause

Location: LAVA Tiki Bar & Grille at the Crowne Plaza, 4000 S. Ocean Drive, Hollywood Beach

Time: 6pm - 9pm

Ph: 954-568-7916

Network with the Young Professionals for Covenant House poolside at the Lava Tiki Bar & Grille. At the same time you can benefit homeless, runaway and at-risk kids served by Covenant House Florida. Suggested $5 donation at door. To reserve your spot and receive complimentary valet and drink tickets, email your first and last name

Saturday, September 6

MIAMI DOLPHINS ‘ A New Beginning’
Location: Cefalo’s Wine Cellar,3540 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove

Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Contacts: 305-971-2400; 305-213-2881; http://www.cefaloswine.com/

Celebrate a new beg inning for the Dolphins with team alumni Nat Moore and Jimmy Cefalo, the Cheerleaders and team executives, including Bryan Wiedmeier, the team’s president. Wine and appetizers available.

Bark Brunch At the Oasis

Location: Raleigh Hotel, 1775 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

Time: 10:00am - 12pm

Cost: Admission is free for all dogs, $45 for HMSF members and $55 for non-members

Ph: 305-375-5356

Hosted by the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, bring your furry friend along for brunch, mimosas, canine competitions, auction, doggie massages, and, of course, real doggie bags! Your admission includes a chance to win a two-night stay for two (pets allowed) in a luxurious Oceanfront King Room at the Raleigh. Additional raffle tickets are $10. RSVP required by phone or email.

Sunday, September 7

Jazz Brunch at the Regent Bal Harbour

Location: The Regent Bal Harbour, 10295 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour

Time: 12pm - 3:30pm

Cost: $67 pp

Ph: 305-455-5460

Nicole Henry, an award-winning jazz vocalist, will perform selections from her newest album "The Very Thought of You," this Sunday at the Jazz Brunch Buffet at The Regent Bal Harbour. Join Love 94's Stu Grant who will be broadcasting live and enjoy a delightful blend of taste and sound with an exquisite buffet and free-flowing Mimosas and Bloody Marys. A different jazz artist performs each Sunday. Click Here for more info about Nicole Henry.

This Week in South Florida

Thursday, August 21 -24
Art Metrano’s Accidental Comedy: Jews Don’t Belong On Ladders
Location: Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale
Cost: $25-$35
You'll be buoyed by the triumphant spirit, and bowled over by the outrageous humor actor/comedian Art Metrano brings to the stage in this riveting account of his rise to fame and subsequent fall from the ladder of success. Click Here for More info.

Friday, August 22-24
Patrick Swayze Film Festival
Location: Bill Cosford Cinema, University of Miami
Ph: 305-284-4861
Including Red Dawn, Road House, Dirty Dancing and To Wong Foo. Click Here for more info.


Sunday, August 24
Classic Sundays
A HISTORY LESSON IN MUSIC EVERY WEEK CALLED "CLASSIC SUNDAYS"@ LOVE/HATE LOUNGE 423 Washington Ave, Miami Beach featuring PROFESSOR DJ SELF BORN rockin OLD SCHOOL HIP-HOP & SOUL till 5am!!!Doors @ 10pm NO COVER, NO WAIT, NO BULL

This Week in South Florida

Tuesday, August 19

Simply Sushi 

Location: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL

Time: 6:30pm

Cost: $65

Registration Deadline: Thursday, August 14 

Contact: 305-667-1651 ext. 3322  

Chef Bulgarin of Delicious Catering is hosting a sushi preparation class.  You can now learn how to prepare, roll and cut sushi. He will also share his recipes and tell you where you can buy the ingredients to prepare sushi. Bring an apron.

Friday, August 15
Tiki Sunsets Happy Hour
Location: Poolside at the  Lava Tiki Bar & Grille at the Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach, 4000 S. Ocean Drive, on the intracoastal at Hallandale Beach Blvd. 
Time: 6pm - 9pm 
You can refresh with a cool Tiki cocktail or an ice cold beer as you unwind to the relaxing rhythms of live tropical music. The Chef offers specialty grill items and delightfully fresh sushi. Promises a spectacular South Florida sunset and incredible views of the Intracoastal Waterway.


Thursday, August 14 

Olympic Chamber Dinner
Location: Mr. Chu's Hong Kong Cuisine Restaurant, 890 Washington Ave., Miami Beach
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: $35 pp
The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Chu's are hosting the Olympic Chamber dinner. The theme is the summer Olympics in Beijing. Traditional gourmet Chinese dishes will be served and the evening features a five-course dinner with a variety of dishes. Open to Chamber members and outside guests.

Joe's Seafood Primesteak & Stone Crab: 4 Stars

60 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
312-379-5637
http://www.icon.com/joes/index.html

By Neonu Jewell

Joe Weiss opened up a small lunch stand, Joe's Restaurant, on Miami Beach over 90 years ago. Before long it was internationally known for its stone crabs. Thus, the name change to Joe's Stone Crab. In 2000, Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab™ opened its doors in Chicago. A Las Vegas location opened at the Forum Shops at Caesars in 2004.

I grew up in Maryland. So I take crabs very seriously and am seriously biased toward Maryland Blue Crabs. As a foody, however, I am always ready to give other crabs a chance. The stone crabs at Joe's in Chicago are quite sweet and you can choose your size. I prefer the king crabs which are also offered. If I am going to work hard to eat crab, then I prefer to stick with whole crabs. Joe's serves a hearty portion of the king crab claws. They are very large, meaty and easy to eat. Also delicious were the fried oysters and the cod. The cod melted in my mouth with a lovely lingering buttery flavor.

Joe's Chicago is a very vibrant (some might say loud), fine dining establishment. Think traditional upscale steakhouse (although seafood is the focus) with white tablecloths and people everywhere. The service was good, not great. We did wait too long for our food, but the staff recognized it and were very apologetic.

Joe's Seafood Primesteak & Stone Crab Chicago is great place to celebrate a business success or special occasion. I plan to revisit to try some of the other seafood options.

Things you should know:

Reservations necessary

$$$$

Valet available

This Week in South Florida

Saturday, August 2
Rock the Bells Concert Series: 5 stars
Location: Bicentennial Park, 1075 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Time: noon to midnight
Cost: $55
This is a must do event. I attended in Chicago and it was fantastic. I mean what's not to love about a line up of Rakim, De La Soul, Nas, Tribe Called Quest, Method Man & Redman, and more.
Click Here for more info and tickets


Thursdays - Saturdays
Sushi By the Sea nights.
Location: Delano
Cost:$13-19 per roll
You can chill by the pool -- or ''water salon'' as they call it -- with a special maki roll menu from 8pm -1am They say the rolls are jumbo.


AltaMar, 1223 Lincoln Rd., an Italian seafood restaurant is offering a three-course, prix fixe menu through Labor Day. For just $25 per person you get appetizer, entree and dessert.
305.532.3061

This Week in South Florida

Friday, July 25
Jazz at MOCA
Location: Museum of Contemporary Art
Time: 8pm

The Jazz at MOCA series presents FREE outdoor concerts on the last Friday of every month. This Friday features Michael Orta.
CLICK HERE for more info.


Saturday, July 26
Open Casting for The Stylist
The producers of The Real World, The Simple Life and Keeping up with the Kardashians are casting for a new TV show, The Stylist. They are looking for the Hottest aspiring fashion stylists in the country. Those selected will complete for a contract with one of the top agencies.

MIAMI, FL
WHEN: SATURDAY July 26th
TIME: 10am-4pm
WHERE: Fresh on Fifth, 458 Ocean Drive (5th and Ocean), Miami Beach, FL 33139

NEW YORK, NY
WHEN: SATURDAY JULY 26th
TIME: 10am-4pm
WHERE: Fashion Institute of Technology –Reeves Great Hall at F.I.T’s Conference Center *entrance on 28th Street at 7th Avenue. It is the glassed in entrance on 28th Street near 7th Avenue.

If you can't make it to one of our open calls, hometape submissions are currently being accepted. Click Here for more info.



Saturday, August 2
Rock the Bells Concert Series
Location: Bicentennial Park, 1075 Biscayne Boulevard in Downtown Miami

This is a must do event. I attended in Chicago and it was fantastic. I mean what's not to love about a line up of Rakim, De La Soul, Nas, Tribe Called Quest, Method Man & Redman, and more.
Click Here for more info and tickets

This Week in South Florida

Wednesday, July 9- July 13
12th Annual Zo's Summer Groove
Alonzo Mourning and Dwayne Wade host a five day weekend event for the entire family that includes concerts, comedy, golf, youth summit and basketball clinics, free block party, benefit dinner, parties and more. Proceeds will benefit Alonzo Mourning Charities and Wade's World Foundation.

Click Here for details and tickets.

Friday, July 11- July 13
16th Annual International Mango Festival
Location: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables
Time: Festival is July 12 -13, 9:30am - 4:30 pm
The festival will feature everything for the mango lover—mango tree sales, lectures on how to grow mangos, mango medics, displays of more than 200 mangos from Fairchild nurseries, the International Fruit Market, mango smoothies, a children's program that includes a mango puppet show, mango theater and cooking demonstrations.

Friday, July 11: Mango Safari Costume Party
Sunday, July 13: Mango Brunch

Click Here for more info about the Festival, Costume Party, and Brunch.

Second and Fourth Fridays of the Month
Broadwalk Friday Fest
Location: Hollywood Beach Theater
Time: 7pm - 10pm
Cost: Free Admission
Oceanside musical performance series at the outdoor Hollywood Beach Theater.
July 11: The Greens and Blues, Celtic Blues

Click Here for full schedule.

Friday, July 18
FULL MOON JAZZ NIGHT
Location: Hollywood Beach Theater
Time: 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Live jazz & entertainment under a spectacular full moon.
July 18: Hear Sound of Vision a contemporary Jazz band and the Afro-Cuban Jazz Fusion sound of Oriente.

Click Here for full schedule

Sundays
Re-Coup Sundays
Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach
17875 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL
Time: 4pm - until

Presented by Floyd Raglin & Ron Gibbs. Music by DJ Selfborn. Special performance by John Saxx.
FOR TABLE OR CABANA RESERVATIONS PLEASE EMAIL:floyddrama@aol.com or rongibbs1@mac.com

Dub does Miami

Bottles

By Westmoreland

Continuing from last week, we got to The Fifth at midnight. My editor covers her impression, here. I don���t remember having an opinion of the place. But when we arrived (at twelve o���clock) the spot had not yet opened. They opened at midnight. People were not even in line. They were sitting several yards away from the velvet rope like they were waiting to buy iPhones. I took the opportunity to gawk. I scanned each young man and woman in line and smirked. I hate to be judgmental, but how dim must you be to seek competitive selection for night club admission? These guys were not going to line up. They were going to wait to be picked to pay. I am na��ve. I admit that. I live in Washington, DC. There are no exclusive clubs at home. If there are, I don���t care to visit. Our ���beautiful people���, in DC, are not so beautiful. They are senators, congressmen/women and lobbyists. I mean we have beautiful people, but, well, not really. The velvet rope-a-dope just would not work in a town where Al Gore is widely regarded as the height of celebrity. We are smart in the capitol. That is our capital.

Three flavors of gangster. Easy ladies, 2/3 of this crew is spoken for.

But, as I have pointed out, Treva���s friends are good-looking. Since I am one generation away from East Baltimore housing projects, I am genetically predisposed to be blue collar. I couldn���t care less about a velvet rope or a VIP or a bottle service, but it was not my birthday. It was Treva���s. As Neonu negotiated our entrance with the gelled-back hair, guy at the door, I was mesmerized by the notion of these kids SITTING AROUND, WAITING FOR THE CLUB TO OPEN. I wondered if they waited for their offices at work to open, or had they waited for their classrooms to open at school. The females were all barely dressed, and the guys were all overdressed. I have a love/hate relationship with the lazy and unmotivated.

When Neonu uttered ���bottle service���, the world slowed to the kind of dramatic cinematic slow motion that Spike Lee has never used, but should. Every sound was sah-looooowed. Every movement was sah-looooowed. I begaaa-yun to calcuuuuuulaaaaaate what the bottle service would cah-uuuuust.

I knew where that burden would be initially borne.

(Sigh)

We walked into the empty club and my mood steadied when I saw the bartender. Outside of our small group of party-people, the club was naked. So was the girl behind the bar.

The bartender was ���dressed��� in a red tube top over a black (double D) bra. She was wearing black boy shorts, red fishnet stockings, and black patent leather heels. Yep. That���s the kind of eye candy that gives pupils cavities. Sommer was her name. Blonde.

The bottle she served us (after gratuity) was almost double the cost of my flight. Why do people keep claiming that Love doesn���t cost anything? I reviewed the bill, balled up my face, and channeled my inner Frodo Baggins to produce The Precious (my Amex). And oh, how The Precious glowed in the dim lighting of this South Beach night club. Just like the magic ring of the Trilogy, there is power in the use of My (plastic) Precious. Each use makes the next use easier, for I have no discipline. And so there we were more premium vodka then we could expect to use (but somehow did). It is, alas, how we roll.

This Week in South Florida

June 20
Salsa Dancing on Lincoln Road
Yuca Restaurant & Lounge, 501 Lincoln Rd, SoBe
Get there early for free lessons and then enjoy a night of dancing.
9pm

June 21
Cutz for Cause
8850 Miramar Pkwy., Miramar, FL 33032
Terrell Owens, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, and Peter Bethel, barber, have opened a new barber shop, T.O. Cutz. They are hosting a Charity Cutz-A-Thon for their grand opening. Visit this new shop for a cut and the proceeds will go to the South West Broward Junior Athletic Association Optimist Club and Sanctuary of Moses.
10am - 4:30pm

June 22
Classic Sundays at Love Hate Lounge
423 Washington Ave. (South Beach), Btwn. 4th & 5th Sts.Miami, FL 33139
Ph: 305.695.8616
DJ SELF BORN (http://www.myspace.com/djselfborn) takes you back with Classic Hip-Hop + forgotten favorites
No Cover, No Dress Code, No Wait, No Drama
10pm - 5am


Black Sundays at Bella Rose
423 16th St., Miami Beach, FL 33139
10pm

Cartier Jewelery Event in Select US Cities

Thursday, June 19

Cartier is celebrating its new collection of LOVECHARITY bracelets during the third annual LOVEDAY celebration on June 19. Stop by Cartier at the locations below to enjoy Cartier champagne and music. 10% of all sales from the entire LOVE collection benefits partnered organizations. For more information, please visit www.love.cartier.com.

Cartier Chicago, Noon- 6PM, 630 N Michigan Avenue Chicago
Cartier Bal Harbour Shops Miami, 11Am -9PM, 9700 Collins Avenue Miami
Cartier Atlanta, Noon - 6PM, 3393 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta
Cartier Los Angeles, Noon - 6PM, 370 N. Rodeo Dr. Los Angeles

Neonu's Miami Beach Weekend

I recently spent the weekend in Miami to celebrate a friend's birthday and as always it was a wonderful trip. I love long weekends in Miami. Sun, beach, food, drink and fun. That is what I call living. What's not to love...well let's find out.

The Loews Miami Beach Hotel: 5 Stars

This was my second time staying at the hotel and I love it. The rooms are very nice, but it is the service that makes this place special. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Each afternoon in the lobby you can treat yourself to a new flavor of lemonade - complimentary of course. But the pool is the shining star of this hotel. It is a large pool with two hot tubs. There is full towel service, waiters to meet your food and beverage needs, and ample lounge chairs and umbrellas. The bonus is that throughout the day you are served treats like free icees, frozen grapes, and smoothies. If you can, shell out the bucks for the cabana. The extra pampering is worth it.

The Fifth South Beach Night Club: 2.5 Stars

(Friday Night) This is a very spacious two level loft style club. The velvet rope, as expected in Miami, is in full effect so come looking great or carrying lots of cash. The upside was that our bartender was great. Very attentive. The music was OK - standard hip hop/R&B type club music. The crowd was mainly African- American, Florida, Twenty-somethings. I doubt I would return.

Lario's On the Beach: 4 Stars

820 Ocean Drive, 305.532.9577

Lario's (part of singer Gloria Estefan's Cuban restaurant chain) is in the process of changing its name to SOBE (short for south beach) Bongos Cafe. Whatever the name I always like dining here. It is reasonably priced. The food is good. And the live Cuban band is always fun and festive. This is a great place for large groups of people or special occasions. I am personally a fan of the skirt steak and regular mojito. The cerviche was a big hit with my friends. Reservations suggested to avoid a long wait. $$

China Grill Miami Beach: 3 Stars

China Grill started in New York and has now opened locations (with various names) in a number of cities. The food is Asian Contemporary and is served family style. Again, this is a good place for large groups. The food was good. I particularly liked the duck fried rice and the short ribs. However, this is not a restaurant to choose if you plan to have a lot of across the table conversations. House music spins quite loudly while you dine. It took a minute to get used to it, because your mind notes that you are in a restaurant with white tablecloths, but your body tells you it is time to dance. Fast. Different, but I liked it. What I did not like was the service. Our waiter was HORRIBLE. He took advantage of the "gratuity included" in a way that only karma can remedy. It is a very popular restaurant, so reservations are suggested. $$$

Bella Rose: 5 Stars

423 16th St., Miami Beach, 305-673-8634

Destiny found Bella Rose for me. I was walking with friends along Ocean Drive, when one decided he needed a bathroom break at the Hotel Victor. I remembered attending a great party there some years back and decided to check it out while everyone waited for him to return. The Hotel Victor has a great roof deck. When I got upstairs I noticed the DJ was breaking down his equipment. He told me I just missed the party, but that he was on his way to the next spot where he'd be spinning old school hip hop at a local joint. My group decided to stop by and boy are we glad we did. We arrived very late (after midnight) and left very early (it was still dark :)). DJ Self Born had us dancing non-stop to the best old school hip-hop, pop, rock, and R&B until we literally closed the place down. Yes, long after the locals had gone home. The crowd was 20-40 somethings and mainly white.

I do have to add a very important disclaimer. Bella Rose is not just a local spot, it is a hole in the wall. Seriously, it is. But people still dress nicely (neat jeans and tennis are OK) and there is bottle service if you desire. Wear dancing shoes.

Please comment on your thoughts on these Miami spots or others you would recommend or suggest we stay away from.

This Week in South Florida

The Brazilian Film Festival
May 30- June 7
Colony Theater
Info: 1-877-273-4563, Tickets @ ticketmaster

The Brazilian Film Festival of Miami is an annual event for the movie industry of Latin America and the US. The BFFM features Brazilian film productions. The festival hosts guests from the international film industry, including exhibitors, distributors, studio executives, Brazilian actors, directors and producers. The festival provides a platform for the commercialization, distribution and exhibition of Brazilian films within the US.

This Week in South Florida

Jazz at the Museum Of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Free Concert Featuring Julie Silvera

Time: Friday, May 30 at 8 p.m.
Location: 770 N.E. 125th Street, North Miami
305-893-6211

Julie Silvera performs jazz standards which have earned her many awards and honors. She also has performed with Gloria Estefan, Josh Groban, Christian McBride and Arnie Carruthers to her credit. Click here for more about Julie Silvera.

Jazz at MOCA is a free outdoor concert and is performed the last Friday of the month, rain or shine, sponsored by Starbucks Coffee Company and the City of North Miami, . MOCA galleries will be open by donation from 7 to 10 p.m. so that guests can view "Sympathy for the Devil: Art and Rock and Roll since 1967" exhibit.