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MAZ Arts Blog
Jim Gasior Trio
At Radio Station WLRN
by Manny Meland on July 22, 2010
The Jim Gasior Trio enchanted an audience in the studio of radio station WLRN on Friday, July 16. This was part of Ed Bell’s Friday Afternoon “South Florida Arts Beat” program.
Gasior brought a monster rhythm section with him that included bassist Jamie Ousley and veteran South Florida drummer John Yardley. They accompanied his piano performance which mainly consisted of original pieces such as “Just for Kicks,” “Dick’s Place” and “Waiting.”
Gasior serves as Interim Dean of Music at the New World School of the Arts. He also acts as vocalist Wendy Pedersen’s pianist /arranger. Their latest recording effort is “Boy Meets Girl.”
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PermalinkMercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim
by James Cubby on July 18, 2010
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Rocks
The tents at the Raleigh Hotel for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week were overflowing with media, fashionistas, models, and members of the fashion industry. The lines were long but for the most party the wait was well worth it. Beautiful models trotted down the runways wearing an assortment of swimwear for the cheering crowds. Celebrities and reality show stars like the Kardashians peppered the audiences giving the event a little more excitement. I've never seen such a mob scene than when the Kardashians came out from backstage to take their seats. A crowd of photographers and fans surrounded them and had to be contained by security so the show could start. The occasional showers (okay, torrential rains) did not keep the crowds away from the events at the Raleigh, the Setai, W South Beach, the Gansevoort, and the Betsy. I can only say this, the shows are great, the crowds are fun, and I love the gift bags.
Hot Swimwear Fashions in B Bar at the Betsy Hotel
by James Cubby on July 15, 2010
The Betsy Hotel got a jump start on Fashion Week Swim with their Fashion Show (Wednesday, July 14) featuring designs from “SEXXY POP” by Pachi Lake and Richie Rich. The runway show, originally planned for the rooftop, was moved to B Bar where the VIP crowd cheered to the fashions. The audience continued to party in B Bar after the show while the media took over the lobby of the Betsy Hotel. Among those attending were designers Richie Rich & Pachi Lake, Leticia Wiermann, Dirk Goldwasser, Artist Laurence Gartel, Designer Luciana Scarabello, stylist Sheenon Olson, Alitza Weiss (owner of Osteria Del Teatro), and twins Jesse and Andrew Tsygan.
.jpg "Dirk Goldwasser & Leticia Wiermann")
Taylor Mac at Out in the Tropics
by James Cubby on July 10, 2010
Taylor Mac, sensational gender deconstructionist, performer, actor, composer and director, wowed the audience at the Colony Theater tonight (Friday, July 10). While I was totally entertained by this performer, I was embarrassed and disappointed by Miami's gay and theatre communities for their lack of support of this incredible performer. While few drag performers in this town can measure up to the performance level of this actor, they certainly should have been in the audience for some pointers at least. If there were any in attendance, they were hiding. Taylor Mac had the audience roaring with his wit, humor, political observations and rapid-fire songs. The likes of performers such as Taylor Mac rarely make appearances in Miami and he mentioned on stage that he had been warned that the audience would be shallow. This audience was not shallow it was the audience that missed the performance that was shallow. Out in the Tropics continues tomorrow night with Sara Felder's June Bride. Don't miss it.
Babalu Opening Night
by James Cubby on July 09, 2010
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Last night (July 8) was the opening of Babalu, the musical celebration of Desi Arnaz's music. The show was created by Lucie Arnaz, Desi Arnaz's daughter, who was also one of the stars of the show. Also in the cast was Raul Espanza, Valarie Pettiford and Desi Arnaz, Jr. The show told the story of the history of Desi Arnaz, how he came to America, how he began his musical career and included stories of the “I Love Lucy” show. The audience included Desmond Child, producer Richard Jay Alexander, and K.C. (of K. C. and the Sunshine Band). After the show there was a VIP party for the cast sponsored by Bacardi. Babalu runs at the Arsht Center thru Sunday, July 11.
Out with Harvey & Cubby
by James Cubby on July 08, 2010
Out with Harvey & Cubby
Last evening was a night of sneak peaks. We got a tasting of the wonderful cuisine that will be served at the soon to open bistro e, which will be the lunch service of EOS located on the 15th floor of the Viceroy. Chef Michael Psilakis invited an intimate group of 10 into his kitchen to taste from the new menu. The food was incredible and mouth-watering. Although we were stuffed, we couldn't stop eating the wonderful dishes placed before us, from tasty appetizers (spicy tuna tacos, white asparagus salad), to the entrees (Korean BBQ prawn salad, avocado & turkey sandwich), and ending with dessert (vanilla bean cheesecake, triple chocolate cake, passion fruit key lime pie). Along with moderate prices and fast service bistro e is guaranteed to be a success. Later that evening at the Shore Club we were introduced to the performers of Out in the Tropics during Queer Culture, Global Culture, a panel discussion. The panel included festival artists Carlos Diaz, founder of Teatro El Público, Sara Felder, and Taylor Mac, plus South Florida-based singer Beverly McClellan and was moderated by Festival Artistic Director Robert Rosenberg. After the discussion the audience was invited downstairs to the Red Room of the Shore Club for a reception where singer Beverly McCIellan performed and food from First & First at the Shore Club was served.
Miami Beach's Fourth of July Celebration
by James Cubby on July 05, 2010
Miami Beach's Fourth of July Celebration was more than fireworks this year. A bandshell was erected on the beach at 8th & Ocean Drive for a special performance of the Greater Miami Youth Symphony under the direction of Huifang Chen. The young musicians performed a rousing program of music including “America the Beautiful” and “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” Soprano Elizabeth Caballero from Florida Grand Opera performed with the Youth Symphony singing three arias and two American standards. Later that evening Miami Beach presented one of its best fireworks displays in history to the screams and cheers of an enthusiastic audience. It was a grand Fourth of July celebration.
Simon Salz Memorial Concert featuring Jon Secada
by Manny Meland on June 30, 2010
Jon Secada was featured at the 4th Simon Salz Memorial Concert last Saturday, June 26, at Gusman Hall, Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.
The proceeds from this concert supported the Young Musicians’ Camp, a project that was dear to Simon Salz’ heart. The camp strives to bring together children from a wide variety of ethnic, cultural and financial backgrounds. Most of these kids are from inner-city schools.
The accompanying band included five-time Grammy nominee and multi-instrumentalist Ira Sullivan, piano virtuoso Shelly Berg who is the dean of the Frost School of Music and Chuck Bergeron, a former bassist with the Woody Herman Thundering Herd Orchestra. Guitarist Sandy Polarak and drummer Carlomagno Araya rounded out this incredible quintet.
You had to be present to believe this music. These South Florida musicians hit dizzying heights.
Sammy Figueroa at Museum of Contemporary Art
by Manny Meland on June 29, 2010
Wow! What a concert! On June 25, Sammy Figueroa and his Latin Jazz Explosion brought their energy and their exciting Latin Jazz fusion to an enthusiastic overflowing crowd at the MOCA. On the last Friday of each month, the Museum of Contemporary Art presents its open air ‘Jazz at MOCA’ series.
The musicians of Sammy’s Latin band come from very diverse places. His featured pianist, Silvano Monasterios, was born in Venezuela. The concert opened with Monasterios' composition ‘The Magician’ which was the title of Figueroa's very successful CD. The second number, ‘Arrapio,’ was composed by bassist Gabriel Vivas, who was born in El Paso. Drummer, Nomar Negroni, from Puerto Rico, backed up the band with his energetic beat. Trumpeter Cisco Dimas from New Mexico and saxman, John Michalak from Palm Beach, added wind to the Explosion.
Chanteuse Maria Rivas, who was in the audience, was invited to the bandstand to do a number. This Venezuelan bombshell contributed to this very thrilling evening.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), 770 N.E. 125th St., N. Miami. Call 305.893.6211 or visit www.mocanomi.org.
Arts for Learning 10-Year Anniversary Celebration
by James Cubby on June 28, 2010
On Sunday, June 27, Arts for Learning celebrated its 10-Year Anniversary poolside at the Sagamore Hotel with a soiree hosted by Burn Notice star Jeffrey Donovan. The event featured artists, art performances, music, food and cocktails (provided by Grey Goose). It was a lovely celebration as arts supporters mingled and enjoyed the performances. Among those attending were Merle & Danny Weiss, Gary Farmer, Vicky DiSanto, Miss Orlando 2010, Maryanne Salvat and Mary Jo Shore of Miami Socialholic, and Harvey Burstein of Miami Arts Trust.
Arts for Learning's programming is made possible by individuals like you and by support from Assurant Solutions, Bank of America, City of Miami, City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council, Dade Community Foundation, E.S. Moore Family Foundation, Jonathan D. Lewis Foundation, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, and the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, The Children's Trust, and Young Audiences, Inc. For more information visit www.a4lmiami.org.
