Miami hosts the finest EDM artists around

Every year, the world’s premier electronic dance music festival, the Ultra Music Festival, takes place at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami and all the finest artists from around the globe make their way down to show off their skills. Taking a break from their leisure time, their Caribbean cruises and their penthouse apartments, the biggest talents from the EDM world are taking over Miami for three days in March, displaying the heaviest, hardest and deepest sounds around.

 The height of electronic talents

Featuring top artists including David Guetta, Tiesto, Kraftwerk, Skrillex, Mike Snow and Armin Van Buuren, the Ultra Music Festival (UMF) has already sold out, in record time. This is the third year in a row that the event has sold out in quick time and will be held in conjunction with the Winter Music Conference. This conference features networking and business contacts as well as music and is a great place for up and coming music technologists, artists and behind the scenes experts to meet. Click here to see video and interviews from previous WMC djs including Bob Sinclar, Paul van Dyk, and Deadmau5.

 The UMF is in its 13^th year and has made great moves from its launch in 1999. Expanding from a small low key one day festival event, to the three day extravaganza that took place last year, its growth is evidence of the growing presence of electronic dance music (EDM) in the mainstream charts.  

Bayfront Park is a huge urban space, ideal for the massive festival to takeover. The Amphitheater has space for 10,000 people and the Tina Hills Pavilion is more intimate, with space for just 1,000. This may well be where some of the up and coming acts get their first taste of festival.  

Deadmau5 hits back

Not everybody is a fan of the huge Ultra Music Festival, although we can’t see why. Electro-trance artist and producer Joel Zimmerman (better known as deadmau5) has slammed the festival in a ranty YouTube video for its ticket prices and contractual agreements involved in performing at the event. It’s obvious his words have fallen on deaf ears as fans have already bought their tickets in the thousands despite of this. The UMF attracts fans and artists from around the world and many historic remixes and tracks have been first performed at this legendary festival. It seems Zimmerman is the lone voice, bemoaning the event and his words have done little to distract fans of EDM.

A closer look at the Winter Music Conference

The Winter Music Conference is one of the largest music industry conventions specialising in the electronic genre. Founding in 1985, the conference has served as a launch pad to spur on DJs and professionals from the electronic dance music genre into greater success and potential stardom. Many of the major agency deals take place at the Winter Music Conference, where young prodigies sign their future to a label that can make it happen and learn all about the industry from the experts. It’s expected over 50,000 delegates will attend the conference in March, with 500 separate events taking place during the week. One of the most anticipated events are the panels and seminars where topics and questions can be posted to experts and newcomers can learn everything they need to know about their future career, from the people who know it.

Artists to look out for in 2012

There are some obvious heavyweights attending the UMF such as Guetta, Tiesto and Fatboy Slim but there are hundreds more acts who are worth taking in. UK drum and bass legends Chase and Status are a definite must see as they combine musical performance with their DJ sets. Canadian Dubstep DJ Datsik is another artist who will make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. Knife Party, the new electro-house carnation of Australian chart-storming Pendulum are set to be one of the leading EDM acts of 2012, so their set at UMF may be a sign of things to come.

Miami is a perfect host for the finest EDM music worldwide and the Bayfront Park setting is the perfect setting for the event. With years of experience behind them the festival’s founders are set to make this year’s event even more successful than the last and then perhaps next year, tickets will sell out even faster.

Leave us feedback about your opinion on these music events in Miami below. We would love to hear from your experiences.

Looking for the perfect way to bid farewell to 2010 and celebrate the arrival of the New Year? Vitamin C has the perfect dose of New Year’s excitement planned for you. Call your friends, mark your calendar and plan to attend NEW YEARS FOREVER on December 31st at 9:00 pm at GlassHaus Studios located at 8000 Biscayne Blvd.

Tickets, starting at $150.00 per person, will guarantee you the ultimate celebration among friends, breathtaking views and enough excitement to make memories you’ll remember throughout 2011.

NEW YEARS FOREVER will offer top-notch entertainment featuring top 40’s and open format music by DJ Miguel G., live music by RIA, fire and water shows, and fireworks display. Guests will enjoy six hours of Premium Open Bar (9pm – 3am), Robata Hor d’ourves (provided by Novecento) and a midnight champagne toast. VIP packages will also be available. And there’s more! Take part in a memorable countdown to 2011 complete with party favors all being captured by on-site event photographers.

Why choose NEW YEARS FOREVER? Vitamin C, a Miami-based marketing company, has endured months of planning and spared no expense while preparing for this event. As a result, consider all the right components of a memorable event being handed over to you on a silver platter at one of Miami’s premier locations.

Glasshaus Studios is part of Miami’s mid-century architectural (MiMo) inspired historical district. Glasshaus’s unique 2nd floor location includes 4,000 sq. feet of indoor space and an additional 7,200 sq. feet of outdoor space featuring a sun deck and a swimming pool.

Click here to get your New Year’s plans underway and purchase tickets.. Tickets are available for purchase at the Vitamin C Headquarters for no online surcharges by emailing info@newyearsforever.com.

To inquire about VIP packages, please call 305-375-0179.

How to prepare for NEW YEAR’S FOREVER? Bring out your best outfit, as proper attire (cocktail and semi-formal wear) will be enforced. Bring your friends or celebrate among hundreds of new friends and young professionals.

And remember… when the champagne runs out and the night is gone, the memories made at NEW YEARS FOREVER will live on!

Miami’s own internationally famous DJ/record producer Oscar G introduced his new album “Live From NYC” as he took to the stage at Mansion Nightclub on Miami Beach. Jeile Marie and Richard were onstage with Oscar G catching all of the action with a mixture of live Afro-Cuban percussion, electric violin, turntable and good vibrations. Mansion is the spot to get your dance on for Saturday night. Lucky for you, you get to watch this video and skip finding parking on South Beach to see what it is like with Oscar G at Mansion.

“You Go Where We Go” goLIVEmiami.com

Check out our other video with Dennis Ferrer at Mansion Nightclub!

House music producer/DJ Dennis Ferrer played at Mansion Nightclub in Miami Beach and goLIVEmiami.com was there onstage in the DJ booth to watch him whip the crowd into a frenzy. Richard and Jeile also got an exclusive interview with Dennis where he explained his motivation behind writing and producing his latest smash hit “Hey Hey”.

“You Go Where We Go” — goLIVEmiami

Click here to visit Dennis Ferrer’s MySpace page.

Segafredo on Lincoln Road, also referred to as L’Originale, will be celebrating its 10th year in business as the first Segafredo branch to open in Florida, on Sunday August 29th, 2010 at 5pm with a block party, music by DJ Mr. V. and Miss Patty, and giveaways!

Segafredo L’Originale has been the gathering spot for thousands of locals and tourists since its doors opened in 2000 under the ownership and management of Graziano Sbroggio and Mark Soyka. The boutique Italian cafe received a boost to its popularity with the innovative and dynamic concept brought in by Luca Voltarel, then manager, today a partner, of serving cocktails and playing great music – one of Voltarel’s true passions.

The success was almost immediate and Segafredo developed a cult-like following made up of skateboarders, beach-goers, club-goers, pet-lovers and an infinite mix of extraordinary personalities from all over the world! On August 29th 2010, the block party celebration will showcase the best of what Segafredo has to offer: music, dancing, drinks and the eclectic clientele that defines South Beach.

A stage will be set up on Lenox Avenue where DJ Mr. V. and Miss Patty will be spinning their best tunes with roadblocks surrounding the immediate area for the occasion. Mr. V. is known for his original productions and remixes taking a trip back in time to dance music’s golden age. His music embraces people’s differences and creates a homogeneous vibe, a perfect match to Segafredo’s loyal customers.

Miss Patty, joining DJ Mr. V. on stage, will showcase her unusual vocal talent mixing tribal, free spirit and bohemian styles. Her mantra is to find sounds that speak to her from disco and funk to opera and folk, and inspire her to create her own harmony. “Miss Patty brings together the eclectic crowd we nurture and cherish at Segafredo,” compares Voltarel.

Segafredo L’Originale Fun Facts:
Mario, the red mosaic penguin mascot in front of Segafredo joined the family in 2006 as he represents the symbol of hospitality.
On average, 700 people come to Segafredo everyday.
Since 2000, Segafredo has served: 35,3700 classic mojitos, 25,320 bottles of Prosecco and 215,940 bottles of Peroni.

Location: Segafredo Lincoln Road - 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Date: Sunday, August 29, 2010
Time: 5:00PM

For more information please call 305-673-0047 or visit www.sze-originale.com

Morgan Page will be setting up shop at LIV on August 28, 2010 for his album tour of Believe. The hotly sought after Producer and Remixer – whose recent remixes include tracks for Adam Lambert, Madonna, Katy Perry, The B-52s, and Yoko Ono – has developed a style all his own, merging punchy beats with strong melodies and song structure that connects with dance music veterans and newcomers alike.

Check out his video for “Fight for You” below and you can click here to download the track for free!

And for those of us that want to hear Morgan Page spin for more than a hot minute you can click here for his DJ mix.

Location: LIV Fontainebleau - 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Sexy Saturdays!

Wondering what to do on Saturdays once you’ve finished laundry and cleaned the house? Head over to Nikki Beach!

Witness for yourself why the London Observer calls this: “The Sexiest Place on Earth!” Tingle your senses with sensual food and drink specials, live entertainment, and sexy sounds by Felipe Kaval!!

Be sure to try one of their new “FOURPLAY FOUNTAINS” on Saturday!

When: Saturdays Summer 2010
Location: Nikki Beach – One Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Contact: (305) 538-1111 or Click here for Nikki Homepage

Don’t Miss the Heineken TransAtlantic Festival Weekend 2 this Saturday with Locos Por Juana from Miami, FL and Vieux Farka Touré from Mali, West Africa.

Saturday, April 24th, 2010
North Beach Bandshell – 7275 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach 33141

Tickets $20 advance on sale through Groovetickets.com or by phone at 305-672-5202 or area outlets.

Click here for Heineken TransAtlantic Festival Info

After show party at Sandbar Lounge
6625 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
Agape featuring Nadia Harris and DJ Erick Paredes
FREE (21+)

The Heineken TransAtlantic Festival was created in 2003 by The Rhythm Foundation, a Miami-based non profit cultural organization. The Rhythm Foundation is the leading presenter of World Music in South Florida.

The Festival explores modern world music from the great cities of the Atlantic rim – Europe, Africa, Brazil, Argentina, the Caribbean, NYC and features artists working in the beautiful collision between traditional rhythms and electronica/DJ culture. The series pays tribute to Miami as a true modern TransAtlantic capital, a crossroads of the Americas and Europe.

Heineken TransAtlantic Festival highlights to date:

“Best Concert Series” – New Times 2008 Best of Miami
“Best Festival” – New Times 2004 Best of Miami
“Best Festival” – Sun Post 2005 Best of Beaches
US debut of Spanish flamenco chill-out stars Chambao (2007)
Florida debut of Afropop sensations Amadou and Mariam (2006)
Florida debut of Mexican singer Ximena Sariñana (2009)
Florida debut of Parisians Nouvelle Vague (2006)
US debut of Brazilian singer Céu (2007)
Florida debut of Malian legends Tinariwen (2009)
US debut of Grammy Award winning new tango group Bajofondo (2005)
Florida debut of Asian underground artist Karsh Kale (2004)
Florida debut of Barcelona’sThe Pinker Tones (2007)
Florida debut of UK soul group Zero 7 (2004)
Florida debut of Brazilian chanteuse Maria Rita (2005)

Other groups presented include: Seu Jorge, Bossacucanova, DJ Da Lua, Supervielle, Juana Molina, Ojos de Brujo, Aterciopelados, Mariza, Sidestepper, Medeski Martin and Wood, Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra. Some of the best locally-based artists at the core of the new sound of Miami have been featured, such as Locos por Juana, Agape, Suenalo Sound System and DJ Le Spam and the Spam Allstars. The Heineken TransAtlantic Festival also features film screenings such as an Emmy Award-winning Manu Chao documentary and the indescribable feature One Giant Leap.

For information about The Rhythm Foundation, call 305-672-5202 or visit RhythmFoundation.com

This year’s 10th Annual Cinco de Mayo Street Festival will feature Live Bands, DJ’s, Stilt Walkers and special south of the border entertainment including Mariachis and Mexican Dancers. Party goers will be able to enjoy Mexican cuisine from Oh Mexico, Dos Equis cervezas, Sauza Tequila cocktails and Free Margarita Shots. The Street Festival begins at 6pm – que Viva Mexico!

For Reservations and info please call: (305) 532-0490

Difference Makers, Inc. Non-Profit Organization is proud to announce Miami’s first ever Emcee Olympics set to take place Friday April 23rd, 2010 at the Historic Joseph Caleb Auditorium in the heart of the Liberty City Community! This is not your typical emcee battle. It is destined to be a memorable competition among Miami’s most fiercest and lyrical emcees involving 3 rounds of intense FREESTYLING.

DO NOT BE MISTAKEN! THIS WILL BE A BATTLE OF THE MINDS, NOT PUNCHLINES!

In The competition emcees will be judged based on (1) Creativity, (2) Content: relevance to topics or situations and (3) Stage Presence.

Rounds will be organized in the following manner:

PRELIMINARY LIGHTNING ROUND: 20 emcees will showcase their best material in 4 bars.
ROUND ONE: The top 10 emcees from the preliminary lightning round will advance into this round which will involve freestyling about random images displayed on a screen.
ROUND TWO: The top 8 emcees will advance into this round which will be oriented towards flowing over tempo changing beats.

ROUND THREE: The final 6 emcees will be split into groups and will be given conflict scenarios.
The last 3 standing emcees with the most points awarded by Olympic Judges will win CASH PRIZES:
GOLD – FIRST PLACE – $500

SILVER – SECOND PLACE – $300

BRONZE – THIRD PLACE – $200
ENTRY TO THE EVENT IS $10 (OR $5 WITH 2 CANNED GOODS FOR HAITI RELIEF)

EMCEE REGISTRATION FOR THE COMPETITION IS ON SITE ONLY, 8 PM – 9 PM, AND REQUIRES A $10 FLAT RATE FROM ALL COMPETITORS!

LATE COMERS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ENTER THE COMPETITION!

For more information, visit miamiemceeolympics.wordpress.com

Date: Friday, April 23, 2010
Time: 8:00pm – 11:30pm
Location: Joseph Caleb Auditorium – 5400 NW 22nd Ave, Miami, FL