Out in the Tropics GLBT Performing Arts Festival
Opening Kick-Off: Queer Culture, Global Culture
Wednesday, July 7, 7:00 pm Free Panel Discussion & Reception
The Shore Club Hotel, 1901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
Free and open to the public
(parking at public lot at 21st & Collins, limited on-street meters and hotel valet)
For tickets www.ticketmaster.com

Join us for a lively evening of food, drink and the ideas and insights of an international group of cutting-edge artists! The night begins with Queer Culture, Global Culture, a panel discussion with Festival artists Carlos Diaz, founder of Teatro El Público, Sara Felder, and Taylor Mac. plus South Florida-based singer Beverly MClellan (www.myspace.com/BeverlyShane), in an in-depth discussion about the state of GLBT arts and culture,moderated by Festival Artistic Director Robert Rosenberg. At 8:00 pm the evening continues with a reception featuring food courtesy of First & First Southern Baking Company and a complementary Shore Club cocktail, plus cash bar, with live music from Beverly McClellan.
Co-sponsored with the Women’s and Gender Studies and Latin American Studies Programs, and the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, at the University of Miami.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2010, 6:00 PM
10th Annual CINCO DE MAYO STREET FESTIVAL ESPANOLA WAY
Mariachis • Djs • Mexican Dancers • Free Margarita Shots • Stilt Walkers • Live Bands!
presented by Oh! Mexico
Reservations and info: 305.532.0490

EXXXOTICA Miami Beach 2010 presented by Hotmovies.com is scheduled for Friday, May 14th through Sunday, May 16 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Hours are Friday from 4PM to 11PM, Saturday, from 1pm to 11PM and Sunday from Noon to 7PM.

EXXXOTICA RETURNING TO SOUTH BEACH FOR 5TH ANNIVERSARY
THE NATION’S TOP ADULT CONSUMER EVENT HEADS BACK TO MIAMI BEACH FOR 5TH STRAIGHT YEAR — BIGGER & HOTTER THAN EVER!

Victory Tradeshow Management, the producers of the EXXXOTICA Expo, are set to bring the largest adult consumer event in the country back to the Miami Beach Convention Center, May 15th through 17th.

Check out the Soul Of Miami Photographs from 2009.

The EXXXOTICA Expo, presented by HotMovies.com, has become an annual staple to the South Florida area. Averaging nearly 20,000 attendees annually, and in celebration of their fifth anniversary, this year’s EXXXOTICA is pulling out all the stops and promises their biggest and best show to date.

Since 2006, EXXXOTICA has brought the biggest names in adult to South Beach — Jenna Jameson, Tera Patrick, Jesse Jane, Ron Jeremy, Stormy Daniels, Sasha Grey, Bree Olson, Jenna Haze, Jessica Drake, Savanna Samson, Gina Lynn, Teagan Presley and hundreds more. The 2010 edition of EXXXOTICA will continue their tradition as they bring the top stars in XXX to the party capital of the world.

Highlights of the show will once again include the massive “Fantasy Island” attraction (sponsored by Genesis Magazine). This is the place where fans can meet their favorite stars from adult films that will be on hand to meet and greet fans. Some of the names already confirmed for EXXXOTICA’s “Fantasy Island” include superstars such as Digital Playground’s Jesse Jane®, Adam & Eve stars Teagan Presley, Bree Olson and Alexis Ford, adult superstars Jenna Haze, Sunny Leone, Gina Lynn and Alexis Texas, AVN and XBIZ “Best New Starlet” winner Kagney Linn Karter, Jersey Shore XXX star Taryn Thomas, and many more to come. When all is said and done, well over 20 of adult’s biggest and brightest will be appearing at EXXXOTICA’s “Fantasy Island.”

This year’s show will also feature the South Beach debut of the “Legends of EXXXOTICA” — an adult movie hall of fame come to life. “Legends of EXXXOTICA” will feature some of the biggest names in the history of adult spanning over four decades. Some of the legends already scheduled to appear include Lisa Ann, Seka, Raylene, Taylor Wane, Sean Michaels and Mr. Marcus, and many more of your favorite legends you have watched over the years will be appearing at this year’s show.

“It seems like yesterday that EXXXOTICA was just thought in our head and to see the way that it has grown over the past five years is amazing,” said J. Handy, Director of Victory Tradeshow Management. “South Beach has really embraced EXXXOTICA and we’re looking forward to many years to come.”

EXXXOTICA not only gives fans the opportunity to meet hundreds of stars, but they can browse the latest products and services from over 150 exhibitors including HotMovies.com, MyFreeCams.com, Clips4Sale.com, media sponsors XBIZ and XFANZ, popular men’s magazines Genesis and Club, and the World Erotic Art Museum.

The giant fan-friendly event also offers attendees the chance to “celebrate sexy” with dozens of interactive shows and events. The entertainment stage hosts a jam-packed schedule sure to grab the attention of every attendee, highlighted by the Ms. EXXXOTICA Competition, where local beauties vie for a $1,000 prize. Also, there is an educational seminar series designed to inform and tantalize attendees. Lastly, the show wouldn’t be complete without their trademark EXXXOTICA Hotties who will be putting on a show in every square foot of the massive space of the Convention Center.

Fans are also invited to party with their purchase of EXXXOTICA VIP pass in the super-sexy VIP Lounge, which will feature great music, the hottest girls and full service bars serving top shelf cocktails. Those fans who are 21 and over will be able to escape the craziness that is the show floor and enter the non-stop party that is EXXXOTICA’s VIP Lounge where you never know who will show up. And for a different kind of party, couples and single ladies can enjoy “The Bedroom”, and über-VIP area has a totally different vibe. Find an open cabana or cuddle up on one of the many beds as you mingle with other like-minded people.

Miami Rum Renaissance Festival, one of the premier international rum events presents a unique and exciting celebration of the finest rums in the world.

The noble spirit of the Caribbean region continues to gain popularity among discerning enthusiasts as a greater variety of high quality brands become available in South Florida.
To celebrate this ongoing resurgence of rum and to encourage others to embark on a discovery of the world’s best rums, author and rum aficionado Robert Burr has once again organized a five day festival in Miami dedicated to the finest Caribbean spirits.

Rum Renaissance takes place in the sub-tropical wonderland of Miami’s golden beaches at the world famous Raleigh South Beach Resort. Sample the world’s finest rums in this magical setting amongst the palm trees, the gentle ocean breezes and the natural beauty of South Florida.

The festival incorporates many exciting events, such as celebrity seminars, cocktail demonstrations, a Tiki Face-Off competition between British and American teams, and the Barritt’s Ginger Beer competition finals.

Among the primary exhibitors hosting VIP events and presenting celebrity seminars are Abuelo Rums from Panama, Zacapa Rums from Guatemala, Cartavio Rums from Peru, the Rums of Venezuela featuring Diplomatico and Santa Teresa, plus the Rums of Puerto Rico, including Bacardi, Barrilito, Palo Viejo, Ron Llave and Don Q.

The Grand Rum Tasting Exhibition on Saturday, May 8 will include a plethora of fine rums from the Caribbean and beyond. Sample the finest rums from each island, from each category and from each notable brand. Altogether, more than 100 rum and cane spirit products will be on display at the Grand Tasting event.

On Sunday, May 9, we’ll all gather around the pool at the Raleigh South Beach Resort from noon to 5pm to enjoy the sun and fun. Chill out, decompress, mingle with rum experts and enthusiasts from around the world and enjoy living the great rum lifestyle on the beach.

Experience the world’s best rums, including Abuelo, Appleton, Atlantico, Bacardi, Barcelo, Barrilito, Berkshire Mountain, Brugal, Caldas, Cartavio, Chairman’s Reserve, Sgt. Classick, Clement, Cruzan, Dictador, Diplomatico, Don Q, Dos Maderas, Flor De Caña, JM, Koloa, Leblon, Mahiki, Matusalem, Montanya, Ocumare, Palo Viejo, Plantation, Pussers, Ron Llave, Seven Tiki, St. Aubin, Santa Teresa, Skipper Demerara Rum, Tommy Bahama, Vizcaya, Zacapa, Zafra, Zaya and more.

Purchase tickets online.

12TH ANNUAL AFRO ROOTS WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL SET TO HIT THE STAGE APRIL 3RD WITH THE AFRICAN & CARIBBEAN RHYTHMS OF CONJUNTO PROGRESO, NAG CHAMPAYONS, AND DELOU FATALA INCLUDING LIVE PAINTING BY LEBO AND A VARIETY OF SATELITE EVENTS

Miami, FL – March 22, 2010 – Community Arts and Culture presents the 12th Annual Afro Roots World Music Festival, which celebrates the evolution of African culture in our community and music. Noted by many to be Miami’s longest running world music festival, this event will feature artists from various African countries as well as artists from the Caribbean and the Americas.

Saturday, April 3rd – 6pm – 10pm | 12th Annual Afro Roots World Music Festival
North Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
$10 Presale/ At the Door – Children Under 12 Free
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS
Featuring: Conjunto Progreso, Nag Champayons, Delou Fatala

On Saturday, April 3rd, The Afro Roots World Music Festival main event will include Delou Fatala, a traditional West African group from Guinea, spearheaded by Master Balifonist Ibrahima Douibate. Also featured are the Nag Champayons whose coined phrase, afrogalactic tropidelic sounds, is catching on with audiences around the world. The group will be joined by special guests Itagui Correa and Mark Kondrat of two-time Grammy-nominated Locos Por Juana. Headlining this year’s festival will be Grammy-nominated Cuban son group Conjunto Progreso who will be joined on stage by a variety of special guests. World renowned painter and Miami native, LEBO, will be painting live to the music, and DJ V will be spinning the sounds of the Caribbean in between sets.

SATELLITE EVENTS
Every year prior to the festival, we present a variety of free satellite events catering to all ages. This year’s events include the following:

Friday April 2nd, 2010-12pm -1:30pm I Panel discussion
CAS Wesley Gallery, 1210 Stanford Drive, Coral Gables
University of Miami – FREE

The festival kicks off with a panel discussion and demonstration hosted by the University of Miami’s Center for Latin American and Africana studies. The panel will focus on the role of the drum and music in the creation of black communities across the diaspora. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Edmund Abaka from Ghana. Featured panelist include Jan Sebon from Haiti, Ibrahima Dioubate from Guinea, Philbert Armenteros from Cuba, Adrian Castro from Cuba, and Jose Elias from the Dominican Republic.

Friday April 2nd, 2010 – 10pm – 2am | Festival of the Drum
Transit Lounge, 729 SW 1st Avenue, Downtown Miami – Free
Featuring: Jan Sebon and Kazak International, Nacao Celeiro and Vodou Lakay
Join us later that evening at Transit Lounge for the official kick off party for the festival, the Festival of the Drum. This year we’ll be featuring a variety of acts from Haiti including folkloric roots band Vodou Lakay and renowned Haitian artist Jan Sebon and his global super group Kazak International. The night will get kicked off by Nacao Celeiro, a drumming troupe that plays an array of rhythms from the Northern regions of Brazil.

Saturday, April 3rd – 11am – 2pm | Let the Children Have Music and Dance
North Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach – Free
Featuring members of Delou Fatala and Lucky Bruno

Early on Saturday, April 3rd, members of the group, Delou, and performance artist Lucky Bruno will be conducting a kids program featuring live music, dance, and art projects for the children. The highly interactive program will encourage children to play and dance. This event caters to children of all ages including at risk youth and children with disabilities.

For more information, please visit www.communityartsandculture.org or e-mail: info@communityartsandculture.org or contact festival director, Jose Elias at 786-218-6854.

OUR SPONSORS
The 12th Annual Afro Roots World Music Festival is made possible by the generous support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Mayor, and the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners. The City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council, Polar Beer, the North Beach Bandshell Trust, MIA Remezcla, Transit Lounge, and 7th Circuit Productions.

ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS AND CULTURE
Community Arts and Culture is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in September 2002 in Miami, Florida. The focus of Community Arts and Culture is to present the arts as a tool for education by promoting appreciation and understanding for a variety of arts and cultures while celebrating the diversity found in local communities.

Buy Tickets for the Afro Roots World Music Festival

Join the Market Company and ASJ for
SUPER SUNDAY at COLLINS PARK
Every 1st Sunday of the Month starting March 7
Collins Ave and 22nd Street, Miami Beach, FL

PHENOMENON, THE FASTEST BOAT IN THE WORLD, TO DEBUT AT THE MIAMI BOAT SHOW

Press Conference to see Phenomenon Will Be Held on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 12:00PM at Booth # 3360

WHAT:· Phenomenon, the fastest speed boat in the world, will be unveiled to consumers on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 12PM EST at Booth #3360 at the Miami Boat Show.
· Phenomenon is 56 feet long, 13 feet and 6 inches wide, with 4 turbine engines and 12,000 horsepower
· Phenomenon was built for one reason: to break the world’s propelled speedboat record of 220.5 mph
· Phenomenon was created by engineers from NASA, Boeing, former US Naval architects, & world class professional power boat builders

WHEN:· Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 12PM at Booth #3360
Miami Beach Convention Center
1901 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139

The History of Al Copeland Jr. and Phenomenon
· The prototypical vessel was created by famed restaurateur, Al Copeland Sr., the founder of Popeyes Famous Fried Chicken & Biscuits Restaurants and Copeland’s Restaurants and a former driver and owner of the Popeyes Offshores race team from 1980-1990
· Unfortunately, about two years into building Phenomenon, Al Copeland Sr. was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer known as Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Just eight months after the diagnosis, Al Copeland Sr. died of the disease
· At the time of his death, Al Copeland Sr. had but two goals he wanted to accomplish: One to find a cure for the rare cancer, and two to finish the boat in order to break the world record

About Al Copeland Investments
· The ACI family of companies includes 30 restaurants, hotels and comedy clubs throughout the US, including Copeland’s Diversified Food and Seasonings, Copeland’s of New Orleans, Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro, and Copeland’s Social City, among others. A southern icon, Al Copeland’s memory lives on through the Al Copeland Foundation which is dedicated to the eradication of Merkel Cell Carcinoma, the disease that took Copeland’s life. For more information on ACI and the Al Copeland Foundation, visit www.alcopeland.com and www.alcopelandfoundation.org.

South Beach Wine & Food Festival,
Feb. 25-28, 2010
with FIU School of Hospitality students as your guide.

Over 1000 FIU students are involved in every aspect of the event – from serving student made wine & beer to soliciting restaurants for the Grand Tastings to making and keeping the event Green, to sponsor fulfillment, logistics as it relates to loading in and breaking down to prepping, working side-by-side cooking for such illustrious chefs as Bobby Flay, Michelle Bernstein, Lidia Bastianich, David Burke, Scott Conant, Laurent Tourandel, Alfred Portale as well as celebrity chefs such as Rachael Ray, Paula Deen, Michael Symon, among others for a variety of events including Bubble Q BBQ, Best of the Best, and the Grand Tasting tents.

The students play an integral and a pivotal role in producing the nation’s largest such event in N. America, with over 55,000 tickets sold over the 4 day weekend in Feb. Almost $2 mil. dollars was raised last year, with $400,000 dollars earmarked for student scholarships.

Culinary convergence benefits FIU School of Hospitality at FIU annual fund raiser, Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival

When the greatest names in the restaurant industry converge for FIU School of Hospitality annual fundraiser: 2010 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival, presented by Food and Wine Magazine, February 25 – 28, 2010 it will not only be for good food and good fun, it was also for a good cause: Florida International University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. More than $2 million dollars has been raised for FIU School of Hospitality for student scholarships, and to enhance the experience of students by investing in program, faculty and facility enhancement.

For the 2010 Festival celebrity chefs and personalities such as Rachael Ray, Emeril Lagasse, Ming Tsai, Paula Dean, Bobby Flay, Michael Lomonaco joined famed South Florida based chefs such as Michelle Bernstein, Kenny Lyon, Michael Schwartz, Jonathan Eismann and Allen Susser – to name just a handful of participants — to once again position Miami-Dade County as the culinary capital of the world during the festival. Everyone is drawn to the event, not just for the celebration, but also for the opportunity to benefit one of the leading hospitality programs of its kind in the world.

Formerly known as the “Florida Extravaganza”, proceeds from the South Beach Wine & Food Festival benefit FIU’s School of Hospitality. Over the past 10 years, over a $6 million dollars has been raised to enhance the students experience at the School of Hospitality by expanding the School of Hospitality Teaching Restaurant and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were set aside for student scholarships.
In addition to lending their services to the cause of benefiting FIU’s School of Hospitality, many chefs worked with numerous students individually, offer the students an unparalleled experience. At this year’s Festival, students will be paired with, in a mentorship style relationship, the following chefs: John Besh (Restaurant August, New Orleans), Scott Conant/Michael Priolo (Scarpetta/ Miami Beach), Todd English (Olives, NYC), Adam Perry Lang (Daisy May’s BBQ, NYC), Emeril Lagasse (Emeril’s/New Orleans), Masaharu Morimoto (Morimoto, NYC), Tom Neely (Neely’s Bar-B-Que, Memphis), Alfred Portale/John Suley (Gotham Steak, Miami Beach), Sue Zemanick (Gatreau’s, New Orleans), among others.
“The students of FIU are the real winners of this festival. They provide tireless support for the four-day weekend of events while reaping indispensable real world industry experience,” says Joan Remington, Interim Dean, FIU School of Hospitality.
FIU Hospitality Management senior AJ Mindermann, assistant culinary manager at the 2009 festival, knows first hand the value of working with industry leaders in a real-world experience. “The experience is priceless,” Mindermann said. “You can’t put a number on it. I got so many internship opportunities from chefs last year. The networking is terrific. It’s probably one of the biggest career-jumpers there is.”
Having just completed his second year in a leadership role at the Festival, Arthur was honored with the Barilla Best FIU Student Chef Award, and a $1500 cash prize. Barilla established this award to recognize students at FIU’s School of Hospitality and who exhibit their commitment to and passion for the culinary arts.
Hundreds of other students benefit from real-world experience at the Festival. Experiences range from fulfilling thousands of ticket orders to restaurant solicitation, sponsorship fulfillment to meeting and greeting guests at myriad activities throughout the annual four-day festival. Overall, some 850 Hospitality majors – most with excellent internship experience already under their belts – worked in a variety of key capacities both before and during the festival.

“I hear comments like ‘the experience changed my life’,” said FIU Chef-Instructor and South Beach Wine & Food Festival Culinary Director, Michael Moran. “You don’t expect to go to school and have a teacher say that there’s a field trip to cook barbecue for 500 people.”

It’s little wonder that so many famed names are willing to lend their time and expertise to the festival and to FIU students. Hospitality and tourism industry executives from around the world visit the school annually to interview and hire graduates for key management-track positions in the vast array of fields in which FIU’s students are prepared. Today many of the school’s 9,000 graduates hold prominent positions in the hospitality industry around the Western Hemisphere, Europe and Asia.

Students at FIU’s School of Hospitality are highly sought-after for key reasons. One is the comprehensive curriculum that includes tracks for Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Hospitality Management, Executive Master of Science in Hospitality Management Degree Programs, PhD in Business Administration as well as Certificate Programs in various Hotel, Restaurant, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism specializations. Over 100 courses and 35 expert faculty members focus exclusively on hospitality and tourism management including finance, law, beverage management, culinary arts and hotel operations.

Students are required to work 1,000 hours in the hospitality industry and then complete a 300-hour internship. Upon graduation, students are prepared to compete for top positions in every aspect of the hospitality industry. To date, the School’s graduates have a 100% career placement record.

FIU’s excellence was one reason student Caroline Karlberg chose it when she decided to leave the world of finance for logistics management.

“I wanted real, hands-on experience and that was definitely something FIU’s School of Hospitality, offered in addition to its programs and staff,” Karlberg said. “I can’t believe this, but last year at this time, I was a financial analyst in New York City. And this year I am a graduate student at FIU School of Hospitality, working as a member of the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival’s logistics team, the largest such event in the country.” Caroline, assistant to SoBe W&F Logistics Manager Susan Gladstone, is also Student Associate Coordinator, working with her team of students to place 1000 students in various jobs at the festival.

“And what I have learned is unbelievable: just the amount of moving parts and people it takes to put together such an event is mind-blowing. I have never been on this side of an event, and I had no idea what goes into the back-end. Working this event has helped me appreciate all special events.”

“We provide our students the opportunity to get their foot in the door in the hospitality field of their choice,” said Dean Remington, FIU School of Hospitality. “Our students work on the ground, having real life experiences while making important contacts with industry leaders. It is gratifying to the faculty to know that international hospitality companies and corporations are selecting our students.”

It is also reason why, year after year, top figures in the industry are eager to help contribute to FIU’s School of Hospitality.

For more information, visit www.hospitality.fiu.edu.

Chef-Instructor Leads Students in the Intricacies and Delicacies of Putting on FIU’s Famed Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival

When FIU chef-instructor Michael Moran puts on a party, he wants only the best at his side. Take the high-profile Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival, presented by Food and Wine Magazine, the wildly popular, FIU-co-sponsored event that takes place from Feb. 25-28, 2010. As chef and culinary coordinator he’ll rub elbows with some of the biggest names in the industry, among them Food Network chefs Emeril Lagasse and Bobby Flay. It’s his own students, however, that Moran considers critical to success.

“It really is about finding a core of people who have this tremendous passion,” Moran says of the hundreds or so undergraduates who sign on for his course in “quantity food production.” In addition to other chores, the students take direct responsibility for getting ready all of the mea consumed during the 2009 Bubble Q BBQ: 1800 pounds of pork, 1500 pounds of beef filet, 1000 pounds of chicken, 1200 pounds of fish, 800 pounds of cabbage, and turning out several hundred pounds of nouveau potato salad, cole slaw and other side dishes for arguably the festival’s most glamorous attraction: the Friday night, champagne-drenched barbecue for over 3,000.

It took 3500 man hours to prepare 22,500 portions of food served to 3400 people attending the 2009 Bubble Q BBQ. Ordered were three tons of food for the 25 participating chefs, each preparing 900 portions.

The prep work takes place in the Miami Beach Convention Center’s hot and cold commercial kitchens, after which the food is packed into four refrigerated, 65-foot 18-wheelers and delivered to the fashionable Delano hotel on Miami Beach . There the students assist a veritable Who’s Who of professional chefs from around the country as they help cook and serve the ultimate outdoor feast.

Overall, some 850 Hospitality majors—most with excellent internship experience already under their belts—will work in a variety of key capacities both before and during the festival, from fulfilling thousands of ticket orders to meeting and greeting guests at myriad activities throughout the long weekend, among them wine and food seminars and a celebrity golf tournament.

For the most part, Chef Moran is educating not just would-be chefs, but the future managers of restaurant groups, hotel chains, cruise lines and related companies—this is a business school, after all. Moran wants to make sure his charges know how to bake chocolate chip cookies, prepare relatively simple dishes like arroz con pollo and, by the end of the semester, quickly build an entire dinner around ingredients he hands them in class. His self-stated goal: “I have to take away the intimidation of the kitchen.” Come festival time, they’re usually ready for anything.

But it’s not just cooking the veteran chef covers. “I’m teaching the whole individual,” explains Moran, who trains students how to work together, respond quickly to commands and generally get comfortable with the frenetic pace often associated with meeting the public’s expectations.
At the 2009 Festival, students were paired with in a mentorship style the following chefs: John Besh (Restaurant August, New Orleans), Kenny Callaghan (Blue Smoke, NYC), Todd English (Olives, NYC), Roger Herring (Socca/Chicago), Elizabeth Karmel (Hill Country/NYC) Adam Perry Lang (Daisy May’s BBQ, NYC), Emeril Lagasse (Emeril’s/New Orleans), Tim Love (Lonesome Dove Western Bistro/Ft. Worth), Missy Robbins (A Voce/NYC), Aaron Sanchez (Centrico/NYC), among others.
Chef Moran who has an established relationship with Miami’s Daily Food Bank, was able to, with his team, recover 6495 pounds of food from the 2009 Bubble Q, Burger Bash and the Grand Tasting demos, which translates to 38,970 meals. “This is truly incredible!!” exclaimed Chef Moran. “So much more than double last year. I’m proud that the food was not wasted, and that so many people were able to eat their fill of fine home-made food.”

Almost $2 million dollars was raised for FIU School of Hospitality to award student scholarships, and to enhance the experience of students by investing in program, faculty and facility enhancement.

With partner Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida, a division of the country’s largest beverage distributor, FIU presents the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival annually as a fundraiser in support of its Teaching Restaurant Program and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center, both located on FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus in North Miami . The event also provides an opportunity for the nationally ranked School and its students to contribute to South Florida ‘s reputation as a world-class travel destination and a great place to live.

“We’re part of the community. We want to make the community more successful,” Moran says. “One of the things we can bring to the table is the planning and creation of an environment to have a great time.”

Visit hospitality.fiu.edu for additional information.

Experience the World’s Leading Spanish Olive Oil, Carbonell, at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Experience the World’s Leading Spanish Olive Oil, Carbonell, at the
Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival

Enjoy the ultimate Olive Oil Experience featuring Carbonell Olive Oil, in the North Grand Tasting Tent within the Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (www.sobefest.com), February 26-28. Journey into Spain, with an authentic olive oil press, vivacious flamenco dancers, and succulent paella and tapas made with the world’s leading brand of Spanish olive oil. Join us on Saturday evening for Wine + Dine + Design presented by Carbonell and additional fine olive oils from the Mediterranean, to delight in exquisite cuisine by top chefs Michelle Bernstein, Ken Lyon, Michael Schwartz, and Jonathan Eismann at each of their renowned restaurants in the Design District: SRA. Martinez, Fratelli Lyon, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink and Pacific Time.

Chef Maggie Jimenez of the TV program ¡Que Sabor! which airs weekly on Saturday mornings on Univision’s cable channel Telefutura, will be live at the Carbonell Olive Oil interactive display within the Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village this Saturday and Sunday. She will be performing healthy and delicious recipes with olive oil, followed by a meet and greet with the public.
Suggested times to visit the Carbonell Olive Oil display: Saturday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 1:05-2:05 p.m.

For more information regarding Carbonell Olive Oils: www.carbonellusa.com.

2010 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Presented by Food & Wine Returns February 25 – 28, 2010

Festival Founder and Director Lee Brian Schrager, the Director of Media Relations and Special Events for Southern Wine & Spirits of America, kicks off the ninth annual Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Food & Wine with the debut of new events and returning classics that guests are sure to savor. The Festival will take place in and around the sun and sand of South Beach this February 25-28, 2010.

“We were so happy to have a record-breaking year in 2009,” comments Schrager. “With our highest number yet raised for the Florida International University School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, home of the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center, we are determined to make 2010 another banner year to benefit the school.”

True to fashion, the ninth annual wine and culinary extravaganza returns with events highlighting the latest trends in the industry. The 2010 Tribute Dinner honoree is world-renowned culinary master Daniel Boulud, a winner of multiple awards from the James Beard Foundation and recipient of the Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur from the French government for his contribution to the advancement of French culinary culture, among several other accolades. The celebration will feature dishes from some of the finest chefs: Eric Ripert, Paul Bartolotta, Claude Troigros, Nobu Matsuhisa, and Festival host hotel Loews Miami Beach executive chef Gordon Maybury. Exciting new additions to the 2010 Festival include:
The Festival highlights the talents of the hottest new dining destination in Miami, the Miami Design District, with a one-of-a-kind dining opportunity to taste the culinary expertise of chefs from Senora Martinez, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Pacific Time, and Fratelli Lyon – all in one evening!
The Barilla Interactive Lunch series at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables receives a makeover as the Festival debuts a Barilla Interactive Dinner hosted by Lidia Bastianich and her son, wine specialist Joe Bastianich.
Ming Tsai will host a late night Dim Sum & Disco party under the alluring atmosphere of the Setai.
Food Network stars including Guy Fieri (Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives), Paula Deen (Paula’s Best Dishes), Pat and Gina Neely (Down Home with The Neelys), and Sandra Lee (Sandra’s Money Saving Meals) will be on-hand for culinary demonstrations and book signings at the Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village, late night parties, and more!
Enjoy the Wine Spectator wine seminars with executive editor Thomas Matthews and senior editor Bruce Sanderson. Also, wine aficionados Gary Vaynerchuk, Kevin Zraly and Mark Oldman will be on-hand to help navigate both novices and experts thru the finest selections in the Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida portfolio at the Bank of America lifestyle seminars.

Festival favorites return, re-invented with fresh new faces:
The Amstel Light Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray presented by Allen Brothers will feature top burger-making gurus, like the Shake Shack, Bobby Flay, Michael Symon, and Laurent Tourondel, along with People’s Choice Award Winner from the 2009 Festival, Spike Mendelsohn.
The Festival’s perfect pairing of barbeque and champagne on the beach will return with a BAM, as the Perrier-Jouët BubbleQ hosted by Emeril Lagasse. Last year’s tribute dinner honoree will play host to some of the finest names on the grill, including John Besh, Dean Fearing, Chris Lilly, Adam Perry Lang, Todd English, Aarón Sánchez, and many more!
Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best sponsored by Bank of America will return at the illustrious Fontainebleau Miami Beach, the picture perfect setting to find some of the world’s best winemakers personally pouring their selections alongside premier chefs serving their delicacies. Among the list of participating wineries for this year is Au Bon Climat, Caymus Vineyards, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Opus One Winery, Rubicon Estate, and several more additions to come. Culinary participants for Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best in 2010 include David Burke, Scott Conant, Paul Liebrandt, Michael White, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, and much more.

The Festival’s family favorite, South Beach Diet presents Fun and Fit as a Family is going into its third year, and will take place again at the tropical grounds of Jungle Island in Miami. Fun and Fit as a Family will again feature the Kellogg’s Kidz Kitchen, plus the wildly popular Food Labs hosted by Food Network and Share Our Strength®, where kids can cook healthy recipes alongside top chefs; plus fitness activities, healthy food tastings and more! Jungle Island is also home all year long to the Children’s Sustainable Food Garden, which features different herbs and vegetables of a completely organic nature and provides an opportunity for children to interact with these items in a way that engages all of the senses. Check out the fun at www.funandfitasafamily.com.

Mark the calendar now – tickets for the 2010 Festival are on-sale now and are sure to go fast! More information can be found at www.sobewineandfoodfest.com, or by calling 877.762.3933. For more updates on the Festival, follow Founder and Director Lee Schrager on Twitter all year at www.twitter.com/Lee_Schrager.

About the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival
All proceeds of the Festival benefit the students of the Florida International University School of Hospitality and Tourism Management who also assist Festival organizers with sponsorship fulfillment, restaurant and exhibitor recruitment, logistics, and inventory as well as working alongside some of the world’s greatest celebrity chefs and winemakers. In addition to receiving a first-rate education in one of the country’s most diversified hospitality and tourism markets, these students are provided the opportunity to work hands-on with some of the industry’s most experienced leaders.

The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Food &Wine is produced by Florida International University and Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida with the support of the Miami Beach Visitors & Convention Authority and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information about the Festival, visit www.sobewineandfoodfest.com or call 877-762-3933. For more information about Florida International University visit www.fiu.edu, for the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management visit www.hospitality.fiu.edu and for more information about Southern Wine & Spirits visit www.southernwine.com.

Life Is Art is presenting several south Florida artists at the Miami Beach Festival of the Arts.
EVENT DETAILS:
Life Is Art South Florida Showcase
The 36th Annual Miami Beach Festival of the Arts
January 30-31 2010, Saturday & Sunday
10am – 6pm
Ocean Terrace (East of Collins Ave between 73rd and 75th Street)
Free Admission!

The Festival donated two booths for Life Is Art
Featured Artists:
Blake Fisher
Jennifer Maria Cordoba
Ivette Ortiz
Valentina Ramos
Dianne Romero Buitrago
R. E. SANCHEZ

The 36th Annual Miami Beach Festival of the Arts
January 30-31 2010, Saturday & Sunday
10am – 6pm
Ocean Terrace (East of Collins Ave between 73rd and 75th Street)
Free Admission!
Including the Life Is Art South Florida Showcase

The 2010 Miami Beach Festival of the Arts , to be held January 30th & 31st at Ocean Terrace (East of Collins from 73rd to 75th Street) will be an enriching cultural arts experience with captivating activities for the whole family to enjoy! Admission is free.

This nationally recognized event brings over 40,000 visitors to Ocean Terrace to browse amongst the fine art on exhibit while enjoying the cultural and performing arts. Ocean Terrace is positioned between the open sea, the commercial district, and the Community Center. This magnificent site offers an open-air band shell, Activity Center, and Beach Bowl with on-going music, dance, theatre, arts & crafts, storytelling, and international cuisine throughout the event for children of all ages.

Winter Music Conference
March 23 – 27, 2010
Miami Beach, FL

Winter Music Conference celebrates it’s 25th year as one of the most anticipated and publicized global gatherings for pioneering artists, innovators and professionals at the bold new Eden Roc Beach Resort & Spa on Miami Beach, March 23 – 27, 2010.

Long regarded as an essential proving ground for new releases, artists and technological advances, WMC 2009 attracted over 70,000 event attendees, 503 accredited journalists and 3,228 industry delegates from 62 countries who participated in 52 industry panels, seminars and workshops as well as 1,910 artists and DJs who performed at a total of 506 events presented at 127 venues across 6 days in Miami Beach and Miami.

WMC’s 25th anniversary industry program will convene at the Eden Roc resort which has just undergone a multi-year $200 million renovation. “It’s a perfect fit for what we are doing” says WMC Co-founder, Louis Possenti, “The lobby bar has a great ambience for networking and the timing is just right with an impressive renovation. The rooms are some of the nicest I’ve seen on the beach.” Special Convention Rates start at $219 per night.

Highlights of the 2010 program will include the IDMAs (International Dance Music Awards), also in its 25th consecutive year, where the music business converges to honor exceptional achievements of industry, artists and innovators in more than 50 categories. The IDMAs is one of the only longstanding industry events of its stature where the fans decide – generating over a million votes from music fans in 183 countries last year. The online ballot will be posted in November.

WMC will also present the 3rd edition of South Beach Sessions, a bold new perspective on the traditional WMC panel program. Founded on the principles that make music compelling – individual expression, empowerment, creative thinking and collaboration – the program’s mission is to create greater exposure for artists and ideas. Pioneers in music, art, fashion, technology, business, education, the environment participate in one of the most inspiring and epic programs of the week. SBS has featured some of the industry’s most pioneering champions of positive change from Richie Hawtin to Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am.

WMC 2010 will host the 4th edition of the Record Collector’s Show – an international hub for buyers, sellers and traders of rare and collectible vinyl, tapes, and music memorabilia which assembles the best record dealers and features some of the rarest music in the world.

The WMC badge also includes entry to the 12th Annual Ultra Music Festival, the largest event of its kind in the US.

Currently the WMC industry badge is being offered at a promotional Early Registration rate of $235 until November 11th, which includes access to all official WMC events across the conference dates. Marketing opportunities are currently discounted by 40% through December 18, 2009.

Don’t miss out on a legendary Winter Music Conference in Miami Beach.

WMC is presented with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority.

Miami International Boat Show
Buy Tickets online & get MORE for your money!
Tickets purchased online include a one-year subscription to one of the following magazines: Yachting, MotorBoating, Spa, Cruising World, Soundings, or Transworld Surf.
NEW— 5-Day Pass: Just $75! Includes admission all five days of the show, including Thursday’s Premier Day!
Save $2 when you buy a 2-Day Pass: Just $30 per person, valid for admission any two days, Friday through Monday. Buy Now & Save!

Miami Boat Show/Coconut Grove Combo ticket: Admission to both the Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail & the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, just $19 for Adults or $6 for Youth (13-15 years old). Valid any one day—Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Purchase the Package!

See the best in boating from around the world at the Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail! There’s no better place to shop and save on boats, marine gear, electronics and accessories.

Pre-Shop The Show!
Visit Miami BoatShow.com to preview the show’s boat inventory—you can search by brand, model, size and more. You can schedule dealer appointments, too.

Show Highlights
• An Evening with Chris Fischer: Expert angler and host of the National Geographic televsion series Expedition Great White will be on hand for a presentation and autograph session. Details here.
• Block Parties: Celebrate the South Florida sunsets with food and drink specials Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Check it Out.
• Affordability Pavilion: You CAN afford to buy a boat—shop this special showcase featuring boats you can finance for less than $250 per month.
• Big Game Room: The world’s premier big game fishing expo celebrates its 7th year with the best in sport fishing boats and gear, plus seminars, and other special attractions. Learn More.
• Park & Ride Special—Just $10! Service sponsored by Raymarine from American Airlines Arena.
• Discover Boating Photo Contest: Capture the spirit of the boating lifestyle in photo for your chance to win great prizes including an Adirondack Pack Boat, $500 Show Shopping Spree and more! Click for Details.
• PLUS… the debut of the Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion, U.S. Coast Guard’s First Mate’s Course, Yoga Onboard seminars, Free Kids’ Boat Building Contest, and much MORE!

Visit Miami BoatShow.com for complete show details.

South Beach Food & Wine Festival
February 25 – 28, 2010

For detailed Information Visit www.sobefest.com

The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Food & Wine is a national, star-studded, four-day destination event showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities. Hosted by Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida and Florida International University (FIU), the festival benefits FIU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Teaching Restaurant and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center. To date, the Festival has raised over $8 million for the School. In 2011, the Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary and will commemorate it with the release of Festival Director, Lee Brian Schrager’s book, Sizzling Hot: Celebrating 10 Years of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival (Clarkson Potter, Fall 2010), in collaboration with Julie Mautner.

One of the biggest parties of the year is just around the corner for the highly anticipated Super Bowl weekend in Miami! Switchboard of Miami, Inc. hosts Super Fiesta on the Island, a Super Bowl event featuring the sounds of Willy Chirino! While dancing to the sounds of Chirino there’s also a chance to win two Super Bowl tickets that will be raffled off at the door…the ultimate prize for the ultimate weekend! Don’t miss your chance at being a part of this very special event, and get your tickets now!
Click here to purchase tickets!

The 33rd Annual Art Deco Weekend
January 15–17, 2010
Miami Beach, Florida
Ocean Drive, between 5th and 15th Streets
More Info

Art Deco Weekend will feature more than 85 events, including:
* Guided tours
* Film series
* Lectures
* Antiques, art and collectibles vendors
* Variety of food vendors
* Musical attractions
* Theatrical performances
* Dance performances
* Classic automobiles
* Saturday morning parade
* Dog promenade and other events

The Art Deco Weekend Festival, artists, antique dealers, food and beverage, and merchandise vendor booths will be open:
* Friday 15 January 12:00 noon–11:00 pm
* Saturday 16 January: 10:00 am–11:00 pm
* Sunday 17 January: 10:00 am–6:00 pm

ON THE ROAD: ART DECO CELEBRATES THE MOTORCAR
One of the hallmarks of the 1930s was its passionate love affair with new technology, particularly the technology of transportation.On the sea, ocean liners like the Normandie promoted the elegance of fast transatlantic crossings, while on the rails, streamlined trains like the 20th Century Limited provided passengers with unrivaled luxury and speed. But it is on America’s roadways that a new passion became ubiquitous: the motorcar. Art Deco Weekend 2010 celebrates the technology, design, and American spirit embodied in the open road, as Americans got behind the wheel in record numbers, and manufacturers developed more and more streamlined models for mass consumption. Art Deco Weekend 2010 also celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Antique Automobile Club of America.

The weekend begins with a keynote lecture on Thursday, January 14th and culminates in a street festival January 15–17, 2010. Guests may attend musical, theatrical and dance performances, as well as participate in a number of guided tours, attend lectures and film screenings, and browse Ocean Drive lined with vendors of antiques and collectibles from the Art Deco and mid-twentieth century eras. There will be paintings, sculpture, jewelry and photography, along with a variety of food vendors to suit every taste.

PARKING: Ocean Drive (from 5th to 15th Streets) is closed for the street festival. Visitors should park in the City parking facilities at:
* 7th Street Garage: Between Washington & Collins on 7th Street.
* 12th Street Garage: Just West of Washington Avenue on 12th Street.
* 13th Street Garage: Just East of Collins Avenue on 13th Street.
* 17th Street Garage at Convention Center Drive.
* Municipal Parking Lots: South Pointe Park; Washington Avenue and 9th Street; Washington Avenue and 10th Street; Collins Avenue and 13th Street; Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street; and Convention Center Drive and 18th Street.

Calix Gustav Gallery Represented At Miami International Art Fair

Celebrated fair gives cutting-edge gallery a nod with inclusion of Carl Pascuzzi’s piece “Dear Art Fair” in Wynwood Pavilion

Calix Gustav Gallery is pleased to announce the inclusion of one of its current exhibit’s most prized pieces in the Miami International Art Fair’s Wynwood Pavilion. Hand-picked by the gallery’s owner and curator, Amanda Fernandez-Leon, “Dear Art Fair” (2009) by Carl Pascuzzi contains a tongue-in-cheek message that makes it the ideal piece to represent Calix Gustav Gallery’s unique personality.

Currently on display in a prime location at the Miami Beach Convention Center – which was notably appointed by MIA Founder Lee Ann Lester – “Dear Art Fair” has far more than visual appeal. The piece, consisting of three separate 18” x 24” acrylic photo prints mounted on LED light boxes with messages reading: “I AM,” “OVER TRYING” and “TO PLEASE YOU;” is a flashy yet satirical depiction of an artist’s plea for attention and accolades.

“Dear Art Fair” is currently part of a larger exhibit at Calix Gustav Gallery entitled“Grit: to endure a trying situation and continue on without complaint.” Grit features an array of photography, sculptures, light installations and mixed media exploring the mundane, gritty, sordid and glamorous side of Miami’s Wynwood Arts District. Highlights include Yanelis Lopez’s Soap and Potatoes Series, an exploration of the manipulation of simple, everyday items; Jonathan Stein’s photography portraying the hardcore reality of social intolerance toward the transgendered community; Spunk and The Orange Kittens’ shocking “Casting Couch” represent the deplorable human lack of morality; Charles Chace’s sleek, industrial-inspired metal pieces; as well as Klaus Guingang’s thrilling marquee-like light installation “MAFIART.”

For more information on “Dear Art Fair” and Calix Gustav Gallery, please visit www.calixgustav.com.

Miami International Art Fair: Thursday, January 7 – Sunday, January 10, 2010
Grit Exhibition: December 1, 2009 – February 2, 2010
Gallery visiting hours: Tuesday – Friday, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Miami International Art Fair
Miami Beach Convention Center
1901 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, FL

Calix Gustav Gallery
Wynwood Arts District
98 NW 29th Street
Miami, FL

Cernuda Arte informs with great pleasure our participation at the premiere of the Miami International Art Fair
January 6 – 10, 2010 at the Miami Beach Convention Center

Join us at BOOTH 208 for selections from our annual blockbuster show
IMPORTANT CUBAN ARTWORKS, VOLUME EIGHT
Featuring a splendid exhibition of Modern and Contemporary Cuban Artists, including, Wifredo Lam, Víctor Manuel García, Fidelio Ponce de León, Carlos Enríquez, Domingo Ravenet, René Portocarrero, Mario Carreño, Mariano Rodríguez, Cundo Bermúdez, Roberto Diago, Luis Martínez Pedro, José Mijares, Servando Cabrera Moreno, Roberto Estopiñán, Enrique Riverón, Gina Pellón, Tomás Sánchez, Manuel Mendive, Alfredo Sosabravo, Flora Fong,
Clara Morera, Tomás Esson, Vicente Hernández, Miguel Florido, Sandro De La Rosa, David Rodríguez,Joel Besmar, Ramón Vázquez, Irina Elén González, Giosvany Echevarría, Gabriel Sánchez,
Li Domínguez Fong, Juan Roberto Diago, Ania Toledo, and others.

A 132 page full-color catalog is available upon request.

Fair Hours:
January 6, 2010 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Charity Benefit)
8 p.m. – 11 p.m. (VIP Collector’s Preview).
January 7 & 10, 2010 12 noon – 8 p.m. January 8 & 9 2010 12 noon – 9 p.m.

During fair hours you may reach us at:
Ramón Cernuda 305-299-2950, Nercys Cernuda 305-335-8350,Sergio Cernuda 305-987-5642, and Luisa Lignarolo 305-775-9221.

Life Is Art Miami Beach Festival of the Arts south Florida Showcase

Life Is Art has been invited to participate in the The 36th Annual Miami Beach Festival of the Arts
January 30-31, 2010
Festival Webpage

We are hosting a south Florida artist showcase! We are going to fill our booths with several different artists from south Florida to present what our area has to offer.
The fair usually attracts about 40,000 visitors, so it is a great chance to get your work in front of a big crowd. You do not need to be present, but are welcome to do so, if you desire.

We have space for 5 visual artists.
Each artist will be able to contribute 3 to 5 pieces, depending on their size.
Maximum hanging size is 30″x30″.
Art work may be 2-D or 3-D.

DETAILS:
Deadline: January 15, 2009
Requirements: Artists must have their primary place of living or business in south Florida.
Application Fee: NONE
Hanging Fee: FREE
Sales commission: NONE
Date of Event: January 30-31, 2009
Location: Miami Beach Ocean Terrace, East of Collins Ave between 73rd and 75th Street

Further information will be supplied regarding art drop off and pick up.

If you are interested in doing some live work at the show, please contact us immediately.

Application can be found here: www.lifeisartfest.org/blog/mbfest