Girl About Town 1/15

January 16, 2008 6:34 PM
by chipi [email]

Living in a city like Miami, one can't help but learn to appreciate the human carnival in all of its Chameleon-esque glory. Trends come and go, nightclubs burst into a glorious blaze of popularity and vanish into obscurity at the blink of an eye. But, as they say, change is good.

A new year calls for new beginnings in us all and for the Junkies, the story is no different. The passing of this torch leaves big shoes for me to fill and I can only hope that my days as the Girl About Town are as enthralling as that of my predecessor.

All departures and arrivals aside, this year should be one for the books. With each passing day it becomes more and more evident that Miami is the place to be no matter what your poison or profession. New Years was a testament to this increasing popularity, as A through Z listers flooded our VIP lounges and dingy beach hang outs. Anyone who went out for NYE could hardly resist the temptation to name drop on the 1st, and how can we blame them?

After the insanity of the New Year passed, this CoolJunkie thought it was high time to revisit her regular haunts. On Thursday night I was introduced to Flicker, an indie film, visual art and live music night at Churchill's in Little Haiti. Films were screened in the main room of the bar with some DJ action happening on the patio outside. Local groove makers and shakers Afrobeta headlined the show and the highlight of the night was an exclusive look at their new music video, directed by local filmmaker Franco Parente.

Friday night found yours truly hanging with Aquabooty at the ever intriguing Spiegelworld. This beachfront extravaganza takes place inside the makeshift walls of a traveling circus tent. The interior space resembles a carousel with the circular main floor erupting in a dizzying, candy-colored dance marathon. Kevin Hedge worked the decks on a soulful trip through house under the big top rope. Spiegelworld also boasts a hammock garden, private circus themed cabanas and an open air tent for spinning under the stars. The Aquabooty afterparty will be happening every Friday until Mid-February. If you want to experience something truly different, go out and go often, this traveling fiesta won't wait for anyone.

Once I got my culture fix out of the way, I cruised on over to Laundry Bar for a truly bumping set by Christian Martin and Worthy. These two dirtybirds satisfied their reputations as crowd-pleaser's and gave the people what they wanted (and least expected) track after track. The crowd was an eclectic mix of the trendy and the vagabonds, and reasonably packed. When my crew and I left at around 3:45, Cameo bound, we caught wind that a pipe had burst, flooding the VIP and part of the dance floor. Fearing the worst, I resigned myself to calling it an early night. Can anyone confirm, deny or elaborate on this story?

While I am quite certain that this weeks picks will not include any serious waterworks, they are sure to bring it.

Weekly Picks

Tuesday 1.15 – Jesse Jackson live @ Amendment XXI, 190 NE 46th St.
If you've never seen Jesse Jackson live, you've yet to experience a true Miami musical artist. Jackson's ongoing Tuesday night sets at Amendment never disappoint, with his unique blend of soul, blues, jazz and funk and a dab of country that warrants no explanation. There's no cover and no one under 21 admitted.

Wednesday 1.16 - dek23
dek has built itself a reputation as a high quality venue with its intimate and sophisticated ambience wrapped up in a 'just have a good time' sensibility. Different rooms spin different vibes so there's something for everyone at this mid-week hang out.

Thursday 1.17 - Laundry Bar
No cover and always great drink specials, Laundry Bar is low-key fun for a junkie in need of some r&r without missing out on the nightlife. While local favorite Stryke is on hiatus, a revolving line up of DJs man-handle the dance floor. Be sure to bring a friend and yes, those w&d's in the back ARE fully functional.

Friday 1.18 - Marques Wyatt @ Prive
The founding father of West Coast house brings his LA flavor to Prive. Wyatt works the decks in a deep and soulful way you're hard pressed to find in any other DJ.

Saturday 1.19 - gabriel & dresden @ Mansion AND if you want to be a real junkie, check out Shawn Rudnick at Cameo after you catch g&d's exclusive four hour set. Neither event is forgivably missed.

Sunday 1.20 - Wildlife Sundays @ Dream
Everyone is talking about wildlife. This past Sunday the Dream crew brought in Kevin Saunderson and Jonas Bering. This week Miami is getting a taste of Mazi, the master crowd reader himself. The party is being moved upstairs to the Loft lounge and you can find your tickets at www.wantickets.com/wildlife. I'd highly recommend ordering them in advance and arriving early, it's sure to fill up quickly.

Monday 1.21 - Miami Jazz Jam @ Churchill's Pub
Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. day and while most of the bars and nightclubs will be open, make your way over to Churchill's and watch a living tradition unfold. The house band led by guitarist Fernando Ulibarri and sax player Ricky Jackson (and hosted by Mike Wood), hold down a live jam session with some of Miami's most innovative Jazz musicians. If you're musically inclined, bring an instrument and walk on with the rest of the band. $5 at the door, +18 welcome.

I just can't stop spinning...

In my iPod: Steve Lawler - Femme Fatale. This track about a woman he just could not get out of his mind will do the same to you. It trembles with a haunting echo that won't be leaving the dance floor any time soon.

If you're on that local tip: Afrobeta - Nighttime. I cannot get enough of this funk. I might be a little late coming into my obsession but be warned, hear it once and you might never get it out of your head.

On Celluloid...
Next Wednesday, GenArt will be screening "Be Kind, Rewind" at the Regal Cinema on Lincoln and Alton. It's only $15 per ticket, but if you shoot an email to lists@cooljunkie.com, the first twelve to RSVP will receive two free tickets to the screening and after party at Rehab. Get on that.

See you around town junkies.

peace love and music,

your new Girl about Town,

chipi

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