CJ Art Basel Party Picks

December 1, 2008 5:12 PM
by Marcos Colón

As most of you know, or definitely should know, this Thursday Art Basel if officially under-way. This primarily means two things; the art world takes over Miami, and…free booze! Put the two together and it’s a beautiful combo. Here at CoolJunkie we definitely appreciate the art, but it’s the parties that we look forward to more than anything else (isn’t that what everyone else thinks too?). That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best pre, post and whatever the hell else, parties during Art Basel. We’ve even thrown in a few parties that technically don’t fit the Art Basel bill, but should definitely be kept in mind in case you want to step away from artsy week.

Event : Madlib
Venue: Black Sheep Bar – 12/4

What to expect: Murk’d Miami, the boys that keep cranking out stellar hip hop events, bring in one of the best lyricists around, Madlib, for a very special performance this Thursday night at Black Sheep Bar. Expect the crowd and the vibe to be in full force.

Event : Retox
Venue: Blue - 12/4

What to expect: It’s not everyday that Retox brings in an artist from one of the most talented electronic record labels in the US. Christian Martin will be serving up a stellar set Thursday night to a predictable packed house with a special opening set by petFood’s Jay-You.

Event : Trismegistus
Venue: Louis - 12/4

What to expect: One of Miami’s newest nightlife venues, Louis, celebrates Art Basel with one of goth rock’s main men, Marilyn Manson. He’ll be showcasing over 20 of his works at the Gansevoort. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of music will accompany the art this night.

Event : Unscene Miami
Venue: SET - 12/4

What to expect: This is a one-night-only exhibit showcasing some of the work by Miami’s emerging photographers. Although this is labeled a gallery, you can bet your ass they’ll be music and drinks flowing throughout Miami’s hottest nightlife venue. Don’t miss this one.

Event : GenArt’s ‘Vanguard’
Venue: Charcoal Studios - 12/5

What to expect: As if putting together some of the best events that Miami’s ever seen isn’t enough, GenArt wasn’t about to let Art Basel pass by without going all out. Their Vanguard event puts together contemporary art, music and special performances. Oh yea, and free booze!

Event : Fridays at The Vagabond
Venue: The Vagabond - 12/5

What to expect: Fridays at The Vagabond and Asics team up to bring you all the world’s largest light brite and modern pop culture masterpiece. Did we mention they’re also bringing in Tommie Sunshine to supply the sound. Tommy Sunshine, Asics and lite brite? Perfect combo.

Event : MSTRKRFT with Pauly Crush
Venue: Heathrow Lounge - 12/6

What to expect: Heathrow Lounge hosts as Subversive and Vice Versa bring in MSTRKRFT and Orlando’s Pauly Crush to supply all the electro that the venue can handle this Saturday night. Expect a lot of the messy haired sweaty kids to be dancing their asses off.

Event : Nic Fanciulli
Venue: Mansion - 12/6

What to expect: I’ll be honest with you, this event has nothing to do with Art Basel, but everyone should definitely take note that one of electronic music’s rising stars is taking over Mansion this Saturday night. Nic Fanciulli will definitely bring a good vibe and pure sounds.

Event : Back Door Bamby: Art Basel Edition
Venue: The Vagabond - 12/6

What to expect: Back Door Bamby is definitely ready for Art Basel as she brings in artists Joseph Arnegger and Amanda Valdes to display their work as the party gets going this Saturday night. As usual, the sex kittens and misfits will be up to no good.

Event : Paul Van Dyk
Venue: Space - 12/6

What to expect: Yet another non-Basel event that should not go unnoticed, one of electronic music’s best, Paul Van Dyk, will have his last 2008 performance in the legendary venue. Every time this guy takes over the decks at Space it’s a mad house. Do not miss this.