One Night Stand: Miami L.I.V.E. @ Santo
By Rayme Samuels
Remember the days when talent shows were just for kids? Music thumping and bodies bumping, Miami L.I.V.E. is Star Search... but sexy. An addictive combination of MTV Unplugged, Showtime at the Apollo and American Idol, this Wednesday night party offers a level of music entertainment that can't be found anywhere else. Properly dubbed "the country's hottest celebration of live music and the good life," this classy affair adds a colorful layer to the multidimensional South Beach party scene.
Founders and industry personalities Michael Madd and Abebe Lewis created a talent goldmine when they brainstormed this weekly event over two years ago. Created in a valiant attempt to provide a showcase for local talent to gain the industry recognition that is so often hard to come by, the evening welcomes music executives, A&Rs, radio executives and anyone else involved in sustaining the music scene many dream of getting into. Not to mention the celebrities: Gnarls Barkley, John Legend, Missy Elliott, Ja Rule, T.I., Trick Daddy, Trina and Pharrell are frequent visitors and performers at this spot.
Starting out as a dinner party, the evening transforms into a poetry showcase and then the music begins. Sets of live music from the house R&B band are interspersed between DJ sets, celebrity performances and the legendary talent show.
Be sure to throw on your freshest outfit before heading down to Lincoln Road, as doormen have only one pet peeve: attire that isn't clean, trendy and upscale. Inside the space, patrons are bombarded with splashes of color and an air of luxury, giving the feeling of a house party at a music mogul's crib: beautiful women, cocktails galore and the ubiquitous stage rocking at all hours. Bottles of bubbly flow freely and the vibe of excitement increases the closer one gets to the stage. DJ Obscene and Mr. Mauricio effortlessly hype the crowd and keep the music flowing throughout the evening. Call ahead for table reservations, as they go fast.
"Everyone here is an equal -- whether you roll up in a Rolls Royce Phantom or a Kia. Everybody that comes through is a very important person," says Madd. He continued, "Leave your ego at the door."
Santo, 430 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305-532-2882
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Published: 6/08
- Current 80.6 °F
- It's an indoor fun day
- Head to Bird Bowl
