Next up was a return to the Armani Exchange Music lounge for the Madonna "Hard Candy" launch party. THis is one of those events where I just have to pinch myself to believe I am there - a swanky private affair with sets from Tracy Young, Bob Sinclar and Junkie XL. These are the superstar DJs who command top dollar to play massive sold out stadiums and in this gorgeous event we get to enjoy their sets in almost private luxury room. Looking over the penthouse balcony, feeling the wind blow and jazzing to Bob's discofied set.. I realized how lucky I am to be working in such an amazing industry. Looking around, I saw gorgeous male models in boxer shorts handing out candy (get the hard candy theme.) One of them happened to be Frankee from "Make Me A Supermodel." He was SO SWEET and honored all the requests for photos. Reality tv is a strange beast and its so weird to break that fourth wall and see someone you were watching on tv just a few weeks ago.
We hit a string of parties on South Beach - the Def Mix party at the Shelborne was ALREADY packed -- which of course was not a surprise with their legendary lineup of talent. A quick stop at Suite for the XMix party and we realized that someone messed up the guest list. No big loss. Remember the motto of the day - you bring the party. Next up was the Azuli party at Dream which was going off massive. Groovy house for a groovy crowd.
To be honest, I try to stay on South Beach as much as possible. Getting to downtown clubs can be a hassle with traffic, door policies, etc. But when I saw the talent lineup for the AM/Made One Night Only event and remembered how amazing the Karu & Y superclub was - I knew we had to go. Friends of mine from Nashville were texting me to hurry up because Second Sun were about to go on, so we asked the taxi driver to get us there ASAP. We arrived and was impressed that the lines ran smoothly and efficiently. The door people were AGRESSIVELY COURTEOUS and RESPECTFUL. The security staff was FRIENDLY and GRACIOUS. Its amazing that they the management was able to hire and train a staff that was off the same caliber of the beautiful superclub.
Second Sun was INSANE. Their energetic performance combining live instruments, programming and vocals was exceptional. These guys are superstars and hopefully their new artist album will take them to the stratospheres. Marco V was up next and just brought the energy to a new level. We explored other rooms and went outside to find even more entertainment. I received a text to come back inside and found the Swedish House Mafia - Angelo and Ingrosso rocking the place. Wow - this is like freaking Disneyland. Three rooms on incredible international entertainment. I was chilling with sitewriters Samantha Jane and Zak Davis who had bought a table for the night. I have never done the table thing - but lets face it, it was INCREDIBLY decadent to have table service at such an amazing event. I am sure there will be pictures online soon of me and Dewight giving Kerri Mason a footrub.
It was then when I heard that sound... that dirty, filthy electro sound that I recognized as the supreme dj/producer master - Benny Benassi. Ok, y'all know how I feel about the guy, so it was my idea of heaven to stand right next to the dj booth monitor and watch him at work. Benny has that smile - when it comes out - you know you are going to have great night. Watching him mess with the EQs, rock his hips to the beat (some DJs jump side to side or swing but Benny has a sensual groove that is almost in contrast to his dirty dirty sound.) Only Benny could drop an electro mix of "Ice Ice Baby" and not come off as cheesy. So yes, for an hour, I stayed there for an hour watching the master at work. In front of the DJ booth, is a thing patch that passes between the room. Benny plugged his headphones into the microphone slot and joked about the Ocean drive. All I can say is WOW.
Dewight was in the other room rocking to ATB and Sander Van Doorn. DJ Dan and Uberzone rocked the room next and I stayed put to dance and the whole Nashville possee came together to dance. This really is what the music is all about - good times with friends, memories that will last forever and dance music as the soundtrack.
