Miami Art Week kicked off this Monday, which means every venue and nightclub is dressing up its weekly parties with an “Art Basel Edition.” In most cases, it’s just the same old party with a jazzy new flyer, but Art Basel does give venues an excuse to book more interesting acts, banking on the tourists from out of town being more interested in cutting-edge talent. Put it this way: These aren't the acts getting booked in March for Spring Break.
These days, Miami's annual art circus attracts not just artists, gallery owners, and collectors, but also an entire sideshow of celebrities, producers, musicians, promoters, and a ton of sponsorship money, thus allowing for some great collaborative events. For me, the Art Basel experience is its best when I’m just getting lost, meeting new people, seeing and hearing music that normally doesn’t make its way to Miami.
Still, there are some things you just don’t want to miss. So I dug through a mountain of events to find my top music picks for Art Basel 2015.
Soulection takeover with Joe Kay & The Whooligan
10 p.m. Friday, December 4 at Coyo Taco, 2300 NW 2nd Ave, Miami 33127
The label Soulection has gone from being a Soundcloud sensation to an international collective of artists releasing music and throwing parties at the intersection where hip-hop, electronic, and soul music meet.
Rumors with Guy Gerber, Bedoin, and Lauren Lane
10 p.m. Friday, December 4 at 1 Hotel South Beach, 2341 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
Deep house and techno producer Guy Gerber is throwing a special Art Basel party for his label Rumors at the brand new 1 Hotel rooftop. The 1 Hotel boasts what I think is the best rooftop venue in Miami, complete with stunning views and a brand new sound system. Pair this location with Guy Gerber’s lush, atmospheric dance music and this should be a great night. The event is free, but RSVP here for entry.
Peanut Butter Wolf & Friends
5 p.m. Saturday, December 5 at Wood Tavern, 2531 NW 2nd Ave, Miami
If you’re bouncing around Wynwood on Saturday, make sure to swing by Wood Tavern early to catch a DJ set from Stones Throw artist Peanut Butter Wolf. Stones Throw is the legendary hip-hop/neo-soul label responsible for bringing J. Dilla’s solo productions out of the shadows and into the spotlight, and also launched Mayor Hawthorne, Dam-Funk, and Madlib’s careers. Expect to hear plenty of G-funk, soul music, hip-hop, and instrumentals. The show starts at 5 p.m., so get down early to get your fix.
A-Trak
11 p.m. Sunday, December 6 at E11even Miami, 29 NE 11th St, Miami 33130
By the time sunday comes, you won’t want to stare thoughtfully at any more artwork. You’ll be tired of the four-on-the floor beats you’ve been hearing all week as you walk around Wynwood. It’ll be time to get down and dirty with A-trak at E11even, already one of the most "artsy" strip club in the U.S. Expect even more acrobatics and masked performers Sunday night, but it’s still a necessity to bring your stack of dollar bills.
COLONY! Best of #ANTS15
Posted by UNITED ANTS on Wednesday, November 11, 2015
11 p.m. Sunday, December 6 at Story Nightclub, 136 Collins Ave, Miami Beach 33139
Ants, the promoters behind the legendary Ibiza party, are taking their show on the road this winter with stops in Miami, Austria, and Mexico before resuming their Ibiza residency. They’ve teamed up with Story to bring in Gorgon City and Andrea Olivia in for night of DJ sets. Expect not just great music, but interactive nightlife entertainment bordering on performance art.
