№1 FUNKIFIED POOLSIDE GET-DOWN JAM
I gotta testify! I’m feelin’ tingly all over thinking about this event. The level of excitement is rising by the day. I mean, how could it not? Louie Vega is not only a close friend, but a living legend in my eyes. A Grammy Award winning DJ/Producer with over 1500 tracks to his credit. He IS a master at work.
Together, we’ve been putting together a once-in-a-lifetime event in celebration of 30 years of the Winter Music Conference. An homage to the roots of dance music…
A union of House, Funk, R&B, and Soul, with a star-studded line-up featuring live performances by the iconic George Clinton & The P-Funk All Stars, six-time Grammy Award winner BeBe Winans, and Karen Clark (of The Clark Sisters). And topping it off, DJ sets by Soul Clap, Anane Vega, Nick Monaco, Josh Milan, Mr. V, and Sa’d Ali to bring it all home!
№2 DEF MIX: FRANKIE KNUCKLES TRIBUTE
Knowing and working with Frankie Knuckles for close to 20 years, it’s still hard to believe he’s no longer with us. One year ago, he played at my club The Vagabond. It was the annual Def Mix party that just seemed would last forever. But as is life, we are often given a dose of reality when we least expect it. One week after Frankie’s stellar performance, I received the news that he passed away. The sadness and hurt was too much to bare.
The feelings were amplified by the incredible outpouring of love and adoration for him worldwide. He inspired so many, forged the path that spread House music across the globe. He was kind, loving, and yes, a diva! He was part of a family that I’m honored and privileged to know, a family that I feel at home with…
That family is Def Mix. Judy Weinstein, David Morales, Hector Romero, and Quentin Harris, are the real thing. They are the bedrock foundation by which all other DJs, producers and labels are built on…Period!
So yes, this year’s Def Mix party is that much more special because although we may not have Frankie’s big huggable self with us, we have him in spirit and we have his music. To that, I say bravo Frankie, a proper tribute indeed.
№3 THE SUNSET CRUISE
One day back in 2001, John Digweed and I were hanging out in Miami, looking out into Biscayne Bay while the sun was setting. Yeah, I know, sounds romantic right?! Well in a way, it was. We were romanticizing about the love of music and how what we do doesn’t always have to be designated to late nights inside smokey clubs. While staring into the sunset, I said, “Why not do a special event on a yacht? A sunset cruise!”
At that time, it had never been done before, but we figured with the beautiful waterways and the boating city that Miami is, let’s try. In March 2002, the 1st Annual Sunset Cruise sailed from Miami Beach and 14 years later the tradition continues with what’s considered the quintessential event during WMC. Many try to recreate this experience, however, this magical journey stands on it own.
A somewhat magic experience time and time again with guests treated to endless flowing cocktails, 5-Star Catering, multiple decks, impeccable sound and lighting, and of course, the purity of John Digweed’s soundscape in an up-close and personal celebration.
Also, see: MIAMI MUSIC WEEK PARTY GUIDE