Well Miami, it's official: Art Basel is here! From Downtown, the Design District and beyond, the largest festival in the Americas is in full swing.
Earlier this week, we gave you the most VVIP events. Now, here are events that you not only can attend but aren't ones to miss.
December 5th
Where: Pop-Up Piano, 2377 Collins Ave.
What: Sure, there are plenty of parties to be talked about this Art Basel. One of them is Pop-Up Piano Miami. On Dec. 5, you can be amongst the first to see eight beautifully adorned pianos crafted by renowned local artists at the New World Symphony's fund raising concert. Following the concert, these pianos will be strategically placed across Wynwood, Midtown Miami, Miami Beach, Downtown Miami, and the Design District for special performances during the week of Art Basel featuring some of our favorite bands at great locations. Sure, tickets for this event might be tad pricey, but with names like The One Group and Grey Goose attached, it will be worth every penny.
December 5th
Where: Miguel Paredes Gallery, 173 NW 23rd St.
What: Miguel Paredes, Miami-based pop artist and New York native, will be exhibiting a new series of art with fellow artist, long time friend and mentor, Ronnie Cutrone. The collaborative collection includes five paintings where Paredes has incorporated his style on Cutrone's animated pieces of famed characters like Woody the Woodpecker and Felix the CatNever. To really bring the bang to Basel, the 6,000 square-foot gallery in Miami's Wynwood Arts district will be open for public viewings every day starting Dec.5-9 from noon - 5 p.m. with special events nightly from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. each evening.
December 6th
Where: The Hoxton, 1111 SW 1st Ave.
What: Have you hit up the Hoxton yet? Well, maybe it's time. Like always, they are featuring some of Miami's most sought after musical performances. The urban beach house will serve as an Art Basel oasis to enjoy Miami culture and talent, like Thursday with Miami legend, DJ Johnny the Boy.
December 6th
Where: LMNT Arts Gallery, 59 NW 36 St.
What: We love when art, fashion and a good cause all come together. Fashion Designer Lila Nikole along with Activist Aisha Thalia will host the inaugural "Fusion" Fashion & Art Show on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. at the LMNT Arts Gallery in Midtown Miami. Fusion is a funky, fashion forward mash-up fundraiser that will embody music, art to wear, photography, and mixed media art installations during Art Basel 2012. The event will introduce and support the duo's new charitable organization, Project Save Imagination, which aims to keep the arts a vital part of children's lives and education in order to inspire, empower and further enhance their imagination, creativity, and ability of self-expression. To top off the night, there will be Music Performances by Talib Kweli, Urban Mystic, Kulture Shock, DJ Rob Dinero, Bonnie Beats, DJ Epps, Mobious 8 and Romao & the sound of the drum.
December 7th
Where: Hotel Victor, 1144 Ocean Drive
What: How about a night with LE POMPON and POP'OVER all at the Hotel Victor? Really, there isn't anything more fabulous. From11 p.m. to 5 a.m., they will bring a Parisian nightlife concept to life with a speakeasy vibe. Le Pompon has been drawing in high-profile names like Scarlett Johansson and Kanye West since first opening its doors in October 2010. Designed by Charaf Tajer of internationally acclaimed creative collective, Pain O Chokolat, the venue's permanent locale books such music industry heavyweights as The Black Keys, The Rapture and Theophilius London. And that evening will be celebrity driven as always.
December 7th
Where: Cafeina, 297 Northwest 23rd St.
What: If you want to be in the heart of art, look no further than Wynwood or one of their most successful spots, Cafeina. Dec. 7, they will be the official after-party for the Miami edition of NYC based, Fountain Art Fair 2012 co-hosted by official sponsor, cream*hotel(r) with 'Resolute' resident DJ Connie, sounds by Low Pitch Orchestra and special aerial performance by Masci. But you have to stay up late: fun is from midnight to 5 a.m.
