While mid-March marks the arrival of spring, for Miamians that time of year means one thing: Winter Music Conference. The WMC opens the velvet ropes for every club, bar, hotel, gallery -- basically anything short of a lean-to hut -- to set up some speakers, recruit a DJ and throw a party the week of March 24 through 28. While the force behind WMC is a $475, four-day symposium exploring every conceivable aspect of the dance music industry, most people just roll into town to get in on the coat-tailing parties. But navigating that overabundance of bashes is a chore within itself. Here’s a where-to-go-and-who’ll-you’ll-see breakdown to simplify your life:
MARCH 25: Music poolside at the Shelborne with David Guetta, Dubfire and Steve Lawler—how Miami. Ironically, it’s all being put together by DJmag, a European rag dedicated to dance music. Go all out for its opening night celebration. But pace yourself, you still have a whole week to party.
MARCH 26: If it’s 16 hours of music you want, then it’s 16 hours of music you’ll get at the Ultra Juicy Beach Party at Nikki Beach. Rivera, Axwell, Tocadisco, Kaskade, James Zabiela and others will be taking the wheel. Dance lightly, you don't want to pull anything.
MARCH 26: New to the WMC scene, Plunge at The Gansevoort South throws its hat in the ring this year with a week of soirees that include Samantha Ronson on the 26th. And you know wherever Ronson goes Lindsay Lohan is sure to follow.
MARCH 27: Pete Tong and Timo Maas are just two of the DJs heading up the BBC Radio 1 party at the Surfcomber. The fete airs live on BBC Radio 1, so tell all you’re Eurotrash friends to listen up to hear if they can tell that’s you yelling, "Whooohoooooo.”
MARCH 27: Also cutting its teeth at WMC this year is LIV. They may be a newbie to the game, but the club has a set lined up for the 27th that is sure to get plenty of attention. Look for DJ AM, Jazzy Jeff (yes, as in the Fresh Prince) and Steve Aoki to spin the black circle.
MARCH 27 AND 28: Bringing in the biggest names, Ultra Music Festival sets up shop at Bicentennial Park for a two-day dance music extravaganza featuring main stage musicians like Tiesto, The Black Eyed Peas, Bloc Party, David Guetta and Perry Farrell. The second night boasts acts that include Prodigy, Paul Van Dyk, Armin Van Buuren, as well as a special set by bald, animal-loving do-gooder Moby.
