Inside the Versace Mansion
Villa Casa Casuarina, also known as the Versace Mansion, is nestled between 11th and 12th streets on Ocean Drive where it is surprisingly secluded from the touristy bustle of South Beach. As seen on the new TV drama American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace, the famous designer's former home is filled with ornate decor like stone walls and walkways, antique patterned tile, stained glass windows, relief sculptures of prominent explorers, philosophers, and icons of his favorite goddess, Medusa. Shot for Miami New Times.
Art Deco Weekend
Art Deco Weekend spilled out onto Ocean Drive in South Beach from January 13 through 15 with blocks of classic cars, street vendors and performers, retro fashions, live music and drinks. Shot for Miami New Times.
Drag Brunch / Palace
Drag Brunch is back and better than ever at Palace Bar's new location between 10th and 11th streets on Ocean Drive. Every Sunday, local queens spill out onto the sidewalk busting moves for two drag brunch seatings for a hungry audience and passersby. TP Lords hosted a fierce lineup on Sunday, January 7, featuring Shanaya Bright, Elishaly D'Witshes, Tiara Love Dupree, and Melissa Hilton. Shot for Miami New Times.
People Watching @ Miami Music Week
Miami Music Week is my favorite time of the year. People flood in from all over the country, abandoning their boring jobs and usual selves to get lit in one of the few American cities still warm in mid-March. Similar to Art Basel, there's a million things to do every day for more than a week and it can be difficult to figure out what's worth your time (and money). After hitting a few South Beach hotel parties and a Friday night downtown post-Ultra, Get Lost at Little River Studios felt like a unique alternative to the overwhelmingly EDM scene. They created my favorite use of a space, and housed the funkiest crowd I saw all weekend. It was a hustle trying to hit as many events as I could in four days, but there's no better time to be out with a camera in Miami. Slideshow for Miami New Times.
Young Artist Initiative @ SLS
The Young Artist Initiative threw their best event yet on Friday, Jan 29 at SLS, drawing almost 2,000 people out to get down with local Miami music and art. The poolside cabanas were turned into individual artist tents filled with live painting and projections, while the courtyard was strung with lights and installation art. Two separate music halls featured a staggered lineup local djs + producers spinning their signature sounds concurrently. Photos for Young Artist Initiative.
Mansion Closing Party
When I read earlier this week that Mansion was closing, a part of me felt sad. I'm not a club rat on my nights off, but if I have to be at a club, especially for a job, Mansion's my venue of choice. They're chill about people standing (and dancing) on top of the VIP tables so I can always get a better view of the crowd/DJ, but mostly I'm in awe of the aerialists who work every night. These women are acrobats. Their job may be performing for a mob of oblivious, intoxicated people, but they do it with such poise - it's always impressive to watch. I was excited to be able to cover their last big show.
Mansion packed a full house and a line up Washington Ave. for their closing party Friday night with Dutch DJ/producer Nicky Romero. The aerialists balanced within the frames of suspended black cubes, and Romero played an energized set that bumped late into the morning. The place was so full it was hard to move, but I was able to get booth access inches behind Romero and a standing, table-top view of my favorite dancers. Photos for Miami New Times.
