Urban Hedonism

Gaggles of beautiful girls press their high heels against the cracked rocks; the night air is heavy, hot, and wet; the clubs are stumbling distance to each other; and the parties are famous. It’s a veritable downtown Miami Babylon. The developing walkability of the neighborhood means you can drink and dance on the razor’s edge of Magic City nightlife and have to park only once. It’s well worth the trek to Poplife, New Times’ 2008 winner for best returning party. The weekly bash offers free entrance and two-for-one cocktails before midnight.

“For Miami to grow, there need to be cultural alternatives. We have created a viable subculture here that didn’t exist before,” says Barbara Basti, one of two founding members who began the event in 1999. Practice your hottest hipster face — documentary proof is provided by Jipsy, the Miami photoblog innovator, via NefariousGirl.com. Underground-famous DJs and live acts are an event trademark. “We always book performances of emerging artists. We keep ourselves on the cusp of what’s out there,” Basti explains. It all goes down 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. at White Room. Call 305-995-5060, or visit www.epoplife.com and www.whiteroommiami.com.
Saturdays, 10 p.m., 2009