Feeling fancy?
Well, that's convenient. Because it's nearly time for New Times' Artopia 2015, the latest edition of our annual jubilee in honor of "Miami's best artists, musicians, fashion designers, culinary masters, and cocktail creators."
As we've done on this occasion since 2010, we will also be giving out MasterMind Awards (i.e. a giant check for $1,000) to three of the Magic City's most intriguing creative types.
There's gonna be loads of fine art, pretty people, gourmet food, free drinks. Oh, and did we mention the DJs, bands, and other forms of auditory entertainment?
Just check the cut to meet New Times' Artopia 2015 music lineup.
See also: MasterMind Awards: Our Complete Coverage
Scratch DJ Academy
Founded by the late Jam Master Jay of Run-D.M.C., the Scratch DJ Academy has taught over 500,000 people how to DJ. And now it could be your turn to learn about working the ones and twos. Just show up for Artopia and go see Scratch Miami's own DJ Knockers and DJ Fielo. "At our booth, we will be DJ'ing from 6 to 10 p.m., as well as giving Scratch lessons," says Fielo. "We also encourage people to come design their own vinyl with our spin-art machine."
Amber Monique
"I really feel like R&B is becoming extinct," Amber Monique says. And she's on a mission to "that old-school feel back." With her albums Elevate, Save RnB, and the upcoming Category 5, the Miami singer and songwriter has tried to prove that sexy, soulful music still matters. And her next stop: Artopia 2015.
See also: New Times' Artopia 2015 Mini-Site
Jolt Radio
Broadcasting across the interwebs from Wynwood since 2010, Jolt Radio's in the business of bringing Miami's independent music scene to the world. This online station was founded by one man, John Caignet. And today, it's got 37 DJs working the digital dial. Among the finalists for this year's MasterMind Awards, Caignet and the Jolt crew have been tasked with prepping a "special presentation." Of course, the exact details are secret. But we're told it will be audible from outer space. Well, if you've got access to wi-fi and a web-enabled device.
See also: MasterMind 2015 Finalist: Jolt Radio
Limited Fanfare
Yet another MasterMind finalist, Limited Fanfare Records has put out about 30 releases per year since label boss Brian Kurtz "sold over 80 percent of my [vinyl] collection" to bankroll his dream business. "I thought it would kill me," Kurtz recently told New Times, "but it was worth it." Over the years, he and his record company have been responsible for albums by bands from Miami's Lil Daggers to Nashville's The Ettes to Atlanta's MonstrO. And now the Fanfare isn't so Limited. And a giant check for $1,000 just might be in the mail.
See also: MasterMind 2015 Finalist: Limited Fanfare Records
Artopia 2015. Thursday, February 26. Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. and tickets cost $25 to $45 via ticketfly.com. Ages 21 and up. Call 305-460-5090 or visit coralgablesmuseum.org.
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