Miami could be called the sixth Borough, what with so many transient artist types constantly commuting between New York and our city.
A lot of people who live in New York came from South Florida, and the quickly approaching Art Basel Miami Beach celebration is one of the largest comminglings of the year.
In a nod to the special NYC-to-305 relationship, Wynwood bar Gramps will kick off its week-long lineup of Basel events with tomorrow's special bar-meets-bar, when New York's Mother's Ruin takes over the drink menu to offer its favorite cocktails while award-winning bar food comes courtesy of Brooklyn's The Commodore.
See also: Art Basel Miami Beach 2014 Bar Guide
The match is a no-brainer for Gramps owner Adam Gersten. He's old college pals with Mother's Ruin owner Richard Knapp. In fact, Knapp had a big hand in getting Gramps off the ground.
Meanwhile, Gersten met Chris Young, chef and mastermind at The Commodore, soon after opening, and felt an instant kinship with the Florida-bred bar owner's distinctly dive-y style.
"We wanted to do something fun, plus all of us have talked about doing something together," Gersten says. "You've got three operations that are kind of low-key but strive for good ingredients and casual non-pretentious bar vibes."
The drink menu is still up in the air, as it will be determined by available local ingredients, but expect something delectable and devoid of frills.
Of course, though, Tuesday night's get-together is only the beginning of a maddeningly stacked schedule for Gramps' Basel offerings.
"The first year, we did a fair amount of programming. The second year, we focused more on operations and scaled back a bit," Gersten says. "Now, we have a feel of this thing, and we want to do as many events as possible. That way, everyone around during Basel week can come through Gramps and enjoy themselves."
See also: Basel 2014's Ten Best Parties
Gramps' full Basel schedule is a healthy mix of local and national talent on both the visual media and musical fronts.
Just like the takeover from Mother's Ruin and The Commodore, it's mostly stuff between friends, or friends of friends.
"Basically, as much as we can, we tried to do everything in house," Gersten says.
Gramps x Basel's Full 2014 Lineup
Pre-Basel Sagittarius Bash. With Mystic Bill and Mixx Piggy. Monday, December 1. Gramps, 176 NW 24th St. Miami; 786-752-6693; grampsbar.com. Two-for-one drinks all night. Ages 21 and up.
Mother's Ruin and The Commodore Takeover. Cocktails by Mother's Ruin and free nachos till they're gone by The Commodore. With DJ Hai Karate. Tuesday, December 2. Ages 21 and up.
OFWGKTA's Left Brain, Mike G, and Larry Susan. Presented by Mishka and MIA Skate Shop. Wednesday, December 3. The show starts at 9 p.m. and there's no cover. Ages 21 and up.
Iceage and Trash Talk. With Lust For Youth, Ukiah Drag, Antwon, and Snakehole. Presented by Gramps, Radio-Active Records, and Look Alive Fest. Thursday, December 4. Admission is $10. Ages 21 and up.
Bossa Nova Civic Club. In Gramps' back room. Thursday, December 4. Admission costs $10, which includes a beer and a shot. Ages 21 and up.
Xeno & Oaklander and Quintron & Miss Pussycat. With Pictureplane, DJs Josh Cheon, Benton G., and Mikey R. Along with the art opening for "Tropicannibal Courtyard" installation by Milagros, in collaboration with Andrew Schrock and Serra Victoria Bothwell Fels. Friday, December 5. Admission costs $10, which includes a beer and a shot. Ages 21 and up.
Dave Maclean. With Psychic Mirrors, Mr. Brown, and Miami Players Club DJs. Saturday, December 6. Admission costs $10, which includes a beer and a shot. Ages 21 and up.
Fading Formats Swap Meet. Bring your vinyl. With Weather Warlock and an early afternoon set by Mike Simonetti. Sunday, December 7. The show starts at 4 p.m. and there's no cover. Ages 21 and up.
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