Miami's big-room nightclubs usually go all out for New Year's Eve celebrations by booking some of the biggest names in international dance music, and this year is no exception. Here's the lowdown on some of the top NYE parties going down on Thursday night:
Cocoon Label Party at Nocturnal's Eden Terrace
The prestigious Frankfurt-based Cocoon imprint was founded in 2000 by German DJ/producer Sven Väth and has emerged as one of the most fruitful international labels of the last decade. With a catalog of releases by the likes of Ricardo Villalobos, Guy Gerber, Steve Bug, and Loco Dice, and its series of acclaimed compilation mix records, Cocoon has become a pivotal touchpoint for the sounds of contemporary techno around the world. The NYE Cocoon label party at Nocturnal this Thursday will feature DJ/producers Pig & Dan and Tommy Jacobs, new additions to the Cocoon roster and top emissaries of the London and Buenos Aires techno scenes, respectively.
Cocoon Label Party at Nocturnal's Eden Terrace. Thursday, December 31. Doors open at 11 p.m. Nocturnal, 50 NE 11 St., downtown Miami. Tickets cost $35 in advance from www.wantickets.com
Steve Angello at Mansion
Greek-born DJ/producer Steve Angello has become one of the most ubiquitous names in electronic dance music since the mid 2000s, along with "Swedish House Mafia" buddies Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Eric Prydz. Angello's big hits include the soulful (if somewhat derivative) "Show Me Love" which is pretty exemplary of his glitzy disco diva-vocalized big room house productions. There's no denying the uplifting feel-good qualities of Angello's booming pop-house sets, especially after a few rounds of drinks, making him a fairly suitable option for your NYE celebration on Thursday night.
New Years Eve with Steve Angello at Mansion. Thursday, December 31. Doors open at 9 p.m. Mansion, 1235 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Tickets cost $200 in advance from www.wantickets.com (includes open bar from 9:00pm-midnight)
Robbie Rivera at Pangaea & Gryphon
Puerto Rican-born DJ/producer Robbie Rivera is one of the most prolific and commercially successful EDM artists in the world. He has an extensive catalog of original productions and remixes for the likes of Madonna, Faithless, Felix Da Housecat and Moloko, on esteemed indie house imprints like Defected and Strictly Rhythm, but also on major labels like Virgin, Sony, and Universal. Rivera is a world-class DJ who performs regularly at top international nightclubs, from Ibiza to Las Vegas, and is a regular shoo-in for DJ Magazine's Top 100 DJ Poll each year. With an energetic live sound ranging from tribal to progressive house and infused with garage and Latin rhythms, Rivera can command any dancefloor and is sure to keep the NYE party at Pangaea & Gryphon bumping all night. This party, dubbed "One Night in Bangkok," is also supposed to include some awe-inspiring Asian-themed entertainment and performances by Zhantra Entertainment, so expect some exotic visual flair to complement Rivera's performance.
One Night in Bangkok with Robbie Rivera at Pangaea & Gryphon. Thursday, December 31. Doors open at 11 p.m. Pangaea & Gryphon. 5711 Seminole Way, Hollywood. Tickets cost $50 in advance from www.wantickets.com
