The Pocket Guide to WMC and Funkshion

By Kris Conesa

Funkshion Fashion Week is a model-soaked alternative to WMC’s DJ burnout.

WINTER MUSIC CONFERENCE

In the days when man first discovered a beat and decided to dance to it, it was a lot simpler. One would merely walk into the jungle, harness a powerful hallucinogen from the earth and proceed to beat-iful bliss-like states around a fire. These days, however, mentally and physically preparing for the religious experience that is Winter Music Conference is a task that requires expert planning and professional execution. I could amuse you with all sorts of intricate wordplay, but it’s probably better if I just give you a quick go-to guide to all the best happenings in town this week. This is just the tip of the iceberg, and there is plenty more great stuff to check out. But in my expert opinion, these are some of the best. So here goes.

Thursday

The IDMAs: This is the premier award show for the electronic music set. Hosted by Daniel Glass, the IDMAs will showcase performances by Paul van Dyk featuring Rea Garvey, Blake Lewis & KJ Sawka, Crystal Waters, Chris Willis and special guests. There will also be special appearances by Above & Beyond, Alex Gaudino, Andy Moor, Audiofly, David Guetta, DJ Rap, DJ Shortee, Frankie Bones, Freedom Williams, Gareth Emery, Georgie Porgie, Hank Shocklee, Jesse Saunders, Junior Sanchez, Kaskade, Keith Shocklee, Man Parrish, Michelle Shaprow, Pepper Mashay, Peter Bailey, Randy Jones, Reid Speed, Richie Santana and Riskay & Skyy. It takes place at the Miami Beach Resort and Spa (4833 Collins Ave.), from 7 to 11 p.m.

Friday

Forget about everything else and just make your way to Ultra. Even though it’s a two-day affair this year, it’s always best to go on the first night. Still, if you’re looking to avoid the festival and just check out the smaller venues, my recommendation is the Skam Artist’s showcase at dek23. There will be performances by DJ Vice, DJ Sky Nellor, DJ Irie, DJ Homicide, DJ Five, OB-1, Eric Cubeechee, DJ Echo, Roctakon, DJ Skratchy, Reach, Big Spyhe, Eric D-Lux, D-Nice, Mr. Mauricio, Turbulence DJ and the irrepressible DJ Ross One. The party starts at 6 p.m. and goes to 5 a.m.

Saturday

Voted the number one DJ in America, Jonathan Peters will take to the decks on Saturday, poolside at the Shelborne Hotel. The party is presented by Pacha NYC and World Music Agency; it starts at noon and goes until 11 p.m. That’s just in time to hit Ultra at Bicentennial Park, in case you missed the first night, or just want to experience it again before waiting another year to drop a bunch of rolls.

Sunday

By now you might think all the headliners are long gone, but there are still plenty of closing parties where you might be able to hear a big DJ bang out a couple of tracks worth dancing to. My suggestion is to head on over to the Old Skool Party at the Shelborne. There, Common MC & Host, along with Biz Markie, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Irie, Mark Farina, King Britt (Digable Planets), Terry Hunter, Spinna, Mick Boggie and DJ3d will be manning the decks for this last day of debauchery. The party starts at noon and goes until 10 p.m.

FUNKSHION

For those who prefer fashion models to DJs, there’s Funkshion. A feast for the senses, brought to you by Matt Heien and the masterminds over at Eastside PR, Funkshion celebrates its 10th season with an amalgamation of music, fashion and a few days of fun. Unless otherwise specified, events will take place on the sand at Ocean Drive and 11th Street.

Thursday

6 p.m.: Sugartime Productions/Shultz Emerging Designers Competition judged by FGI

7 p.m.: Puma runway show

8 p.m.: Le Jean De by Marithe Francois Girbaud runway show

9 p.m.: Cristina Ferrari fashion show at the Setai Hotel

Friday:

3–10 p.m.: Little Louie Vega presents the Sunset Sessions

7 p.m.: Akademiks runway show

8 p.m.: De Puta Madre runway show

9 p.m.: Russell Simmons debut of new Russell Simmons Argyle Culture line runway show

10 p.m.: Argyle Culture after-party at the tent

Saturday:

6 p.m.: William Rast (line by Justin Timberlake) runway show

7 p.m.: Marceau + D'Amore by Marceau runway show

8 p.m.: Parish runway show

9 p.m.: Heatherette runway show

10 p.m.: Jockstarzz (pro athlete models) runway show benefiting the Kevin Everett Foundation

10 p.m.: Closing party at the tent with Paper magazine and Heatherette

Spotted:

Rebecca Gayheart and her husband, Eric Dane, on Friday at Mokaï drinking vodka and shots of tequila, not to mention dancing on the banquettes.

Jay-Z and Solange Knowles, plus 70 friends, at the private dining room of the Blue Door at the Delano before taking over the Florida Room. Jay-Z and his crew spread out over three large banquettes and drank Don Julio tequila all night after his rehearsal concert at The Fillmore.

Macy Gray putting on an intimate concert for about 150 people at the Florida Room. Accompanied by only a piano, Gray sang three songs, including her biggest hit, I Try.

Pauly Shore was also there drinking Peroni.

Danny Masterson, Judy Reyes, Nick Cannon and Susie Castillo celebrating at the Florida Room for Oakley's Second Annual Women's Event in South Beach.