This is an open letter to the community by John Quick, President of Friends of the Miami-Dade Libraries

Most of us were introduced to libraries as children by our teachers or parents a source for wonderful stories and information for school projects.

Over the years, public libraries were converted into community centers with meeting rooms, organized story time, academic tutoring and computer stations with free Internet connectivity, and computer literacy training for seniors. They also became a source for early literacy support for parents with small children, digital-media learning centers; free electronic books, audio books for the visually impaired and the disabled, door to door service for the infirmed, reading instruction for illiterate adults, and so much more.

But over the past few years, our libraries have been stripped of almost every public service. Operating hours have been cut and they are no longer open 7 days a week.
As a father of two young children, ages 4 and 2, I expected libraries to always be available for my kids and for future generations. I never realized we would have to fight to keep them open and available for future generations.

Libraries are not a relic of the past. They are critical to a vibrant, successful community with an educated workforce.

Please tell your Miami-Dade County Commissioner that libraries are central to the future of Miami-Dade County and let him or her know before the critical Thursday, September 18 County Commission meeting that will decide the future of our libraries.

Visit www.savemdpls.org to find out how you can make a difference.

PRESS RELEASE

Kevin O’Leary of “Shark Tank” to Keynote TigerDirect Innovation: IT Conference and Expo

11 Breakout Sessions Hosted by Top Industry Leaders at Premier B2B Sector Event

TigerDirect, a subsidiary of Systemax Inc. (NYSE:SYX), today announced that Kevin O’Leary – aka Mr. Wonderful from ABC’s hit TV show “Shark Tank” – will keynote the company’s TigerDirect Innovation: IT Conference and Expo presented by Lenovo, an exclusive business-to-business (B2B) sector symposium to be held during the Third Annual TigerDirect Tech Bash on November 7, 2014 at the new Marlins Park in Miami.

The entrepreneur, author and TV fixture that has been known to serve heaping doses of tough love with his sage advice will kick off the inaugural event, addressing small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) about how technology is key to leveling the playing field with big companies.

“I am proud to be a part of TigerDirect’s first-ever business innovation event and hope that my keynote, along with the lineup of exciting sessions, inspires attendees to rethink their approach to technology,” said O’Leary. “The cloud, digital payment ecosystems and other tech trends are turning small and medium businesses on their heads, and this event will help them keep pace with technological advances and provide the edge they need to stay ahead of the curve.”

“As a company that is successfully serving the IT needs of the SMB and public sector markets for more than 25 years now, it is our responsibility to stay ahead of tech trends, encourage our customers embrace next-generation solutions and services in order to grow, and bring together industry power players – such as Kevin O’Leary – to show them how it’s done,” said Steven Leeds, Director of Corporate Marketing at TigerDirect.

O’Leary will be joined by a range of top companies and subject matter experts that will lead a series of breakout sessions at the TigerDirect Innovation: IT Conference and Expo regarding the latest technology trends and solutions for the B2B space. In addition to the three pre-announced breakout sessions by title sponsor, Lenovo, the event will include eight additional sessions, covering such topics as:

“Cloud Computing- How it’s transforming IT and what this means for your business?” Find out how you can leverage the cloud to centralize your data and increase your business’s efficiency.
“IT and Education – What does the 21st Century Classroom really look like?” The 21st Century classroom will deliver powerful learning outcomes using a dynamic and technologically driven environment. See what makes it all possible and why it is so exciting.
“Data is everywhere – find out how to secure your data.” Data is stored across many places – both private and public. Learn how to secure that data from an increasing amount of IT threats against your business.
“How the new IT is transforming healthcare.” Technological and digital innovations are transforming the healthcare sector as we know it. Learn about those driving forces and more.
“Migrate from Windows XP and Sever 2000 to the next great platform.” It’s time to upgrade! Find out why upgrading is vital, and how it will benefit your business.
“Bring Your Own Device To Work? Discover how best practices for small and large businesses.” Learn how employees bringing in their own devices to work will transform the workplace and why businesses of varying sizes should implement this practice.
“The Data Center – What is the right Server, Storage, and Networking strategy for your business?” Data centers are complex and crucial infrastructure for today’s modern businesses. Learn how to create an effective data center that will keep up with your business’ demands.
“Borderless and wireless networking – Fast and secure.” Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile computing devices continue to grow in popularity among businesses for their powerful on-the-go capabilities. Understand how to integrate and manage these devices to become a more agile business.

For more on the event, please visit: www.tigertechbash.com/innovation/.

About TigerDirect:
For more than 25 years, TigerDirect.com has served the technology needs of both personal and business users, selling consumer electronics, computers, digital media technology and peripherals via business-to-business, Internet and catalog channels. Beyond its vast product offerings, TigerDirect has become a trusted partner to hundreds of thousands of SMB and public sector organizations by providing a suite of IT solutions and services. TigerDirect.com is a subsidiary of Systemax Inc.

About Systemax Inc.:
Systemax Inc. (www.systemax.com), a Fortune 1000 company, sells industrial and computer products through a system of branded e-Commerce websites, relationship marketers and retail stores in North America and Europe. The primary brands are Global Industrial, MISCO, Inmac Wstore and TigerDirect.

Miami Downtown Arts District Association

Lee Ann Lester, Director of Next Level Fairs and Sean McCormick, McCormick Place Miami announce the formation of the Miami Downtown Arts District (MDAD.) McCormick will serve as Chairman of the Board & Lester as Vice President.

MDAD is a non-profit organization that serves cultural institutions and museums; galleries, local artists and studios; as well as businesses, event venues, and restaurants that showcase both local and international artists. MDAD aims to unify the Downtown & Brickell Arts District by providing a variety of programs that allow the community to explore the arts district, such as First Friday Downtown Art Night, or provide exposure to smaller independent events through a variety of membership support services.

“MDAD will work in unison with community leaders and the DDA’s [Miami Downtown Development Authority] initiatives to develop Downtown Miami as the cultural and business epicenter of the Americas,” commented Lester. “Already over a billion dollars have been invested in arts and cultural institutions in the District drawing new culturally-minded, international visitors. Our goal is to provide artists, gallerists and the public with dynamic art venues, regular art programs and education to the greater Miami metro area.”

A growing number of organizations have already extended their support including Katy Stallfus from Artisan Lounge and James Echols of Life is Art, both MDAD Boardmembers, as well as MDC Museum of Art + Design at the Freedom Tower, Artisan Lounge, Dimensions Variable, Stephen Gamson Studios, SeaFair, McCormick Place Miami, CU-1 Gallery, AIA Miami, Florida Grand Opera, Life is Art and The Art Experiences.

The Association will hold a VIP Kick-Off event and Press Conference at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2014 at McCormick Place Downtown Miami, 111 SW 3rd St., Miami, FL 33130. The MDAD Association will announce its Board Members and guests will have an opportunity to know more about District events as part of DWNTWN Art Days, September 19-21, 2014 as well as future First Friday Downtown Art Night. The evening will include live performances, art installations, and more. A complimentary transportation service will be provided by FreeBee to participating arts venues.

For more information about Miami Downtown Arts District, visit the Facebook Page, or contact Sean McCormick at 305.206.4734 or sjm@mccormickplace-miami.com.

PRESS RELEASE
City Officials Joined The Related Group to Celebrate a Day of Milestones:
The launch of Paraiso Bayviews by Karim Rashid, and the start of construction at Paraiso Bay and Brickell Heights

The Related Group celebrated three milestones last week with groundbreakings at Brickell Heights and Paraiso Bay followed by the launch of their latest project, Paraiso Bayviews with Karim Rashid. Hundreds of VIP brokers attended the day’s events across Miami, and those involved in preconstruction sales took home more than $9 million in commission checks.

Mayor Tomas Regalado and Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, who were present at the two groundbreakings, congratulated The Related Group’s team on the new projects, which they noted are creating a 24-hour urban core in the Brickell area, and reenergizing the Edgewater neighborhood.

At Brickell Heights, located next to the two-million-square-foot development Brickell CityCentre, David Rockwell has created a sleek glass-walled lobby, glamorous amenity spaces with a private-club vibe, and lavish pool terraces. The 690 luxury residences will sit atop a 30,000-square-foot Equinox Fitness Center and SoulCycle, a state-of-the-art workout studio that will open its first Miami location at Brickell Heights.

At the launch of Paraiso Bayviews, international interior and industrial designer Karim Rashid was on hand to greet the guests. For his second project with The Related Group, Rashid has evolved his trademark colors and bold shapes for a more subdued organic design with softer hues and natural woods inspired in the Paraiso community’s garden bay front setting. Residents of Bayviews, described as the best value within the Paraiso community, will enjoy all of Paraiso’s luxury amenities including a rooftop swimming pool, tennis courts, a beach club, marina, gardens by Enzo Enea, a signature restaurant by Michael Schwartz, and more.

The Paraiso Bay property, set between Biscayne Boulevard and the Bay at NE 31st Street, is East Edgewater’s only master planned community. Celebrities who have already reserved homes there include DJ and music producer David Guetta, basketball star Manu Ginobili, and Spanish tennis legend Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario.

Notable Guests: Karim Rashid, Designer of interiors for Paraiso Bayviews, Celebrity Chef Michael Schwartz, Mayor Thomas Regalado, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, Carlos Rosso, President of the Condo Division at The Related Group, Sonia Figueroa, Senior Vice President The Related Group, Arden Karson, Senior Vice President The Related Group acquisitions

A note from the Publisher:

For the past 10 years, most of my time in Miami, I have had both the honor and the pleasure of working for an amazing music man, Henry Stone, owner of, amongst many others, TK Records. When I joined the company, he was in his early 80’s, having gone blind a few years earlier. My job was to help them aggregate and digitize the historic releases from his labels from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and up into the 80s. We also created new releases, about a half dozen new albums, all while he was closing in on the century mark.

In my opinion, no one has had such a profound impact on the music scene in Miami. He also had a significant impact on the music across the country, both as a hit-making distributor, and a pioneering label owner. Over the course of 60+ years, his labels released many thousands of tracks recorded right here in the Magic City. His labels contributed more to the distribution of that Caribbean Miami sound than any other, especially in the early days, and had an influence on music world-wide. He was a key influencer in R&B, Funk, Soul, and, of course, Disco.

Despite his success, he never parlayed that into being a mega-rich oligarch. He never moved off to LA or New York. He stayed right here in Miami, bringing that sound to the world. He shared that wealth and gave so many people a chance that otherwise would not have had it.

I never knew him in his heyday, but I did know his music. I grew up on that music. However, knowing him for the last 10 years of his life was very rewarding. I got to hear his stories, stories of the history of the music, over and over, until I could recite many of them better than he. I learned about the music business, and most importantly its history, direct from the source. He lived through the height of the 45, through the dominance of the album, to the debut of the CD and on into the time of digital downloads. He really saw it all. Very few people had his perspective, and he was on top of it right up to the end.

He passed away August 7, 2014, quietly. He never lost his sharp mind or wit, which was amazing. He was a great man, and all Miamians, all music lovers, owe him gratitude for all of the fantastic musicians he produced out of our city. Music would not be what it is today without his influence. It was unfortunate he did not live to see the completion of his biographical movie, but it will be released in a few months, and we are very excited about honoring his work and his life.

I am very glad to have known him. He taught me more than just about the music business, he taught me about being a good human and businessperson. His skill at working with people was second to none. Many were the times I saw him take a negative situation and turn it positive. He was generous almost to a fault and many the times I joked that he was too nice to be in the music business, but, of course, I was wrong. He really did inject so much funk and soul into this world, and for that, I am eternally thankful.

Thank you to the Miami New Times, Miami Herald and another Miami Herald for these wonderful obituary articles honoring the life of this man who made his way up from being an orphan in the Bronx to being a pillar in the music business and the community.

Below is the official press release and coming soon is the Henry Stone documentary movie, Rock Your Baby.

– James Echols
Co-Founder and Publisher, Soul Of Miami

(PS: A small sidenote: the name of this site, Soul Of Miami, was inspired by my working at Henry Stone Music and feeling all Miami Soul music.)

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Henry Stone was born June 3, 1921, in Bronx, New York to parents Leah Goldstein and Charles Epstein. He was raised in Washington Heights, NY. Henry passed away August 7, 2014. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Allen and sister Rosamond.

Henry began playing the trumpet in his early teens while at an orphanage in Pleasanteville, NY. Henry joined the US Army in 1943, playing in a racially integrated band. Henry served in the US Army stationed at Fort Dix in New Brunswick, NJ and was discharged in 1947. He then moved to Los Angeles working on sales and promotion for early record labels.

In 1948, Henry settled in Miami, Florida, setting up his own distribution company, Seminole, and shortly afterwards the Crystal recording studio. In 1951 he recorded Ray Charles’ “St. Pete Florida Blues”, among others. In 1952 he started two record labels Rockin for blues and Glory for Gospel. In association with King Records, Stone released The Charms’ “Heart of Stone” on King’s De Luxe Records, and it became R&B chart #1 in 1954. He was instrumental in signing James Brown to King and in recording Brown’s first hit, “Please, Please, Please”.

In 1955, he established his own independent publishing companies and several record labels, including Chart and Dade, mainly recording local blues artists. In 1960, Stone cut “(Do The) Mashed Potatoes” by
“Nat Kendrick and the Swans”- actually James Brown’s backing band – for the Dade label. He also set up Tone Distribution, which became one of the most successful record distribution companies, working with Atlantic, Mowtown, Stax and many more independent labels. Stone’s distribution expertise was instrumental in spreading the music produced by those labels around the world.

While he focused on the distribution business, Stone also continued to record R&B artists. These included Betty Wright, whose “Clean UP Woman” was a major hit in 1971. Stone also set up the Glades Label, recording the million selling “Why Can’t We Live Together” by Timmy Thomas.

In 1972, Stone decided to concentrate on recording and manufacturing his own records, forming another new record company, TK Records with Steve Alaimo, based in Hialeah, Florida. In 1973, two of Stones warehouse employees, Harry Wayne “KC” Casey and Rick Finch, began collaborating on writing and performing songs. As KC and the Sunshine Band, they released a string of hits such as “Get Down Tonight, “That’s The Way I Like It” and “Shake Your Booty”, all on Stone’s TK label. At the same time, Casey and Finch wrote and produced the number one “Rock Your Baby” which was performed by George McCrae.

Stone’s companies produced numerous other hits during the 1970’s, including Beginning of the End’s “Funky Nassau”, Latimore’s “Let’s Straighten It Out”, Anita Wards “Ring My Bell”, Little Beaver’s “Party Down”, and Gwen McCrea’s “Rockin’ Chair”, Peter Brown’s “Do You Want to Get Funky With Me” and Bobby Calwell’s “What Won’t You Do For Love”.

Stone later became involved with Hot Productions in the reissue of classics on CD and recently continued reissuing R&B and dance tracks on his own label, The Legendary Henry Stone Presents… In 2004, Henry Stone was awarded the first ever Pioneer Award for the Dance Music Hall of Fame, which was presented in New York City where he received a standing ovation.

In 2006, Henry became involved with The Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and started a music production program, the first of its kind, to provide professional training to the blind and visually impaired young performers, composers and sound engineers. In 2007, the new Gloria Martin third floor wing opened which houses the Henry and Inez Stone Music and Sound Studio.

Henry is survived by his wife Inez Stone; his daughter Lynda Stone and husband Ned Berndt; daughter Sheri and husband Ken Watson; daughter Crystal and Bill McCall; daughter Kim Stone; and son David Stone; their grandchildren Lysa Stone, Beth Stone, Shon and Carolyn (Keelin and Ryan) Christi, Mac and Stephanie (on the way), Daniel and Jamie Osiason.

He is also survived by his son Joseph Stone and his children, Brenna, Skyler, Torrin and Darcee; and by his daughter Donna and husband Evan Wolfe and their son Jake, and Inez’s brother Harrison Keith Pinchot, MD who will always be greatfull for Henry’s generosity for putting him through medical school.

Our family would like to thank all those who provided love and support during these difficult times.

University of Miami Selects New Director for the Lowe Art Museum

The University of Miami has appointed Dr. Jill Deupi, who currently serves as director and chief curator of University Museums at Fairfield University, as the new director of the Lowe Art Museum.

“I am honored to have been selected to lead the Lowe Art Museum as it embarks on an exciting new chapter in its rich and storied history,” Deupi said. “The museum is perfectly poised to catapult itself to the next level, building upon its tremendous resources and past successes while embracing 21st century museum practice, contemporary art and culture, and new education modalities – above all, participatory learning.”

Deupi credits the Lowe’s solid foundation and Miami’s effervescent arts scene for her decision to join UM, beginning August 11. One of her goals for the museum is “to connect its remarkable collections to the contemporary art world and current cultural trends.” She hopes to accomplish this partly with enhanced public accessibility to the Lowe’s holdings via an online, user-friendly database.

“We selected Dr. Jill Deupi as the new director of the Lowe after an extensive search,” said UM College of Arts & Sciences Dean Leonidas Bachas. “Her distinguished museum experience and academic background in art and art history, as well as her enthusiasm to involve our students in experiential learning are a perfect combination for the Lowe to expand its reach as a didactic resource for the university and local community.”

In addition to her leadership roles at the University Museums at Fairfield University, Deupi has also served as an assistant professor of art history since 2008. Under Deupi’s leadership as founding director, the Bellarmine Museum of Art has welcomed thousands of visitors since it opened to the public in late 2010. Deupi has curated close to 20 temporary exhibitions at the Bellarmine and at Fairfield’s Thomas J. Walsh Art Gallery, which she has also directed since 2013.

Opened in 1952, the University of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum is Miami-Dade County’s oldest and only comprehensive visual arts institution, featuring the region’s most diverse collection of world art. The Lowe’s distinguished permanent collection spans 5,000 years of western and non-western art history, highlights of which can be seen in the museum’s nine galleries. Brian Dursum, director of the Lowe Art Museum since 1990, announced his retirement in September 2013.

Part of the UM College of Arts & Sciences, the Lowe also mounts distinguished temporary exhibitions throughout the year, accompanied by an array of complementary programming. With its mission to serve the University of Miami, greater South Florida communities and national and international visitors as a teaching and exhibiting resource, the Lowe Art Museum presents a unique art experience, with broad-based collections and one-of-a-kind works of art.

A fellow of the American Academy in Rome, Deupi wrote her doctoral dissertation on art and cultural politics in 18th century Naples. Her prior museum experience includes work at the Royal Academy of Arts, London; the Art Institute of Chicago, the Snite Museum of Art, University of Notre Dame, Indiana; the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.; and the Wallace Collection, London. Although her area of scholarly expertise is 18th century European art, neoclassicism, and museology, Deupi possesses an impressive breadth of art historical knowledge: she has curated exhibitions devoted to 20th and 21st century photography; mid-century American painting; contemporary sculpture; ancient Chinese funerary sculpture; 20th century portraiture; and 20th century Venetian glass (among others).

Highlights from Deupi’s programming achievements include the establishment of a distinguished lecture series in the visual arts, funded by the Robert Lehman Foundation; the implementation of a successful Family Day program at the Bellarmine Museum; and the development of a broad range of programming in arts education and engagement, including a cultural tours abroad program. She also worked tirelessly to secure significant external support from a range of donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations.

Deupi received her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College and her J.D. from American University’s Washington College of Law, graduating summa cum laude. She holds both an M.A. and a Ph.D. in art history from the University of London’s Birkbeck College and the University of Virginia, respectively. She serves as a board member of the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries (AAMG) and co-chair of the New England Museums Association (NEMA)’s Academic Professional Affinity Group. She also sits on the steering committee of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County’s Executive Directors Network and is a member of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the Association of Art Museum Curators (AAMC), the College Art Association (CAA), and the International Council of Museums (ICOM). Deupi has juried a number of art competitions and exhibitions and has served as an external reviewer for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). She is the author of numerous exhibition publications, as well as the author of “The Antique Legacy from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment” (A Companion to Greek Art, Blackwell Publishing, 2012).

Soul Of Miami proudly presents the Public Allies Miami Community Forum, in partnership with Public Allies Miami. Through this, the participants of Public Allies Miami will tell their stories, the stories of the organizations with which they work, the neighborhoods in which they work, and the stories of our community. You will get to see Miami through the eyes of its young, emerging leaders and philanthropists. It may be prose, photographs, poetry or something else entirely, but it is all part of the real soul of Miami!

Public Allies Miami is young adults who serve in nonprofit organizations to help make Miami thrive for all people. Each year, 20 young leaders devote ten months to an intensive leadership experience in diverse nonprofits. Here are their service stories. For more information about Public Allies Miami, visit catalystmiami.org.

PRESS RELEASE

After 17 Years On Lincoln Road, Tiramesu Restaurant Moves Back To Its Origins
With Lincoln Road’s evolving landscape, the restaurant will soon re-open its doors South of Fifth

Miami, FL – April 22, 2014 – The ever-popular TiramesU, the landmark family-style restaurant on South Beach’s Lincoln Road, having just celebrated its 25th-year anniversary, will temporarily close its doors on Sunday, April 27th, 2014.

After 17 years on bustling Lincoln Road, co-owner Graziano Sbroggio decided to move the restaurant to its origins, where it all began 25 years ago.

TiramesU will reopen its doors at the new location at 101 Washington Avenue after the summer. “South of Fifth is a growing dining destination and I’m very excited to be in the same neighborhood of many successful and internationally renowned restaurants,” says Graziano Sbroggio.

The new restaurant will continue its tradition, combining simplicity, consistency of food, service and accessibility which has proved to be a winning formula with both locals and tourists over the past 25 years. “The new TiramesU will welcome its patrons with the same warm and friendly atmosphere, offering classic Italian cuisine with a modern twist,” adds Sbroggio.

27-year old Executive Chef Fabrizio Pintus is already working on a new menu, one that will not sacrifice the staples TiramesU is known and appreciated for, like the homemade pastas. He will take the summer to travel to different cities and expose himself to other cuisines and flavors. “I love exploring new recipes and the use of different ingredients with unexpected combinations. The idea is to experiment new dishes while remaining grounded in solid traditions. The new Tiramesu will offer inventive modern Italian flavors with simple yet refined plates that entice the palate and delight our patrons. I’d like for TiramesU to become your “homey” kitchen away from home,” says Chef Fabrizio.

Valeria Longoni, General Manager, will become a co-owner in the new restaurant. Her dedication is invaluable and she is proud and honored to continue as an integral part of TiramesU’s history in this challenging new project. “I firmly believe in the importance of working with a strong team of dedicated and professional people. Good food served with thoughtful care and consistent passion has been the key to our success,” adds Longoni.

The official last day of TiramesU on Lincoln Road will be Sunday, April 27th, 2014.

About TiramesU
TiramesU opened its doors to customers in 1988 on the corner of Ocean Drive and 5th Avenue. It experienced early success and in 1997 was relocated to 721 Lincoln Road. It is owned and managed by Graspa Group, headed by Graziano Sbroggio, which includes Spris, Segafredo, Salumeria 104, Spris Artisan Pizza Downtown and Spris Artisan Pizza Midtown. For more information, please visit www.tiramesu.com.

webcitygirls// looking for #MiamiPinkGirl, are you her?

Are you an enthusiastic young lady? Do you dream of interviewing stars on the red carpet? Do you have what it takes to entertain a social media community with a positive point of view? webcitygirls// is seeking a friendly high-spirited team player who can engage the audience with a spunky attitude that stands out. The Miami Pink Girl has to be a social butterfly with an energetic spirit and a lot to say! The winner will become part of webcitygirls// social media innovative team and will be trained as a social media reporter, will live fun experience of getting dressed by a super star fashion designer, make-up by celebrity stylist and dreams will come true for her as she embarks on her first time red carpet coverage at a major 2014 award show with Lynn Ponder, founder of webcitygirls//.

To find the perfect pink girl, webcitygirls// has launched a competition via Instagram to see who conveys the personality and philosophy of the webcitygirls//. Miami Contest will be open on April 7 – May 7, 2014.
HOW TO ENTER:
1- Participants must create a 15 second Instagram video dressed in the webcitygirls// signature style: pink wig and chic black outfit. They must act as if interviewing a famous celebrity on the red carpet and have the confidence of a most influential social media reporter. The video post must be made using the participant’s own Instagram account using hashtag #MiamiPinkGirl and tag @webcitygirls.

2- Participants must email social@webcitygirls.com with the following: Instagram link to the video entry, a profile picture, a biography including education, experience, groups, community work, accolades/achievements, hobbies and social media preferences. We want to get to know the pink girl, her colorful personality, her style, and who she is! Participants must also follow @webcitygirls on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

3- On May 14, 2014, (3) finalists will be announced on webcitygirls.com. The finalists will be a part of a special edition #SocialSalon live stream on May 21, 2014 where webcitygirls// and (3) judges (a renowned fashion designer, a celebrity hairstylist, and an award winning entertainment journalist) will pronounce one grand prize winner! Click here for Rules.

4- The winner will get a surprise smart gadget to use on her new journey as a webcitygirls// #MiamiPinkGirl.

Be a part of this exciting opportunity and learn what it’s like to be in the media industry. Put on a pink wig, an attitude that sparkles, and if you have to, use a hairbrush for a mic! GO get CREATIVE wepa!
Webcitygirls// is looking for the ultimate pink girl, are you her?

NewYork.com, an online resource for travel, entertainment, dining, real estate and job needs, has launched the Ultimate Broadway Fan Contest, which will award a passionate Broadway enthusiast and a guest with a memorable New York weekend getaway and VIP perks.

The winner and a guest will receive roundtrip airfare to the Big Apple, be chauffeured into town in style with ExecuCar, and put up for two nights in the heart of all of the Broadway action at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Hotel. They’ll also receive a quintessential NYC dinner at NYY Steak and best of all, they’ll get behind the scenes access to one of the biggest events on Broadway, with an exclusive invitation to the Tony Awards rehearsal.

How to enter:
1. Post a photo on Instagram or Twitter that proves that they are the ultimate Broadway fan
2. Complete this sentence in their caption “I’m Broadway’s biggest fan because…”
3. Include the hashtag #BringMeToBroadway
4. Submit the link to their photo and information by April 30 at 5pm EST to NewYork.com/ultimatefancontest

Criteria: Participants must use their camera to capture their passion for Broadway Theater any way they want. The entry could be a photo of themselves with their impressive Playbill collection or a snapshot with their favorite Broadway actor. They could dress up like their celebrity crush or mock up an award-worthy poster for their favorite performance – the sky is the limit!

How will the winner be determined? The editors of NewYork.com will review all submissions and narrow the list down to 30 finalists. Starting on Monday, May 5 at 9am EST and running until Friday, May 16 at 5pm EST they will ask the NewYork.com audience, to vote for the winner. The image with the most votes on Friday, May 16 at 5pm EST will win. The winner will be announced on Monday, May 19.

Participants must be 18 years or older and live in the continental United States. One entry per person. For more information, the official rules of entry can be found at this link: www.newyork.com/contest-rules

PRESS RELEASE

Today, Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff and Mayor Tomás Regalado withdrew their Resolution to ban the Ultra Music Festival from Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami. Following that withdrawal, the City Commission has alternatively scheduled the issue for general discussion on April 24, 2014 at 10AM.

The overwhelming and unyielding support of the Greater Miami and Beaches Hotel Association, Downtown Miami businesses and residents, and of Ultra fans around the world has resulted in a short-term victory by event organizers in its recent bout to keep Ultra at Bayfront Park, in Downtown Miami.

Since its launch in 1999, Ultra Music Festival has attracted millions of visitors to the City of Miami. The annual event has brought considerable economic impact to the City of Miami and surrounding communities, which includes generating over $223 million in 2013 alone. Last year, the 6-day event created over 1,800 direct jobs.

Event organizers remain thankful for the infinite support of their patrons and partners in Miami and across the world. Ultra remains committed to working actively with the City of Miami, its Police, Fire and Risk Departments, and the Bayfront Park Management Trust to continually make the event safe, secure and successful.

Ultra will continue to put forth its positive message and request that its supporters remain committed to helping again on April 24th when Ultra will be discussed by the Miami City Commission.

About Ultra Worldwide
ULTRA WORLDWIDE is the global brand of the World’s Premier Electronic Music event ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL. An internationally renowned event that has taken place every March since its inception in 1999, Ultra Music Festival celebrated its 16th anniversary March 28-30, 2014 by bringing over 165,000 music enthusiasts to the sold out event in the City of Miami. Boasting the hottest names and the finest talent to be found anywhere on the planet, Ultra Worldwide is now the most international festival brand in the world by far, as it continues to transport the unrivaled experience from its Miami flagship event to an ever-growing number of destinations and fans all over the globe. Add in their pioneering live stream, ‘Ultra Live’ and Ultra Worldwide is able to bring the festival experience online to over 15 million unique viewers globally. Over the past 16 years, literally thousands of the world’s most iconic DJs, producers and live acts have mesmerized audiences with awe-inspiring sets at Ultra events in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Ibiza, Korea and of course Miami. Each and every new global edition has been founded on the same successful formula that has been perfected over 16 years in Miami, combining the most diverse electronic talent with the most technologically advanced, large scale festival productions in the world. In 2014, Ultra continues to push the boundaries, bringing its unparalleled combination of cutting edge production and the world’s best electronic acts back to its previous strongholds and to new frontiers across the globe. With brand new editions in South Africa and Japan this year already, 2014 will see Ultra in nine countries and five continents across the globe.

Miami New Times Best of Miami(R) Nominations
April 10 – April 30, 2014
Nominate Online
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From April 10 to 30, Nominate Your Favorite Places and Things to Do in Miami

New Times’ 27th-annual Best of Miami® issue celebrates the best of absolutely everything the area has to offer. Best of Miami® is the most comprehensive guide to the top people, places, goods and services, dining, nightlife, and entertainment found only in this region. With hundreds of pages of information, more than 400 choices, and a readership in the millions, it is the most anticipated issue of the year. Best Of reaches millions of people in the most valued issue of the year.

Each year our Best Of issue has a signature theme. We are proud to announce that in 2014, it’s “Game On!” – a throwback to retro gaming and culture.

Nominate the best things to do, see, and eat in Miami by casting your vote. You can suggest your favorites from Thursday, April 10, to Wednesday, April 30. Readers will have the opportunity to vote in scores of categories. On Monday, May 5, voting will open again for its final round, where readers can pick from the selected nominees to be crowned Best of Miami® winners.

Best of Miami® will be published Thursday, June 19, with the full list of Readers’ Choice winners, along with editorial picks. It will be available on newsstands throughout the area and online at MiamiNewTimes.com as well as our Best Of mobile app.