Back for its 11th year, Art Basel Miami Beach continues to be the most influential art show worldwide. Kicking off on Thursday, December 6th, 2012, this event is more than just a citywide spectacle of art, culture and social events. Setting the stage for Basel partygoers, The Stage, located at 170 NE 38th Street, will be sure to create a social experience like no other.
Wednesday, December 5th (Basel Kickoff): Woodshed and The Stage present MOCHILLA en MIAMI! A multi-work Basel series showcasing B+ (aka Brian Cross) and Eric Coleman of Mochilla. Mochilla will display a mini-exhibition of photography and films for viewing pleasure. Mochilla is a production company formed by photographers Eric Coleman and B+ in 1997. The duo has produced five music videos, four documentaries, several ad campaigns, a remix album and more than forty album covers. Both Coleman and B+ have taken their respective fields to new heights selling films to the Sundance Channel, being distributed by Ninja Tune touring Europe several times executing campaigns for Adidas, Dickies, Alphanumeric and Vans. At 9 p.m., guests will experience a live musical performance by Zynzelay, THEESatisfaction and Georgia Anne Muldrow, followed by sounds from DJ, Mr. Brown. The Show will open at 8 p.m. More info & tickets at www.thestagemiami.com.
Thursday, December 6th: Brandon Opalka, curator of Rigid II Graffiti in Miami has organized a group exhibition of graffiti artists which will be onsite until Saturday, December 8th. They are kicking off their exhibit on December 6th with a mural painting on an exterior wall, which will be sure to impress onlookers. Born in Virginia and raised in South Florida, Brandon Opalka is a self-taught artist who paints canvases and walls, in the studio and on the streets. Opalka’s beginnings are rooted in graffiti and street art. Having painted his first mural at age 14, art turned from being a creative outlet for teen angst to a career. Opalka has exhibited his work over the past 12 years in Miami, New York, Japan, and France.
The Official Heineken Green Lounge will be displayed in The Alley and will be open to guests until Saturday, December 8th. Located at The Stage, The Alley is narrow lane adorned with art painted on the walls and open to pedestrians. The Alley is already generating buzz in the city and on December 6th, DJ sounds in the Heineken lounge will help set the mood for a chill experience after a day of art.
Spotify Big Green Bus will make its way to The Stage’s patio area at 7 p.m. Proudly sponsored by BACARDI, Spotify will take guests behind-the-scenes at festivals, offer exclusive secret shows, artist interviews and more. As the digital music service that gives followers access to millions of songs, Spotify will provide complimentary cocktails and the ultimate music experience for guests to enjoy.
At 9 p.m., Tilly and the Wall, indie pop group from Omaha, Nebraska will take the stage for a live musical performance. Their name originated from a children’s book called Tillie and the Wall, written by Leo Lionni. Instead of a drummer, Tilly has tap dancer, Jamie Pressnall. Recently, re-emerged more mature, but still with their child-like energy, to offer musical and moral encouragement during these heavy times. At this phase, Tilly and The Wall represent more than just one party or ideology. They represent their own movement, which is pro-people, belief in the power of love, friendship and music that we all can sing, clap and stomp along to together. Doors will open at 9 p.m. More info & tickets at www.thestagemiami.com.
Friday, December 7th: Hip Hop legend, Rakim is scheduled to perform after 9 p.m. Rakim began his career as the MC for rap duo Eric B. & Rakim. Rakim is universally acknowledged as one of the greatest MCs within the hip hop community. The editors of About.com ranked him #1 on their list of Top 50 MCs of Our Time. In 2012, The Source ranked him #1 on their list of Top 50 Lyricists of All Time. In 2011, Eric B. & Rakim were nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Stage is honored to welcome Rakim on December 7th! Currently, one of Miami’s best local acts, Problem Kids will combine their Latin Funk, Hip Hop, Alt Rock and Jazz on stage. Opening up for Rakim along with Hip Hop group, Art Official, guests can expect a music filled evening. Complimentary cocktails courtesy of The Stage will be provided throughout the night. More info & tickets at www.thestagemiami.com.
Saturday, December 8th: A Miami theme evening, Rigid II Graffiti in Miami will unveil their mural painting on the exterior wall. Locos Por Juana, Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated bilingual Latin band most notably recognized by their energetic live performances and their unique fusion of Latin styles and influences will be performing live on stage after 10 p.m. More info & tickets at www.thestagemiami.com. Throughout the night, guests will enjoy Mojito cocktails compliments of The Stage. For all the local cigar aficionados, a cigar roller will be onsite.
Sunday, December 9th (Closing): The Stage will welcome the evening’s MC, BBS Soap Opera Guiding Light Actor, Jordi Vilasuso. The venue will transform itself and close Basel in a big way. At 7 p.m., Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli from Eating House and winner of Food Network’s “Chopped” will perform live cooking demonstrations. Guests will enjoy a complimentary array of his delicacies and chocolate infused Caipirinhas compliments of Remy V.
Presented by SUNGLASS USA and supported by AcheiUsa Newspaper, the Brazilian Film Festival will transform The Stage into a cozy movie setting at 9 p.m. Serving as their official launch for EcoCine, they will be screening several films for guests to enjoy. Two films that will be sure to attract the crowds is the Oscar Nominated film, Wasteland and Cannes Winner, O Gigante do Papelão. During the films, baristas will prepare and serve espresso-based coffee drinks compliments of Tierra Nueva.
Art will definitely compliment the night with a “Pastime” exhibit by Brazilian Artists, Roberta Borges and Bruno Sena. One person’s junk is another person’s treasure. That’s true for Artist, Bruno Sena who will have a recycled art installation on display. Max Rasche, Chicago born artist and designer, and Miami Ad School student is set out to donate his artwork to an eco-friendly organization after the event. He will be working on this eco-inspired piece during the day and will complete it by the end of the night.
The Stage, located in the famed Miami Design District, is South Florida’s premier venue for live music, art and film. The high ceilings, comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, and art lined walls by some of South Florida’s best talent combine for a great space.
For more information on each social event or to schedule an interview, please contact Natalie Leon at (786) 537-0751.