SCENE REVIEWS

International Scene: Endure the Pleasure
Review by: Anthony Partipilo

What better way to start your day than on the Terrace with Matinée?  While I didn’t think that a Spanish brand could overwhelm Miami, it came in with a force stronger than Katrina!  My phenomenal experience at the Winter Music Conference 2007 started with my ritualistic (almost fanatic) following of The Matinee Group’s party at Space’s Terrace.  This was only Thursday morning!  When that ended at noon, and with only one hour to refresh and prep, the next stop was an afternoon pool-party at The Surfcomber Hotel, where we were treated to Pete Tong’s live broadcast on BBC 1.  The sounds of Tong, Tiesto, Hawtin, Sascha, Fanciulli, Knuckles and DJ Dan (to name just a few) were omnipresent as the bass permeated every ounce of our bodies!  “OMG” was the catch phrase du jour! 

It was only when I noticed the congregation of CZ-goers at that pool party that I realized Torontonians have their own world music following!  Unbeknownst to many, we’re a city that appreciates great beats and where else to find them on a Sunday morning.  But I digress… 

A novice WMC-attendee will quickly realize that it is physically impossible to attend every party, even if you tried!  With The Ultra Music Festival taking place over two days, it overlapped many a party!  Saturday’s Ultra line-up culminated with the sounds of Carl Cox and Eric Morillo.  It was, to be trite – fahbulus!  Even with the cold, salt-infused Atlantic rain pouring over our heads, we danced to the sound of the underground!  30,000 partiers continued to dance as they got drenched in Miami’s notorious afternoon showers.

The Saturday evening was the grandest – with every major DJ headlining a different club.  Our choice: David and Cathy Guetta presented the Internationally known F*** Me I’m Famous party (Bob Sinclair initially got the crowd going), which provided the most upbeat of music and gorgeous of crowds.  It’s sexy, provocative concept brings together the most stylish crazy clubbers and the international clubbing elite. What makes the party so unique is how it mixes people from all walks of life, in one magical musical melting pot. Just for the night, of course.

Ah Sunday!  Who would have thought I’d make it this far!  But I did.  After lounging on the beach (so tired!) we decided to enjoy Miami’s Art Deco district with a stroll along Collins Avenue, eventually ending up on the infamous A1A, Ocean Ave.  Dinner and drinks provided the fuel necessary to endure one last evening!  A night of debauchery ensued at Cameo nightclub where Robbie Rivera and Oscar G drove the crowd wild!

“OMG” it is 7:30 am Monday morning – note to self: “Don’t book your return flight to Toronto at 10 am!”  Life is rough – but I suppose someone has to endure the pain!