President Barack Obama will be hosted by Gloria and Emilio Estefan on April 15, 2010 at their Miami Beach home for a Democratic National Committee fundraiser. Over the past thirty years, the Estefan's have been huge benefactors to the local community, along with their Star Island neighbor Rosie O'Donnell. They have been tireless fundraisers for many great causes and to a variety of charitable organizations.  Most recently, Emilio and Gloria Estefan held one of the largest rallies ever in little Havana to protest the human rights situation in Cuba, and over the years they have been major benefactors to Miami's exiled Cuban community.

The $30,400-a-couple cocktail reception is reported to be the Estefans' first political fundraiser for the Democractic National Committee.  Both Gloria and Emilio Estefan strongly believe in giving back to their local community, and have expressed their gratitude and patriotism on countless occassions. Obama will also attend a fundraiser at the Adrienne Arsht Center in downtown Miami for the Performing Arts in downtown Miami that same day. It should be noted that Gloria performed at the inaugural festivities for President George W. Bush in 2005, following Mr. Bush's 2002 appointment of Emilio to the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities and the President's Advisory Committee on the Arts.  The local Miami Beach community is very grateful to have them as neighbors and citizens!

Following from my previous post about the upcoming Winter Music Conference, culminating in the Ultra Music Festival at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami, I'd also like to highlight a few other late March events taking place around Miami Beach:

The official dates for the 25th annual Winter Music Conference are March 23 to 27, 2010. A few other great events taking place this month are the Miami Book Fair, the Miami Film Festival, and the Sony Ericcson Open Tennis Tournament in Key Biscayne.  To see additional information about year-round Miami Beach events, check out our Miami Beach Living Page

The Winter Music Conference is one of my personal favorites, featuring one of the largest indoor/outdoor music and DJ events in the world. The only other events that can rival the diversity and scope of this five day music extravaganza are Mardi Gras in Australia and Carnaval in Brazil.  In 2009, we had almost 2,000 artists and DJs in Miami Beach.  This year will see major events once again scheduled at the magnificent Mansion nightclub, Set Nightclub and Lounge, and the Cameo Theatre in South Beach. The official host hotel will be the recently restored Eden Roc Hotel located at 4525 Collins Avenue, in the mid-beach area of Miami Beach (right next door to the historic Fontainebleu Hilton). 

Be sure to also check out the amazing Oceanfront music events scheduled at the Nikki Beach Club located in the South of Fifth district along Ocean Drive.  The National, the Clevelander, the Shelbourne, Skybar at the Shore Club, and Louis Nightclub at the Gansevoort Hotel will also be hosting some of the world's top spinning talent.  A few of the featured DJ's this year are Tiesto, David Guetta, Armin Van Buren, Eric Morillo, Carl Cox, Passion Pit, Sasha & John Digweed, Benny Benassi, Fedde Le Grane, Kaskade and Paul Oakenfold.  For a complete schedule of upcoming Miami Beach events and to purchase tickets click here

The month of March is an exciting time for local events in and around Miami Beach!  So far in 2010 we've been seeing strong tourist traffic for events such as The South Beach Wine and Food Festival, the upcoming Winter Party Festival the culminates in a massive beachfront fund-raising party right off 12th Street and Ocean Drive.  In addition to being an important fundraiser, the Winter Party Festival is also a major contributor to Miami and Miami Beach's economy, this year the local Miami Beach tourist Board is expecting over 10,000 people from around the world!

Also, the 2010 Winter Music Conference will be taking place in and around Miami and Miami Beach from March 23 -27.  During the week, there will be over 400 parties held at dozens of venues and outdoor spaces.  This is the 25th year that this amazing music conference takes place, and each year the event attracts more visitors and the hottest music talent on the planet!

In the past few months, we've also noticed a strong increase in buyer traffic for Miami Beach's hottest real estate.  For example, we just had a young (and famous) Brazilian client of ours purchase in one of Miami Beach's most popular waterfront condo buildings- The Murano at Portofino.  This building happens to also host a variety of VIP events at the world-famous Piaggia Beach Club, which is located on the southern side of the main entrance.

Key Facts:
Murano at Portofino South Beach (Intracoastal & Fisher Island Views)
Pending Sales Price: $900,000
2009 Tax Assessed Value: $766,000
Previous Sales Price (2005): $975,000
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Condo S.F.: 1,390 ($647/SF)

Interior Decor / Overall Condition:  Beautiful decorator-appointed finishes

Note that the tax assessed value is significantly lower than the pending price. This pending sale demonstrates the resilient market value of premier condos located in luxury waterfront buildings in South Beach.  If you are potentially looking to purchase, NOW is the time to take advantage of this buyer's market.  We're seeing strong buyer activity from those looking to become a part of the amazing lifestyle that Miami Beach has to offer!

As most people who live in the United States are aware, the Superbowl is about to take place this coming Sunday at the Sun Life stadium.  Many of the national, international, evening news and late night shows have been highlighting the entertainment and VIP events that are taking place in our stretch of paradise - Miami Beach.  If there was ever evidence as to the enduring popularity, national appeal, and "fun" factor of South Beach, here it is:

* Director Michael Bay has invited 70 VIP's (otherwise known as VERY rich people) to his house on North Bay Road in Miami Beach to raise money for charity.

*  Snoop Dogg is scheduled to perform live on Friday night at Mansion located on 12th & Washington Avenue in South Beach .

* Justin Timberlake is unscheduled, but rumored to be making a surprise appearance at one of the concert venues in Miami Beach.

* There will be a Super Bowl luncheon on Saturday in Miami Beach's South of Fifth Neighborhood at Red the Steak House for NFL fathers and Living Legends of Florida.

*  On Saturday night, there will be the Maxim Super Bowl invitation-only party at the Raleigh Hotel.

*  CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX broadcasting their morning shows live from Ocean Drive in the heart of South Beach.

*  Free tickets for a spectacular Rhianna, Nelly Furtado, Timbaland concert stage set up righ on the beach in South Beach,  along with Timbaland, Nelly Furtado.  The concerts began on Thursday night at what is being called the Pepsi Fan Jam.

*  There’s a Jamie Foxx concert/comedy show on Friday night at the Fillmore Theater in Miami Beach.

*  ESPN is having a private party Friday night with Q Tip at the Fontainebleau.

*  Lincoln Road is awash in Superbowl fever, with team decor and sponshorship displays by Lincoln-Mercury.  This incredible displays along the pedestrian mall go from Alton Road to Collins Avenue.

*  The Black-Eyed Peas will perform at the American Airlines Arena in Miami this Friday evening.  The official after-party will take place at the Sagamore Hotel, on Collins Avenue, located in the heart of South Beach.

The Super Bowl itself is held at the Sun Life stadium which is located in Miami Gardens, which is a short 20 minute drive from downtown Miami and Miami Beach. 

Enjoy the game everyone!