Saturday, March 17
Event: Electric Beach feat. Harry Choo Choo Romero, Junior Sanchez, Starkillers, George Acosta, and many more
Why should I go?
If you like straight up house music, this is the party for you. Get there in the morning, catch some sun, and party all the way till the next morning with some legendary names in house. Names like Romero, Sanchez, Nunez, and Acosta have been around forever, and for a good reason – they know how to throw it down. Try to catch Starkillers whose track ‘Don’t Hold Back’ with Dmitry KO made a splash on beatport, shortly after tracks ‘Keep It Coming’ with Nadia Ali, and ‘Pressure’ with Nadia Ali and Alex Kenji did the same.
Event: Be Yourself with Danny Tenaglia
Where: Surcomber Pool
Time: 11:00am-11pm
Why should I go?
Danny Tenaglia is a legend in the New York City club scene, holding residencies in virtually every hot dance club that existed over the past 15 years. Tenaglia invented the ‘Be Yourself’ night at the now defunct Vinyl in the late nineties, and continues to tour with the party to this day. With over a decade of classic tracks, Tenaglia is never hesitant to mix the new with the old to make for a great show.
Event: Joachim Garraud Invasion
Where: Amnesia Miami
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
Joachim Garraud puts on one of the more unique live shows you’ll see during Miami Music Week. During sets that intertwine the latest in electro house music with his own modern classics like ‘We Are The Future”, Garraud is known to take out a key-tar and supplement his DJ set with some live accompaniment. Add this with one of the best video shows to go along with DJ sets, and you have a recipe for a unique night. Check out Joachim’s visual show and key-tar action here:
Event: Yoshitoshi Presents: Sharam and Paul Ritch
Where: Mansion
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
Sharam, better know as one half of Deep Dish, the Grammy award winning house producers, is one of the more technically sound artists you’ll see in Miami. The guy is just a top notch producer and it translates into his live sets. He has worked with artists such as Kid Cudi and Diddy and has toured all over the world.
Sunday, March 18th
Event: Waveform with Victor Calderone
Where: Surfcomber Pool
Time: 11am-11pm
Why should I go?
Victor Calderone has spun all around the world in a career spanning over 20 years. He has spun all over Manhattan, still holding a monthly residency at Pacha NYC, along with residencies in Montreal, Tel Aviv, and Bulgaria. He was hand picked by Madonna to remix ten of her singles starting with ‘Frozen’ in 1998. Besides that, he was commissioned to produce the wildly successful ‘Desert Rose’ dance remix by Sting that lasted 80 weeks on the billboard dance chart, along with work for Beyonce, Janet Jackson, and Whitney Houston. There’s almost too much to say about Victor Calderone – you should probably just go see for yourself.
Event: Riva Starr
Where: Set
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
On the last slow night before Miami Music Week fully kicks off, Riva Starr will be manning the decks at Set. Riva Starr is an Italian DJ currently residing in London known for fun and bouncy beats that energize dance floors. Riva Starr has recently worked with Fatboy Slim and Berdyman on the track ‘Get Naked’. He’s had support from such big names as Tiesto and A-Trak, so you know he’s gotten the seal of approval from the heavy hitters. Check out the…well…interesting ‘Get Naked’ video here:
Monday, March 19th
Event: Bob Sinclair & Friends
Where: Amnesia
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
French producer and DJ Bob Sinclair brings a unique blend of almost disco-house music, and hippie culture together, creating fun and catchy songs about peace and happiness. He is best known for the hits “Love Generation”, and “World, Hold On” which were absolutely huge in Europe making him a global name. Sinclair also recently released a reggae inspired CD, ‘Made In Jamaica’, featuring some new songs and reggae-styled version of his past hits. What does this all mean? This guy is extremely talented and extremely unique.
Event: Markus Schulz Presents: Coldharbour Night
Where: Dream
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
Coldharbour Night is globally recognized trance DJ Markus Schulz’s record label, featuring artists like Arenej, KhoMha, and Mr. Pit. Schulz is continuously recognized as one the top ten DJs in the world by DJ Magazine, and is one of the undisputed kings of trance music. While he is not officially on the bill, special guests are promised and the man has other events in Miami to attend, so it’s a safe bet you’ll see the man himself.
Tuesday March 20th
Event: Miami Massive
Where: Nikki Beach
Time: 12pm-5am
Why should I go?
They don’t call it the Miami Massive for nothing – this party is MASSIVE. The line-up here includes a mash-up of some of Europe’s biggest DJs, new and old. Names include heavy hitters like Tom Novy, Gregori Klosman, Tristan Garner, Amos + Navas, as well as other standouts like Tim Mason, Sebastien Drums, Filthy Rich, and Blake Jarrell. Try to catch a special performance from Micah, a live violinist who performs alongside some of the acts. Check out a video of Micah playing along with Rivera here:
Event: Paul Oakenfold headlines: The 5th Annual Future Classics Pool Party
Where: The National Hotel
Time: 12pm-11pm
Why should I go?
English DJ Paul Oakenfold has been DJing for of 25 years ever since a birthday trip to Ibiza turned into a lifestyle. With a resume that is almost unparalleled, this man has done almost everything there is to do in the industry. He’s remixed everything from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to the movie scores, producing a huge discography of original music along the way. Oakenfold is joined by Queens-born singer/songwriter Nadia Ali, who is fresh off a tour with Armin Van Buuren, along with a host of other artists from around the world. There promises to be a massive sound system and two different areas of music for a party that will last all day.
Event: Dim Mak Miami feat. Steve Aoki, Datsik, and more
Where: Mansion
Time: 10pm-5am
Why should I go?
Looking at the lineup to this event makes you realized just how staked Dim Mak, the record label operated by Steve Aoki, really is. Besides Aoki and dubstep superstar Datsik, appearances from the aforementioned Joachim Garraud, drum and base group Dirtyphonics, electro-dubstep producer Alvin Risk, and up and comers like Felix Cartal, Mustard Pimp, John Dahlback, Angger Dimas, and Lazy Rich among other big names like Nervo and Spencer and Hill round out this incredible line-up. There are too many DJs on this list to go through each one, but make sure you catch Alvin Risk and Dirtyphonics.
Event: Benny Bennasi and Friends
Where: LIV
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
Italian DJ Benny Benassi is one of the biggest names in house based upon his almost 10-year old hit Satisfaction, which continues to get updated and spun by various DJs to this day. Recently, Benassi has scored hits with ‘Cinema’, ‘Spaceship’, ‘Electroman’ featuring T-Pain, and ‘Beautiful People’ with Chris Brown. This time around, he’s bringing friends Martin Solveig of “Hello” fame, Congorock, and Harvard Bass. All four artists bring a unique brand of dance music to the stage. While Benassi is the big name, try to catch Congorock who bring a unique style of drum that result in infectious dancing, along with a high quality roster of remixes of the likes of Kaskade and Swedish House Mafia.
Event: Dmitri Vegas and Like Mike feat. Special Guest NERVO
Where: Mokai
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
While this show doesn’t have the name recognition of Benassi or Aoki, Dmitri Vegas and Like Mike can hold there own, and a special set from NERVO just sweetens the pot. Plus, Mokai is a much more intimate setting than the Miami mega clubs. It’s relatively easy to navigate and see what’s going on, if that’s your thing.
Event: Eric Morillo Presents: Subliminal Sessions
Where: Amnesia
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
You’ve been listening to Eric Morillo before you even knew who he was. Morillo was responsible for creating Reel 2 Real, who you may know from there enormously huge early 90′s single “I Like to Move It” – currently playing at every sports stadium ever. Since then, he’s been building his dance label Subliminal Records. While operating Subliminal, Morillo has become a staple of the club scene in New York, Ibiza, Miami, Vegas, and everywhere in between. At Amnesia, he’s joined by house heavy hitters Danny Tenaglia, Harry Choo Choo Romero, and Carl Kennedy among others
Event: Chris Lake
Where: Mynt
Time: 12am-5am
Why should I go?
Looking for an after hours event? Mynt has Scottish house producer Chris Lake doing a late night set starting a midnight. Lake’s 2006 single Changes proved to be a breakout success, and since then he’s cemented his name in house with hits like “La Tromba Risin” and remixes of Lady Gaga and The Black Eyed Peas.
Wednesday, March 21st
Event: Kings of Ace Pool Party
Where: The National Hotel
Time: 12pm-10pm
Why should I go?:
The Ace Agency has brought a wealth of it’s talent over to The National for what looks like one hell of a pool party. The lineup includes dutch stars like Sidney Samson and R3hab along with up and comers like Bassjackers, Shermanology, Quintino, Bobby Burns, and Apsters. If you like Afrojack, you’ll love these bouncy Dutch beats made famous by this set of artist. Speaking of Afrojack, the line-up does say a ‘very special guest’….
Event: Roger Sanchez Presents: Stealth Miami
Where: Fountainebleau’s Ocean Lawn
Time: 12pm-6pm
Why should I go?
Roger Sanchez is one of those names that seems to have been around forever. While still producing top level tracks, he also manages to bring an intense live show that completely upstages the current generation of “lap top DJs”. Sanchez is constantly mixing, scratching, and fidgeting with knobs and buttons in order to keep dance floors moving and shaken all day long. Sanchez is joined by some pretty big names to bring some support – including up and coming superstar Arty, who is sure to be one of the next big things in house music, as well as Funkagenda, Bobby Burns, and Sebastien Drums
Event: Alesso Presents: Less Is More
Where: Mansion
Time: 10pm-5am
Why should I go?
Alesso may be the DJ who raised his profile the most in 2011. After touring with Sebastian Ingrosso, who he co-created the hit song ‘Calling’ with, Alesso seemed to blow up almost overnight. Remixes of ‘Pressure’ by Alex Kenji and Starkillers, ‘Titanium’ by David Guetta, and ‘Save The World’ by Swedish House Mafia have all seen time on the Beatport charts. This is a great chance to check out one of the fastest rising stars in electronic dance music. There is also a very special guest promised, which could turn out to be very interesting based on who Alesso toured with this year.
Event: HARD Night 1: Moombahton Massive
Where: Grand Central
Time: 10pm-5am
Why should I go?
In a collaboration between HARD and Mad Decent, Grand Central is being taken over by the Moombahton Massive. If you’re not familiar with moombahton, it’s one of the fastest rising genres in electronic music – it seems like everyone is getting in on the act. This line-up includes all star DJ Diplo – one of the best live acts today who has worked with seemingly everyone in all genres of music. Rounding out the line-up is red hot Dillon Francis, moombahton inovator Nadastrom, and a host of other moombahton acts like Tittsworth, Sazon Booya, and turntable champion DJ Craze.
Event: Axwell
Where: Amnesia
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
Speaking of Swedes, Axwell, one third of house music supergroup Swedish House Mafia, makes his first Miami Music Week appearance of the year at Amnesia. Axwell always brings the absolute heat, playing the best of the todays hits mixed with his own unique bootlegs and mixes. Axwell’s brought along Thomas Gold, who has been gradually gaining a reputation as one of electronic dance music’s most energetic live sets, as well as up and comer No ID. This event promises to be one of the best of the week with this excellent roster of artists.
Event: Boys Noize Presents: “Where’s Your Child?”
Where: Arkadia
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
German producer and DJ Boys Noize is one of the most popular names in electronic music. His music is hard to define and place in a specific genre, but features elements of electro, hip hop, and disco merged together. His world renowned for his live sets, which are high energy and contain tons of live mixing and improvisation. Boys Noize is also know for his vast array of remixes, from artists as diverse as Daft Punk, N.E.R.D, and the Scissor Sisters. In support of Boys Noize is Switch, one half of Major Lazer alongside Diplo, and Harvard Bass. This is going to be a great night in an intimate venue.
Event: Laidback Luke Presents: Super You and Me
Where: LIV
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
Super You and Me tends to be one of the most fun events whenever it comes to town, especially during Miami Music Week. The super hero themed party sees the DJs as well as the fans decked out in the favorite super-hero gear – theres no button downs in this party. Laidback Luke is a man of many hits – Till Tonight, Turbulence, Indestructable, Timebomb, and My G*O*D to name a few. He also worked on a couple of mega-hits with members of Swedish House Mafia – Be, Show Me Love, and Leave The World Behind. His bootlegs and edits bring refreshing twists to classic and new songs alike, and make his live sets unpredictable and loads of fun. Luke has brought out an all star cast of future stars as his support. Madeon, who went viral when his live mash-up “Pop Culture” was put on youtube, is one of the most exciting artists out there today. His sets are created live through samples placed on an MPC, and his current single Icarus is in the top 10 on the Beatport chart. Zedd has been blowing out speakers around the country with hits like Dovregubben, Slam The Door, Stars Come Out, Shave It, Zelda, and remixes of Skrillex’s ‘Breakin a Sweat’ and Swedish House Mafia’s ‘Save The World’ all making huge splashes in the scene. Oliver Twizt rounds up this line-up with his hard hitting electro house beats.
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Event: Loco Dice and Marco Carola
Where: The Terrace @ Space
Time: 10pm-4pm
Why should I go?
If you want to dance into next afternoon, this party’s for you. Watch the sun rise on Space’s famous terrace as German DJ Loco Dice entertains your ears until it’s almost dinner time the next day. Loco Dice is no stranger to long sets, spinning for several hours last year at Ultra.
Thursday, March 22
Event: Mixmash Pool Part w/Laidback Luke and Friends
Where: The National Hotel
Time: 12pm-10pm
Why should I go?
Just like Laidback Luke’s Super You and Me is one of the best nights of Miami Music Week, the Mixmash pool party is one of the best days. The giant pop up hosts Laidback Luke and a variety of friends – swell as some secret surprise guests that you have no reason to believe will not be awesome. Laidback Luke + Pool = awesome, thats about all you need to know.
Event: Robbie Rivera Presents: Juicy Beach
Where: Nikki Beach
Time: 12pm-5am
Why should I go?
Robbie Rivera, owner of Juicy Records, always throws down hard with his Juicy Beach Party during Miami Music Week. This year is no exception and he has an all star cast of DJs rounding out the bill. Besides Rivera, who puts on one hell of a show, this years line-up includes Bob Sinclair, R3hab, Dmitri Vegas and Like Mike, NERVO, and two of my favorite up and comers – Tommy Trash and Bassjackers, among others. This party is sure to be a blast, how could it not be with that line-up?
Event: Above and Beyond Presents: Group Therapy Miami
Where: Bayfront Park Amphitheatre
Time: 5pm-11pm
Why should I go?
This afternoon set features not just trance superstars Above and Beyond, out a well rounded line-up including Arty and Mat Zo. Arty has recently began to see a lot of exposure and is gathering a large following of fans, so he is someone to keep an eye on. Above and Beyond know how to work a crowd and have an amazing catalogue of hits and exclusive club remixes that always makes for an excellent show.
Event: Tiesto
Where: LIV
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
Tiesto is consistently recognized as the #1 DJ in the world, and not many people really dispute that claim. As one of the main headliners of Ultra this year, this event is being labeled as an official ‘Road to Ultra’ party, and is sure to be out of this world. Whenever the the best club in Miami and the best DJ in the world come together, it’s always a massive event – tickets for this one are going for $300, and you have virtually no chance of showing up at the door. But if you want to see Tiesto outside of Ultra, that’s the price you pay – and I can’t say I wouldn’t recommend it. There’s not much else to say: Best DJ in the world – what else do you want?
Event: HARD Night 2
Where: Grand Central
Time: 10pm-5am
Why should I go?
Why should I go?: HARD events always bring the heat, and this line-up is headlined by all star Boys Noize, along with up and coming superstars Brodisnki and Gestaffelstein, among many more. Surpise guests are promised and that can only mean good things.
Event: Perfecto Records Showcase featuring Paul Oakenfold
Where: Arkadia
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
Just downstairs from LIV at Arkadia, Paul Oakenfold’s Perfecto Records will be holding a showcase featuring some pretty amazing DJs. The Bingo Players have been steadily gaining a reputation for hard hitting house music behind hits like ‘Rattle’. Besides the aforementioned Oakenfold and the Bingo Players, Nadia Ali, Alex Kenji, and the EC Twins round out this line-up.
Event: Ferry Corsten WKND Album Release Party
Where: Space
Time: 10pm-8am
Why should I go?
One of trance music’s heavy hitters, Ferry Corsten, is celebrating the release of his new album WKND at Space with special guests John Dahlback and Aly and Fila. Ferry is known for his trance anthems, some of which, like ‘Punk’, are still regular parts of many DJs sets years and years after it’s original debut. Besides his production work, Ferry puts on one of the best live shows in trance music, keeping his sets going until the early morning. Swedish DJ John Dahlback has been putting on fantastic shows lately around the world and will be a fantastic addition to this line-up – do not miss him!
Event: Dirty Dutch feat Chuckie and Guests
Where: Amnesia
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
Chuckie is one of the kings of the Dutch house scene. Besides being responsible for a variety of megabits, most recently ‘What happens in Vegas’ and ‘Who is Ready to Jump?’, he also knows knows how to work a party – mixing in his own songs with other hits and party classics. Chuckie is known to spin into the early morning and always provides an incredible show. Chuckie’s bringing along a solid supporting cast, including a live performance by Tinie Tempah of ‘Miami 2 Ibiza’ fame, moombahton all star Dillon Francis, and the duo of Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike.
Event: R3hab
Where: Mynt
Time: 12am-5am
Why should I go?
This after hours event is brought to you by Afrojack protégé R3hab. His dutch style bouncy beats will keep the dance floor moving. While Afrojack has shied away from his dutch roots into a more progressive house sound while doing much more original work, R3hab has kept the steady stream of dutch styled remixes flowing making a name for himself in the business.
Friday, March 23
Event: Ultra Music Festival Day 1
Where: Bayfront Park
Time: 12pm-12am
Why should I go?
Ultra is the grand daddy of American electronic music festivals. There is a lot to do during Miami competing with the festival, but at the end of the day Ultra brings so many huge names, exclusives, and up and comers together that you can never go wrong attending. Day 1 includes huge names like Tiesto, Skrillex, Afrojack, and Pretty Lights, along with live performances you wont find elsewhere from Kraftwerk, Miike Snow, and Neon Indian, as well as the return of the Carl Cox and Friends arena. The rest of the line up features a wide variety of amazing artists, a few we recommend catching are: Porter Robinson, Tommy Trash, Madeon, Wolfgang Gartner, Swanky Tunes, and Jack Beats.
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Event: “All Gone” Pete Tong Pool Party
Where: Surfcomber Hotel
Time: 11am-11pm
Why should I go?
Pete Tong’s been on the British radio for over 30 years, becoming one of the most highly influential men in electronic music. His radio show is one of the highest rated programs in the UK. For this event, Tong is brining his hugely successful “It’s All Gone Pete Tong” party from Ibiza to Miami with a variety of top notch musical guests. The all star line up includes “Feels So Close” hit making producer Calvin Harris, Dutch superstar Chuckie, and red hot dubstep producer Feed Me.
Event: Swedish House Mafia Presents: Masquerade Motel
Where: Grand Central Park
Time: 3pm-11pm
Why should I go?
Swedish House Mafia is a supergroup consisting of megastar DJs Steve Angello, Sebasian Ingrosso, and Axwell. Together, they have between them a plethora of his – their debut album included mega-hits ‘One’, ‘Miami 2 Ibiza’, and ‘Save The World’, in addition to their entire catalogue of classics. Capable of headlining Ultra by themselves – which they did two years ago – they have instead decided to create their own mini festival for the second year in a row. From all accounts, last year’s Masquerade Motel was a blast and despite the change from to beach to the park, this promises to be no different. Swedish House Mafia always manage to create a top notch line-up of support, and so far Calvin Harris is confirmed…expect other names associated with the Swedes to attend as well.
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Event: No Sugar Added Day 1
Where: Nikki Beach
Time: 12pm-5am
Why should I go?
This HUGE party has quite the line-up. Headlined by global superstar Paul Oakenfold, there are just a ton of up and coming stars on the line-up to keep the music flowing all day. Artists include Joachim Garraud, Arty, Bart B More, Congorock, Nadastrom, Jack Beats, Bingo Players, Digitalism, Felguk, Designer Drugs, AC Slater, Kill The Noise, Rivastar, and Denix Koyu among many more
Event: H50 Rooftop Party
Where: Club 50 @ The Viceroy Hotel Roof
Time: 12pm-5sm
Why should I go?
This party, which runs all day and all night, is one of the few taking place on a roof with views of the entire city. The line-up for this event, at what is a generally small venue, includes big names like global superstar Paul Oakenfold, along with Alex Kenji, EC Twins, Lazy Rich, Stefano Noferini, Starkillers, and a live set from Nadia Ali.
Event: F*** Me I’m Famous by Catchy and David Guetta
Where: LIV
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
David Guetta is one of the biggest names in not just electronic music, but popular music in general. His last two albums have produced a plethora of internation smash hits, including ‘When Love Takes Over’, ‘Sexy Bitch’, ‘Getting Over You’, ‘Where Dem Girls At’, and ‘Without You’. His work with the Black Eyed Peas resulted in ‘I Gotta Feeling’ which spent 14 weeks as #1 on the Billboard Charts. But for all these successes, Guetta receives a lot of flak from hardcore electronic music fans. Don’t let this deter you – the F*** Me I’m Famous party, imported from Ibiza, is an out of this world experience that will no doubt be one of the best parties in Miami. Guetta brings dancers, lights, artwork, t-shirts, and more – he completely re-brands venues into his party. He is joined by Nicky Romero who has produced a string of hits lately and is on the road to big things. If you can afford the price tag, this party will be insane.
Event: Kaskade
Where: Amnesia
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
Kaskade has not announced any support for this event, and due to the speed in which it sold out, he didn’t need. Over the past few years, Kaskade has cemented himself as a full fledged superstar, Headlining the Identity Festival over the last summer, and producing a new album full of hits like ‘Eyes’ and ‘Turn It Down’. Kaskade can take the stage for a long time – his recent tour produced many memorable shows that turned into full fledged partys with glowsticks, confetti, and a synchronized video show.
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Event: Mixmag in Miami
Where: Ice Palace
Time: 10pm-12pm
Why should I go?
This event, coming to you from the combined works of Mixmag and PachaNYC, promise several more superstar acts being added to this line-up so it’s hard to accurately judge it, but the artists already announced do not disappoint. Headlined by a DJ set from The Pendulum and party DJ Steve Aoki, this event also features a DJ set from Chase and Status, Beatacue, Riva Starr, Pierce Fulton, and Yolanda Be Cool among others. Keep an eye out for more additions, or just trust the guys from MixMag will come thru.
Event: Musical Freedom Miami 2012
Where: Arkadia
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
Well this is one of the more interesting shows during Miami Music Week. Record label Musical Freedom has promised a “festival-stage” level line up in the tiny Arkadia, which is extremely intriguing – except they are keeping it a complete secret. The $60 ticket and a prime night of partying is a lot to wager on a secret line-up, but there is a lot going for Musical Freedom. One, they promise 6 artists on the label to be performing – recently Musical Freedom has released work from the likes of Dada Life, Tommy Trash, Bassjackers, Nicky Romero, nod Quintino among others. The second, is they promise a super secret guest – Musical Freedom is of course, owned by Tiesto.
Event: Gareth Emery Presents: Garuda
Where: Space
Time: 10pm-8am
Why should I go?
‘Sanctuary’ star Gareth Emery returns to Space for another night of trance from one of the best DJs in the genre. Expect Emery to be spinning early into the next morning, as is standard procedure at Space. Other DJs listed to appear are Tritonal and Blake Jarrel among others.
Event: Hospital Records and Embrace Presents: Hospitality
Where: Eve (White Room)
Time: 9pm-6am
Why should I go?
Miami is flush with some of the biggest names of house music this entire week – but this has to be the premiere drum and bass party of the weekend. South London record label Hospital Records has brought out some of their heavy hitters for a night full of drum and bass. The line-up includes High Contrast, Netsky, and the duo of Kamo and Crooked, and still promise special guests. If drum and bass is your thing, or you want a break from all of the popular house music, give this a shot.
Event: Dirty South and Thomas Gold
Where: Mansion
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
Swedish House Mafia associated act Dirty South brings his talents to Mansion along with support from fellow two of the biggest up and coming names in electronic music, Thomas Gold and Tommy Trash. The Serbian born Dirty South is responsible for mega hits Phazing and Let It Go, as long as being featured on hits ‘How Soon is Now’, ‘Meich’, and the remix of the Temper Trap’s ‘Sweet Disposition’. Dirty South always brings absolute heat and is a great act to catch, and the additions of Thomas Gold and Tommy Trash just sweeten the deal.
Event: Hardwell Presents: Revealed
Where: SET
Time: 10pm-5am
Why should I go?
Hardwell is one of the fastest rising names in electronic music due to hits like Spaceman, Cobra, Encoded, and Zero 76 with Tiesto. He reached number 24 on DJ Mag’s Top 100 list this year, and he’s only in his early 20s. Hardwell is co-headlining with fellow musical prodigy Porter Robinson, who has achieved stardom before he can even legally drink. Porter’s latest album, Spitfire, had a decidedly dubstep inspired sound and his sets have became extremely diverse and energetic. Other interesting names on this bill include the Bingo Players and No_ID.
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Event: Sidney Samson and Lil Jon
Where: Louis
Time: 10pm-5am
Why should I go?
The combination of Dutch DJ Sidney Samson, with his signature bouncy sounds and vast array of remixes, with rap producer and now Laidback Luke collaborator Lil Jon, can only result in some fun party music. It is unclear if Lil Jon intends to spin a set, or MC the event, but either way you can expect a great time. More artists are set to be announced
Saturday, March 24th
Event: Ultra Music Festival Day 2
Where: Bayfront Park
Time: 12pm-12am
Why should I go?
The second day of Ultra continues on the first day’s theme of some of the biggest names in electronic music joining exclusive acts and up and comers, with one difference – this day is infused with some of the biggest names in dubstep, including superstars like Doctor P, Flux Pavillion, Borgore, Skream and Benga, Datsik, and Andy C. If that’s not your thing – there are still tons of acts that will wet your tongue no matter what music you like. A live set from global stars Justice, panty dropper Avicii, Armin Van Helden and A-Trak’s collaboration Duck Sauce, and Fatboy Slim. We also recommend checking out Zedd, Dillon Francis, Hardwell, and Gesaffelstein.
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Event: Swedish House Mafia Present: Masquerade Motel
Where: Grand Central Park
Time: 3pm-11pm
Why should I go?
Swedish House Mafia is a supergroup consisting of megastar DJs Steve Angello, Sebasian Ingrosso, and Axwell. Together, they have between them a plethora of his – their debut album included mega-hits ‘One’, ‘Miami 2 Ibiza’, and ‘Save The World’, in addition to their entire catalogue of classics. Capable of headlining Ultra by themselves – which they did two years ago – they have instead decided to create their own mini festival for the second year in a row. From all accounts, last year’s Masquerade Motel was a blast and despite the change from to beach to the park, this promises to be no different. Swedish House Mafia always manage to create a top notch line-up of support, and so far Calvin Harris is confirmed…expect other names associated with the Swedes to attend as well.
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Event: The 8th Annual GET WET Pool Party
Where: The Surfcomber
Time: 11am-11pm
Why should I go?
This party, entering it’s 8th year, brings some authentic house beats to an all day dance party that has become wildly popular. The party is headlined by Pacha resident Boris, who has raised his profile playing various huge parties all around the world in the past couple of years. Joining him are Chus and Ceballos, Louie Corrales, and special guest Mark Knight.
Event: Dim Mak Pool Party
Where: Dream South Beach
Time: 12pm-9pm
Why should I go?
This line-up boasts a wide variety of names, from Dutch superstars Sidney Samson and rehab, to keytar wielding Joachim Garrud, up and cumber Felix Cartal, insane drum and bass group Dirtyphonics, and legends Felix Da Housecat and Junior Sanchez. They also promise some secret guests that are “ready to rock the house”.
Event: Wolfgang Gartner and Friends Pool Party
Where: The National
Time: 12pm-10pm
Why should I go?
Producer Wolfgang Gartner has brought along a bunch of friends to party at The National, and it looks to be turning out great. Besides Gartner, the line-up includes young future stars like Tommy Trash, Kill The Noise, Felix Cartal, Alex Metric, Angger Dimas, and Bart B More. There also promises to be ‘TONS of HUGE unannounced guests”. Check this one out.
Event: No Sugar Added Day 2
Where: Nikki Beach
Time: 12pm-5am
Why should I go?
This HUGE party has quite the line-up. Headlined by global superstar Paul Oakenfold, there are just a ton of up and coming stars on the line-up to keep the music flowing all day. Artists include Joachim Garraud, Arty, Bart B More, Congorock, Nadastrom, Jack Beats, Bingo Players, Digitalism, Felguk, Designer Drugs, AC Slater, Kill The Noise, Rivastar, and Denix Koyu among many more.
Event: Mau5trap Poolside
Where: Fountainebleau Poolside
Time: 8pm-12am
Why should I go?
Check out some of the biggest names from Deadmau5′s Mau4trap records, including dubstep stars Feed Me, house dj Moguai, and Steve Duda, with more to be added. Very special “gue5ts” are planned to be announced.
Event: Steve Angello @ The Terrace @ Space
Where: Space Terrace
Time: 10pm-4am
Why should I go?
Swedish House Mafia star Steve Angello doesn’t have a Masquerade Motel show on Sunday, so how can he top it? A promised FIVE HOUR solo set on the famous Space terrace, that’s how. Oh, and he’s brining along legends Pete Tong and Robbie Rivera for support. The ‘Show Me Love’ hit maker knows how to drop danceable beats all night on top of his standard array of hits, so expect this to be an amazing show.
Event: Sebastian Ingrosso and Friends
Where: Amnesia
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
Going with the Swedish House Mafia theme, Sebastian Ingrosso has his own show at Amnesia, bringing along Swanky Tunes for support. Ingrosso is a distinguished producer in his own right, and if you want to hear yout favorite Swedish House hits without going to the Motel, this might be your best shot.
Event: Paul Van Dyk
Where: Ice Palace
Time: 10pm-10am
Why should I go?
Legendary trance producer Paul Van Dyk is bringing his Evolution World Tour to the Ice Palace with support from trance duo Cosmic Gate. Van Dyk has played all around the world in his long career, constantly being regarded as one of the best DJs in the world. He was voted the world’s best DJ back to back in both 2005 and 2006, and has held a spot in the top ten since 1998. Van Dyk is someone you should see at some point, this might be your chance!
Event: Pretty Lights Music Showcase
Where: Mekka
Time: 10pm-5am
Why should I go?
Pretty Lights Music is home to a plethora of great artists who share a similar style of hip hop influenced electronic music. However, each artists does things a little different – Break Science is the project of Lettuce drummer Adam Deitch, and Kanye West tour keyboardist Borahm Lee, who perform their sets live. Gramatik is a consistent presence on the “chill” electronic music charts on Beatport. Paper Diamond produces funky, chill beats mixed with hip hop acapellas. Each act is fantastic and will only continue to gain popularity and rise in status. There is also a special guest announced – hey, you never know, could be the man himself.
Event: Thomas Gold
Where: Mynt
Time: 11:45pm-5am
Why should I go?
Thomas Gold has taken the electronic music world by storm due to his high energy sets that have captivated crowds around the world. He is currently extremely in demand, as can be seen by his hectic schedule this week with multiple appearances a day. The $150 price tag is steep for an event that only has one announced act, but with the way Thomas Gold has been tearing down houses lately, it’s probably worth it
Event: Marcus Schulz Marathon Set
Where: Space Main Room
Time: 10pm-8am
Why should I go?
Markus Schulz has been touring recently, ripping down houses with his eclectic mix of trance hits, his own tracks and remixes, and obscure yet amazing beats. An average Schulz set can last 6 hours, so there is no reason to believe Schulz won’t be spinning the entire 10 hours this event is supposed to go for. Schulz is another DJ that you should try to catch and some point if your into trance music, he has the potential to be one of the biggest names in trance, if he’s not already
Event: Eric Morillo
Where: LIV
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
Tickets for this event are going for $400 – but there’s good reason. Last year’s Ultra Weekend Morillo show, celebrating Morillos birthday, was hosted by Chuckie and featured performances from Will I Am and Diddy among other celebrities hanging out in the booth. Morillo himself spun past 7 in the morning, until the cops literally turned off the music. Morillo is a legend in his own right in the electronic music scene and if you want some good old classic house music from one of the best in the business, this is the place to be.
Event: Boys Noize: Miami Noize
Where: Mamushka’s
Time: 9pm-5am
Why should I go?
Boys Noize is known for his top notch live sets and there is no reason to expect this one to be any different. Along for the ride is a live set by Spank Rock, as well as DJ sets from Bart B More and Switch, who is one half of Major Lazer.
Event: Bass Union feat. Datsik
Where: Eve (White Room)
Time: 10pm-5am
Why should I go?
If you need a change up from the house music shoved down your throat all week and just want to rage, or if you’ve been on a dustup roll all day and don’t want to stop, this might be perfect for you. The Bass Union party has two different rooms of sound, one for dubstep, one for moombahton. The dubstep room includes superstar Datsik, who has been killing the beatport charts lately with his remix of Zedd’s Shave It, as well as Goldie, Dieselboy, Crizzly, and Bare. The moombahton room as excellent acts like Tittsworth and Sazon Booya as well.
Sunday, March 25
Event: Ultra Music Festival Day 3
Where: Bayfront Park
Time: 12pm-12am
Why should I go?
Day 3 keeps Ultra flowing, and there is something to be said about ‘keeping the best for last’. This day’s lineup is completely stacked, with a large focus on trance music. Armin Van Buuren brings his ‘A State of Trance 550′ arena to Ultra again, which ended up being a highlight of the weekend. Besides global superstar headliners David Guetta and Armin Van Buuren, trane stars Ferry Corsten, Gareth Emery, ATB, Dash Berlin, Steve Lawler, and Sander van Doorn all appear on the line-up. Superstar producer Kaskade co-headlines along with fellow stars Bloody Beetroots, Fedde Le Grand, and Pendulum side project Knife Party.
There’s also appearance from dubstep supergroup Magnetic Man, as well as a dustup set from Bassnectar. Chase and Status have a live set as well.
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Event: Axwell
Where: Surfcomber Poo
Time: 11am-11pm
Why should I go?
This pool party is already one of the hottest tickets in Miami – Swedish House Mafia star Axwell headlines and brings along a wide variety of special guests from around the music scene including up and coming superstars Thomas Gold and Arty, plus sets from Funkagenda and No_ID. If you need more convincing, the night’s special guests is superstar Calvin Harris.
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Event: Spin Agency Showcase
Where: The National Pool
Time: 12pm-10pm
Why should I go?
The Spin Agency has a couple of awesome artists, including up and coming superstars Arty and Swanky Tunes, plus Wippenburg, Moguai, and Bass Kleph among others. They also promise special surprise guests that should round up this pool party to be a great time.
Event: Size Matters feat Steve Angello
Where: Fontainebleau Poolside
Time: 6pm-11:30pm
Why should I go?
Swedish House Mafia star Steve Angello brings his Size Matters label to the Fontainebleau for an afternoon show, featuring label mates AN21 and Max Vangeli, Junior Sanchez, and Tim Mason. If you want to sleep late and still see a superstar DJ before you go out at night, this is for you.
Event: Ultra Carry On feat. Armin van Buuren
Where: Mansion
Time: 10pm-5am
Why should I go?
In what is the official Ultra after party, arguably the biggest name in trane music, Armin Van Buuren, is headlining this event at Mansion, hours after leaving the stage while headlining Ultra. Armin has recently been playing smaller stadiums and massive venues around the world, so this is a somewhat intimate venue for the superstar. Despite the several trance music options for after Ultra, Van Buuren is the biggest and best name and never disappoints.
Event: Calvin Harris and Guests
Where: SET
Time: 10pm-5am
Why should I go?
Calvin Harris has broken through the mainstream with hits like ‘Feel So Close’ and ‘We Found Love’ featuring Rihanna. The demand for this guy is so high that he has already sold out this event, similar to his appearances in other venues around the world. If you’re into electro-pop though, there may be no one better than Calvin Harris.
Event: Big Gigantic with Plastician
Where: Eve (White Room)
Time: 10pm-5am
Why should I go?
This event may be one of the more underrated ones of the weekend. Big Gigantic have been absolutely slaughtering their live shows. The duo, featuring a live saxophone player and a live drummer mixed with electronic music from laptops, have sold out several shows on the current tour and was recently announced to co-headline the Re-Generation festival. London based dubstep DJ Plastician has been a monumental figure in the world of dubstep for many years. He has an incredible live show that is not to be missed. If you want to break from the norm, this show is cheap, easy and will be incredibly fun and unique.
Event: Mau5trap
Where: Amnesia
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
Deadmau5′s label has brought out a couple of big names to Amnesia for this one, including dubstep artists Feed Me and Kill The Noise, and a live set from Foreign Beggars. They also advertise ‘Special Gue5ts” which are always interesting – Mau5trap’s big names include Deadmau5 and Skrillex.
Event: Markus Schulz and Guests
Where: Space Main Room
Time: 10pm-8am
Why should I go?
Schulz is one of the hottest names in trance music and is a set you should definitely catch. His high energy sets are a lot of fun and he has no qualms about spinning for hours and hours. He’s taking over the main room for the second night in a row, this time inviting special surprise guests to help him out. This has the potential to be an incredible night of trance music.
Event: Pete Tong
Where: Wall
Time: 11pm-5am
Why should I go?
Pete Tong is a legend in the electronic music industry. He’s been on the radio for over 30 years, and his current radio show is one of the most successful in all of Britain. He can single handedly make an artists successful by highlighting him or one of his tracks on the show – and has done so for many artists. Hear the man himself spin at Wall in the W, there are not too many chances to see this guy spin in America