Miami Music Week 2019 | FMF Awards | Coldharbour, Epic Pool Parties, and Above & Beyond [Review]

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Miami, you steal my heart every time I visit. The heartbeat of the city is inherent in every moment. I had the immense pleasure of attending both Miami Music Week, and Ultra this year, and Miami Music Week won in my book for its never-ending (and barely sleeping) round of parties.

Best Record Label Showcase Award:

Paul Oakenfold: Tuesday I arrived and was whisked away with my new hubby for the weekend, Edmund. I was stoked because he had offered me a place to stay in Davie with his family before the festivities began for the weekend and everyone moved to their respective condos. It isn’t often you get to feed a horse during Miami Music Week, nor to be welcomed into the family as one of their own. We opened a bottle of bubbles and sat on the lanai talking and catching up.

We headed into the city for Coldharbour Recordings night. We walked in just in time to catch Grube and Hovsepian, a favorite of mine on the label. We met up with my friends Sonia and John and danced our literal asses off to an absolutely phenomenal Paul Oakenfold Perfecto set. It was perfect. Best set I have ever seen him play. I couldn’t stop dancing even though I had been up for almost 24 hours with red-eye flights from New York City. We learned some new dance moves from the dancers on the stage with him and ushered ourselves towards the back to catch JES sing live. This was one of the most incredible record label events, and I must give props to Markus Schulz. Haliene even came out and sang “Ave Maria” live, and there was not a dry eye in the house. What an excellent way to start Miami Music Week.

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Best Pool Party Award:

After a night of Trance, I was ready for some House and Techno vibes. I put on my favorite swimsuit and headed out to Kimpton’s Epic Pool Party “Do Not Sleep” with Edmund to meet Alexander and some other friends. I went originally because I had never seen Danny Tenaglia. He has always been on my short list. His set was great, but Steve Lawler was INSANE. Edmund and I used our new choreography we learned the night before and danced until the sun went down. The location was beautiful, and the photos I have do not do it justice. The lineups they brought for the entire week at Kimpton make it a definite winner for me to return in 2020 for Miami Music Week.

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Saviors Award:

Above & Beyond: Once it was apparent that Eric Prydz cancelled his Thursday party, along with his Ultra performance… I felt a cloud of sadness wash over me. (I hope you feel better Eric)! I had never attended a Pryda show, and this was to be my first. Above & Beyond must have known our feelings, because their set gave me everything I never knew I needed and more. The weather was abysmal leading up to the show; you know what they say “Must be Above & Beyond because it’s raining.” I nearly skipped it, but found the will to venture out when the clouds parted and the rain stopped. I’m so glad I did. Anjuna family united under the now clear sky. I was able to dance with my Creamfields family, Lena and Dominic, hang out with a good friend John, and see the boys more up close and personal than I ever have. It’s not every day you get a chance to watch and then meet the boys, along with Seven Lions. Truly memorable.

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Final thoughts with Jen:

I used to think “why would anyone go to Miami and NOT go to Ultra?” Well, after the positive experience of doing both Miami Music Week and Ultra this year, I can absolutely see why anyone would want to hit almost every single party they could. I can’t wait to return back to my city. Thank you, Miami. I can’t believe I did New York, Miami Music Week, Ultra, and then a dance competition immediately upon returning home. This has been one of the busiest two week periods of my life, and I wish I could hit the rewind button and do it all again!

What was your favorite party of Miami Music Week? Who would you give your award to? We would love to hear your opinion in the comments!