The What, Why and When
By JAMES MICHAELS
We are now in the midst of autumn and when we think of this season, we think of the colors of fall: oranges, reds, yellows and white. Yes, white, as in White Party. The grandest of all circuit parties is held every Thanksgiving week. The White Party has become a huge international event drawing tens of thousands of the hottest guys in the United States and the world.
The White Party was founded by fashion designer Frank Wager. Wager was asked to create a fundraiser for the then-new Health Crisis Network. The goal was to generate desperately needed funds to help combat a disease that was running rampant through the gay community. Wager and his committee of ten volunteers began working on “The White Party” concept.
The all-white clothing theme was chosen by Wager because, as he said, “White stands for purity. White is elegant, non-political, non-combative and makes people look just plain beautiful.” As the planning continued, it became obvious that there were few venues in Dade County suitable for such an elegant event. Fellow committee member Jorge Suarez recommended Villa Vizcaya as a possibility since he was a member of The Vizcayans, a not-for-profit organization that helps raise funds for the continued restoration of the estate and its collections.
The first White Party brought in of $16,000.
In 1995, more events joined the White Party, including “The Victory Party” and “Muscle Beach.” In 1998, the Health Crisis Network merged with Community Research Initiative creating Care Resource and the White Party brought in over $2 million for their efforts.
The White Party has become the largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser in the world. With DJs and artists attending from all over the world, the music has come to be renowned and a central part of the party. White Party CDs have been produced since 1996.
For over 24 years, the Villa Vizcaya Museum and Gardens set the backdrop of the elegant annual fundraiser. In the fall of 2010, due to increasing rental costs, it was decided that the 26th annual White Party Week, “Cirque Du Monde,” would be the final party held at that historic location with the event moving to the Miami Seaquarium in 2011.
The White Party, the crown jewel of a weeklong series of fundraising events that make up the annual “White Party Week,” continues to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars to benefit Care Resource.
2011 WHITE PARTY WEEK SCHEDULE
• Wednesday, November 23
“Dolce – A Women’s Event”
Time: 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Location: The Well Lounge
444 41st Street, Miami Beach
Admission: $8 (in advance),
$10 (day of the event)
The week begins with a sexy dance party for women with a guest DJ mixing the perfect blend of indie, electro and hip-hop. Enjoy a few cocktails, walk around and mingle, dance and the make opportunities are endless. Some of South Beach’s sexiest go-go dancers will be at the bars for your viewing pleasure. Passes for this event include: Women’s Party Girl Pass and Women’s Silver VIP Pass. This event is produced for White Party Week by Pandora Events.
• Thursday, November 24
“White Journey”
Time: 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Location: Score
727 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
Admission: $20 (advance),
$25 (day of event)
DJs: Hector Fonseca, Maximus 3000
The kick-off event for White Party Week at Score, a favorite night for locals and visitors.
• Friday, November 25
“The White Party – Evolution”
Time: 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Location: Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Cswy, Key Biscayne
Admission: $40 (advance), $40 (youth),
$80 (day of event), $145 (VIP),
$500 (Ultra VIP)
DJs: Joe Gauthreaux, Pagano
The crown jewel of HIV/AIDS fundraisers, The White Party-Evolution, now in its 26th year. Join thousands dressed in a sea of white as they dance until dawn on the private waterfront of the Miami Seaquarium overlooking Biscayne Bay on Key Biscayne. Internationally known party producer, Mark Baker is delivering a brand new dance party concept and over-the-top production that will last ‘til dawn. Live performance featuring JES, internationally known DJs, a fireworks spectacular, silent auction, live casino games and prizes at the Viva Las Divas Casino and more. Passes for this event include: Weekend Party Boy and Weekend Party Boy VIP.
• Friday, November 25
“Cirque Blanc”
Time: 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Location: Nikki Beach
1 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Admission: $25 (advance), $75 (advance VIP), $30 (day of event), $85 (VIP day of event)
DJ: Tatiana
Hosted by the cast of “The Real L World” and Cirq X. The signature Women’s White Party event celebrates its 11th anniversaty. Join thousands of women from across the country for an inspired evening at one of the hottest locations in Miami. The dance floor will explode in a sea of white with the sounds of the hottest girl DJs in the country at the turntables and a special show. Ladies can try their luck at the silent auction with a series of luxury items, travel packages, art, theater tickets and spa days. Stroll the gardens, lounge under the stars of share a romantic moment in one of the ocean-side cabanas. VIPs will be in for a treat this year with your own private VIP garden, open bar, hors d’ouvres, musical performances and a meet and greet with “The Real L Word” cast. This event is produced for White Party Week by Pandora Events.
• Saturday, November 26
“Heatwave Pool Party”
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Poolside at the National
Hotel, 1677 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
Admission: $20 (advance),
$25 (day of event)
DJ: Kio Kio
Guys, get your tan on and hang out with some of the hottest people on the planet. Enjoy Miami Beach’s finest one-of-a-kind 205 ft. long infinity pool, elevated main pool, cocktails and food while enjoying the sounds of our special guest DJ.
• Saturday, November 26
“Bang”
Time: 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Location: Score
727 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
Admission: $12 (advance), $15 (day of event)
DJ: Pat Pat
For the ladies, a night of wild fun, sexy women and celebrity surprises. The dance floor will be jumping all night with the hottest top 40, salsa and house beats. Go-go dancers will sizzle the stage. There is only one Women’s White Party Weekend event so don’t miss it. Passes for this event include: Women’s Party Girl Pass and Women’s Silver VIP Pass. This event is produced for White Party Week by Pandora Events.
• Saturday, November 26
“White Starz”
Time: 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Location: Club Mekka
950 NE 2 Ave. in Miami
Admission: $60 (advance), $110 (advance VIP), $70 (day of event), $120 (day of event VIP)
DJs: Bugie, Jack Chang, Wayne G.
Located at Club Mekka in Miami’s own entertainment district, “White Starz” features multiple rooms, dance floors and DJs, offering you the best in the week of entertainment. VIP Admission includes express admission, private VIP bar and complimentary drinks from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Passes for this event include: Weekend Party Boy and Weekend Party Boy VIP.
• Sunday, November 27
“Muscle Beach”
Time: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: 12th Street Beach,
Miami Beach
Admission: $60 (advance), $135 (advance VIP), $70 (day of event), $145 (day of event VIP)
DJs: Gustavo Scorpio, Michael Tank
Join thousands as they come to dance on the white sands of Miami Beach. Just steps from Ocean Drive and the Atlantic Ocean, this award-winning eight-hour open air dance party features two of the hottest circuit DJs, special live performances and a spectacular fireworks finale over the Atlantic Ocean. Start the afternoon off with the hot sounds of DJ Michael Tank and then move into the evening with internationally renowned DJ Gustavo Scorpio, direct from Rio de Janeiro. Drink tickets available online, at the Welcome Center or at the event. Passes for this event include: Weekend Party Boy and Weekend Party Boy VIP.
• Sunday, November 27
“Get Lucky T-Dance”
Time: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: The Lords Hotel
1120 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
Admission: $5 (advance),
$8 (day of event)
DJs: TBD
Get ready ladies for a wild afternoon in the sun and surf of South Beach at the Lords Hotel. Surprise DJ on the turntables and surprise guest entertainer. Girls meet and mingle at the last dance event of the Women’s The 27th Annual White Party™ Week. Passes for this event include: Women’s Party Girl Pass and Women’s Silver VIP Pass. This event is produced for White Party Week™ by Pandora Events.
• Saturday, November 26
“White Horizons”
Time: 3:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Location: Discotekka
950 NE 2nd Ave, Miami
Admission: $40 (advance),
$50 (day of purchase)
DJ: Eddie Elias
The legendary morning party presented by Hilton Wolman Events. Immediately following the White Party at Miami Seaquarium and continuing until 10 a.m. at Discotekka, White Horizons takes dance aficionados on the ultimate uninterrupted musical journey with the sounds of sensational New York-based DJ Eddie Elias. Well-known club personality and diva, Power Infiniti will host this party making sure that guests feel welcomed and appreciated. Passes for this event include: Weekend Party Boy and Weekend Party Boy VIP.
• Monday, November 28
“Swan Song”
Time: 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Location: Twist
1057 Washington Ave, Miami Beach
DJ: Scott Mann
The last chance to see all the people you met at White Party Week. Swan Song sets the stage as the longest-running favorite party of locals and tourists alike at this legendary multi-room indoor and outdoor entertainment complex, with a sweet spot for everyone. Twist is the only place to go for the final send-off and thank you from Care Resource and the 27th Annual White Party Week. No cover.
Tickets can be purchased for the various events at www.WhiteParty.org or at the door of each event.
