By Kierstin Belden
With March upon us, Ultra Music Festival has become the main focus of the EDM community. In addition to Ultra, the city of Miami will host tons of parties and shows that comprise Miami Music Week. Ranging from daytime pool parties to after parties that last all night, there are plenty of events that are worth attending. Fans of all genres can find something that they’ll enjoy, whether heavy bass or melodic trance. Without further ado, here are the top MMW shows that have been announced so far:
DJ Mag Pool Party (21+)
Where: Surfcomber
When: March 27th
Cost: $20+
DJ Mag is world-renowned for their annual list of Top 100 DJs so you can definitely expect them to throw a good party. The lineup includes Alok, Dennis Ferrer, DJ Tennis, Don Diablo, Magdalena, and tINI, in addition to unannounced guests. Surfcomber is an oceanfront hotel, making this show the perfect way to get the full Miami experience.
Dim Mak Miami 2019 (18+)
Where: Mana Wynwood
When: March 27th
Cost: $20+
Dim Mak, founded by the legendary Steve Aoki, will be returning to host another party for MMW. Aoki will be the main headliner bringing with him Slushii, 4B, and Henry Fong to name a few. Mana Wynwood is an event venue rather than a nightclub so attendees can expect to dress however they choose.
Mystery Ghost Headliner presents Ritual (18+)
Where: The Hangar
When: March 27th
Cost: $20
It’s safe to assume that the “Mystery Ghost” is none other than Ghastly, considering that his logo is on the flyer for this show. Ghastly makes music that doesn’t conform to one genre and has played with artists ranging from Marshmello to 12th Planet, making his music appeal to a variety of audiences. The Hangar is another music venue with no enforced dress code.
Aly & Fila Open to Close (21+)
Where: Barter (Lounge)
When: March 27th
Cost: $20
If you’re looking to dance the night away to amazing trance, look no further than Aly & Fila. The Egyptian duo always put on amazing and uplifting sets. A bonus: their set is open to close for those who like to stay out until the early morning. Barter is a new bar/lounge located in Wynwood and the dress code is casual.
Deadbeats Goes off the Deep End Miami III (21+)
Where: Soho Studios
When: March 28th
Cost: $35+
Fans of bass will rejoice to hear that Deadbeats will be returning to Miami Music Week for the third time! Last year’s lineup included a stacked number of back to back sets, including Zeds Dead b2b Jauz and EPROM b2b Zeke Beats. With more back to backs this year and extremely talented Liquid Stranger, this is a show that you don’t want to miss. Soho Studios is a large warehouse and it usually has food trucks in the outdoor patio area if you find yourself hungry.
Above & Beyond with Seven Lions (21+)
Where: RC Cola Plant
When: March 28th
Cost: $55+
Above & Beyond are a trance phenomenon known for the emotional music that they create. They return to Miami with Seven Lions, who impressively combines all genres of music for a set that anyone can enjoy. Located in a building abandoned by RC Cola, this is one of the most iconic venues in Miami.
Brownies & Lemonade Miami: Dog Blood (18+)
Where: Mana Wynwood
When: March 28th
Cost: $35+
If you’ve never been to a B&L party, then you should absolutely plan on attending this show! They know how to have the best time and always curate the most stacked lineups. What So Not, Cray, A-Trak b2b Anna Lunoe, Whethan, 1788-L b2b Blanke, and Dog Blood make this show alone worth traveling to Miami. Dog Blood (Skrillex & Boys Noize) just announced their return, and this is one of the must-see acts of the year.
Basement Leak (21+)
Where: Aftermarket Miami
When: March 28th
Cost: $20+
Fans of house music can enjoy Basement Leak at Aftermarket, which includes Shiba San and Will Clarke on the lineup. A sports bar by day, Aftermarket is a more intimate setting than some of the large warehouses.
Heldeep Pool Party (21+)
Where: Nautilus
When: March 29th
Cost: $35+
Oliver Helden’s label, Heldeep, will be hosting a pool party on the first day of Ultra. HI-LO is the headliner, and if this party is anything like Heldeep parties of the past, there are going to be many others making an appearance. Nautilus is a hotel located in South Beach.
Night Bass Miami (21+)
Where: MAPS Backlot
When: March 29th
Cost: $30-$45
Night Bass is AC Slater’s imprint started in 2015. Since then he has curated an impressive collection of thumping beats including 7 volumes of “This Is Night Bass”. His label has artists from both the US and the UK scenes, creating more variety in their releases. Check out the Night Bass Best of 2018 album to see if this party will mesh with your tastes. MAPS Backlot is a venue rented out for all types of events, and there is no dress code.
Laserface Miami (18+)
Where: Mana Wynwood
When: March 29th
Cost: $40+
Gareth Emery will be bringing his highly praised production, Laserface, to Miami in what is going to be a night to remember. In addition to music, he has worked with Anthony Garcia to produce a visually stunning laser show. If you’re a fan of lights as well as trance, this is the place to be.
Kaskade (21+)
Where: Story Nightclub
When: March 29th
Cost: $60+
Arguably one of the most well known DJs, Kaskade will be making an appearance at Story Nightclub. As he isn’t on the Ultra lineup, this is your chance to still see the legend who produced hits such as “Atmosphere”, “I Remember”, and many other timeless classics. Remember to pay attention to the dress code as Story enforces more dressy attire than other places.
Dirtybird Players Miami (21+)
Where: Space Miami
When: March 29th
Cost: $45-$90
Dirtybird is Claude VonStroke’s label started in the early 2000’s. Their style is usually called “tech funk” and is a little more laid back. Some of the label’s roster stars are Justin Martin, FISHER, and Hannah Wants. Known for the annual Dirtybird Campout in California, having this label participate in Miami Music Week is a big treat. Space Miami is a popular club in Miami that hosts numerous events throughout the year.
Dada Life presents the Magnificent Rave Spa (21+)
Where: Shore Club
When: March 30th
Cost: $25-$100
If you’re looking to have a crazy time, search no further than the Dada Life day party known as the Magnificent Rave Spa. According to the event host, there are “No Rules, But The Rules of Dada”. Shore Club is a 4-star hotel located in the South Beach of Miami.
Armada Invites Miami (21+)
Where: National Hotel
When: March 30th
Cost: $40+
Another day party that will have great vibes is Armada Invites Miami. The label includes artists such as Armin van Buuren, Afrojack, GoldFish, Loud Luxury, W&W, and many others so the surprise lineup is sure to be exciting. Fans of trance will especially enjoy this show. National Hotel is another beachfront property located in South Beach.
Anjunadeep Open Air Miami (21+)
Where: MAPS Backlot
When: March 30th
Cost: $55+
The iconic Anjunadeep is Above & Beyond’s deep house imprint. The label touts an impressive assortment of artists including A&B, Arty, Lane 8, Seven Lions, Audien, Lutrell and many, many more. Their array of musicians will ensure great music the entire night (not just during the headliners). So if you are a fan of deep housey vibes, this party will have you dancing all night long.
Elrow (21+)
Where: Mana Wynwood
When: March 30th
Cost: $40+
The Elrow label has ties in the party/dance scene dating back quite a number of years, according to their website. In modern times they are known for their Ibiza residencies and ground breaking techno music. Their parties always have colorful decorations, often with Brazilian influence. If you are looking for an energetic environment to dance, Elrow has you covered.
Sander van Doorn Presents 15 Years Identity Tour (21+)
Where: Nautilus
When: March 30th
Cost: $30+
Starting as a breakthrough tech-trance artist in the early 2000’s, Sander has remained in the top charts by moving between many different styles. He went from tech-trance to tech and prog-house then to electro and big room house. His biggest successes have been behind the decks remixing popular songs by Armin, Sia, Gaga, and more. As this show is part of his identity tour, it is expected that he will play his top songs from the past 15 years. If you are a fan of his or just looking for an experienced DJ whose set will have a great flow, this is the show for you.
Monstercat Uncaged (18+)
Where: SQL
When: March 31st
Cost: $20+
Monstercat has ambitiously said that they won’t be revealing their lineup but that “Anything and everything can happen and we won’t disappoint in 2019!” While this is quite a claim, it is a reliable one based on their previous lineups. With artists like Anjulie, Bishu, Ekali, Modestep, and Slumberjack on their label currently, the odds of this being one of the best closing parties of Ultra are high. SQL is an indoor/outdoor venue in Miami with no dress code listed on their website.
Nightswim Closing Party with Mystery Headliner & Arty (21+)
Where: W Miami
When: March 31st
Cost: $20+
Although the first person listed is a “mystery”, it is certain to be an amazing party when Arty is playing. Also known as Alpha 9, Arty makes music that is both fun and often collaborative with other artists. If you find yourself wanting to stay out past the closing of Ultra, this show is a good option for progressive house and trance with pop vibes.
Keep in mind that the shows listed here aren’t the only Miami Music Week shows! These are some that stand out but if you are interested in looking at others, please go to the Miami Music Week page for more information.