The legends of Hip-Hop join me in celebrating my 40th Birthday live at Exit 66. Performing their Rap Anthems “Rapper’s Delight”, Apache, and Eighth Wonder”. Doors open at 8p-VIP Seating Available.       Tickets Available at Exit 66 or on-line at www.wanttickets.com

I really impressed myself with how I find and seize opportunites. The SOBE W&F Festival is no small fish. This event has grown to be a staple not only for Miami Beach, but the Culinary community, tourism, and event planners. So when I was told what i’d be doing, I was very excited.

Here’s the breakdown. My team and I are contracted to shoot and project a live cooking demonstration as well as provide sound re-inforcement for 2 additional booths at the festivals American Express Tasting Tent. Our clients-client? Bertolli, who, if you love cooking Italian food like I do, then you know they are big in that market. But that’s not the best part. We’re filming Top Chef Fan Favorite of Season 5 NYC Fabio Viviani. Not only the chef i’d chosen to take it all, but it turns out is a super cool and down to earth dude. Day 1? I step in and with my vocal skills steal the Host duties. So now i’m “that guy.” Guy Fieri, watchout! Day Two, i’m told that i’ll not only be hosting again, but I have to DJ too?? I’m not complaining.

This is too cool. The ladies in the audience love Chef Fabio. The crowd love’s what i’m playing, and the clients are very happy. Day 3 continues without a hitch and i’m really feeling this gig. The crowds have been phenomenal. Seeing lots of celebs, and friends strolling through and partaking in this drink-fest with built-in muchie-bar. Literally 100,000 people sipping wine and snacking on the most delicious goodies. That’s what the SoBe F&W Fest is.

Apart form a few logistical issues on the festivals part, I thought it was a great experience, a successful event, and another one for the storybooks. can’t wait til next year.

I wish everyone lots of success and rewards and I will be kicking into overdrive in all aspects of my life!

First up, lets get into what i’ve been up to since April of this year. My mentor and friend Mr Ken Smith of CROBAR Worldwide and his Uber-Partner Mr Cal Fortis partnered with Ft Lauderdale Beach empressario Anton Yaari to create a phenomenal  new venue right in the heart of the Las Olas Beach district. The project aply named EXIT 66 is a spectacle of design and ingenuity, with a genius revamping of the space at 219 North Ft Laud Beach Blvd. The address sound familiar? It should, since it was once home to Atlantis, Bermuda Triangle, and in the 80′s spring break era “Summers on The Beach”. All were great existences but the first was dear to my heart, as the 1st place i’d seen nude jello wrestling at age 14!!!! Crazy.

The Grand Opening back in May was well received, and although questioned as to the timing (right before summer) it gave the Exit team a chance to work out the bugs and fine tune where necessary. Im proud to call it my home, and a bit conceeded in knowing this coming season, that includes SuperBowl and the return of the Air & Sea Show will be off the freaking chain!!!!!

For those “in the biz” I kindly invite you to come and take in this phenomenal venue, that is available for all types of functions. We eagerly await you, and can wait to amaze you.

Next- with this past week’s dip in temperature, it’s obvious that Winter is on it’s way. And so are the holidays. The phone and emails are coming in quick for parties and events, and it seems that business is back on the upswing, with companies spending money again. THANK YOU!

A couple of shout-outs for some VIP in my life:

Leah Knowles getting hitched next month in Bradenton! Hooray for love!!!         

Rob Samson, my trainer and new guru of fitness, thanks for making me remember how great it feels to be fit! Check out samsonsfitbodies.com

More updates soon.

Big thanks to everyone that helped make this project happen. It was a great experience, and the new artists I met were all so generous and good spirited. I have once again been reminded that when you begin with good intentions and surround yourself with positive people, the results will surpises you.

I’d like to start with William of Miami LED who at the last minute got involved with our project and took it to another level. Please visit his website www.miamiled.com

Alain Perez-Eventstar

Dave Jones-Strong Communication

The DVDJ’s, SEAL, Word-Up, PSAV, Best Computers, all very generous with their time and assistance.

Maria Lankina, my Co-Producer, and the projects Artistic Director, who gave so much of her time building our website, helping to select our artists, all while workinfg on several other of her projects that you should place close attention to (including her new show on BravoTV next season) www.marialankina.com

Thank you to everyone who came by to see us at UMF, and we look forward to next year.

But it wouldn’t be fair not to recognize my partners Maria Lankina & John Marques. They added so much to this endeavor and helped make it possible. Discussing all the possibilities and opportunities that can arise from this undertaking doesn’t seem like just talk. I know this team will fulfill many of its goals in expanding the ArtOctagon and reaching new audiences everywhere.

Please make you plans to attend Ultra, March 27 & 28 in Downtown Miami, and visit our installation at dusk both nights, for an amazing sensory experience. Hope we see you somewhere in the dancing masses.

Also, I finally had the chance to visit the Fountainbleu and it’s amazing venue LIV. I was totally blown away. If you havent seen this nightclub, YOU MUST! The space was the area of the resort formally know as the Tropigala, and what they’ve done is too much to try and describe in writing. Thanks for the “MY” team of Michael & Yannick for their hospitality, and i’m hoping to contribute to the spectacle with custom visual content real soon.

Thank you to all my wellwishers that remembered me over the long holiday and my best wishes to you all as well.

Ivan