BYB Extreme Fighting Series is gearing up for its highly anticipated BYB 19 “Brawl in the Pines” taking place Thursday, Aug. 10 at the Charles F. Dodge Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida. After a successful series of fights on the road, including a recent event in London, England, BYB will return home to South Florida for an exciting night of action. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the matches beginning at 8 p.m. BYB Extreme Returns Home to South Florida for the Anticipated “Brawl in the Pines” featuring Four World Title Matches including the Main Event Unification Match for the BYB Super Middleweight Title Between Champion Jose “The Goat” Fernandez and Interim Champ Sam “The Caveman” Liera The action-packed card will feature four hard-hitting title matchups in BYB’s patented mighty Trigon, the smallest fighting surface in combat sports. Event matchups include BYB Super Middleweight champion and Miami-native Jose Fernandez who will return to action to face interim champ Sam Liera in a title unification bout, as well as undefeated brawlers Brandon Birr and Harold McQueen, who will meet for the inaugural BYB Featherweight title. Additionally, Andre Ewell and Carlos Alexandre will face off for the vacant BYB Welterweight Championship. The event will also feature BYB Super Welterweight champion and Miami-based fighter Desmond Green who will be taking on BKB's James Connelly from the UK in a cross-promotional match for the vacant Police Gazette 156-165 lb. World Diamond Belt. Green currently holds the Police Gazette 146-155 lb. World Diamond Belt. The current lineup (subject to change) is: Chad Kelly vs. Zion Tomlinson Yordan Fuentes vs. Brandon Johnson Josh Burns vs. Levi Costa Rynell Riley vs. Gregoris Cisneros Casie Dees vs. Jessika Smith Desmond Green vs. James Connelly (BKB) Brandon Birr vs. Harold McQueen Andre Ewell vs. Carlos Alexandre Jose Fernandez vs. Sam Liera Isaiah Quinones vs. TBD A press conference and weigh-in will take place the day prior on Wednesday, Aug. 9 at the Charles F. Dodge Center at 5 p.m. BYB Extreme Fighting Series is a bare knuckle fighting organization founded in South Florida in 2015 by former MMA fighter and current brand ambassador Dhafir ("Dada 5000") Harris, and former NASCAR team owner Mike Vazquez, whose HRT Motorsports was NASCAR's first Hispanic team. Its CEO, Gregory Bloom, has over 20 years of experience in combat sports as an attorney, promoter and manager. The smallest fighting surface in combat sports, BYB Extreme’s patented three-sided “Trigon” ring features 60-degree angles that guarantee 180 degrees of adrenaline-filled matches, structured to entertain viewers. Fights are decided by the fighters and not the judges, with a 90% knock-out/finish rate. Dada 5000, a former mixed martial artist, is a member of the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame. He starred in the Netflix Billy Corben documentary “Dawg Fight.” BYB and Dada 5000 are also prominently featured in the upcoming “Dawg Fight 2,” slated for release in late 2023. Harris rose to fame from his staging of backyard bare knuckle fights, which went viral online and subsequently became the subject of the “Dawg Fight.” “It’s incredible how much this sport has grown, starting from my early ‘backyard brawl’ days in Miami,” said Dada 5000. “This card features a number of hometown fighters including Jose Fernandez and Isaiah Quinones, who exemplify what BYB is all about – creating homegrown stars who are passionate about bare knuckle fighting and approach the sport with professionalism and respect.” “We’re excited to return home and promise our fans one of the most exciting bare knuckle fights to date,” continued BYB Extreme CEO Gregory Bloom. “Our ‘Brawl in the Pines’ lineup will show why BYB Extreme is the #1 promotional company in the bare knuckle space.” To purchase tickets for BYB 19 Brawl in the Pines, visit https://bybtickets.com/. More on BYB Extreme Originating in South Florida with backyard legend Dada 5000, whose backyard fights gained worldwide popularity online, and was the subject of the Netflix Billy Corben documentary “Dawg Fight”. BYB was founded to harness the excitement of bare knuckle fighting into a more structured product for a wider, more mainstream audience. Since 2015, BYB has worked diligently to grow the reach of bare knuckle on both a domestic and international level, hosting events in Wyoming, Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina, London, and Dubai, and is continuing to work with athletic commissions throughout the U.S. globally to expand the fan base growing sport of bare knuckle fighting. For more information on BYB, visit bybextreme.com and follow @bybextreme on social. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of BYB Extreme Fighting Series

The Friends of Jack & Jill Center – a support group of volunteers committed to developing community awareness, fundraising and program assistance for Jack & Jill Center’s children and their families – is honored to host the 22nd Annual Power Lunch at First Baptist Downtown Event Center on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 11:30 a.m. The event pays tribute to special and outstanding honorees in the South Florida community who helped The Friends of Jack & Jill Center raise over $5.8 million for high-need children and families in the South Florida community since its inception in 1999. The 22nd Annual Power Lunch is anticipated to be attended by over 250 business professionals in Broward County. Caitlin Stella, MPH, CEO of Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital will serve as the event’s guest speaker and Neki Mohan, the vice president of Visit Lauderdale, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. In recognition of their dedication to Jack & Jill Center, the luncheon will honor Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Bigs in Blue as the volunteer honoree, the Hudson Family Foundation as the foundation honoree and CITY Furniture as the corporate honoree. These awards are bestowed to those who have gone above and beyond through their contributions and service to Jack & Jill Center. The proceeds from the event will benefit Jack & Jill Center’s mission to strengthen children and families through innovative education, supportive programming and community engagement. Jack & Jill Center supports children of high-need working families through quality early childhood education, elementary education, family strengthening program and HEALTH Program to ensure every child and family has the tools they need to be successful. Jack & Jill Center has served 26,000 children and families in South Florida since 1942. Event sponsorships and underwriting opportunities are now available. Sponsorships and tickets range from $250 to $15,000. Individual tickets are $125. Where: First Baptist Downtown Event Center 301 East Broward Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 When: Thursday, Sept. 28, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cost: Guests may purchase individual tickets for $125 for general admission. How: For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.jackandjillcenter.org/event/powerlunch/. For more information about sponsorship or underwriting opportunities, please contact Director of Special Events Jennifer Swercheck at 954.463.8772, ext. 206 or jswercheck@jack​andjillcenter.o​rg. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Jack and Jill Center

With Bill Hansen Catering leading the way, 2023 will be the first year that catering companies will have the opportunity to participate in Miami Spice, allowing diners across the city to book their own private events at a discounted price. Bill Hansen Catering will come to a guests home or venue of choice and serve a farm-to-table menu that will change as needed based on the group. It is priced at $60 per person, with a 50-person minimum, and is available from August through September. Celebrating over 40 years in South Florida, Bill Hansen Catering & Event Production continuously challenges the boundaries of imagination and breaks new ground as one of the area’s best full-service event design and production companies. Its sophisticated know-how, warm, personalized service and paramount commitment to its clients’ happiness exceed even the highest expectations. Corporate Chef Dewey Losasso was selected by The Miami Herald as one of the “Florida Food Fifty,” an intimate group of trendsetters in Florida. His custom-crafted farm-to-fork menus truly represent the Bill Hansen Catering philosophy of forward and evolutionary thinking. In all they do, Bill Hansen and his team strive to delight their clients and guests with passion, innovation, teamwork and quality. By ML Staff. Photo Credit: Bill Hansen Catering

Food@Science, the science-inspired cafe at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, recently debuted a menu of new thematic dishes as the museum welcomed Mummies of the World: The Exhibition, which showcases the true lives of ancient people from all over the world. The exhibition is on view through Monday, September 4, 2023. The menu includes mummy-themed entrees that are perfect for families. Food @ Science Now Offers A Mummy-Themed Menu by Constellation Culinary Group The standout dish is the mummy dog, which is a fun approach to a standard corndog. The hot dog is adorned with googly eyes and wrapped like a mummy in biscuit dough, resembling the traditional mummy-wrap technique featured throughout the exhibition. The playful creation is available upon request. Other notable menu items include artisan pastries, farm stand salads and bowls, sandwiches and burgers, pizzas, kid friendly signatures, snacks and Starbucks coffee. Food @ Science is open daily with stunning views of Downtown Miami’s Maurice A. Ferré Park. After exploring the shows topping oculus lens aquarium, watching an eye-opening show at the planetarium or digging for dinosaur bones at the Dino Explorers Mini-Camp, aspiring scientists can munch on some brain food to power through the day. The café elevates the Frost Science experience by offering themed menu items related to the museum exhibitions. Food@Science is located on Level 1 of the museum's West Wing. Admission to the museum is not required to dine at Food@Science. Museum members receive a 10% discount on all purchases. Food@Science is operated by Constellation Culinary Group, which provides best-in-class dining experiences for one-of-a-kind events, cultural centers, professional settings, restaurants and cafes. With over 19 locations in eight cities, including internationally renowned cultural institutions such as the Pérez Art Museum Miami, Frost Museum of Science, Sarasota Art Museum, Norton Museum of Art, Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts, and many more. By ML Staff. Photo Credit: Constellation Culinary Group

With more than 200 jobs listed on her resume, Barbie was among the first to prove women can do it all. Now, anyone can work from her glossy desk for free, thanks to the launch of the “Barbie Dream Office” at Quest Workspaces’ Downtown Miami location at 1395 Brickell Ave., just in time for the upcoming movie premiere on July 21. Barbie broke the glass ceiling in the 1980s with the debut of “Day to Night” CEO Barbie, just as women began to break into the C-suite. Quest Workspaces, the largest women-owned coworking brand in the U.S., has long championed “resimercial” design, which showcases elements of home decor in commercial office spaces. So it’s no surprise that its new Barbie-themed office, showered in a palette of hot pink and bedazzled with glitter and sequins, looks straight out of the film’s Barbieland. “With more than 200 jobs listed on her resume– Barbie was the first to prove women can do it all," said Laura Kozelouzek, CEO & Founder of Quest Workspaces. “As the largest woman-owned shared workspace company in the country, it makes sense we align with the pop-culture phenomena that is the release of the Barbie movie. It’s also an opportunity for us to showcase how Quest Workspaces is both effective and FUN. The immersive Barbie Dream Office brings is the perfect opportunity for us to co-create and engage with our members while sharing our brand culture with broader audiences.” From July 17 to August 31, the Barbie Dream Office can be reserved for free by emailing: barbiedreamoffice@questworkspaces.com. It can be rented by the month starting September 1. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Quest Work Spaces

“Nothing big planned ... just a giant blowout party with all the Barbies, planned choreography and a bespoke song.” – Barbie to Ken in the Barbie movie Come on Barbie, let’s go party! In celebration of the new movie Barbie, CMX CinéBistro at CityPlace Doral is celebrating with a free Barbie Blowout Party on Wednesday, July 19, at 5 p.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in their Barbie best. Movie tickets are available for purchase here with pricing varying depending on the day of the week. Please note, guests do not need to have movie tickets to attend the free party. Barbie lovers will enjoy exclusive CMX and Barbie goodies. Special themed cocktails will be available for purchase including: Sunkissed Soirée ($14.99) is the ultimate summertime drink. With a swirl of sweet dragon fruit with the warmth of reposado tequila and a slight tartness from fresh lime juice and a black sea salt rim to mellow the flavor for a more savory taste. The Pina Verano ($14.99) is a tropical refreshing combination of pineapple, Sprite, vodka, rum and blue Curacao liqueur. Champagne Please! Blue Harpoon ($13.99) is a bubbly blend of Champagne, blue Curacao liqueur and lemonade. CMX CinéBistro at CityPlace Doral is a one-of-a-kind elevated movie-going experience with amenities such as all reserved recliner seating, full-service in-theatre dining, extensive beer, wine and cocktail selections and a chef-crafted menu. All auditoriums feature 4k digital projection and 7.1 surround sound. CityPlace Doral is South Florida’s premier wellness, entertainment, dining, and restaurant destination in the heart of Doral. CityPlace Doral has an expansive collection of dining options, from upscale restaurants to outdoor cafés and bistros with unique tequila cocktails to sip on this summer. Valet service and complimentary self-parking are available. CityPlace Doral is open seven days a week. For more information, please visit www.cityplacedoral.com/stores/cmx-cinebistro-doral. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of CityPlace Doral

To reduce costs for clients and streamline its operations, Mr. Cannabis Law, a leading boutique marijuana and psychedelic law firm based in South Florida, is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into cannabis and psychedelic law practices. Mr. Cannabis Law is investing $100,000 in the firm’s AI initiative, allowing it to further its goal to provide quality work similar to large law firms, but at a far better price. While AI tools are in place for general law firms, currently there are no specific AI tools for cannabis and psychedelic law practices. “Practicing cannabis and psychedelic law requires very specifically tailored legal work, including contracts, applications, private offering documents, ownership transfer documentation, real estate documentation and more,” said Dustin Robinson, Esq., CPA, founding partner of Mr. Cannabis Law. “With the progress in AI, much of this work can be automated, increasing efficiencies for law firms and ultimately reducing costs to clients.” While Mr. Cannabis Law’s AI initiative will allow the firm to provide work more efficiently, a firm attorney will carefully review, tailor and personalize the work produced via AI. The firm will send the client the drafts of the applicable documents, and then continue to iterate them until they are final. Over the next two years, Mr. Cannabis Law plans to incorporate various AI initiatives. A couple examples are the following: 1. Automating medical marijuana license applications, as well as documentation generally required for these applications. While Mr. Cannabis Law has drafted many medical marijuana applications in various states in the U.S. ― typically a long, cumbersome and costly process ― using AI will significantly lower the cost of application drafting and other legal documentation. With a goal to decrease the typical $300,000 – $400,000 application cost (in competitive states such as Florida) to $30,000 – $40,000 per application, Mr. Cannabis Law hopes to open medical marijuana license application opportunities to marginalized communities and low income applicants. 2. Automating cannabis real estate deals. Due to cannabis being federally illegal and municipalities having specific ordinances relating to cannabis business, cannabis real estate deals are complex. By incorporating AI, Mr. Cannabis Law will streamline these real estate deals, ensuring that clients are compliant with various cannabis-specific regulations. “Ultimately, I believe that law firms that don’t embrace AI will be left behind,” Robinson continued. “Having embraced technology since our founding, we are pleased to now integrate AI initiatives into our practice, which will greatly benefit our clients.” Mr. Cannabis Law is committed to leading the way in the cannabis and psychedelic law industry and is proud to continue to innovate with technology such as AI. About Mr. Cannabis Law Mr. Cannabis Law is a leading law firm in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, providing full-service expert legal advice and representation in cannabis and psychedelics. With a team of highly skilled attorneys, the firm is committed to providing exceptional service to its clients and promoting the well-being of its employees. For more information about Mr. Cannabis Law and their commitment to mental health and team culture, please visit their website at https://mrcannabislaw.com/. By ML Staff. Image by Mr. Cannabis Law

This July, Miami locals have the opportunity to taste their way through Coral Gables with the city’s restaurant month! This exciting celebration, titled “Taste The Gables” will immerse food enthusiasts in a month-long extravaganza of culinary excellence and captivating events. Taste the Gables welcomes both residents and visitors to indulge in an extensive range of delicious experiences at 40 different participating restaurants with specially curated prix fixe menus at set price points. Check out these top 3 South Florida hot spots offering Taste The Gables menus. KAO Sushi & Grill, the premier Argentine, Peruvian and Japanese fusion restaurant on Miracle Mile, has great options on Taste The Gables menu. The $30 lunch menu is available 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and includes one choice of a starter such as Citrus & Walnut Salad, Pork Buns or Sweet & Spicy Edamame. For the main course, options range from the hearty Pork Ramen with tonkotsu broth to the delectable Summer Sushi Combo, consisting of 12 pieces of sushi crafted by the chef. The menu also includes the enticing KAO Chicken and the flavorful Shrimp Chaufa Rice Wok. To conclude the meal, guests can savor the luscious 4 Leches or indulge in the traditional Argentinian Flan. The $35 menu builds upon the $30 offer, granting diners the choice of a glass of wine or beer to accompany their meal. The $45 dinner menu is available from 4 p.m. to close and includes a choice of a starter, such as the tantalizing Chorizo Buns, the zesty White Fish Ceviche or the flavorful Tango Sliders. Main course options range from the freshly prepared Poke Bowl to the Grilled Branzino. Alternatively, guests can choose two full sushi rolls from the chef’s selection or the Kao Wok, featuring chicken or beef, vegetables, rice, and KAO sauce. Dessert offerings include 4 Leches and traditional Argentinian Flan. To elevate their experience, guests can participate in the $60 menu, which comes with two glasses of prosecco, beer, or sake or a glass of house white or red wine. Located inside THesis Hotel, Mamey is inspired by Chef Niven Patel’s travels throughout Asia, French Polynesia and the Caribbean and features locally grown produce, most of which is sourced from his own farm, Rancho Patel in Homestead. This Taste the Gabels, Chef Niven is presenting Lunch ($35) and Dinner ($60) menus to satisfy any guests’ craving that will showcase the exotic flavors and spices commonly found in the islands. The first course boasts a variety of options including the seasonal Spring Farro Salad made with mangos from Rancho Patel, shaved asparagus, arugula, goat cheese feta, snow peas and pomegranate; the indulged White Truffle & Brie Grilled Cheese made with Florida Mango Jam and Sullivan Street Bread; and the Local Daily Catch Ceviche, presented with Coconut Leche de Tigre, red onion, avocado, Cachucha Peppers, and fresh cilantro. The lineup for entrees feature the Glazed Lamb Ribs, with local honey, chives and pickled local fruit; Lemongrass Glazed Grouper with bok choy, heirloom carrots, bamboo rice and Thai curry; and Farm Vegetable Pad Thai with Tamarind, peanuts and Thai basil sprouts. For the full Taste the Gables experience, guests can indulge in the dessert menu that highlights the Jamaican Rum Cake, with a sweet toffee sauce and creamy vanilla bean ice cream. Mamey’s Taste the Gables Dinner menu features a few different appetizers and entrees including appetizers like the Conch Fritters, with a fresh cilantro aioli and habanero for a slight kick; the entrees include the Mishima Ranch Currasco, accompanied by yucca, rainbow chard red pepper chimichurri; and the Ghee Roasted Plantains with Tamarind Chutney, Chatt Yogurt, Zima Tomato, Cilantro Chutney and Crispy Chickpeas. Miami New Times Best New Restaurant, Orno at THesis Hotel in Coral Gables, will be showcasing its first Brunch and Lunch ($35) menu and Dinner ($60) menu for the annual Taste of the Gables. Orno is a modern restaurant with an open-kitchen concept, helmed by 5x James Beard Nominee and Food & Wine’s Best New Chef of 2020, Chef Niven Patel. The restaurant offers guests a true, farm-to-table experience using locally sourced ingredients from Chef Patel's very own farm, Rancho Patel and consists of New American cuisine featuring the finest selection of meats and seafood. For brunch and lunch, guests can indulge in a three course menu with a selection of Chilaquiles with salsa verde, queso fresco, avocado and a farm egg; Shakshuka served with a farm egg, castelvetrano olives, goat milk feta, sourdough; and Green Chickpea Hummus with pickled beets, za'atar pita for the first course. The second course includes sweet and savory options like the French Omelette made with goat cheese, roasted garlic and fine herbs; Ricotta Pancakes served with fresh strawberries and Vermont syrup; and Bacon Potato Pave with gruyere and sourdough. To finish off the meal, brunch lovers can indulge in a dessert course with options like the S’mores with dark chocolate, marshmallow and mezcal and Banana Bread with chocolate sunflower butter. The dinner menu is equally as indulgent. The first course selection gives guests the choice of the Snapper Crudo, with cucumber aguachile, farm mango relish and cilantro; a Roasted Eggplant Crostini with harissa, basil and crème fraiche; or the Pork Confit with pickled peaches, Thai basil and cornbread. Guests also have an option to add on the Hudson Valley Foie Gras ($29+), a melt in your mouth addition served with Rancho Patel mango, cardamom and sourdough. The second course lineup consists of a selection of Braised Short Rib, with peperonata served alongside a bed of cilantro rice and jus; the Grilled Skill Island Prawns, accompanied by a Thai mango salad, cilantro and chipotle glaze; or the Summer Corn Risotto, with charred corn from the wood-fired oven topped with black truffle and parsley gremolata. Taste of the Gables diners with a sweet tooth can choose from Orno’s dessert options such as the Semifreddo with buttermilk, mango and tajin or the S’mores with dark chocolate, marshmallow and mezcal. Other participating restaurants include The Lion & The Rambler, Vinya Table, Fiola, Portosole and Noma Beach at Red Fish. For a full list of participating restaurants and more information visit coralgables.com/tastethegables. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of each featured restaurant on this article

GOL! There’s been madness in Miami with the arrival of Argentine soccer superstar Lionel Messi to Major League Soccer team Inter Miami. In celebration of Messi’s first home game against Mexico City’s Cruz Azul, Novecento at CityPlace Doral is hosting a watch party this Friday, July 21, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Guests can enjoy two for one Meszi Cocteles and two for one Prison Pal’s GOAT 10 lagers as well as Novecento’s signature Argentinian menu items. Doral-based Prison Pals Brewing Co. brewed the special-edition American lager GOAT 10 (Greatest of All Time) to celebrate Messi’s recent move to Inter Miami. Each can is decorated in Inter Miami’s signature pink and black colors and printed with Messi’s iconic number 10. Novecento offers a selection of Argentinian influenced dishes, premium steaks and pasta. Reservations for the watch party are strongly suggested, and can be made either at OpenTable or by calling 786-871-4935. Messi Madness has hit SuViche. Join SuViche this Friday, July 21st to watch Inter Miami take on Cruz Azul while enjoying 2X1 Goat 10 Prison pals Lager all day long. Friendly reminder, seating at the bar is limited so be sure to beat the crowd and get there early. For those who are planning a watch party for Messi’s first game at their home, The Cheese Course at CityPlace Doral is offering 20% off catering from July 21-23. Adventure through artisanal, handcrafted cheeses from all around the world or bite into flavorful sandwiches, fresh salads and savory soups. CityPlace Doral – South Florida’s premier wellness, entertainment, dining and restaurant destination – is home to Novecento and The Cheese Course. CityPlace Doral is open seven days a week and located at 8300 NW 36th Street in Doral, Florida. For more information, please visit https://cityplacedoral.com/stores/novecento.

Tony Bennett: the timeless visionary who, with a nod to America’s musical heritage, embraced the future In the history of American popular music, there have been few luminaries as enduring and innovative as Tony Bennett. With a career that spanned almost 80 years, Bennett’s smooth tones, unique phrasing and visionary musical collaborations left an indelible mark on vocal jazz and the recording industry as a whole. Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga in 2015. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP That his death at the age of 96 on July 21, 2023, was mourned by artists as varied as Keith Urban, Ozzy Osbourne and Harry Connick Jr. should come as no surprise. Yes, Bennett was a jazz crooner. But if his voice was always a constant – even late into his 80s, way past an age when most other singers have seen their vocal abilities diminish – then his embrace of the contemporary was every bit a facet of Bennett’s appeal. Vocal innovator Bennett’s journey is a testament to the power of daring innovation. From the early days of his career in the 1950s to his final recordings in the early 2020s, he fearlessly explored new musical territories, revolutionizing vocal jazz and captivating audiences across generations. His vocal style and phrasing were distinctive and set him apart from other artists of his time. He utilized a delayed or “laid-back” approach to falling on the note, a technique known as “rubato.” This created a sense of anticipation in his phrasing, adding an element of surprise to his performances. Through Bennett’s skilled use of rubato, he was able to play with the tempo and rhythm of a song, bending and stretching musical phrases to evoke a range of emotions. This subtle manipulation of timing gave his songs a natural and conversational quality, making listeners feel as though he was intimately sharing his stories with them. Armed with this silky, playful voice, Bennett found fame fairly early on in his career, delivering jazz standards alongside the likes of Mel Tormé and Nat King Cole. By the mid-1960s, he was being touted by Frank Sinatra as “the best singer in the business.” Tony Bennett in 1960. AP Photo But his musical style fell out of fashion in the 1970s – a lean period during which Bennett almost succumbed to a drug overdose. Then, in the 1990s, Bennett found a new audience and set off a series of collaborations with contemporary musical stars that would become the standard for his later career. No genre of artistry was deemed off-limits for Bennett. “Duets: An American Classic,” released to coincide with his 80th birthday in 2006, saw collaborations with country stars such as k.d. lang and the Dixie Chicks – now known as the Chicks – and soul legend Stevie Wonder, alongside kindred jazz spirits such as Diana Krall. “Duets II,” a 2011 follow-up, saw further explorations with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Queen Latifah, Willie Nelson and Amy Winehouse, in what would become the British singer’s last recording. But his cross-generational, cross-genre and cross-cultural appeal is perhaps best exemplified by his collaborations with Lady Gaga, first on the 2014 Grammy-winning album “Cheek to Cheek.” The recording brought together two artists from different generations, genres and backgrounds, uniting them in a harmonious celebration of jazz classics. The collaboration not only showcased each one’s vocal prowess, but also sent a powerful message about the unifying nature of music. Lady Gaga, a pop artist with avant-garde leanings, might have seemed an unlikely partner for Bennett, the quintessential jazz crooner. Yet their musical chemistry and mutual admiration resulted in an album that mesmerized audiences worldwide. “Cheek to Cheek” effortlessly transcended musical boundaries, while the duo’s magnetic stage presence and undeniable talent enchanted listeners. The successful fusion of jazz and pop encouraged artists to experiment beyond traditional boundaries, leading to more cross-genre projects across the industry – proving that such projects could go beyond one-off novelties, and be profitable at that. Timeless artistry Bennett’s embrace of contemporary artists did not mean that he abandoned his own musical self. By blending traditional jazz with contemporary elements, he managed to captivate audiences across generations, appealing to both longtime fans and new listeners. One key aspect of Bennett’s success was his ability to embody the sentiment of old America, reminiscent of artists like Sinatra, Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong, while infusing contemporary nuances that resonated with the human condition of a more modern era. His approach to music captured both the essence and struggle of America, giving his songs a timeless and universal appeal. Moreover, his voice conveyed familiarity and comfort, akin to listening to a beloved uncle. Bennett’s albums stood out not only for his soulful voice and impeccable delivery but also for the way he drew others from varied musical backgrounds into his world of jazz sensibilities. As a producer, he recognized the importance of nurturing creativity and bringing out the best in artists. Meanwhile, Bennett’s approach to evolving his own sound while preserving its essence sets him apart as an artist. Fearless in his pursuit of innovation, he delved into contemporary musical elements and collaborated with producers to infuse new sonic dimensions into his later albums. The result drew listeners into an intimate and immersive, concert-like acoustic journey. Depth of emotion The greats in music have an ability to speak to the human experience. And either in collaboration with others or on his own, Bennett was able to achieve this time and time again. His albums were successful not only due to their technical brilliance and musicality but also because Bennett’s voice conveyed a depth of emotion that transcended barriers of time and culture, touching the hearts of listeners from various backgrounds. There was a universality in his music that made him a beloved and revered artist across the globe. Bennett’s life spanned decades of societal upheavals in the United States. But in his music, listeners could always find beauty in challenging times. And as the 20th- and 21st-century American music industry went through its own revolutions, Bennett’s artistic evolution mirrored the changes, cementing his place as a music icon who defies the boundaries of time and trends. By Jose Valentino RuizProgram Director of Music Business & Entrepreneurship, University of Florida. Special thanks to The Conversation for this store. Click here to donate and support The Conversation.

Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute announced today that it will be expanding its services in South Florida with a new cardiovascular care office, located on the Baptist Health Baptist Hospital campus in Kendall. Upon completion this summer, the multidisciplinary office will provide streamlined cardiovascular care, with 30 exam rooms, more than 10 medical specialists and a new, innovative arrhythmia center. Joseph T. McGinn, Jr., M.D., chief of Cardiac Surgery Spanning 13,000 square feet, the new cardiovascular care office will be home to cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists, as well as advanced practice providers. The completion of this new location will further eliminate the need for patients to visit multiple offices for their care, which, in some cases, can delay diagnoses and further treatment. “This location marks the first cardiovascular care office that we’ve built from the ground up, with a focus on patients’ needs and their desire for convenience,” said Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., chief of cardiology at Baptist Hospital and deputy medical director of Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, who envisioned this comprehensive care concept. “By bringing each of these specialties together, along with clinical pharmacists, nurse navigators and administrative staff, patients will experience various high-quality heart and vascular services all under one roof.” The office will also feature a dedicated arrythmia center – the first of its kind in South Florida and one of the few in the United States – providing advanced care for patients with arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. The new cardiovascular care office will be located on the sixth floor of the west tower of the Baptist Medical Arts Building on the Baptist Health Baptist Hospital campus. For more information, please visit Cardiac Services | Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute | Baptist Health South Florida or call 786-204-4200. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Baptist Health Miami Cardiac

Photo Credit: Matt Pluznick Megan Mae Stevens is making waves all along the coast with her luxury swimwear line, Megan Mae Miami®. Colorful bikinis and one-pieces are everywhere in this city, but Megan’s collections have an indefinable quality that feels authentically Miami. It’s not only the colors and designs that are quintessential Magic City. There’s something else there. When I sat down to chat with Megan, I realized that she is much more than a typical business owner. I started to understand exactly why her collections radiate that warm Miami feeling. It’s because the person behind the brand puts her heart and soul into her designs, and that person embodies the best aspects of this city. It’s now clear to me that it’s Megan’s sunny disposition and fiery drive that has made her brand so successful. It’s her humble spirit, steady perseverance, and yearning for personal and professional growth that make Megan such an inspirational figure. She’s found a way to make her swimwear line feel like the natural extension of a real human being. I learned that buying swimwear from Megan Mae Miami® can be a three-dimensional experience. Photo Credit: Matt Pluznick How has Miami influenced your swimwear line? Megan Mae Stevens: Miami is so diverse. There are so many different kinds of people with their own unique styles, and each community has its own vibe. Brickell, Wynwood, the Design District, and so many others — each area has its own flavor. It’s pretty easy to find inspiration just by looking around! Our collections are definitely influenced by local neighborhoods and the amazing people who live here. What else inspires you when you’re designing and creating new collections? Megan Mae Stevens: I wanted to do something brand new with our latest collections. With our initial collections, we focused on bright, vibrant, poppy colors. I wanted to bring a different feel this time around. It’s day versus night. In Miami, day-time and night-time are two totally different atmospheres and lifestyles. With our upcoming Liquid Metal collection, we used cooler, darker, moodier tones that are perfect for transitioning from sunny days to starry nights. For our Sandstorm collection, we used warmer, neutral tones for those who prefer something that’s a bit more low-key. We all have different tastes, so we try to keep our line eclectic so everyone can own a perfect Megan Mae Miami® swimsuit. Here in Miami, it’s not uncommon for someone to incorporate a swimsuit into an outfit and call it a night — anything goes! [laughs] We try to keep our line versatile so people have more styling freedom. Photo Credit: Matt Pluznick With so many swimwear brands in the market, how does Megan Mae Miami® differentiate itself? Megan Mae Stevens: We try to bring a human element to our brand so people can really have a meaningful connection with Megan Mae Miami®. So many brands feel two-dimensional — where’s the depth? We want to give people that three-dimensional experience that goes beyond the surface level and gets them excited to be part of something special. I think everyone should visit Miami at some point in their lives. Bringing that authentic Miami experience to our customers is important to me. We love your brand’s commitment to sustainability! Can you tell us a little more about how Megan Mae Miami® is making a difference? Megan Mae Stevens: All of our bikinis are sustainable. They’re created from ECONYL®, which is a textile fiber from Italy that’s made from recycled plastics and fishing nets from oceans all over the world. When you purchase a bikini from us, you know that you’re making a difference in the environment. Every bikini makes a difference, and you might as well look good doing it! You’re an influencer yourself, but who would you say has influenced you most? Megan Mae Stevens: I’m extremely impacted by fitness and a role model I’ve looked up to since high school is Tony Horton, the creator of the P90X workout program. I just loved his enthusiasm on camera and had the privilege of meeting him — I won a contest and got to join him for a workout. He’s the same person off-camera as on camera. He has that same enthusiasm, humor, and charisma. I really appreciate people who are humble and act the same behind the scenes as they do in the limelight. Staying grounded is so important to me, and I think that’s a big reason why our customers gravitate toward Megan Mae Miami®. When you put kindness, respect, gratitude, and positivity into the world, they come right back to you. You specialized in human performance when studying exercise science in college; how has that affected your journey? Would you say fitness is still a huge part of your life? Megan Mae Stevens: Yes, fitness is still a huge part of my routine, my lifestyle, and who I am. When I feel like relaxing or de-stressing, my first thought is to hit the gym or go for a walk. It’s second nature for me. Many things in life come down to a formula; fitness is a formula I've figured out. It’s plug-and-play for me. I keep it simple and just do it. If you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you have to make it simple. For example, I like to do total body exercises and focus on doing three sets of four exercises per workout session. Don’t overcomplicate or overthink it. Put your shoes on and go! Looking back at your career so far, what would you say are your biggest accomplishments? Megan Mae Stevens: I’m extremely proud of Megan Mae Miami®. I was in real estate, and it just wasn’t for me. There wasn’t enough of a human element for me. It wasn’t my passion. It’s really cool to have such a young product line and have already attended Miami Swim Week® three times, along with other similar events. It’s a designer’s dream come true. I’ve also always wanted to walk in Swim Week, and it was so rewarding to combine both goals and be able to say I’ve walked for my own brand. I’m always pushing myself to do something unique that most people wouldn’t expect. It's not just about cute suits for me. It’s about accomplishing something meaningful. It’s about adding dimension and depth to my life and the lives of others. Also, what is the hardest lesson you've learned, and how does it serve you now? Megan Mae Stevens: Sometimes you feel like you want something so badly, and you’re convinced it’s exactly what you need for your life. Sometimes God just has a different plan for you, and usually, it’s an even better plan. There’s a fine balance between what I believe to be destiny and our role in that. We have free will, so it’s up to us to take the steps and create our own destinies. I’m a go-getter, so I’ll find a way. Say you’re pounding at a certain door. You might find that there’s no answer, or you’re hitting a brick wall. You might just need to change your focus slightly and discover that unlocked door that you missed the first time around. If it’s not there, build your own door. I’ve wanted things for my life that I thought were right for me at the time, but once I let go, everything fell into place. For example, I wanted to be a model in Miami, but every agency turned me down because I wasn’t tall enough by industry standards. So, I built my own door. My hope is that I can inspire others to turn adversity into opportunity. Let it drive you and push you forward. Maybe there’s a better plan waiting to unfold or be created. How do you balance your work and personal life? What are your favorite ways to decompress? Megan Mae Stevens: I have no social life. [laughs] Only teasing, but yes, I work a lot, but I feel I’m in the building phase in my life now. I’m happy with where I am. To be completely honest, I’m not always a very balanced person with how I use my time. I think it’s important to stay focused on my goals to continue growing. When you spend too much time alone, or you don’t have enough to do, you get in your own head. Covid was such a hard time for many people, including me. Right now, I’m focused on becoming the best person I can possibly be. I’m focused on growth and becoming the best person I can possibly be. When I’m not focused on work, I love playing piano and singing. I picked it up over the last six months, and I’m having a blast with it. When I need to decompress, I find that taking the time to put down my phone, disconnect, and focus on the abundance of good things in life, no matter how small, can work wonders. What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs? Megan Mae Stevens: Do it! Go for it! [laughs] I have a healthy naivete. If you know what you’re in for, it can deter you. I just dove in head first and started this business. It’s like you plunge into the deep end, and you just have to keep swimming. It’s great to have talent and passion, but you also need a team that can help you cover all your bases. My business partners are phenomenal and help me see things from all angles. Being a business owner is truly a rollercoaster. There will be times when it’s sunshine and roses and times when you’re in deep, dark valleys. People who are close to you can propel you forward or hold you back. Identify who will push you forward on your journey and support you in your dreams, and keep them close. Can you share any secrets or news about what you have planned for the next six months? We’re going to be launching two brand new collections: Sandstorm and Liquid Metal. We’re also looking forward to a lot of fashion shows, including Miami Swim Week®, New York Swim Week®, and Hamptons Fashion Week®. Besides those exciting milestones, we’re just going to keep building brand awareness and keep sending out a message of love and positivity to the amazing Megan Mae Miami® community — a three-dimensional one, at that! And, finally, where can people find your swimwear, Megan Mae Miami®? The easiest way to find us is through our website: https://meganmaemiami.com/ If you like what you see, come say hi on Instagram @meganmaemiami and @meganmaestevens as well as YouTube @ youtube.com/meganmaestevens! By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Matt Pluznick (www.MattPluz.com) and Megan Mae Miami®