Miami Beach Bruthaz is not just about fabulous VIP-style South Beach parties — although that is a big draw. The event, which is annually held the third weekend in July, creates opportunities for attendees to empower each other and discuss social, economic, political and health issues during informative workshop sessions and also attend cultural and fashion events.
Miami Beach Bruthaz is here and will take place July 14-17
Various locations in Miami Beach
MiamiBeachBruthaz.comMiami Beach Bruthaz is not just about fabulous VIP-style South Beach parties — although that is a big draw. The event, which is annually held the third weekend in July, creates opportunities for attendees to empower each other and discuss social, economic, political and health issues during informative workshop sessions and also attend cultural and fashion events.
The event was founded in July 2006 by Ian Smith. His goal was to build a sense of bonding, belonging and empowerment, especially among African-American and Latino same gender loving men, in the gorgeous setting of Miami.
“It started as a group of friends getting together to have a fun time in Miami Beach, but still wanting to have something a little more intellectual at the same time,” said Smith. “We wanted to use our brains as well as have fun.”
The group of 20 to 30 men worked together on a workshop that got them all talking and thinking and also partied together at some of Miami Beach’s most gorgeous establishments.
The workshop, now titled “Bruthaz Speak Up,” was, for some, the first time that they were able to say to other people that they were HIV+ or that they were gay or bisexual, Smith explained.
“They felt so comfortable in that room, I’m getting goosebumps remembering,” he explained. “The environment is safe for people to say this.”
Smith said the event created cameraderie within the group and that is the goal of Miami Beach Bruthaz.
“One reason that the word ‘Bruthaz’ was so important to us — is not because its about a particular race — but about bringing everyone together and feeling cameraderie,” he said.
It’s the element of bonding that has continued to draw people in through the years and has enabled the event to grow. Last year, there were between 300 and 400 attendees at Miami Beach Bruthaz. Smith said it’s not a huge 3,000 people event and describes MBB as an intimate event that attracts a more mature crowd — usually age 35 and up.
“It’s an opportunity for a more mature crowd to enjoy the weekend in Miami Beach and to build friendships,” Smith said.
“People are coming in groups, which I like,” Smith continued. “There are people coming from Houston, New York, Atlanta, California. . .”
The event has also attracted a more international crowd. Smith said that a couple from Brazil and a individuals from Sweden and Canada are attending this year’s event.
“It’s a really good and diverse crowd and I’m excited about that,” said Smith.
Miami Beach itself is a huge draw. The VIP-style parties and the extravagant fashion show, which this year includes an appearance by R&B Singer Terrell Carter, are also big parts of this annual extravaganza.
The theme is “Knowledge Culture Fashion” and MBB Events draw upon those three things.
“This is going to be the best year ever,” Smith said. “We tried to step it up a little, with the jazz set at the end, and the welcome event which will be spectacular with Jensen Atwood, and we have a Brazilian-themed party. . . come check it out.”
MBB Events
Thursday, July 14
MBB Welcome White Party
Hosted by Jensen Atwood
With DJ Gavin
11 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Bar 721
721 Lincoln Lane
Miami Beach
Friday, July 15
Bruthaz SpeakUP!
Luncheon
With special guest Jensen Atwood
Noon – 2 p.m.
Prime 112 Steakhouse
112 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach
South Beach Men’s Show and After Party
Men’s Swimwear and Underwear Fashion Show
Special Musical Performance by Actor and R&B Singer Terrell Carter
(From Tyler Perry’s Diary of a Mad Black Woman,
Madea’s Family Reunion and Meet the Browns)
11 p.m.-?
Saturday, July 16
MBB Pool Party
DJ Platinum
2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Lords Hotel
1120 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach
EJoy International
MBB and DJ Rodrigo Zanardi Present
Brazilian Party
With DJ Rodolfo Bravat
Direct from Sao Paolo (Brazil)
11 p.m. – ?
Score
727 Lincoln Rd
Miami Beach
Sunday, July 17
MBB Soul Lounge and Jazz Set
Featuring Miami’s best saxophonist Jon Saxx
Spoken Word Artist Rebecca “Butterfly” Vaughns and
Powerhouse soul and jazz singer Mareyl Epps
9 p.m. – midnight
Bar 721
721 Lincoln Lane
Miami Beach
