People from around the world have been waiting for Ultra Music Festival (UMF) to light up downtown Miami and enjoy today’s top electronic dance music (EDM) DJs. While ticket prices to Ultra have become so expensive that it has inhibited fans from going, Miami Music Week provides a platform for big-name DJs to perform individual shows that won’t make your wallet cry. Here are some of the highlights from Tuesday to Thursday. For more events, visit miamimusicweek.com.
Tuesday, March 24
The Official Circus Miami Party
Dubstep fans who can’t wait for the speakers at UMF to blast heavy-bass notes can head to Grand Central to watch English dubstep producers and DJs Flux Pavilion, Doctor P, Cookie Monsta and Funtcase.
When: 10 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Grand Central, 697 N Miami Avenue, Miami, Fla. 33136
Tickets: Start at $15, embrace.wantickets.com
Ages allowed: 18 and up
Benny Benassi
Grammy award-winning Italian DJ and producer Benny Benassi will be in Miami with others like Jason Lema, Zeus and AM75. Most noted for hits like “Satisfaction” and “Beautiful People ft. Chris Brown,” Benassi is expected to spend the night playing songs for everyone to dance to.
When: 11 p.m. Tuesday
Where: E11even Miami, 29 NE 11th St., Miami, Fla. 33130
Tickets: Start at $20, 11miami.com/mmw/
Ages allowed: 21 and up
Steve Aoki & Friends
If you missed him last year and can’t wait to be “caked” in the audience this year at UMF, Steve Aoki will perform with other DJs, like Nervo and Bassjackers, at LIV Nightclub. To reserve a table, call 305-674-4680 or e-mail VIP@LIVnightclub.com.
When: 11 p.m. Tuesday
Where: LIV Nightclub, 4441 Collins Ave., Miami, Fla. 33140
Tickets: Start at $60, Flavorus.com
Ages allowed: 21 and up
Wednesday, March 25
Miami In Session Featuring TIGER RECORDS
For those who want to listen to music as they enjoy the Miami weather and a pool party, head down to the Shore Club. Headliners include the female duo 2 Elements and Belgian DJ and producer Dave Lambert.
When: 12 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Shore Club, 1901 Collins Avenue, Miami, Fla. 33139
Tickets: Start at $15, wantickets.com/Events/176424/Miami-In-Session-Featuring-TIGER-RECORDS/
Ages allowed: 21 and up
Armin Van Buuren & Friends
The Grammy-nominated Dutch trance DJ is one of the top headliners for UMF and will perform before the festival at Mansion Nightclub. The producer will play alongside Jochen Miller, Mark Sixma, MaRlo and Simon Patterson.
When: 10 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Mansion Nightclub, 1235 Washington Ave., Miami, Fla. 33139
Tickets: Start at $75, tinyurl.com/ArminMiami
Ages allowed: 21 and up
Thursday, March 26
Disclosure Presents Wild Life
Although the English brothers won’t be performing at Ultra, fans of the “Latch” DJs can enjoy their performance at SoHo Studios’ pavillion. Other artists include Justin Martin, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, DJ EZ and Carl Craig.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: SoHo Studios, 2151 NW First Ct., Miami, Fla. 33127
Tickets: Call 305-600-4785
Ages allowed: 18 and up
Ingrosso
If you’re still heartbroken that Swedish House Mafia disbanded in 2013 and are even more sad they won’t have a reunion tour, line up at Story to hear Sebastian Ingrosso before he hits the Main Stage at UMF on Saturday. For table reservations, call 305-479-4426 or e-mail VIP@STORYmiami.com.
When: 11 p.m. Thursday
Where: Story, 136 Collins Ave., Miami, Fla. 33139
Tickets: Start at $60, flavorus.com/event/Ingrosso-STORY/285971
Ages allowed: 21 and up
Featured image courtesy Flickr user Jared eberhardt