The 11th annual Irie Weekend took place in the heart of our city; South Beach. Brought to you by Jack Daniels and Korbel. The stylish Surfcomber Hotel welcomed and played host to DJ Irie, all of its sponsors, supporters, media and guests all weekend long. The charity event teed off Thursday night with a special VIP concert that featured Natalie La Rose, Wyclef Jean and a few other celebrity guests.
La Rose, who opened up for Wyclef, got the crowd going and taking shots as she sang her song Shots with somebody. The young singer was happy to be there and thankful to be a part of the event. “It’s a great honor that he asked me to be a part of this. As far as him doing something for the community with his power and success, I appreciate and respect that” said La Rose.
But it was Wyclef Jean who really “turned up” the crowd with his high-energy performance which included a killer guitar solo and birthday serenade for Dj Irie. And this was just the beginning of what was still yet to come.
Irie Weekend continued Friday at the Miami Beach Gulf Course with it’s main event; The Celebrity Golf Tournament. The highly anticipated game drew in some big names on- the-green and some deep pockets too.
Target, one of Irie Weekends sponsor, had a special Target-on-the-green VIP tent which included complimentary raspberry mojitos, Evian bottled water, an enormous candy bar, Taco flautas a Phhhoto booth with golf props, resting areas and a charge station to keep our precious tech gear fully charged to capture and share our experience.
Miami local singer Julia Dale sang the national anthem right before the game teed off. The young 14 year-old starlet is no stranger to Irie Weekend as it’s her 3rd year singing the anthem for the charity event. “It feels good to use my voice to contribute to a foundation that helps others” said Dale.
But it was Saturday’s BBQ pool party at the Surfcomber that put the Irie on weekend. Miami social lite and party-goer Yes Julz was there along with Omar Benson, local radio personality DJ LAZ, the 69 boys and as promised a special guest appearance from none other than Miami’s own, Mr. World Wide, Mr. 305, Pitbull. The singer made a big splash when he pushed DJ IRIE into the pool and later dove in right after. It was a good time under the sun.
It wouldn’t be Irie weekend without the man who puts it all together DJ Irie himself, who described the whole weekend to be amazing. “Not only do we have an amazing support from the Miami community and our local friends and family, but there are people who are here who have surprised me who I didn’t know where here and it’s great. We’ve done a substantial job on communicating why we are doing the event and I am very thankful for all the love” said DJ Irie. He also promised that Irie Weekend would only get better each year. “Innovation. We’re going to continue to add things just to give people a different feel and energy each year.”
If you’d like to learn more about the Irie Foundation, or would like to make a donation please visit www.iriefoundation.org for more information.
By: Jaclyn Diaz
