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Music

10 Essential Events at Miami Music Week and Winter Music Conference

We picked out Miami’s 10 craziest parties so you don’t have to.

This week, a thousand nations of the dance music empire will descend upon South Beach, Florida. Their rave towels will blot out the sun! We're talking pool parties, boat parties, beach parties, club parties, and underground parties overflowing with sunglasses, sangria, and sexy swimsuits.

The weeklong onslaught began last Friday, but the insanity of Winter Music Conference and Miami Music Week has just begun. You think March Madness is nuts? The NCAA ain't got nothing on this. Check out our guide for ten of the hottest parties under the sun and make sure to grab your tickets before it's too late. For those of you who couldn't make the trip, at least you can stream some of the events online, right? It's ok, you can cry if you want to.

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1. Skrillex, A-Trak, Jack Beats, Benny Benassi, Boys Noize, Brodinski, Mercer, Tchami, Milo & Otis, What So Not, Zeds Dead, and Many More

What: OWSLA presents Good Times Miami
When: Wednesday, March 26 and Thursday, March 27
Where: Wynwood
Why: Um, did you read that list of performers? Skrillex, OWSLA and a host of incredible labels—Fool's Gold, Bromance, Boys Noize Records, and SMOG, to name a few. They're all set to bring you a two-day smack down full of dream-team B2Bs. If you're in Miami this week and you're not at this party, what are you even doing there?

2. Claude VonStroke, Justin Martin, Eats Everything, Catz 'n dogz, Just Blaze, J. Phlip, Kill Frenzy, Justin Jay, Christian Martin, Nick Monaco, Nick Olivetti, Chef Grillson and Surprise Guests

What: Dirtybird BBQ
When: Thursday, March 27
Where: Cafeina Lounge
Why: Burgers? Check. Beer? Check. Bass? Check. Booty-shaking? Check. Need we say more? Just make sure to get there before 7 PM to grab some food from the grill.

3. Boys Noize, Danny Daze, Jimmy Edgar, Louisahhh!!!, Matrixxman

What: Ultramajic Party Temple
When: Thursday, March 27
Where: Trade
Why: If you need to escape the heat and the excessive amount of neon bros at all the big room events, this might be the spot you're looking for. Descend into a dark techno basement and get ready for the Miami Music Week debut of Jimmy Edgar's new Ultramajic label.

4. Nicole Moudaber, Carl Cox, Danny Tenaglia, Lauren Lane, Tom Peters, ENDO

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What: Nicole Moudaber Presents… In The Mood
When: Thursday, March 27
Where: Raleigh Hotel
Why: Are you touched in the head? It's Nicole Moudaber, the Queen of Techno, alongside living legends Carl Cox and Danny Tenaglia. A superstar hasn't brought this much talent to South Beach since Lebron James and "The Decision."

5. Bingo Players, Bassjackers, Carl Tricks, Chuckie, Dada Life, David Tort, Henry Fong, MAKJ, Tommy Trash

What: Remembrance Festival
When: Thursday, March 27
Where: Ice Palace
Why: To honor Bingo Players member Paul Baumer, who died last December after a short battle with cancer. Before his untimely passing, he asked that the Bingo Players continue on without him, and we can't think of a better way to pay homage to his incredible music and indomitable spirit than to throw it down at the Ice Palace. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to KWF (Dutch Cancer Society) in addition to the American Cancer Society.

6. Markus Schulz

What: Markus Schulz "Open To Close Marathon"
When: Thursday, March 27
Where: Space Miami
Why: Trance fans rejoice, it's nine straight hours of Markus Schulz! We're not entirely sure how he does it but, similar to last year's marathon set at Tomorrowworld, Schulz will once again be performing from open until close. Seriously though, what about bathroom breaks?

7. Richie Hawtin, Paco Osuna, Tale of Us, tINI, Gaiser (live), Matador (live), Mano Le Tough, Bella Sarris, Marc Faenger, Hito and Adam Beyer B2B with Ida Engberg

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What: Enter.Miami
When: Friday, March 28
Where: Ice Palace
Why: If dark, dynamic techno is your thing, this is undoubtedly the show of the week. In Richie's own words, "ENTER will be a point of entry into new experiences: from new music from DJs to the technology we will introduce people to." This isn't your typical show—shit is going to get weird, wacky, and wonderful.

8. Art Department, Dennis Ferrer, Jimmy Edgar, Eric Volta, Deniz Kurtel, Nitin, Louie Fresco, Clayton Steele

What: Social Experiment Miami
When: Friday, March 28
Where: Trade
Why: For $20, you'd be lucky to see any of these DJs perform on their own at a club. Together, this might be the best bang for your buck all week. Put simply, it's experimental, mind-altering music from some of the very best in the game.

9. Tommy Trash, Bingo Players, Chris Lake, Danny Avila, Pegboard Nerds, Tchami, Audien, TJR, Seven Lions, Clockwork, Arty, Henry Fong, Dyro, Sick Individuals and Many More

What: No Sugar Added
When: Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29
Where: Nikki Beach
Why: When it comes to big room sounds, this event is straight bananas. Hard-hitting, melodic, and undeniably fun loving, this three-stage event is overflowing with oodles of talent. "No Sugar Added" is an apt name for the party, because it's just too sweet.

10. Deep Dish, Carl Craig, Hot Since 82 and Andhim

What: Deep Dish Reunion
When: Saturday, March 30
Where: Ice Palace
Why: After an eight-year hiatus, the wait is finally over—Deep Dish, aka Sharam and Dubfire, is back. Old school ravers and new age neophytes alike will appreciate a classic tech house performance without any gimmicks or cheap frills.

You can follow Jesse on Twitter: @jesse_champagne