How do you start 2017 right? Social Mayor of Miami, Real Housewives of Miami star, philanthropist, entrepreneur and author Lea Black tells us how you can make the most of the New Year. Opportunities pop up in our life every day. Consequently, Lea suggests we increase our self-awareness. She says those opportunities might not seem like much at first, but any of them could lead to something more substantial.
Last month, prior to the 2016 Presidential Elections, Mrs. Black had a conversation with us about the State of American politics [see here]. With Donald Trump heading to the U.S. presidency on January 20th 2017, Lea sounds off on Mr. Trump and why she believes he and his supporters are on the wrong side of where America should be today.
She considers herself to be a political junkie. So with only a few days until the 2016 Presidential Election, we welcome back the “Social Mayor of Miami,” Lea Black, to get her analysis on Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump and the state of America.
Throughout her life Mrs. Black has been involved in philanthropic work, helping at risk youth, as well as being an entrepreneur and building her own brand. Last year, Lea wrote her first novel, Red Carpets and White Lies, set against the Miami high society scene. In the world of politics, she held an event for President Obama in her home in Coral Gables some years back, among other things.
As a veteran of the Real Housewives of Miami, Lea Black is in a particularly good position to assess a presidential election in which, seemingly, the ethos of the reality television genre has collided with the democratic process of choosing the next Commander in Chief.
On March 11th, world renowned music star Phil Collins performed his first concert in years at The Fillmore Miami Beach. We were on hand to speak with Phil and his partner Orianne, on the red carpet [see CYInterviews here]. Soul music legend Sam Moore was one of the celebrities who came out to show his support for Mr. Collins. The two worked together.
Sam Moore is a Grammy Award winner and a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He was also named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the 100 great vocalists of the rock music era. Known for being part of the music duo Sam & Dave, with Dave Prater, and as a solo performer, Mr. Moore’s most famous hit is Soul Man.
This past Friday evening, mega music star/songwriter Phil Collins returned to the stage for his first musical performance in many years at The Fillmore Miami Beach. Known for his work with Genesis and as a solo artist, Mr. Collins multiple hits include: Against All Odds, Another Day in Paradise, Easy Lover, One More Night and In the Air Tonight.
His seven song performance during The Little Dreams Foundation Benefit Gala, a charitable organization he founded with his partner Orianne Collins, was the first step in what may be the beginning of the next chapter of Phil Collins’s music career. The Grammy, Oscar and Golden Globe winner has been talking about the possibility of an active performing career going forward. There have also been reports about a possible world tour, but he has not confirmed that yet.
Most people, it seems, like luxury goods. Perhaps it is because of their quality, aesthetics and durability. Or, maybe, it is because luxury goods serve as status symbols. Whatever the case, economic conditions impact people’s buying decisions when it comes to high end items.
Too many individuals get caught up in rampant consumerism, no doubt. Insuring personal financial stability should come before acquiring luxurious yet unneeded items. At the same time, for people who work hard and are financially responsible, it is nice to buy something special once in a while. All of us need to find balance in our lives. This certainly applies to luxury goods.
With tremors running through the world economy, we thought that it would be a good time to discuss the state of luxury goods. We decided to bring in a couple of experts to CYInterview to give their opinions on the state of consumers and luxury items.
Over the years, we have had many great moments with the Social Mayor of Miami, philanthropist, author, entrepreneur and Real Housewives of Miami star Lea Black. It was back in April that we attended the first book signing for her first novel, Red Carpets and White Lies [see here]. We followed that up in May when we spoke with Lea for an in-depth CYInterview on her book [see here].
For 20 years, Lea put on The Blacks’ Annual Gala in Miami attended by a who’s who of the city, as well as a variety of A-list stars from out of town. Tomorrow, she will be at one of the biggest yearly city events, the Miami Book Fair International. Mrs. Black will be taking questions about her book and signing copies. Details of the event are below. If you are in the Miami area, go out and see Lea Black at this great event and hear some great stories about the city.
A few weeks ago we attended the kickoff for Lea Black’s first novel, Red Carpets and White Lies [see here]. The Coral Gables event, hosted by musician and producer Emilio Estefan, was enjoyed by many. Mrs. Black, the “Social Mayor of Miami,” Real Housewives of Miami star, philanthropist, entrepreneur, wife of prominent attorney Roy Black, mother and now author joined featured columnist Jay Bildstein and me, for an in-depth conversation about her first work of fiction.
A jam packed crowd came out for the debut of the Social Mayor of Miami, Lea Black’s foray into the literary world. The philanthropist, entrepreneur and Real Housewives of Miami Star spoke to the assembled about her first book, a work of fiction entitled Red Carpets & White Lies: A Novel. The event took place in Coral Gables, at Books & Books.
Lea fielded questions from the attendees including: What inspired her to write the book? Did her being on the Real Housewives of Miami influence its contents in anyway? And, there was one particular question about her favorite high society parties, from one of South Beach’s notable nightlife personalities, Ingrid Casares. Following the evening’s question and answer session, Lea signed copies of her book for friends and fans.
At the end of 2013, we attended the opening of South Beach’s popular new hotspot The Cabaret South Beach. Back then, we sat down with the owner Edison Farrow and, additionally, had a chance to meet some of the great voices who frequently perform there [see here]. At the time, we were introduced to singer and songwriter Erica Sommer. All the performers at The Cabaret South Beach have their own brand of talent, but Erica’s ability to make you feel emotion, while she sings, is one of a kind.
With over 20 years performing, as a solo artist and also as a lead singer for various rock bands including Raging Geisha, Ms. Sommer’s performances are both intimate and lively. Many of today’s biggest music stars have background singers. Erica got the chance to show off her talent for the Celine Dion song Right in Front of You. On the business side of the music industry, she also used to work for Gloria and Emilio Estefan. There are many layers and stories to her musical journey, but for now she is focused on solo performances.
To close 2014, we went back to The Cabaret South Beach on December 27th as Erica gave a special two hour performance. She performed for the first time in 18 years with musician and fellow soloist Carlos Gonzalez.
