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In the Mix: DJ Stilo Mancia Weaves Sound, Story & Soul

Written & Published by Angie LaGuardia Interview conducted by Imani Ogden THE ESSENCE OF STILO MANCIA For DJ Stilo Mancia, Miami Music Week is more than a festival — it’s home. A rhythm that beats in sync with his soul. With nearly a decade of performances under his belt, Stilo returns year after year for the energy, the community, and the deep-rooted connections that shape the magic of MMW. “It’s the people who keep me coming back,” he shares. “Reuniting with old friends and meeting others who share the same love for music — that’s what makes it so special.” Born from admiration for legendary names like Mark Knight, Oscar G, and Chus, Stilo’s sound is a mosaic of inspiration and authenticity. Whether performing for intimate crowds or packed stages, he delivers sets that are intentional, uplifting, and deeply aligned with good vibes. “Music is movement. It’s joy. It’s how I connect with people—even if we don’t speak the same language, the rhythm always finds a way.” — DJ Stilo Mancia CRAFTING THE VIBE For DJ Stilo Mancia, it’s never just about playing tracks — it’s about sculpting a feeling. With a background that blends Afro-Latin rhythms, soulful beats, and underground house, Stilo crafts sets that are emotionally charged and technically sound. “I want my music to feel like a journey,” he says. “Something that lifts you up, holds you in the moment, and lets you let go.” From crate-digging rare edits to layering textures that hit deep, his style is both precise and personal — a reflection of his roots, his culture, and his connection to the crowd. His creative process is intuitive, guided by energy and emotion. Whether it’s an intimate set or a festival crowd, Stilo focuses on flow — making sure every transition feels alive and every drop tells a story. ROOTED IN COMMUNITY, DRIVEN BY PURPOSE For DJ Stilo Mancia, music is more than performance — it’s a form of service. Whether spinning at a packed venue or curating a vibe for a small circle, he sees every moment as a chance to connect, uplift, and energize others. “My purpose is to help people feel alive, to remember who they are,” he says. “If I can help someone shift their mood or mindset through music, even just for one night — that’s everything.” Stilo’s sets often reflect the pulse of Miami — Latin-rooted, Afro-inspired, and full of soul — but it’s his commitment to healing and high vibrations that sets him apart. He’s intentional with every transition, using sound as a tool for connection, joy, and remembrance. Through music, Stilo channels tradition, energy, and authenticity — building bridges between the past and present, the crowd and the DJ, the beat and the soul. “Music is a mirror. It reflects how we feel, who we are, and where we’re going.” You’re reading the full journey of DJ Stilo Mancia — in conversation with Imani Ogden — exclusively on miamishoot.com. This article marks the final chapter in our special editorial spotlight celebrating Miami’s most inspiring DJ voices from Miami Music Week.

Editor's Picks, Entertainment, Events, Interviews, Living, MSM Online, MSM Spotlight, Music, News & Entertainment, Showbiz, Shows & Events

In the Mix: DJ Mario Clavasquin Talks Growth, Sound & Spirit

Written & Published by Angie LaGuardia Interview conducted by Imani Ogden DJ Mario Clavasquin has become a heartbeat of Miami’s Latin electronic scene—where every set is a celebration and every beat carries soul. A proud Venezuelan native with deep roots in Doral and Wynwood, Mario brings an unmistakable blend of Afro-Latin house and cultural authenticity to Miami Music Week. His presence behind the decks isn’t just electrifying—it’s intentional. With nearly a decade in the game, Mario spins to inspire, to connect, and to amplify the pulse of his people. “Music is movement. It’s joy. It’s how I connect with people—even if we don’t speak the same language, the rhythm always finds a way.” — DJ Mario Clavasquin GROWTH & CREATIVE PROCESS For DJ Mario Clavasquin, the journey has been one of intentional evolution. “I used to think it was all about playing what people wanted to hear,” he shares, “but over time, I realized the power of curating an experience.” Mario now spends countless hours digging through tracks, producing his own music, and blending Latin percussion with deep house and electronic textures. “Every time I play, I want it to feel like a spiritual experience — like you’re not just dancing, you’re feeling something.” His process is guided by both discipline and heart — a dedication to the craft that’s as technical as it is emotional. CONNECTION TO COMMUNITY & CULTURE For Mario, music has never existed in a vacuum — it’s always been about people. He speaks with passion about the responsibility DJs carry: “We set the tone, the energy. It’s more than a playlist — it’s a conversation with the crowd.” Raised between Venezuela and Miami, Mario’s sets are layered with cultural meaning. “In Miami, you feel this pulse — this mix of sounds, languages, and roots — and I try to bring that into every show,” he explains. Whether he’s spinning for packed nightclubs or local charity events, Mario remains deeply grounded in his community. For him, every performance is an offering — a chance to give back, uplift, and celebrate Miami’s multicultural spirit. THE HEARTBEAT OF MIAMI “Miami will always be home base,” Mario says. “It’s where I learned, where I grew, and where I keep finding new reasons to love the craft.” As Miami Music Week continues to evolve, so does Mario — blending the traditions of his past with the innovations of today. His story isn’t just about sound, it’s about spirit: staying rooted, staying humble, and letting the music speak for itself. For those watching Mario from the dance floor, it’s clear — this is more than a set. It’s a celebration of identity, rhythm, and the power of bringing people together through music. “Music is how we connect, how we move, and how we remember.” Words by Angie LaGuardia  |  Interview conducted by Imani Ogden This feature is part of our Miami Music Week series, spotlighting the artists shaping the rhythm and legacy of the city’s ever-evolving sound. 🎧 Listen to his latest mixes on @djmarioclavasquin on Spotify.

Cover Stories, Editor's Picks, Entertainment, Events, Interviews, Living, MSM Online, MSM Spotlight, Music, News & Entertainment, Showbiz, Shows & Events

In the Mix: DJ Rob Cappadonna Talks Sound, Energy & MMW Legacy

Written & Published by Angie LaGuardia Interview conducted by Imani Ogden DJ Rob Cappadonna’s connection to Miami Music Week runs deep. A fan-turned-fixture, he’s been lighting up stages since 2020. “I’ve been performing at Miami Music Week since 2020, so this marks my fifth year,” says Rob. “What keeps me coming back is the energy—there’s truly nothing like it. MMW brings together some of the best artists and most passionate music lovers from all over the world.” STAYING ENERGIZED DURING MMW Even in the heart of the mayhem, Rob knows how to slow things down. Between back-to-back sets and nonstop energy, he’s learned the importance of pressing pause, fueling right, and finding small moments of stillness in the city that never stops. “Hydration, good food, and knowing when to recharge. It’s tempting to go all out 24/7, but I’ve learned that pacing yourself is key. I make sure to stay active, eat well, and take small moments to reset between gigs. Also, Miami’s energy alone keeps you going—it’s hard not to feel hyped when you’re in the middle of it all.” — Rob Cappadonna CRAFTING A SET THAT STANDS OUT Behind every unforgettable performance is careful preparation—but also, a little bit of magic.“Preparation starts weeks, even months in advance,” Rob says. “I test new tracks, rework edits, and make sure I have a solid mix of unreleased material, classics, and surprises. But I also leave room for spontaneity—reading the crowd is key.” SIGNATURE SOUND & INSPIRATION With influences ranging from Roger Sanchez to Hugel and Crusy, Rob’s sound blends groove with innovation.“I like to craft sets that you can only experience in that moment—exclusive edits, unexpected drops, and an energy that builds with the crowd,” he explains. “Miami has a special vibe, and I always try to reflect that in my sound.” MIAMI MOMENTS: THE CITY THAT KEEPS ON GIVING “Miami has been good to me,” Rob says with sincerity. “It’s a city that embraces artistry. You can be who you are here—loud, creative, different. The people, the vibe, the energy… it’s unmatched.” Whether he’s playing a rooftop at sunset, a packed club in Brickell, or a beachside soirée, DJ Rob Cappadonna brings authenticity, heart, and undeniable rhythm. And if you ask him what keeps him going? “The music,” he says simply. “Always the music.” Follow DJ Rob Cappadonna on Instagram @rob_cappadonna for a front-row seat to his latest gigs and sonic adventures. You can also stream his latest sets and tracks on Spotify. Stay tuned for more exclusive DJ profiles in our Miami Music Spotlight series.

Interviews, MSM Online, News & Entertainment, Showbiz

Martha MacCallum – Live From The Sunshine State

Martha MacCallum – Exclusive Interview  By Nadja Atwal Martha MacCallum is one of those people that generates an “insta-like” reaction. The successful host of the Fox News show ‘The Story’ continues to receive praise from the media and her audience both for her interview style that has always successfully thrived for an objective delivery and classy debate of the latest news. The gorgeous anchor with those famous light blonde tresses (no wonder she told ALLURE magazine she never even considered changing her hair color) began her career as a reporter for Corporate Finance Magazine and held a variety of positions including with NBC and CNBC before she signed with the No 1 cable News Station Fox News.   In 1997 and 2003, MacCallum was the recipient of the American Women in Radio and Television award for her reporting and  in 2017, she landed on Variety’s New York Power List. On Thursday, June 28th, the busy power woman and her colleague, Fox News anchor Bret Baier will co-moderate a Republican gubernatorial primary debate in Orlando live from the Gaylord Palms Resort in front of a live audience. We took the opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with Martha.    Not only have you established yourself as a powerhouse on primetime, but you are one of the few political TV show hosts who has not stirred up controversy. Is it because you try not to weigh in too heavily with your personal opinion or what is your recipe ?    My recipe is news and doing great coverage every night. Honestly, I am not a person who believes what I do is about me. It’s not about me. It’s about the viewers, the audience, and the country. I’m an arbiter of the news that’s coming across my desk every day and there are times when I reveal a little bit about how I feel about something, but I have a pretty good barometer for where that line is and I really try not to cross it. I’m really thrilled that the show is doing so well, but the recipe is always evolving!   Whenever I spent time at the Fox News building in NY in my capacity as a political commentator, I had a fantastic  experience  –  only meeting the nicest people. I perceived the place instantly as an environment where true friendships can be initiated and manifest. Then again as a host you must also feel that conflicting vibe of in-house competition. Tell us a bit about your experience and how you’ve navigated through it all over the years.   I think that we have very healthy competition here. We all want our show to be number one – we certainly want all of our shows to be in the top 10 in which we’re thankful to say that we have a tremendous record of success. The bar is very high for all of us and I think that we compete first against the other networks, and then second against each other in terms of wanting to have the best show. I think anybody whose successful in life has that attitude. That being said, we also are friends and we develop close friendships over the years. I’m just reminded of this weekend I went to Charles Krauthammer’s funeral and saw so many close friends from this environment and people who appreciated Charles and will miss him so much. Being there reminded me of what’s really important in life and that is friendships, people and the way you treat each other. I think that that’s something that’s really important to all of us.    This Thursday you will  host a Republican gubernatorial primary debate in Orlando. Again you were paired with Bret Baier for this live event. What makes you two a great  team?   We love working together. I think we complement each other really well. Bret obviously does a fantastic job and is based in Washington and has a great pulse for politics. I’ve covered politics my entire career as well and this is really a dream job for me. This is something I’ve always wanted to do. So when I sit in that chair and moderate debates I walk in there with my homework done because I absolutely love the whole process of writing, refining and debating the questions with our team. It is truly a dream come true for me and I love working with Bret. Bret is one of the best people that you will meet in this business and as long as we work together – that’s a great place for me to be.    After hosting debates like this where the audience has access to you, what are the most frequent questions you are getting from audience members once the show is over?   I can honestly say that they tell us to keep up the good work. They are incredibly encouraging. Sometimes you’ll hear someone who is a fan, isn’t a fan – I like to talk to people on all sides of the fence. I think it’s what makes life interesting and we just love their input and I love doing it in front of a crowd. The energy in the room is really palpable and it fuels the energy on stage. When we walk out and when we look at everybody and they’re so excited to be there it’s just so different for us because I’m used to working on a quiet set with a bunch of people. Being in front of a live audience just adds that extra energy and excitement to the night.   You are also devoting a substantial amount of time to charities, tell us a bit about the projects you currently support with great passion and why?   I’ve long been involved with The Inner City Scholarship Fund / Be a Student’s Friend program in New York and New Jersey. I believe that the Catholic schools in both states provide an amazing opportunity for inner city kids to be taught in an environment that’s safe and gives them a place to grow and thrive, and

Music, Showbiz

LATIN SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME

Photo Courtesy of Said Bazze LATIN SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCED TODAY THE NAMES OF THE COMPOSERS WHO WILL HONORED DURING ITS FIRST INDUCTION AWARDS GALA TO BE HELD ON APRIL 23 AT THE NEW WORLD CENTER OF MIAMI BEACH Singers / songwriters Natalia Jimenez and Jon Secada joined Desmond Child and Rudy Perez, founder of the foundation, to announce the names of the five composers to receive the “The Muse” Miami, FL. (January 28, 2013) Desmond Child, Rudy Perez, Natalia Jimenez, Jon Secada and members of the board of Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame  (LSHOF), announced today the six iconic songwriters chosen to be recognized and incorporated into the newly formed organization. The composers are: Armando Manzanero, Mexico; Concha Miranda Valdez, Cuba, Jose Angel Espinosa “Ferrusquilla”, Mexico, Jose Feliciano, Puerto Rico, Julio Iglesias, Spain, Manuel Alejandro, Spain. These five Latin music icons will be honored with the statue ‘La Musa’, created especially for LSHOF. The historic first awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday April 23, 2013, at the New World Center in Miami Beach, which will be hosted by renowned actor John Leguizamo. The inaugural awards gala will be held in conjunction with the Billboard Latin Music Conference and Awards, as celebration to highlight the composers and those songs written in Spanish and Portuguese which have left an imprint all around the world. The LSHOF awards ceremony will pay tribute to some of Latin Music’s legends and will feature performances by some of the hottest talents in the industry, such as Los Temerarios. Other major composers who will be honored, presenters and special performances will be announced during the month of February. Desmond Child and Rudy Perez also announced today, during the press conference, that the singer / songwriter Natalia Jiménez had been chosen to receive the organization’s ‘The Muse Elena Casals Award’, presented to an outstanding young composer. For more information about becoming part of Hall of Fame Latino Composers and purchase tickets to the gala, visit:www.latinsonghall.org. About Hall of Fame Latino Composers (LSHOF): Founded by Desmond Child and Rudy Perez, Hall of Fame Latino Composers is a non-profit organization that seeks to honor the most outstanding composers worldwide and their music in all genres. The Nominating Committee LSHOF (the acronym) consists of composers, artists, musicians, producers, engineers, music critics and industry executives, who meet once a year to nominate 24 candidates emblematic of all regions and genres of Spanish and Portuguese into two categories: twelve composers and songwriters / composers twelve (http://latinsonghall.org/nominees/). All members were eligible to vote LSHOF five of 24 nominees. Voting ended last night at midnight.  

Culture, Music, Showbiz

The missing link in music: The IDA Program

Photo courtesy of IDA Program By Sandra Mateu “When preparation and opportunity collide success happens,” said Award Winning Producer Rudy Perez.  An initiative born during a regular day of auditions from the minds of music legends Rudy Perez and David Frangioni. In a time where independent artists are taking the reins of their careers using multiple platforms and innumerable tools available by current technology. In a label-less world where there is a big gap of professional guidance and longtime experience. The final moment of realization took place and the missing link of today’s music industry came to life: The IDA Program (Inspire & Develop Artists Educational Program). “Rudy and I have joined forces to develop the artists of tomorrow. It’s truly profound to me how passionate and visionary Rudy Perez really is as a producer, songwriter and now in the development of artists. It’s inspiring to see someone of his magnitude that nurturing to the world,” said David Frangioni. IDA is a top notch package of everything an artist needs to become successful in the industry. With the invaluable guidance of professionals of the caliber of Billboard Magazine’s 2010 “Producer of the Decade” Rudy Perez, 3 year vocal coach of “The X Factor” TV show Mark Hudson, the Pioneer in music technology David Frangioni and Multi-Grammy winner Jon Secada. It includes an incredible curriculum of activities such as songwriting, improvement of your craft, music production, vocal coaching, stage performance, choreography, refining your image and even personal studio sessions. This program was born July 1st, 2012. It just finished its first session and it is in the works of becoming the next big reality show. The pilot took place in Miami Beach with an amazing group of 16 artists that took the journey of a lifetime in a boot camp where coaching is a non-stop process. “Artist development has been declining and no one is really doing anything for these talented kids,” Rudy Perez. This educational package offers top of the line mentors that are vital to a musician’s career. “Imagine having access to people of this quality. It is truly invaluable,” David Frangioni. “We had a goal and it turned out to be much bigger and much more challenging …to transform a becoming artist to their highest level in 7 days. These kids found talent they were not even aware of!” Rudy Perez. Every member of IDA comes out of the program with a recorded song produced and co-written by an elite team of leaders. “This is a tremendous opportunity. This opens a lot of doors. Imagine showing up with a great song written by Mark Hudson to an audition,” Rudy Perez. “If you are prepared, when an opportunity like IDA comes around, success is not that far away,” Rudy Perez. For more information about this program visit www.idaprogram.com MOVERS & SHAKERS: RUDY PEREZ & DAVID FRANGIONI http://www.miamishoot.com/msmwinter2012/files/78.html

Culture, Film, Showbiz

Acting 101 – The Actor’s Resource

The ACTOR’S Resource Training The Acting School of South Florida Lori Wyman Casting TV/Film Auditioning Weekend Workshop Headshots Bob Lasky Paul Greco Agency List SAG Franchised Benz Model-Talent Agency 2211 7TH AVENUE TAMPA, FL 33605 813-242-4400 Diamond Agency, Inc. The 160 INTERNATIONAL PARKWAY SUITE 150 HEATHROW, FL 32746 407-830-4040 Elite Miami Model & Talent Agency 119 WASHINGTON AVE SUITE 501 MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 305-674-9500 Gilla Roos Miami 1000 5TH ST STE 203 MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 305-357-0601 Greer Models and Talent LLC, Karen 20205 NE 15TH COURT MIAMI, FL 33179 954-347-2486 Level Model and Talent Inc 12807 W HILLSBOROUGH AVE TAMPA, FL 33635 813-814-4944 Martin & Donalds Talent Agency 2131 HOLLYWOOD BLVD STE 304 HOLLYWOOD, FL 33020 954-921-2427 Runways, The Talent Group Inc. 1688 MERIDIAN AVENUE, MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 305-673-8245 Stellar Talent Agency 3001 W HALLANDALE BEACH BLVD, STE 303 HALLANDALE, FL 33009 954-241-7376 Unions Actor’s Equity SAG-AFTRA

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