As the night began, French DJs Pedro and Oliviere from GPM records played dance music and contracted ballet dancers hit the stage for a choreographed rehearsal. More than 200 invited guests trickled into the lobby of the one-time bank. Bartenders served drinks from where tellers once stood, behind intricately designed golden bars, serving all sorts of Bacardi cocktails—one of the events sponsors.
Caterwaiters passed hors d'oeuvres to supporters, including Miami commissioners Katy Sorenson and Johnny Winton, who were instrumental in providing a six-digit boost to Gamonet's venture, which promises to be a stepping stone into the rebirth of downtown. "Downtown is where things are happening," Gamonet said.
Projected images were the concept behind the creative mind of artist Jorge Sanchez Calderon, who set the lounge-style ambiance and décor for the night. His intentions were to "project Jimmy, it's all about him tonight," said Calderon, who is well known in Miami for his Miami Number Project and his involvement with Art Basel.
And the evening was all about Gamonet. The hall was designed to have Gamonet wherever the guests looked. Television sets ran videos of his dance routines in almost every corner while a projector continually highlighted newspaper reviews of his work. Across the way, in the future home of Gamonet Ballet Studio, another projector illuminated a window shade with a video of two ballerinas dancing.
After cocktail hour, caterers Lyon & Lyon assembled three serving stations including hot, creamy polenta, marinated and grilled beef and vegetable brochettes, and, in a private sitting area, pan-fried cod cakes served in seashells with vegetable slaw and garlic aioli.
