SPIN's 40th Anniversary Bash Lights Up Miami Art Week with Legendary Music

SPIN's 40-year milestone was celebrated in Miami with a vibrant party blending music, culture, and unforgettable performances.

A Night to Remember: Celebrating Four Decades of SPIN

After 40 incredible years of pioneering music and cultural coverage, SPIN threw a sensational party to mark its anniversary during Miami Art Week. Set against the breezy backdrop of South Beach’s SCOPE Art Show, the event screamed style and substance, headlined by hip-hop legends Clipse and the soulful powerhouse CeeLo Green.

The event was hosted by Back to Basics, a cultural platform that champions the fusion of art, music, and genuine human connection with immersive experiences. Back to Basics crafted a lineup that perfectly echoed SPIN’s ethos: honoring both emerging artists and timeless icons on one stage.

The Lineup: A Perfect Blend of Past, Present, and Future

Back to Basics treated guests to a rich tapestry of sounds and styles. Kaz James spun a vinyl disco set that set the groove early on, followed by Chiara Parravicini’s intimate acoustic serenade that brought a tender hush over the crowd.

Kaelin Ellis then took over with live drumming and electronic improvisations, bridging jazzy rhythms and rock beats with a tropical flair. Amanda Reifer brought the heat with her sultry Caribbean sounds, blending pop, reggae, hip-hop, and R&B in a way that got everyone moving.

Underground club queen Suzi Analogue kept the party rolling with house DJ sets between acts, elevating the energy before the grand finales.

The night’s peak came with headline performances from CeeLo Green and Clipse—the latter recently nominated for multiple Grammys for their comeback album, LET GOD SORT EM OUT. Their presence perfectly bridged the legacy and the future of music, thrilling fans with hits and fresh tracks alike.

A Cultural Feast: More Than Just Music

This wasn’t just a concert; it was a full sensory experience. Sponsored by Topo Chico and RA Travel, with proceeds benefiting the Playing for Change Foundation and Noah’s Arc Foundation, the event also offered a vibrant marketplace courtesy of 260 Sample Sale. Guests browsed fashion, home, and beauty deals from style icons like Marc Jacobs, Balmain, and ACNE STUDIOS.

“Back to Basics is our reset — our reminder of why culture matters in the first place,” said co-creator Patrice Delva. “In the chaos of Miami Art Week, we wanted people to feel the moment, not watch it through a screen. Kaz James on vinyl set the pulse. Clipse and CeeLo Green carried the weight of legacy... Bringing SPIN into the fold made it all feel complete—a bridge between what came before and what is coming next.”

Behind the Scenes: The Magic Makers

The Miami-based agency Numbers Only, founded by Christian Cedras, handled event production. According to Cedras, “As an agency, Numbers Only lives at the intersection of art and commerce—where vision meets execution, where ideas become impact. We build moments that move people and brands with equal force. Back to Basics was born from a desire to tap into something truly rooted in culture at its core.”

Party Highlights: From Funkadelic Disco to Hip-Hop Fireworks

Kaz James kicked off the night with a sunset set packed with funkadelic, disco grooves, as guests strutted the sandy runway into the SCOPE gates. The venue itself was a playground of art and fun: a golden Mayan pyramid made of rolling coolers symbolized the immigrant street vendors across America, while a dive bar complete with a pool table, foosball, arcade games, and jukebox lent a playful vibe.

Partygoers indulged in artisan pizzas and ice cream while savoring Lalo Tequila and Manojo Mezcal cocktails. Chiara Parravicini’s acoustic set with her angelic voice brought a romantic pause in the night, especially with her enchanting single “La Luna.”

Kaelin Ellis, sporting a Miami Dolphins cap, charmed the crowd with his witty banter and multi-instrumental jams. “I’m from Tampa, but this is my second home right now,” he joked. Grammy-nominated Amanda Reifer followed, blending genres seamlessly and delivering standout tracks like “Woman Now” and a soulful take on Sister Nancy’s "Bam Bam," all while Suzi Analogue spun house beats that kept the dancefloor alive.

The Grand Finale: CeeLo Green and Clipse Own the Night

As midnight struck, CeeLo Green took the stage in a dazzling pink, diamond-studded sweatsuit, radiating energy and charisma. His performance was electric, channeling James Brown’s stage presence, and featured Miami classics like “In Da Wind,” “I’ll Be Around,” plus a thrilling cover of Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘til You Get Enough.” The crowd joined in spirited call-and-response moments before a singalong finale of “Crazy” with Gnarls Barkley.

Attendee Gary Seals, a gallery owner from Austin, shared, “I’ve never seen CeeLo live. This party seemed like the one to go to. The others all seemed a little stuffy.”

Clipse followed with a dynamic set featuring songs from their first album in over a decade, LET GOD SORT EM OUT. Tracks like “Chains & Whips,” “P.O.V.,” and “F.I.C.O.” sent waves through the crowd, with the duo proudly declaring it “album of the year” between songs.

Ruerob Jackson, part of the Houston BIPOC Arts Network & Fund, said, “Clipse has hands-down created the best album of the year. It resonates deeply across communities, transforming microcommunities in the South and beyond.”

Wrapping Up an Unforgettable Miami Art Week

This lively celebration perfectly encapsulated the spirit of SPIN’s 40 years—melding past legacies with fresh talent, cultural depth with party vibes, and art with music. Miami Art Week 2025 will surely be remembered for this joyous blend of business, pleasure, and pure musical magic.

FAQ

• What was the occasion for the SPIN party at Miami Art Week?
  It was a celebration of SPIN’s 40th anniversary, featuring live performances and cultural showcases.
• Who headlined the SPIN 40th anniversary party?
  The hip-hop duo Clipse and soulful artist CeeLo Green were the headline acts.
• What kind of music and performances were featured?
  The event included vinyl disco, acoustic performances, live drumming, electronic improvisation, Caribbean-infused pop and reggae, as well as house DJ sets.
• Were there any charitable components to the event?
  Yes, a portion of proceeds benefited the Playing for Change Foundation and Noah’s Arc Foundation.
• Who produced the event and what was their vision?
  Miami-based agency Numbers Only produced the event, aiming to create a culturally rooted and impactful experience at the intersection of art and commerce.

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