34 June 18–24, 2026 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES tailers and several members clubs, it’s the neighborhood you’re most likely to run into a celebrity on any given day. Perhaps you’ll catch Pharell walking out of Louis Vuitton, or Jimmy Butler at BigFace, the coffee shop he opened in the area. Simply waiting for your car at the valet after grabbing a cup of coffee or a game of padel could have you rub- bing elbows with Tinsel Town’s finest. BEST COMEDIAN Danny Benavente instagram.com/dannycreamcity Danny Benavente never needed the spotlight to himself, though he’d happily bask in it when invited. A fixture of Miami’s comedy and bar scenes for more than a decade, he moved between venues and roles with the same ease. He tended bar at Blackbird Ordi- nary, Mama Tried and Better Days; but as a comedian, he produced shows, performed in them and served as an operating partner at the Dead Flamingo where he developed Quip- Wars, a live comedy game show that reflected everything he did best: creating space for oth- ers to shine. His humor was conversational and disarming, the kind that encouraged audi- ences to feel like old friends after just one set. When Benavente passed away on Jan. 1, 2026 at the age of 42, the tributes that came in from comics, bartenders and regulars all shared a common denominator: he showed up, he lis- tened and he made people laugh when they needed it most. The city was lucky to have him, and his presence will continue to be felt in the spotlight and bars across town. BEST DRAG SHOW Drag Brunch on the Beach at Señor Frog’s 225 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, 33316 dragbrunchonthebeach.eventbrite.com Sunday brunch in Fort Lauderdale has always been a lively affair. Then Drag Brunch on the Beach arrived at Señor Frog’s and turned the dial straight into party mode. Set steps from the sand, this weekly spectacle mixes giant personalities, sharp comedy, lip-sync battles and crowd interaction with unlimited mimo- sas and a beachfront backdrop that begs for all the Instagram stories possible. The cast rotates some of Florida’s (and the world’s) fiercest drag talent alongside “RuPaul’s Drag Race” fan favorites including Latrice Royale and Mhiya Iman LePaige, creating a show that swings from hilarious to jaw-dropping in split seconds. Birthdays, bachelorette parties and friend groups pack the room each week while performers strut through the crowd in towering heels and dazzling looks. VIP guests score preferred seating, open bar access and meet-and-greets with the queens, though general admission is a total win, too. BEST DRAG PERFORMER Sting Dion instagram.com/thestingdion Miami is one of the epicenters of drag in the U.S., and in recent years, its House of Dion has repped the city on the televised Olympics of the fanciful art form, “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Morphine Love Dion, Juicy Love Dion and Athena Dion have all competed on the show (the latter two on its latest season), and as the drag family’s profile rises, all eyes are on Sting Dion. Named Miss Wynwood Pride in 2025, Dion is on a winning streak. Earlier this year, she traveled to Chicago to compete in a re- nowned, long-running national drag pageant. She walked away with the crown, winning Miss Continental Newcomer 2026. It was a fitting accolade. Whether she’s death-drop- ping onstage at the Villain Theater’s Doll Linkup or sliding into a split on the runway at R House, Dion’s signature is serving glam: vo- luminous wigs; elaborate, studded and feath- ered dresses; and sky-high cheekbones. BEST EMERGING ACT Villea instagram.com/emilymarievaldes If you’ve ever had the privilege to see emerging burlesque performer Villea grace the stage, you know she’s a powerhouse. One moment, she’s seducing a crowd with a tantalizing routine, the next, she’s wowing audiences with her enchanting vocal performance, singing songs live for an added thrill. You may have even seen some of her enthralling poses in surrealistic photoshoots. Wherever you see her, you’ll recognize the star potential. If you catch Villea’s name on a showbill, don’t miss your chance to experience this tremendously talented act yourself so you can say “I saw her when.” BEST KARAOKE Bird Bowl 9275 SW 40th St. Miami, 33165 305-221-1221 birdbowl.com A karaoke room is a sacred place. It’s a sanctu- ary where even those who struggle to hold a tune can let loose and belt their hearts out with little to no judgment. There’s (typically) no wrong way to karaoke – especially at Bird Bowl’s private karaoke room, where every- thing just feels right. Located inside the his- toric bowling alley in Miami’s Westchester area, the modern space features two large flat- screen TVs, pink and purple mood lighting and a cozy leather couch where amateur singers can gather for renditions of their favorite pop songs. For those in need of a little liquid cour- age, waiters roam the lanes serving everything from pitchers of beer and margaritas to glasses Arts & EntertAinment
