A decade of essential sound.
From a South Beach hotel patio in 2013 to poolside at the Eden Roc, Wynwood's MAPS Backlot, the rooftop of No. 3 Social, and beachside at Joia Beach — ESSENTIAL has hosted the most respected names in deep, soulful, and contemporary disco house music for over a decade.
Year by Year
The Prelude
Ron Carroll · DJ Meme
Before ESSENTIAL had a name, there was House Addiktion. Jay-J & Friends and Rambunktious Records take over the Hotel Astor’s Garden & Lounge on South Beach during WMC — Jay-J, Audiowhores, DJ Mes, Ron Carroll, DJ Meme, Dan.K, Mark Brickman, Frankie Shakes, and Rico De Largo from 2 PM to 5 AM. The chemistry on that patio planted the seed for everything that followed.
The Beginning
Danny Krivit · Miguel Migs · Doc Martin
ESSENTIAL is born. Billed as “ESSENTIAL South Beach — A Weekend Affair,” the two-day inaugural at Eden Roc Miami Beach brings the vision to life poolside on Collins Avenue. Danny Krivit, Andy Caldwell, Ron Carroll, Jask, Jay-J, DJ Meme, Audiowhores, Dan.K, and Rico De Largo (live trumpet) hold down Friday. Miguel Migs, Doc Martin, Jamie Lewis, DJ Mes, J Paul Getto, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, Frankie Shakes, Rico De Largo, and Lisa Shaw take Saturday.
Building the Foundation
Miguel Migs · Soul Clap · Mark Farina
ESSENTIAL moves to MAPS Backlot in Wynwood for 14 hours of music — the one and only year at this venue. Soul Clap opens with a sunset session, followed by Miguel Migs, Mark Farina, Doc Martin, Marques Wyatt, DJ Mes, Jay-J, Jask, Husky, Ricardo Torres, Noa & Dan.K, Mark Brickman, and Jarred Gallo. The lineup alone cements ESSENTIAL as a must-attend event at WMC.
A New Chapter
Danny Krivit · Miguel Migs · Tony Humphries
Co-presented with Salted Music, ESSENTIAL takes over 1306 (Thirteen O’ Six) on North Miami Avenue for 12 hours. Miguel Migs and Lisa Shaw (singing live), Tony Humphries, Danny Krivit, Fred Everything, Jask, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, Jarred Gallo, and DSided deliver one of the most musically rich editions yet.
Taurus
Hector Romero
ESSENTIAL teams up with Keep It Deep Miami and Vagabonds at Large for a Taurus birthday celebration back at 1306. Hector Romero headlines the main room alongside Jay-J, Jask, Dan.K, Mark Brickman, and Christina Calamia, while Room II — The Vagabond Lounge — goes funk, rock, soul, disco, and downtempo with Carmel Ophir, LazyLife, and Sasha Lauzon. A late-night party for friends, not a festival — just Miami’s house music family celebrating birthdays under the open sky.
Two Stages, Two Seasons
Jimpster · Julie McKnight · Junior Sanchez
ESSENTIAL runs twice in one year — starting with a poolside takeover at the InterContinental Miami during Music Week. Jimpster, Julie McKnight (live vocals), Junior Sanchez, Colette, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, and Jarred Gallo deliver an afternoon-to-night session by the water.
Basel on the Rooftop
Miguel Migs · Fred Everything · Joi Cardwell
In December, the crew returns to No. 3 Social’s Wynwood rooftop for Art Basel. Miguel Migs, Fred Everything, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, Dan.K, and a vocal performance by Joi Cardwell. An intimate night of deep house under the open sky.
The Pause
Danny Krivit · Miguel Migs · Lisa Shaw
The flyer was printed, the lineup was locked — Miguel Migs, Danny Krivit, Mr. V, Jay-J, Jarred Gallo, Mark Brickman, Dan.K, with Lisa Shaw on vocals at No. 3 Social. Then the world shut down. COVID-19 cancelled Music Week and everything with it. The event that never happened.
The Return
Miguel Migs · Lisa Shaw · Julie McKnight
After nearly two years of silence, ESSENTIAL comes back at Art Basel. No. 3 Social’s Wynwood rooftop hosts the reunion — Miguel Migs, Jay-J, and Mark Brickman behind the decks, with Julie McKnight and Lisa Shaw both delivering live vocals. The first ESSENTIAL event since the shutdown, and proof the community never left.
Back in Session
Miguel Migs · Mike Dunn
Art Basel again, this time at COPAL (the venue that replaced No. 3 Social atop the Wynwood Arcade). Miguel Migs, Mike Dunn, Yam Who?, Dan.K, Jay-J, and Mark Brickman hold it down, with Moon Rocket on live keys and Big Brooklyn Red on vocals.
Keeping the Faith
Miguel Migs
ESSENTIAL lands at Racket in Wynwood for Art Basel. Miguel Migs, Jay-J, Jask, and Mark Brickman keep the tradition alive — a focused, no-frills night of deep house on 24th Street.
A Decade of Sound
Lisa Shaw · Gene Farris · The Cube Guys
ESSENTIAL celebrates 10 years with its biggest edition ever — a full-day, two-room takeover at Higher Ground in Arlo Wynwood during Miami Music Week. The first official “Essential Deep House Brunch,” a collaboration with Scotty Boy’s Deep House Brunch series. Gene Farris, The Cube Guys, Gettoblaster, James Hurr, Ron Carroll, Jask, Hatiras, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, and many more across the Patio and Living Room stages, with live performances by Lisa Shaw, Shawn Christopher, and Ron Carroll, plus Madison Orange on performance art and Dave Damage on electric violin.
Beachside
Ron Carroll · Richard Earnshaw · Steve Taylor
ESSENTIAL Deep House Brunch moves beachside to Joia Beach on Jungle Island. Ron Carroll, Jay-J (live PA with Big Brooklyn Red), Richard Earnshaw, Steve Taylor, Scotty Boy, Mark Brickman, Dan.K, Henry Pope, Saliva Commandos, and Louis Dee play against a waterfront sunset, with Chris Hammett on percussion, Dave Damage on violin, and Madison Orange on performance art.
Derrick Does Disco
Derrick Carter · DJ Meme
Derrick Carter headlines as "Derrick Does Disco" at Boho House during Miami Music Week. DJ Meme, Jay-J, Scotty Boy, Mark Brickman, and Saliva Commandos round out the decks, with Big Brooklyn Red and Nicole Graham on live vocals. Saturday, March 28th, 2PM–9PM.
The Prelude
Ron Carroll · DJ Meme
Before ESSENTIAL had a name, there was House Addiktion. Jay-J & Friends and Rambunktious Records take over the Hotel Astor’s Garden & Lounge on South Beach during WMC — Jay-J, Audiowhores, DJ Mes, Ron Carroll, DJ Meme, Dan.K, Mark Brickman, Frankie Shakes, and Rico De Largo from 2 PM to 5 AM. The chemistry on that patio planted the seed for everything that followed.
The Prelude
Ron Carroll · DJ Meme
Before ESSENTIAL had a name, there was House Addiktion. Jay-J & Friends and Rambunktious Records take over the Hotel Astor’s Garden & Lounge on South Beach during WMC — Jay-J, Audiowhores, DJ Mes, Ron Carroll, DJ Meme, Dan.K, Mark Brickman, Frankie Shakes, and Rico De Largo from 2 PM to 5 AM. The chemistry on that patio planted the seed for everything that followed.
The Beginning
Danny Krivit · Miguel Migs · Doc Martin
ESSENTIAL is born. Billed as “ESSENTIAL South Beach — A Weekend Affair,” the two-day inaugural at Eden Roc Miami Beach brings the vision to life poolside on Collins Avenue. Danny Krivit, Andy Caldwell, Ron Carroll, Jask, Jay-J, DJ Meme, Audiowhores, Dan.K, and Rico De Largo (live trumpet) hold down Friday. Miguel Migs, Doc Martin, Jamie Lewis, DJ Mes, J Paul Getto, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, Frankie Shakes, Rico De Largo, and Lisa Shaw take Saturday.
The Beginning
Danny Krivit · Miguel Migs · Doc Martin
ESSENTIAL is born. Billed as “ESSENTIAL South Beach — A Weekend Affair,” the two-day inaugural at Eden Roc Miami Beach brings the vision to life poolside on Collins Avenue. Danny Krivit, Andy Caldwell, Ron Carroll, Jask, Jay-J, DJ Meme, Audiowhores, Dan.K, and Rico De Largo (live trumpet) hold down Friday. Miguel Migs, Doc Martin, Jamie Lewis, DJ Mes, J Paul Getto, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, Frankie Shakes, Rico De Largo, and Lisa Shaw take Saturday.
Building the Foundation
Miguel Migs · Soul Clap · Mark Farina
ESSENTIAL moves to MAPS Backlot in Wynwood for 14 hours of music — the one and only year at this venue. Soul Clap opens with a sunset session, followed by Miguel Migs, Mark Farina, Doc Martin, Marques Wyatt, DJ Mes, Jay-J, Jask, Husky, Ricardo Torres, Noa & Dan.K, Mark Brickman, and Jarred Gallo. The lineup alone cements ESSENTIAL as a must-attend event at WMC.
Building the Foundation
Miguel Migs · Soul Clap · Mark Farina
ESSENTIAL moves to MAPS Backlot in Wynwood for 14 hours of music — the one and only year at this venue. Soul Clap opens with a sunset session, followed by Miguel Migs, Mark Farina, Doc Martin, Marques Wyatt, DJ Mes, Jay-J, Jask, Husky, Ricardo Torres, Noa & Dan.K, Mark Brickman, and Jarred Gallo. The lineup alone cements ESSENTIAL as a must-attend event at WMC.
A New Chapter
Danny Krivit · Miguel Migs · Tony Humphries
Co-presented with Salted Music, ESSENTIAL takes over 1306 (Thirteen O’ Six) on North Miami Avenue for 12 hours. Miguel Migs and Lisa Shaw (singing live), Tony Humphries, Danny Krivit, Fred Everything, Jask, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, Jarred Gallo, and DSided deliver one of the most musically rich editions yet.
A New Chapter
Danny Krivit · Miguel Migs · Tony Humphries
Co-presented with Salted Music, ESSENTIAL takes over 1306 (Thirteen O’ Six) on North Miami Avenue for 12 hours. Miguel Migs and Lisa Shaw (singing live), Tony Humphries, Danny Krivit, Fred Everything, Jask, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, Jarred Gallo, and DSided deliver one of the most musically rich editions yet.
Taurus
Hector Romero
ESSENTIAL teams up with Keep It Deep Miami and Vagabonds at Large for a Taurus birthday celebration back at 1306. Hector Romero headlines the main room alongside Jay-J, Jask, Dan.K, Mark Brickman, and Christina Calamia, while Room II — The Vagabond Lounge — goes funk, rock, soul, disco, and downtempo with Carmel Ophir, LazyLife, and Sasha Lauzon. A late-night party for friends, not a festival — just Miami’s house music family celebrating birthdays under the open sky.
Taurus
Hector Romero
ESSENTIAL teams up with Keep It Deep Miami and Vagabonds at Large for a Taurus birthday celebration back at 1306. Hector Romero headlines the main room alongside Jay-J, Jask, Dan.K, Mark Brickman, and Christina Calamia, while Room II — The Vagabond Lounge — goes funk, rock, soul, disco, and downtempo with Carmel Ophir, LazyLife, and Sasha Lauzon. A late-night party for friends, not a festival — just Miami’s house music family celebrating birthdays under the open sky.
Two Stages, Two Seasons
Jimpster · Julie McKnight · Junior Sanchez
ESSENTIAL runs twice in one year — starting with a poolside takeover at the InterContinental Miami during Music Week. Jimpster, Julie McKnight (live vocals), Junior Sanchez, Colette, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, and Jarred Gallo deliver an afternoon-to-night session by the water.
Two Stages, Two Seasons
Jimpster · Julie McKnight · Junior Sanchez
ESSENTIAL runs twice in one year — starting with a poolside takeover at the InterContinental Miami during Music Week. Jimpster, Julie McKnight (live vocals), Junior Sanchez, Colette, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, and Jarred Gallo deliver an afternoon-to-night session by the water.
Basel on the Rooftop
Miguel Migs · Fred Everything · Joi Cardwell
In December, the crew returns to No. 3 Social’s Wynwood rooftop for Art Basel. Miguel Migs, Fred Everything, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, Dan.K, and a vocal performance by Joi Cardwell. An intimate night of deep house under the open sky.
Basel on the Rooftop
Miguel Migs · Fred Everything · Joi Cardwell
In December, the crew returns to No. 3 Social’s Wynwood rooftop for Art Basel. Miguel Migs, Fred Everything, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, Dan.K, and a vocal performance by Joi Cardwell. An intimate night of deep house under the open sky.
The Pause
Danny Krivit · Miguel Migs · Lisa Shaw
The flyer was printed, the lineup was locked — Miguel Migs, Danny Krivit, Mr. V, Jay-J, Jarred Gallo, Mark Brickman, Dan.K, with Lisa Shaw on vocals at No. 3 Social. Then the world shut down. COVID-19 cancelled Music Week and everything with it. The event that never happened.
The Pause
Danny Krivit · Miguel Migs · Lisa Shaw
The flyer was printed, the lineup was locked — Miguel Migs, Danny Krivit, Mr. V, Jay-J, Jarred Gallo, Mark Brickman, Dan.K, with Lisa Shaw on vocals at No. 3 Social. Then the world shut down. COVID-19 cancelled Music Week and everything with it. The event that never happened.
The Return
Miguel Migs · Lisa Shaw · Julie McKnight
After nearly two years of silence, ESSENTIAL comes back at Art Basel. No. 3 Social’s Wynwood rooftop hosts the reunion — Miguel Migs, Jay-J, and Mark Brickman behind the decks, with Julie McKnight and Lisa Shaw both delivering live vocals. The first ESSENTIAL event since the shutdown, and proof the community never left.
The Return
Miguel Migs · Lisa Shaw · Julie McKnight
After nearly two years of silence, ESSENTIAL comes back at Art Basel. No. 3 Social’s Wynwood rooftop hosts the reunion — Miguel Migs, Jay-J, and Mark Brickman behind the decks, with Julie McKnight and Lisa Shaw both delivering live vocals. The first ESSENTIAL event since the shutdown, and proof the community never left.
Back in Session
Miguel Migs · Mike Dunn
Art Basel again, this time at COPAL (the venue that replaced No. 3 Social atop the Wynwood Arcade). Miguel Migs, Mike Dunn, Yam Who?, Dan.K, Jay-J, and Mark Brickman hold it down, with Moon Rocket on live keys and Big Brooklyn Red on vocals.
Back in Session
Miguel Migs · Mike Dunn
Art Basel again, this time at COPAL (the venue that replaced No. 3 Social atop the Wynwood Arcade). Miguel Migs, Mike Dunn, Yam Who?, Dan.K, Jay-J, and Mark Brickman hold it down, with Moon Rocket on live keys and Big Brooklyn Red on vocals.
Keeping the Faith
Miguel Migs
ESSENTIAL lands at Racket in Wynwood for Art Basel. Miguel Migs, Jay-J, Jask, and Mark Brickman keep the tradition alive — a focused, no-frills night of deep house on 24th Street.
Keeping the Faith
Miguel Migs
ESSENTIAL lands at Racket in Wynwood for Art Basel. Miguel Migs, Jay-J, Jask, and Mark Brickman keep the tradition alive — a focused, no-frills night of deep house on 24th Street.
A Decade of Sound
Lisa Shaw · Gene Farris · The Cube Guys
ESSENTIAL celebrates 10 years with its biggest edition ever — a full-day, two-room takeover at Higher Ground in Arlo Wynwood during Miami Music Week. The first official “Essential Deep House Brunch,” a collaboration with Scotty Boy’s Deep House Brunch series. Gene Farris, The Cube Guys, Gettoblaster, James Hurr, Ron Carroll, Jask, Hatiras, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, and many more across the Patio and Living Room stages, with live performances by Lisa Shaw, Shawn Christopher, and Ron Carroll, plus Madison Orange on performance art and Dave Damage on electric violin.
A Decade of Sound
Lisa Shaw · Gene Farris · The Cube Guys
ESSENTIAL celebrates 10 years with its biggest edition ever — a full-day, two-room takeover at Higher Ground in Arlo Wynwood during Miami Music Week. The first official “Essential Deep House Brunch,” a collaboration with Scotty Boy’s Deep House Brunch series. Gene Farris, The Cube Guys, Gettoblaster, James Hurr, Ron Carroll, Jask, Hatiras, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, and many more across the Patio and Living Room stages, with live performances by Lisa Shaw, Shawn Christopher, and Ron Carroll, plus Madison Orange on performance art and Dave Damage on electric violin.
Beachside
Ron Carroll · Richard Earnshaw · Steve Taylor
ESSENTIAL Deep House Brunch moves beachside to Joia Beach on Jungle Island. Ron Carroll, Jay-J (live PA with Big Brooklyn Red), Richard Earnshaw, Steve Taylor, Scotty Boy, Mark Brickman, Dan.K, Henry Pope, Saliva Commandos, and Louis Dee play against a waterfront sunset, with Chris Hammett on percussion, Dave Damage on violin, and Madison Orange on performance art.
Beachside
Ron Carroll · Richard Earnshaw · Steve Taylor
ESSENTIAL Deep House Brunch moves beachside to Joia Beach on Jungle Island. Ron Carroll, Jay-J (live PA with Big Brooklyn Red), Richard Earnshaw, Steve Taylor, Scotty Boy, Mark Brickman, Dan.K, Henry Pope, Saliva Commandos, and Louis Dee play against a waterfront sunset, with Chris Hammett on percussion, Dave Damage on violin, and Madison Orange on performance art.
Derrick Does Disco
Derrick Carter · DJ Meme
Derrick Carter headlines as "Derrick Does Disco" at Boho House during Miami Music Week. DJ Meme, Jay-J, Scotty Boy, Mark Brickman, and Saliva Commandos round out the decks, with Big Brooklyn Red and Nicole Graham on live vocals. Saturday, March 28th, 2PM–9PM.
Derrick Does Disco
Derrick Carter · DJ Meme
Derrick Carter headlines as "Derrick Does Disco" at Boho House during Miami Music Week. DJ Meme, Jay-J, Scotty Boy, Mark Brickman, and Saliva Commandos round out the decks, with Big Brooklyn Red and Nicole Graham on live vocals. Saturday, March 28th, 2PM–9PM.
The Venues
ESSENTIAL has never stayed in one place for long. Every venue has been carefully selected to match the event's philosophy: world-class sound, an open-air feel, and a space where artists and the crowd can truly connect.
Eden Roc Miami Beach
4525 Collins Ave, Miami Beach · 2014
Where it all began. The inaugural ESSENTIAL was a two-day event held poolside at one of Miami Beach's most iconic hotels. Designed by legendary architect Morris Lapidus in 1955, the Eden Roc set the tone for everything ESSENTIAL would become — sun-soaked deep house by the water, surrounded by beachfront pools and old-school Miami glamour.
No. 3 Social
50 NW 24th St, Wynwood · 2019–2021
A stunning open-air rooftop patio perched atop the Wynwood Arcade, No. 3 Social was the home of ESSENTIAL's Art Basel editions. Wynwood's only rooftop bar and lounge at the time, the space had a tropical, elevated energy — skyline views, warm night air, and a crowd that came specifically for the music.
Some of the most powerful live moments in ESSENTIAL history happened on that rooftop. Julie McKnight, Joi Cardwell, and Lisa Shaw all delivered breathtaking vocal performances under the open sky. The combination of world-class talent, an intimate outdoor setting, and the Wynwood skyline made No. 3 Social the definitive ESSENTIAL Art Basel experience.
The venue has since closed. COPAL (later Pez Loco) operated in the same space for the 2022 edition before it too closed.
MAPS Backlot
342 NW 24th St, Wynwood · 2015
A 10,500 sq ft open-air production space in the Wynwood Arts District. ESSENTIAL used it for one year only — 2015 — but what a year. Soul Clap, Miguel Migs, Mark Farina, Doc Martin, and Marques Wyatt on a single bill, 14 hours of music from 2 PM to 4 AM. The raw, industrial-meets-outdoor setting captured the energy of Miami's creative core.
Other Venues
Where it started — House Addiktion at the Garden & Lounge
12-hour open-air WMC session co-presented with Salted Music
Poolside WMC party with Jimpster, Julie McKnight, Junior Sanchez, and Colette
Art Basel edition in the heart of Wynwood
Two-room WMC takeover for the 10-year anniversary
Beachside WMC edition with waterfront sunset views
Home of Derrick Does Disco — 2026 edition
It's always been about the crowd
A decade of faces, friends, and first-timers who made every year unforgettable. See the moments that define ESSENTIAL.
View The Crowd →