Art Basel Insiders: Sebastian Puga of Rokbar

What do you do? I’m the Director of Marketing & Events for Rokbar, which means I basically run all aspects of the venue. Mainly I try and provide a nightlife experience alternative to what most Miami clubs have to offer.

What are you planning on doing for Art Basel? I have four nights of parties I’m hosting at Rokbar, so I’m pretty busy with that. Check rokbarmiami.blogspot.com for the events. But some other events and places I will attend are O.H.W.O.W Gallery -- lots of great New York City artists and friends showing there. Wolfgang Roth & Partner Fine Art -- it’s a great new gallery just opened up in Miami, they’re exhibiting David LaChappelle photos. Art Positions -- always one of my must-sees on the beach between 22nd-23rd streets and Collins. N.A.D.A (New Art Dealers Alliance) -- I will definitely be stopping by to see them this year; last year we hosted the opening party together. Visionaire Party -- my favorite party every year!

What restaurants, bars, or clubs do you recommend for people visiting Art Basel this week? Rokbar - last year it was the “it” place to be during Basel ... everyone came or at least tried to get in. Even the director of Art Basel was there three or four nights till the late hours. [Paris club] Le Baron—my favorite Frenchies throw great events and happen to know everyone in the art world (this year at the Florida Room). Philippe at the Gansevoort South.

What do you like about Art Basel? Gives us Miamians some culture and puts our city on the map for worldwide events. We’re not just known for our beautiful beaches and Winter Music Conference; now we have Art Basel.

What don’t you like about Art Basel? Waiting twice as long for my café con leche at David’s Café because every tourist from NYC, Paris, and London from Basel goes there for their coffee! We should have local priority.