Saturday, March 20 from 7 to 11 p.m.

Multi Grammy Award winner and founding Fugees member PRAS (pictured) is set to perform live along with his new duo sensation Axixs at the first Hearts and Stars Gala. The gala event will benefit two local charities that focus on improving the quality of life for children and their families facing extremely challenging times - the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida and The Little Lighthouse Foundation. Dance the night away to the sounds of premier DJs, enjoy cocktails courtesy of Grey Goose Vodka, Charles Lafitte Wines and Landshark Beer, savor delicious food provided by local restaurants, and take part in the live and silent auctions that feature celebrity experiences with the likes of Lawrence Taylor, Romero Britto and more. A couture fashion show and a showcase of luxury yachts round out the evening. Tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the door and can be purchased online.

Sunday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

You won't want to miss this Designer Fashion Sale to benefit Women's Cancer Research at UM's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. The event, a tribute to fashion retailer and designer Jody Katz who lost her life to cancer in 2009, will feature thousands of donated new-with-tags and like-new women's, men's and children's clothing, shoes and accessories from top designers and the most coveted closets in South Florida. Check out the back room, a not-to-miss selection of the most desired couture clothing at deeply discounted prices. The sale honors Jody's love of the fashion industry and her desire to utilize her passion for fashion as a way to raise awareness and funds for women’s cancer research. Call or email for information, to purchase tickets or to donate new and like-new clothing for the sale. Advance tickets are $10, and checks can be payable to UM Sylvester: Jody's Couture.

Wednesday, March 24 beginning at 5 p.m.

Don't miss Rising Stars 2010, a professionally staged, energy-packed, one-of-a-kind performance that showcases the extraordinary talent of high school and college students from New World School of the Arts, Florida’s premier arts institution. This exhilarating performance showcase will be presented at the Arsht Center and offers an array of captivating excerpts of works performed during the school year by the dance, music, and theater divisions. Tickets to the Rising Stars Showcase range from $15 to $65 for the performance and $250 tickets which include premium seating and a VIP reception at Urbanite Bistro prior to performance, complimentary valet parking and shuttle to the Arsht Center.

Thursday - Sunday, March 25 - 28

Don't miss the 12th Annual Coral Gables Bluesfest presented by Fritz & Franz Bierhaus. The festival is a musical showcase for national acts as well as local artists looking for their big break, complemented by the best in American, Creole, German and Austrian dishes. Bands include The Daddy Wags Trio, Joey Gilmore featuring Aishya Z, The SauceBoss Bill Wharton, IKO IKO, Deck 52, Steve Thorpe, Hep Cap Boo Daddies Blind Willie, The Big City Blues Band, Ben Robinson, and Piano Bob’s 88’s. Events hours are Thursday from 8 p.m. to midnight; Friday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.; and Sunday from 1 p.m.l to midnight. Fritz and Franz Bierhaus is best known for throwing the biggest Oktoberfest Party in South Florida so you can be sure the Coral Gables Bluesfest is going to be a great time. Admission is free.

Saturday, March 27 at 7 p.m.

Join supporters of the American Red Cross of Greater Miami & The Keys for The Red Cross Ball, an evening of elegance, exquisite food, stylish décor, music and dancing. A committee of more than 45 volunteers headed by Chair Trish Bell, have planned a wonderful evening, including a special performance by Will Earl Spanheimer, a young artist in residence with the San Diego Opera. Bacardi USA will sponsor the gala’s bars, and other sponsors include Dan and Trish Bell, The Batchelor Foundation, Penny and E. Roe Stamps, and The Wilder Foundation. Proceeds will benefit Emergency Services offered by the American Red Cross, which include local disaster response and community disaster preparedness education. For reservations or information contact Kenia Tedesco.

Sunday, March 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Enjoy a dazzling array of the freshest catch at the Deering Seafood Festival's magical island celebration. The Deering Estate, Miami's biggest backyard on Biscayne Bay, is hosting a day for the whole family with Caribbean sounds and wildly colorful Junkanoo dancers, an Artists' Village, Lil' Shrimp Kids Zone with kid-friendly fun, a sea creatures touch tank, pontoon rides to Chicken Key, nature hikes and tours of the historic home. Under the big top you'll find cooking demos, food samplings and wine tastings with celebrity chefs - Clay Conley (Azul), Sean Bernal (Oceanaire), Damian Gilchrist (Ocean Reef Club and Michael Bennett (Bimini Boatyard). And endless seafood prepared by local restaurants, caterers and seafood markets! Admission tickets, available online, include park entrance and entertainment. Deering members are free; adults in advance are $12 and $15 at the gate; children 4-14 are $5.

Thursday, April 8 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

French contemporary pop artist Alain Godon uses his signature style to capture the sites and spirit of cities all over the world. Meet this renowned painter and sculptor at a reception in his honor when he is in South Florida to add Miami to his exclusive list of cities. The gallery will feature his dramatic images of New York, Paris and Le Touquet, France all created in bildoreliefos, an exclusive technique Godon invented that combines the classic form of oil on canvas with 21st Century digital technology. In addition to the bildoreliefos, two limited edition series are on exhibit. Godon has held shows in major art capitals around the world and some of his avid collectors have chartered flights just to attend openings of his exhibitions. Alain Godon’s work is only available in the USA through godonAmerica or registered godonDealers. RSVP for the opening.

Friday, April 9 at 11:30 a.m.

Hebrew Homes Foundation will add five women to their list of honorees who have been named Women of Distinction & Caring. The women are Marlene Berg, Volunteer Leader, National Board Member DRIF, Chairman Cancer Link; Melanie Cohen, Founder of SocialMiami.com; Katherine Fernandez-Rundle, Miami-Dade State Attorney; Tracy Mourning, Founder of Honey Shine Mentoring; and Jennifer Valoppi, Journalist, Author, Founder of Women of Tomorrow. Tribute will be paid to the group at the Foundation's annual luncheon, emceed by Mr. Miami Beach, Michael Aller. The luncheon features a cocktail reception and silent auction before lunch, followed by an inspirational video presentation highlighting each of this year's honorees. Launched two years ago, the Women of Distinction & Caring Luncheon celebrates women who have set the standard for excellence in service to South Florida. Tickets for the luncheon are $100. For more information, please call or email Ilene Zweig. Pictured: 2009 honorees.

Saturday, April 10 from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Discover fabulous new restaurants and exciting new wines at this year's Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida Coral Gables Wine and Food Festival. Held on restaurant row in historic Coral Gables, the event is presented by Grey Goose® vodka, Martini® vermouth, Premier Beverage Company, and Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables. Enjoy superb food, exquisite wine and live music at this special evening of celebration and philanthropy to benefit the American Lung Association and Pulmonary Research at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. New to the festival this year are the Grey Goose Lounge and Martini Terrazza offering a stylish cocktail experience. Crown Wine & Spirits is the exclusive festival retailer, and you will have an opportunity to purchase wines that you sample on the street at major discounted prices. Giralda Avenue will be open to foot traffic only during the festival so that you can easily stroll from booth to booth. Tickets are $50 for the main event and $150 for a VIP reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Get your tickets today!

Saturday, April 10 at 7 p.m.

Join influential leaders of Miami's social and corporate communities at the 8th Annual American Cancer Society Gala, presented by Florida Power & Light. The evening's theme is White Out Cancer to symbolize the hope of the American Cancer Society to eliminate cancer. The concept of the event is very simple. Guests are asked to dress in white formal attire to show a sense of unity and hope, to show that no one affected with this disease will fight it alone. Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone of us at anytime. Enjoy a night of elegance, exquisite food, beautiful décor, live entertainment and dancing. Shannon Hori of CBS4 will serve as the night’s emcee, and Alexandra Villoch of The Miami Herald will be the gala’s Honoree. She is being recognized for her dedication in the fight against cancer and her accomplishments in the community. The event is chaired by Manny and Irene Rodriguez (pictured) with Co-Chairs Jorge Luis and Marile Lopez and their entire event committee. For information about the gala or to RSVP, contact Carmen Piles, Gala Manager.

Saturday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m.

Actors’ Playhouse and Lexus of Kendall will host the 19th Annual Reach for the Stars Gala Auction giving you the chance to bid on over $300,000 worth of live and silent auction items. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner provided by 30 of Coral Gables’ finest restaurants, an open Bacardi bar, wine and champagne from Premier Beverage, and entertainment. Guest auctioneer will be South Florida's own Bob Soper, formerly of WFOR Channel 4 TV. Items in the auctions include international business class airline tickets, worldwide hotel travel packages and cruises, exclusive celebrity wine dinners at popular South Florida restaurants, jewelry, golf packages, fine art, furniture, sports memoriabilia, spa visits, objets d'art, couture clothing, membership gift certificates. The auction is the major fundraising event for Actors' Playhouse each year with funds going to the capital improvements of the historic Miracle Theatre and the operating costs of Actors’ Playhouse Spectacular 2010-2011 Season. Tickets are $150 per person. View auction items online.

Thursday, April 22

Olivia Newton-John will host the inaugural Pink and Blue for Two Gala to raise money and awareness for both breast and prostate cancer research. Presented by The Raleigh Hotel with Cure Breast Cancer, the star-studded event will encourage couples to remind one another to schedule regular screenings, hence the tagline Screen Together. LIV Together. Joining Newton-John is world-renowned breast cancer surgeon, Dr. Ernie Bodai, who directs the Breast Health Center at the Kaiser Permanente Sacramento hospital. Other Pink and Blue for Two partners include race car driver and Pink and Blue for Two founder, Emerson Newton-John (Olivia's nephew), NASCAR veteran and cancer spokesperson, Larry Foyt and Senior Vice President of ONE Sotheby*s International Realty, Michael Valdes. Enjoy live performances by Grammy-winner, Jon Secada, Australian talent, Brett Goldsmith and a surprise guest performance soon to be announced. Mingle with celebrities and athletes at the beautiful poolside setting of South Beach's legendary Art Deco hotel. Tickets are $250 and include silent and live auctions, top-shelf open bar and delicious cuisine prepared by the hotel's award-winning chefs. VIP packages are also available, one of which includes a meet and greet with Olivia Newton-John. Purchase tickets online.