Since entering the Entertainment business 13 years ago, Michael has been recognized as a driving creative force behind Entertainment Nightlife. From being engulfed in a break dancing evolution growing up in the South Bronx in the late 70's early ‘80s to touring internationally with Jennifer Lopez and Destiny’s Child as a backup dancer, Michael’s rise is inextricably linked to his travels. And in seeing the world he developed a deep understanding of demographics and cultures within the world.
In other words, he knows how people like to party.
Peter Andrews, former Sr. Executive VP of NBC Networks, named Michael one of the future’s leading eyes for nightlife entertainment. He has hosted exclusive star-studded bar and restaurant launches, nightclub debuts, charity functions, yacht and private house parties around the world.
With a Puerto Rican heritage, Michael grew up fast in the early 80's of the slums of South Bronx. Michael sensed at age 4 that amidst the crumbling buildings, something was happening that he had to be a part of -- the revolution of the beginning of Hip-Hop and break dancing. By age of 8 he had become a veteran street entertainer and he moved to Houston, TX for a better education. At 19 he was signed to Elite in New York and earned a contract with Bloomingdale’s. Michael became part of the community of models, photographers, fashion designers and club kids who were revitalizing the scene. Modeling became the fuel that gave way to promoting and quickly Michael Venezuela’s creative and eclectic events appeared in magazines from New York to Europe.
Michael’s flair for throwing great events soon attracted a long line of nightclub owners seeking help rejuvenating their businesses. Over the last ten years he worked with most major nightclubs, restaurants and hotels around the world, promoting opening-night parties and hosting weekly soirees. The names of these establishments read like a history of club nightlife: San Francisco’s Harry Denton’s Rouge and Ruby Skye, New York’s China Grill, Atlanta’s Velvet Room and Tongue & Groove, Las Vegas’ Rumjungle and MIX, Los Angels’ Club Duets, Century Club, Bar One, Sunset Lounge, and Prey, Dallas’s Petrus Lounge, Milan, Italy’s Hollywood Club, Ft. Worth's Bent lounge and Tokyo, Japan’s Chrome.
Seven years ago, Michael Venezuela was hired by South Beach’s very own Michael Capponi to open up Venue 320 and began promoting a Wednesday night party at B.E.D., a supper club-bar-lounge that quickly became South Beach’s hottest longest-running event. Michael left Miami to franchise a nightlife and lifestyle publication targeting the San Francisco population and local areas called The Buzz. The publication included tourist attractions, restaurant reviews, hotel accommodations, automotive reviews, and high fashion and local events.
Today, Venezuela commands a guest-list that spans Hollywood celebrities, rock and rap stars, supermodels, international jet setters and the top socialites of today’s generation. Superstars passing through certain cities feel compelled to attend a Venezuela soiree. Michael Venezuela’s passion for excellence has taken him inside the world’s most exclusive venues and events, from Fashion Week in Milan to the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills. This lifetime of travel has informed his tastes and cultivated an eye for design. Michael’s success helping define nightlife culture is a direct result of this experience.
