Founded by the late great Jam Master Jay, Scratch DJ Academy began with the goal of making it easier to become a DJ and learn the art form. Jay figured if jazz could be successfully taught at every major university around the world then why not DJing? First based in NY, Scratch DJ Academy went on to open locations in Los Angeles, Miami, and recently Chicago. Originally only teaching the art of DJing, Scratch DJ Academy added music production to its course offerings. Now Scratch has partnered with legendary producer Ski Beatz (producer for Jay Z, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Curren$y, and more) to create Karate School Production Class with Ski Beatz. The one of a kind class aims to teach students how to make beats and samples on Native Instruments' groundbreaking groove production system Maschine. Joonbug was lucky enough to get a taste of what the class has to offer in an exclusive teaching session with the master.

If you thought time travel was only possible via a hot tub time machine, think again. Patrons of this past weekend's Prohibition NYC found themselves in the 1920s and all they had to go was travel to the Lower East Side. Brought to you by the chefs that hosted last year's Dine Titanic, Chef Rob McCue and Adam C. Banks payed homage to the roaring '20s and the birth of the cocktail party. Dressed to the nines in flapper attire or flap hats and suspenders, revelers approached the speakeasy and were welcomed (or unwelcomed) by both flapper girls and Prohibition picketers.

Courvoisiology (n.) [kor-voss-ee-ah-luh-gee]

1. An unexpected blend of cognac and creativity.

2. The art of mixing cognac in untraditional ways, serving it at unexpected occasions, and introducing it to a creative lifestyle.

Courvoisiology is a new philosophy that pushes the boundaries of how cognac should be experienced, brought to you, of course, by Courvoisier. For the New York City launch, guests gathered at Millesime to experience a night of cognac with cocktails created exclusively for the event by renowned mixologists Moses Laboy and Duane Fernandez, Jr. Unlike other standard tasting events, this one showcased different flavors of Courvoisier cognac, along with smoking test tubes, bubbling beakers, and an array of spices and ingredients that can be used in an Courvoisier cocktail. While guests nibbled on passed hors d'oeuvres they sampled the creative cocktails being concocted right in front of them by the mixologists. During the event it became apparent that whether you choose to sip on Courvoisier Rose, Gold, or C by Courvoisier, you can really pair these diverse cognacs with bold and unexpected flavors and walk away with a great cocktail. If you need some convincing, feel free to whip up one of the cocktails from the event!

Sometimes a deliciously decadent cocktail can make the entire week just a little more feasible. With that said, there's no better way to spice things up a little than to grab a drink from yes, the Cocktail Architect! Starting this Wednesday, Feb. 20 through Friday the 22, Yusef Austin will be behind the bar from 6-10pm at Lil Charlies, the lounge below Ken & Cook in NoLita!

Mr. Yusef Austin has designed specialty drinks for private celebrity functions to corporate events all while jetsetting from New York to London and everywhere in between. He has even supplied the liquid gold for prestige venues such the Atlantis in the Bahamas, The Summer House in Nantucket for Todd English's birthday celebration as well the as illustrious Boom Boom Room at the Standard Hotel. Austin created two incredible signature drinks for the property- the Rosy Melons (vodka, rosemary aquavit, cantaloupe, fresh lemons, sugar and a rosemary sprig) and the Lucha Libre (tequila, agave, lime, pear puree, mezcal spray and tarragon).

Take a break from the real world and head over to Lil Charlie's for some fabulously curated cocktails!

Considered to be one of the most unique nightlife outposts that New York City's Meatpacking District has to offer, Cielo has reigned supreme for an entire decade. Boasting a top of the line Funktion One sound system, this intimate party haven has successfully survived the typical club age expectancy and doesn't appear to be shutting down anytime soon.

Home to esteemed party outfits such as Endless, Dance.Here.Now, Deep Space and Nurvous Events, Cielo has featured nearly every superstar DJ in the industry. From Steve Angello to Seth Troxler to Luciano, this musical dojo has helped NYC's club scene become one of the best in the world. That being said, 2013 marked the venue's 10th birthday and with that a slew of events to help ring in their turning of double digits.

Last week, Hearing Health Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to finding a cure for hearling loss, hosted An Intimate Evening with Cyndi Lauper at B.B. King Blues Club in NYC. Richard Kind served as the comedic MC for the evening and guests enjoyed a silent and live auction, tasty bites and a cocktail reception sponsored by VEEV Liquor. Co-chairs for the evening, Natasha Boucai and Victoria Orlin presented a speech about the foundation and Foundation Executive Director Andrea Boidman talked about the foundation's recently launched Hearing Restoration Project, which aims to find a biologic cure for hearing loss by working on cell regeneration in the ear. A heartwarming tale was shared by Jennifer Harrington, a friend of the foundation, who spoke about her journey with hearing loss.