What Says You That We…

…Get a bunch of sticks and beat my blog with ‘em? Ah. I am full of good will today. I had an interesting dream today during my afternoon nap. I was contemplating whether or not to jump into shark and alligator infested waters (only in dreams could the two occupy the same body of water) to cool off. I was trying to get the guy who was running the dockside bar trivia event to convince me that it was safe to jump in when all of a sudden a python starts sliding into view. The vast body of water before me turned into a carnival through which the python, which kept getting bigger and bigger and more colorful, winded. As it started to slide away, I noticed that the python’s head was the same size as the amusement park rides. Now, that’s the kind of dream that could only form in the mind of a South Floridian. Despite that unconscious collision of horrifying  images, the sleep was very satisfying. So, I came to Vicky Park Brew, where I ate the best donut I’ve ever eaten. Now I am very, very happy.

Also, this picture makes me happy. Have you ever heard of tea cup poochies? This is cocktail glass John Ralston. Unfortunately, it weighs more than four pounds. JR’s going to headline NewTimes big concert tomorrow night at Green Room. NT Music Editor Reed Fischer interviewed him about what it’s like to be awesome, and this is what Ralston told County Grind.

Thirsty for some JR?

The SW 3rd Ave Music Festival starts at 5 p.m. (seriously!) tomorrow at Green Room (@ Revolution). Very nice line-up with Lavola, The New, Plains, Young Circles, the Dewars and John Ralston in that order. These aren’t bands you get to see in Lauderdale every day, so take the opportunity to catch them. Seriously people, this is one step away from having them play in your living room. If you haven’t seen the Dewars yet, you are seriously out of the loop. Remedy that!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!! Here’s hoping that you have fun caricaturing the Mexican people! Drive safely or not at all. :)

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Happy Hour Benefit for Harrison Snow and Fam

Hey Guys,

If you’re in Palm Beach and able, go to this happy hour at Coco in Palm Beach to benefit the Snow family. There will be sushi, sake and the opportunity to help out remarkable people. All details in the New Times at the other end of the link above.

Heart,

Court

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Bad, Bad, Blogger…I Shake My Finger at Myself on Record Store Day!

Gosh, I’ve been a busy girl. So busy! Oh well. I can’t say that I haven’t been enjoying it. Today, of course, is a very special day in the life of vinyl lovers, local businesses and people who like to watch bands during the daytime. Of course, Radioactive Records is killing it even as I write this. Their live band line-up is going to start this evening at 6 p.m. Blank Dogs (see my New Times article here),Miami’s  Jacuzzi Boys,Tampa band Merchandise and Miami band Axe and the Oak (Radioactive Records itself is putting out the band’s new 7″ Dancing on the Grave of Jack the Ripper). Wowsers! Big afterparty at Laser Wolf with Mike Sniper from Blank Dogs on the turntables.

Details on event and limited release availability at Radioactive Record’s blog.

Radioactive Records Record Store Day Party!!!

Mr. John Ralston himself (Do you have your hands on a copy of his new album Shadows of the Summertime yet?? You should. It’s sick) put together a line-up at Top 5 Records in Lake Worth. A select group of talented local artists will be playing short sets all day long, including Evan Mui, whom I recently profiled in City Link Magazine. But, you already knew that, right?  You’re so ahead of me.

See you at Radioactive!!!

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This Weekend: Young Circles, Orlando Bands, IWAN, Laser Wolf

FRIDAY: Young Circles play Dada tonight — 11 p.m. Also, IWAN hosts Radar v. Wolf, Attention Radio and Dooms De Pop — look out for Brady Newbill on bass — at its Bubble warehouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale — 8 p.m. Orlando bands The Pauses and Andy Matchett & the Minks join Earth band The Leylines on stage tonight at Propaganda nightclub.

Radar v. Wolf and Dooms De Pop

Saturday: The Pauses and the songbird whose laundry I have to do on the regs Chris Horgan at Laser Wolf. Did you see Laser Wolf owner Chris Bellus on the cover of New Times this week for Reed Fischer’s Bruise Cruise feature article?  2010′s greatest gift to South Florida details all of the news that’s fit to print about his high sea excursion, but I still want to know the dirt.

The Pauses with Cristy

Guy Harvey and Sumsun play Dada on Saturday night. Go Dada! The Delray Beach restaurant/bar has been booking the heck out of its little living room-style stage lately. We tried to head over to catch Funcrusher and The Band in Heaven last week after the Black Finger CD release show, but didn’t make it in time. Oh well, next time.

Sunday: The Pauses will play again on Sunday night. This time at Dada with the Dewars.  They certainly know how to fill their dance card. Nice little weekend.

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Last Weekend: Black Finger CD Release

Last Saturday night, Black Finger released its latest album Tokyo (Bandcamp link) at Elwood’s in Delray Beach. Funny album name for a country rock band, right? Well, sometimes Black Finger rocks more than it countries, and the album’s lead track “Tokyo” is definitely one of those times. Greg Lovell puts his tough and achy vocal style  to seductive use  on this number about a fine tan lady of minuscule stature who’s absorbed a remarkable amount of sun for one who resides in Tokyo. Black Finger played its 10-song album straight through. Highlights from the set included the catchy rocker “Valentine”, the duet “Broken Heart” and the final track, Andy McAusland’s “Shed Some Light”. Who knew Mr. McAusland had the pipes? Probably a lot of people, but not me.

Dan Bonebrake (hottie on left), John Ralston (hottie 2nd from left), Sean Fernandez (3rd hottie), Greg "heartbreak" Lovell (4th in plaid), Jesse "dreamboat" Dalton (tall & blond) and Andy Mc"swagger"Ausland (far right). The diva in front contributed as well, but I don't know her name.

John Ralston played along on geetar and filled in for Marie Nofsinger on vocals for duet “Broken Heart”. It was quite pretty and earned a special shout out of “folk boy” from the back of the room. I’m going to go ahead and assume that the insulting compliment was delivered via the master of that particular art form, Sr. Copeletti.

Nice vert, Greg! How did I miss this moment?

Thank you, Mr. Jon Wilkins (pictured below) for reminding the world that there’s another album out this year that’s well worth a spin. John Ralston’s Shadows of the Summertime. You can listen to the jangly high-speed ditty “Your Love Will Come Around” on his website. I would say it’s a standout track, but it’s not. Ralston’s new release is hot, hot, hot, track for track. Track #2 “Solitude and Vine” is lovely with its big bellowing harmonies and the islandy Track #3 “Summer”, which comes packed with delicious ’70s-style harmonies (“I’ve been right here waiting…”), is like a mini vacation. My signed album is #84/500. That’s pretty sweet, but I wish I’d bought it in time to make the top 50. Boo! I’ve become such a Ralston nerd this year.

Mr. Wilkins holding Mr. Ralston’s Shadows of the Summertime

Thank you Monica McGivern for granting me permission to use your beautiful photos! See more photos from the Black Finger CD release at McGivern’s Flickr page. Don’t look at the picture of Moodvane though. It’s awful!

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Happy Birthday, Fort Lauderdale…and Misha!!

Happy 100th Birthday, Fort Lauderdale!! Thanks for being my hometown.

Lookin' good, Lauderdale

On this special day, we think about Frank and Ivy Stranahan and all of the early settlers who shaped this town when it was little more than a wilderness. Stranahan House pictured below.  There was no Cheesecake Factory next door to this little home in their day. I think that Ivy would have been a fan of the avocado eggrolls! Take a moment to check out these photos from the city’s early days. My favorite photo collections are the aerial views and beach and spring break.

Stranahan House -- How the pioneers lived!

Also, happy birthday to my very own Misha, the greatest pal a girl could have!

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Looking Good, Weekend

Tonight, City Church is putting on a big charity event for Invisible Children, a charity that aims to stop the use of children soldiers in Uganda,  at Revolution. The hawtness of Alexander and New City Lions will play and local artists will display. Details, such as the fact that Whole Enchilada (rules!) will feed the first 100 people through the door, here! Amazibeans!

Tonight!

Friday night right here in Broward at Monterey Club – Heavy Boots, Los Bastardos Magnificos and Everymen.

Americana all the way

Black Finger releases new album Tokyo this Saturday at Elwood’s in Delray Beach. We will be there! $10 cover includes copy of the album. Listen here. Not familiar with Black Finger? You may recognize some of these guys from their presence and participation in other projects such as John Ralston (backing him up), Invisible Music and Grey & Orange.

Blackfinger CD release

Good job, everyone!

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Ah, St. Pattooties

Happy day when you leave work early to go hang out with strangers in a bar! We’ll probably check out the tent party over at Maguire’s Hill 16 a little later today because that’s pretty much what you have to do if you have the teensiest little drop of Irish blood and live in Fort Lauderdale. What would Fort Lauderdale be without Magoo’s? Don’t think about that for too long or you will ruin your entire St. Patrick’s Day for sure. The late-night party Digital Love at Green Room looks appealing too. A Miami band called Ice Cream is going to play.  They work a trippy little groove with lotsa spoken word. I kind of dig it. Downtown crowds on St. Patty’s Day though. Ruff. Something to consider.

Somebody stop that leprechaun!!!

Maybe Laser Wolf would be easier. Haha, the’re pushing the same idea on their facebook page and know how to sell it: “Avoid the amateurs tonight and come drink with the pros and locals at Laser Wolf. No green beer, no car bombs, no jerks! Free parking and no cover! 21 and up only. New beer in stock.” It is indeed a dangerous night to wander too deep into amateur territory! Have fun whatever you do and don’t forget to wear something awful (even if it’s not green).

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Harrison Snow Chip In Site

There is now a Chip In page for the Snow family. Jeff and Susan Snow, members of Invisible Music and former members of several other local and nationally-touring music projects, gave birth to son Harrison in early November. Within a few days of his birth, Harrison was diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia, and ever since the family has been (mostly) in and out of four hospitals with their little boy, who has braved multiple surgeries and fought the entire four months of his life for the relatively stable health that he’s now experiencing. On Harrison’s CaringBridge.org page, Susan shares news of her son’s condition, details her family’s trials and triumphs and boasts about Harrison’s lovely disposition and undeniable good looks.

Most of us tiptoe through life for fear that we will cut a finger or toe and end up dropping our entire life savings on a 15 minute emergency room visit. The Snow family has been in the hospital for four months! The Snow Family Chip In page provides a way for those of us who are not intimately acquainted with the family but know them through the local music community to chip in and show our support. The fundraiser, which runs through March 27th, is 40% of the way to the goal of $10,000. Chip in if you can! Happy Saturday.
If you’d like to know more, see New Times Music Editor Reed Fischer’s story and the accompanying pics.

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New Coke and Guy Harvey at Dada

Stylin' Guy Harvey Style

Last weekend, we journeyed a full 26 miles to catch the New Coke and Guy Harvey show at Dada. It was pretty sweet.

Look at these dudes' extreme popularity

First we caught New Coke, which had a much bigger crowd than bands I’ve never heard of before usually do.  They played a very loud set (well, everyone sounds loud in Dada), and had a sinister rock sound with lots of vocal reverb. The crowd loved it and was completely nutso! I clung to the wall to avoid getting pushed around by this wild bunch.

Guys Harvey

Next, we caught Guys Harvey’s set. This local band with an unGoogleable name is a fave with a few of my friends, but I  never gave them (or they never held) my full attention until last weekend. I parked myself right in front of the singer Adam Perry’s mic (Dada is good for that) and got the show full force in the face. Actually, that did the trick. I couldn’t understand one dang word that Adam was was singing, but Guy Harvey rocked my face as hard as the chick with black hair who was flailing around behind me rocked my back.

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