by Miguel Bravo | Apr 4, 2011 | Fort Lauderdale
As the Northeast (more specifically, those annoying New York sports fans) continued to shiver this past weekend, the FTL Collective staff enjoyed a scorching hot afternoon in flip flops and floppy hats at the horse track at Gulfstream Park for the annual Florida Derby. For the unaware, this highly anticipated race happens every year around this time and currently carries a massive purse of $1,000,000 for the winning horse. Typically, the 3-year-old that wins the this derby goes on to be one of the favorites for the Kentucky Derby.
With free entry, minimum bets of $1, decently priced beers ($20 buckets), and lots of ridiculous looking hats, this made for a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Here’s some of our photo documentation of the event:
Photos by Mig and Strawberry Jam
by Miguel Bravo | Mar 22, 2011 | Art, Music
Thursday nights have been so action packed these days, it begs the question: can we dub Thursday as the new start to the weekend? This coming Thursday is so overwhelmingly (in a good way) slammed with good music that I’m going to make the argument that it’s better than anything else going on in Broward this weekend (someone prove me wrong).
Here are 3 attendance-worthy events, in the order of when we think you should attend them:
1. The Invisible Children Free Movie Screening at Revolution
We recommend hitting up this event first, especially if you enjoy tasty Mexican fare for the intriguing price of $0. The first 100 attendees will receive a free dinner from The Whole Enchilada (we’re big fans of the burritos at TWE). But let’s not let the edible freebies get in the way of the real purpose of this charitable event: Invisible Children is an organization that aims to rid of the use of kid soldiers in Northern Uganda through the use of the arts and social action. This particular night they will be premiering the film Tony, a movie about a young boy who faced incredible hardships growing up in Uganda and his mission to restore peace to his homeland. In addition to a free viewing of this powerful film, there will be a live performances by Alexander and New City Lions, as well as art by a handful of artists. Oh yeah and there will also be a giveaway of some kind of new electronic device — something called an iPad2 (heard of it?).
Here’s the trailer for Tony:
Tony Bracelet: Trailer from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.
2. Twilight Notes and Freedom Art present Dialect
Next on the night’s slate is just a block away, Dialect at downtown Brew. This event has been sufficiently previewed in the past on the FTLC. Just read here or here for general details about the party. This Thursday’s installment has DJ sets by Adam Foster, Utopia Syndrome, and Sensitive Side, plus artwork by Michelle Stevens, Juan Travieso, Juan Carlos Pagan, Richard Vergez, Curtis Jinkins, and Matylda McIlvenny. As usual, the party runs from 8:30pm to 12:30am.
3. Digital Love presents Radio-Active Records Night w/ Bonnie Riot
In addition to being Radio-Active Records Night with lots of gift certificate giveaways, a guest DJ spot by Mikey Ramirez, and the regular stylings of resident DJs Andie Sweetswirl and myself, this Thursday’s weekly indie soiree at downtown’s The Green Room is also being called the official Dialect after party and will include another guest DJ spot by local duo The Click and a live raucous performance by grrrl fronted Bonnie Riot. As usual, the party lasts all night long, making it a no-brainer as the final pit stop of the night.
Here’s a quality video of Bonnie Riot performing their song HALO.
Bonnie Riot – HALO from Joel Zelaya on Vimeo.
by Miguel Bravo | Mar 2, 2011 | Local Business
It’s not too manly to admit to liking butterflies. Well, I’m about to get in touch with my feminine side and confess something — I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Butterfly World in Coconut Creek. The price of entrance is a little steep ($25 for adults), but I highly suggest strolling through the country’s first and largest butterfly house on a sunny afternoon. Maybe make a day of it: Butterfly World, a picnic in Tradewinds, and a game of frisbee golf. Just a thought.
Here are some choice photos I snapped of the insect sanctuary:
Butterfly World is located inside Tradewinds Park at 3600 W Sample Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33073
by Miguel Bravo | Feb 28, 2011 | Music
The lack of originality, emotion, or substance on the radio really bothers me. For instance, how does Black Eyed Peas get away with randomly inserting generic party phrases, rarely ever having to write a meaningful or clever lyric, boggles my mind? Or does anyone else notice that Ke$ha and Katy Perry are sharing instrumentals? Does Pitbull ever use an original beat anymore?!? Anyway, if any of the above bothers you, I recommend you check out some of the sincere tuneage from local quartet What Glorious Things.
The most noticeable aspect of WGS is the passion they evoke on stage. I’ve have the good fortune to catch the band a handful of times, including their performance alongside Grammy winner Alex Cuba in Miami a few months ago. Every time I watch them, its evident that the band actually enjoys and believes in the music that they’re playing.
The best thing about their latest recording Magnitudes, is that the EP captures the intensity and emotional aspect of their live performance. My favorite track is Fail Safe Solution (which is streaming below, as well as the remix), but Heartstrings and Like Lines are also well crafted songs with deep meanings.
Lucky for you, the band has uploaded their album on the emerging music site Bandcamp (the new Myspace?) for your downloading pleasure — you name the price. Also, check out some pics of the band at last Thursday’s Digital Love party, courtesy of KRo Photography (http://www.flickr.com/photokat57) and Mik-E Fotographiti (http://mikefoto.shutterbugstorefront.com)
Download the EP here
What Glorious Things – Fail Safe Solution
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/11238676″]
What Glorious Things – Fail Safe Solution (Remix)
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/11244480″]
by Miguel Bravo | Feb 24, 2011 | Art, Local Business
by Mig
For better or worse, Broward County can be a funny place to live — just spend a Saturday afternoon people watching on FTL Beach or the Dale-ien Gap. Despite that fact, we lack comedy clubs where a local stand-up comedian can poke fun about our off-the-wall community. Fortunately for laugh addicts, a new-ish comedy club, National Lampoon Underground, has opened up near the beach, right next to Primanti Brothers.
Not too long ago, Fat Hand and I decided to check out the spot and were instantly intrigued by the three story building’s potential, specifically the amazing performance area (floor #2) that could be used for for a live music showcase, and the stunning view from the third floor sundeck that towers over McSorleys similar rooftop bar. This particular night, a local posse of funny people known as The Have Nots successfully entertained the modest sized crowd. And even when a punch lines failed, the awkwardness evoked just as much laughter. Overall, I was impressed with the effort and poise of the local comedians. As I see it, music and paintings aren’t the only forms of art– it takes a special talent to make an audience keel over with laughter.
All jokes aside (pun intended), it’s difficult to imagine this venue surviving in the long-run (my opinion, of course). As I see it, the bar has two major hurdles to overcome:
- The name is painfully lame and narrow minded. Call it just Underground and the possibilities for different types of events are endless.
- The location is amazing, but inconvenient at the same time. Most heavy drinkers prefer the Las Olas intersection of the beach to consume their Miller Lites or High Octanes and the locals that do frequent the Sunrise/A1A portion of FTL Beach will need more than a lineup of unknown stand up comedians and Norman Rockwell toga party flyers to be dragged away from Eagles game at The Parrot or their beer pong match at McSorley’s.
First and foremost, I’d start referencing the bar as The Underground, rather than the full name. A lot of people I’ve talked to are turned off immediately by ‘National Lampoon’. It sounds like it’s catered only to tourists. The nickname could also open the floodgates for different types of events such as live music showcases. Bands bring fans, as do DJs. In addition, throw a huge party and advertise the hell out of it. I’m thinking some kind of all-you-can-drink draft special ($10), no cover, discounted food, 2 or 3 bands on the second floor with stand-up comedy in between, and DJ on the roof. This will get people to familiarize themselves with the spot, and hopefully entice them to check out future events.
Either way, in National Lampoon’s current form, its definitely worthy of your dollar bills. I highly recommend visiting The Underground on open mic night Wednesdays or a Thursday showcase by the Have Nots. Maybe even opt to take a date here; it’ll be more memorable than a standard dinner and a movie and probably score you some ‘creative’ points.
National Lampoon Underground is located at 900 Sunrise Ln, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304 . Check their site http://underground.nationallampoon.com for more details about upcoming events.
