Christmas on Las HOlas

by Strawberry Jam | Dec 1, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale

Here are some photos from Fort Lauderdale’s annual Christmas On Las Olas taken on November 30th, 2010.

photos by Strawberry Jam

Reminisce with Dashboard Confessional at Revolution

by Strawberry Jam | Nov 22, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale

by Strawberry Jam

November 27 marks the date that south Florida’s own Chris Carrabba, better known as the outfit Dashboard Confessional, embarks on a national tour in honor of the ten year anniversary of his first album, The Swiss Army Romance. While for some the event is sure to go unnoticed, attendees will probably be in for a sweet treat of high school nostalgia as Carrabba is set to do an acoustic version of the album in its entirety. Though Dashboard Confessional has almost always been a multi-member band, Carrabba has been the main driving force behind the lyrics and music that was irresistible to teenagers, guys and girls alike, in the early 2000’s. Okay, at least the guys open enough to be in touch with their feelings or musically- inclined.

The evolution of Dashboard’s music is evident throughout the years with several band member changes and a seemingly endless winding search for their original, trademark sensitive sound. While producing later albums, Carrabba once said that he was hoping to get back to that natural feel of the first couple of albums, which were written around the same time and before the official formation of the band. The journey is evident as a more mature, wider range of topics are covered in more recent albums- Dusk and Summer addresses war in Slow Decay “And I didn’t hate those that I killed but they’re all dead now, but I’m here alive with satellites and Friday nights”. But nothing compares to the obvious underlying theme of every single song of Carrabba’s first three albums: love. Perhaps that’s what drove the kids crazy back then. The highs, the lows, the anguish of young heartache; paired with Carrabba’s ability to convey these raw feelings through optimistic music and words which were everything you felt but never knew how to say. For some, Swiss Army Romance, was quite literally the soundtrack of their lives at the time. If you’re a fan you won’t want to miss this opportunity to revisit your past and remind yourself why “youth’s the most unfaithful mistress.”

The Swiss Army Romance 10th Anniversary Tour
Revolution, $25 at the box office or here
Saturday, November 27, 6:30pm

It’s FLIFF Time Again

by Strawberry Jam | Oct 11, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale

If you haven’t already started, it’s time to start planning out your next month and a half of cinema.  For their 25th anniversary, the Ft Lauderdale International Film Festival will show 185 films from 36 countries over 46 days.  Student memberships are $35 with a valid ID (non-students 18-30 years old are $60) and include discounted admission ($4-5 off films) and some free events.  The festival runs from September 27 to November 11.  Browse the complete schedule by date here and pick up your free FLIFF guide at FTLC favorite Brew, or any of these fine locations.

Here are just a few of the many films that sound promising:

Cafe Du Pont- World Cinema- FR- 2010
Sat., 10/30 2pm; Thurs., 11/11 12pm

This very simple and delightful tale captures a slice of life during a nostalgic, sometimes sweet, sometimes hard period of French provincial life in the 40’s.  Unlike typical narratives, you watch the film as if you are witnessing the events firsthand as a patron of the cafe.  The film captures the French love for the countryside, the routines of family life, the workings of the village and more in a delightful, easy going, day by day style that is as refreshing as it is distinct.

Kids With Cameras- Documentary- USA- 2009
Sat., 11/6 12:30pm

Kids With Cameras follows the progress, challenges, and triumphs of a group of Autistic children aged 11 to 19, as they attend a film camp hosted by non-profit organization Actors for Autism, and taught by award-winning educator Brad Koepenick.  The film takes viewers on an illuminating journey, poignantly demonstrating that creativity is an essential step to connecting the increasing Autistic population with the rest of their- and our- world.

Listen To Your Heart- American Indie- USA- 2010
Sat., 11/6 2:45pm

A sweet film about following your dreams no matter what the consequences.  Kent Moran who stars and co-directs along with his brother Luke and Matt Thompson, gives a magnificent performance, underplaying his role and injecting a naturalism to the piece which is the strength of the film.  His musical contributions, singing, playing guitar, and writing the heartfelt ballads add greatly to this modest but moving work.

Empire of Silver- World Cinema- Hong Kong- 2010
Wed., 11/3 6pm

A dynastic saga, a passionate romance, and a moral parable drawn from historical events. It tells the story of a banking empire on the “Wall Street of China” a century ago, through the tumult of the Boxers’ Rebellion, the invasion of the Allied Armies, and China’s Republican revolution.

Made in Dagenham- World Cinema- UK- 2010
Sat., 10/30 6pm

Based on a true story, Made in Dagenham portrays a decisive movement in that decade of upheaval, when the fight for equal rights and pay was led- unexpectedly- by ordinary working-class women with one foot in the kitchen, one foot on the factory floor, and ears glued to the pop coming over the radio and telly from far-off London (19 kilometers and a world away).

As If I’m Not There– World Cinema- Macedonia/Ireland/Sweden- 2009
Sun., 10/31 1pm

As If I’m Not There is about a remarkable woman who endured the most frightful and traumatic situation suring the Balkan wars in 1992 based on the acclaimed book by Slavenka Drakulic.  Amidst the tragedy, nightmare, and darkness of Balkan conflict, a young woman struggles to cling to humanity and to seek and eventually find a reason for hope.

All excerpts taken from FLIFF2010 guide.

A Little More Bump N’ Grind

by Strawberry Jam | Sep 23, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale

by Strawberry Jam

A new spot to get some caffeine in your veins, an old local favorite with a view that can’t be beat, a hidden gem reader recommendation and we are back with three more fine locations for your next pick-me-up.

Brew LaLa
445 N Andrews Ave

As the third coffee shop in it’s location, you might say Brew LaLa has some pressure to succeed, and we’re not talking the pressure that percolates the espresso into your latte.  Situated a bit of a way off the main drag of downtown Ft Lauderdale eateries and other businesses, Brew LaLa has it’s work cut out to attract customers.  The upside is they offer food such as wraps, salads, and baked good.  However, unless they’re still settling in and since visiting have made changes, even the most gourmet food cannot make up for coffee at a coffee shop being served from one of those plastic pump containers.  Come here if you want a quick bite or some quiet time to take care of that paperwork, as there will probably be few others there to distract you.

St. Bart’s Coffee Company
845 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd

With tasty breakfast, lunch, coffee, and smoothie options and a pristine view of Ft Lauderdale Beach’s turquoise waters, it’s hard not to be compelled to revel in the moment and blow all your money at this relaxing ocean-side eatery.  Away from the chaotic main stretch of beach shops and restaurants, St. Bart’s comfy atmosphere, cool tunes, and friendly service will easily make you feel like you’re on vacation.  $12 can’t be spent any better way than on a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, bagel, chopped salad with cheese, and an iced soy latte.

Expresso Drive-thru Coffee
1900 S Andrews Ave

Do you hate resorting to Starbucks or DD but need something fast and can’t spare a minute to get out of your car?  Then the reader-recommended sweet little shack known as Expresso is your answer.  Their wide variety of coffees and genuine service is perfect for when you’re shot for time.  They even have a chalkboard menu with changing food choices such as Quiche, tuna salad, and cold pastas.  Don’t be surprised if you come up short and are told you can owe them later : )