At a time when every other new indie band name is animal related, at least three times that many seem to have a fascination with all things summer (Best Coast, Beach Fossils, Sunglasses, Beach House, YACHT, Flamingo, Tanlines, Surfer Blood, Washed Out, The Ruby Suns, Eternal Summers, Tan Dollar, Aloha, Wavves, Coconut Records, Beautiful Swimmers, etc., etc.). It’d only be a matter of time before Florida would stake out a place for itself in what is rightfully our own- minus the cliche band name.
Imposemagazine.com goes so far as to say this might be the “summer of Florida” thanks Lake Worths’ The Jameses. The “breezy garage pop” group gets love from Captured Tracks Brooklyn and Pitchfork as well.
A longtime personal favorite, Millionyoung might as well be the poster child for last summer’s chillwave/dreampop/lo-fi phenomenon which is still going strong today. Aside from frequent touring and national festivals, Millionyoung is generous when it comes to making appearances at local spots like The Bubble and events such as For Art’s Sake’s Birdwatch.
Millionyoung – Love Is All Around (Mary Tyler Moore theme song)
Viernes, with their ethereal, muffled and often bass-heavy sounds, are gaining steam fast since the June 8th release of their debut album, Sinister Devices. Their cover of “I’ve Begun To Fall In Love” is set to appear on a future Sick of the Radio/R. Stevie Moore volume, which has featured Dino Felipe and Ariel Pink in the past.
Viernes – Entire Empire
Many might not know it, and some might not want to admit it, but noise-pop duo Sleigh Bells which recently played at West Palm’s Respectable Street definitely has some roots in South Florida. Singer Alexis Krauss’ mother is from a small town outside of Tampa and guitarist Derek Miller grew up in the West Palm Beach area- Poison The Well, anyone? Read more about it in the New Times interview.
If you haven’t already been to Doris you have few excuses not to go. With several locations throughout South Florida and its original Hollywood store in operation since 1947, Doris Market and Bakery has become a love of the Italian community and those that just like good eats. Though significantly smaller than your average supermarket, Doris is quite the representation of grocers scattered throughout Italy and the selection inside is anything but. You can find everything from dried pastas, produce, and wine to a wide selection of meats and prepared foods and side dishes. Not to mention, a vast array of authentic Italian desserts and pastries such as napoleons, biscotti, and cannoli. While some items are a tad pricier than what you find at your usual grocery store, if you shop right there are plenty of deals to be had especially when it comes to produce. Bunches of fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, and dill can be purchased for just 99 cents, red peppers often cost half as much as they do at Publix.
This trip to the market resulted in plenty of herbs and veggies, beet salad and roasted peppers from the deli, Kalamata olives, and a happy tummy.
Shopping for secondhand items can be an exhilarating experience at the right store, but that is typically not the case in Broward County. Relative to other areas of the US, South Florida thrift stores are all too often filled with clutter of household items and half-broken appliances that probably have not been cleaned since their last use. In the meantime, shopping wearable items can usually subject you to high prices due to an increase in the popularity of vintage items. Sure, some rare pieces might cost you a buck as a collector’s piece but just because something is more than a few years old does not necessarily mean it should cost you an arm and a leg. Here are six thrift stores in Greater Fort Lauderdale where you are bound to find something not only unique but affordable as well.
ABC Thrift Store (Dania Beach): Where you’ll buy your next favorite thing
This store gets my vote for most interesting. This is your neighborhood thrift store where years worth of collecting, from around the country and maybe even world, gets dumped into a living room sized place. If you’re looking for something cool yet totally unnecessary, this is your spot. My three finds this trip were a hard-cased vintage travel carry-on with handle and snap locks for $15, a Ziploc bag of six assorted paring knives for $3, and a like-new gasless, indoor mini grill for $5. Clothing, handbags, and shoes are 50% off “when they feel like it” (really).
The words “rock climbing” and “Florida” are seldom in the same sentence. But just off of Marina Mile Road, down a frequently flooded small road, and nestled in a maze of a business park, you’ll find Coral Cliffs, Ft Lauderdale’s only indoor rock climbing facility.
Behind a reflective, glassy storefront are 87 top rope climbing routes and 25 lead routes to monkey around on. Climb to your heart’s desire for about $29, gear rental included (harness, shoes, carabiner, and chalk bag). If you fall in love with it, you won’t need to worry about getting bored. The routes, ranging from 5.5 – 5.11 in difficulty, are changed frequently by skilled route setters.
Never done it before? Coral Cliff’s gracious and knowledgeable staff will “show you the ropes” for just a few bucks more. As a first-timer, you’ll learn how to effectively tie a figure eight knot into your harness and finish it off with a water knot. With a sweet little reminder that you’ve more or less got your partner’s life in your hands, you’ll learn how to belay, or secure, their rope.
Mastered the basics and want to return but have no one to go with? There are friendly climbers that are happy to help you out if you’re nice enough. If you’re looking to take your rope-tying skills to the next level, be sure to check out Coral Cliff’s “Singles and Swingers Night” every Tuesday at 6:30p.m.
Dubstep and Jamaican dub are alive and kickin’ in South Florida.
Dubstep has carved quite a path for itself in the last ten years. Though there can be several styles ranging from lighter to darker and heavier tracks, the form of electronic music utilizes a constant and steady beat throughout. Stemming from London in the early 2000’s, it is quickly emerging from its underground roots to more of a mainstream popularity (ex: La Roux- In For The Kill- Skream remix). With that comes the surge of dubstep artists in the South Florida music scene.
While dubstep is fairly new and a form of its own, it certainly draws from the reverberated yet cleaner rhythm of Jamaican dub. Though closely associated with reggae, Jamaican dub lends its sub-bass and sometimes distorted sound to dubstep. Check out Spred the Dub, a Ft Lauderdale band that frequents downtown’s Fat Cats. With their smooth vocals and professional sound, you will not be disappointed by this band no matter what kind of music you like. Make sure you don’t miss their sweet cover of Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game.
by Strawberry Jam
