I Put On My Shoes & I’m Ready For The Weekend

The Hood Internet performs at The Green Room for Digital LoveWe’re anticipating another explosion of goodness this weekend in Broward County. Here are some choice cuts for the next four days:

Thursday

Tonight, Ft Lauderdale’s weekly indie music soiree Digital Love hosts Chicago-based mash-up mistros The Hood Internet. Unfamiliar with the DJ duo? Just peruse blog aggregator Hypem or the pair’s website to listen to one of their numerous mixes. Think Girl Talk, but edgier. Cover is $10, PBRs and shots of Jack will still be on special, $2 and $5 respectively.

Friday

The hottest new franchise in town, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, play their second home game at Lockhart Stadium against the notoriously dirty NSC Minnesota Stars. We had an insane amount of fun last Saturday for the opening game, and we’re expecting the same tomorrow night. Kickoff is at 8:30, but try and show up 6pm to tailgate with the Miami Ultras and South Florida United. Tickets are cheap ($15 at the box office, but look out for high school kids selling tickets for half off). DEFEND THE FORT!

Being called “Fort Lauderdale’s newest craze” by its organizers (hardly a new craze in our opinion, but who cares), the FTL Bus Loop is back for another installment. This time the trolley route takes you around the north end of FTL Beach (Blue Martini, The Parrot Lounge, McSorley’s, etc). 20 bucks if you prepay, 25 bones the day of. Check-in begins at 5:30 at either the Galleria Mall or Shooters/Bootlegger. The proceeds go to a number of worthy charities. Check out the FTLC’s bus loop post from back in the day.

One more option for your Friday evening: Dr. Dog at Culture Room . Tickets are $18. Check out Beached Miami’s interview with the bassist.

Saturday

Solid lineup for Radio-Active's Record Store Day, headlined by Blank Dogs and Jacuzzi BoysSouth Florida has way too much stuff going on Saturday, but we’re going to try and navigate from event to event. Radio-Active Records headlines this busy day with their Record Store Day celebration. The record store really outdid themselves this time for RSD: Brooklyn’s Blank Dogs and Jacuzzi Boys headline, with additional performances by Miami band Axe & Oak, Tampa-based Merchandise, and DJ sets by Esoteric, Kems, Lance-O, and Urodub Soundsystem. Come out early and take advantage of all the vinyl specials and limited releases. Click for set times and some RSD exclusives.

After watching the Heat beat up the Sixers, make your way to Huizenga Plaza (the park across from the Art Museum) and join the Crohn’s Disease Walk to help find a cure for this annoying digestive disease that affects 1 our of every 200 Americans. Festivities begin at 6pm, the walk starts at 8pm. If you can’t be there in person, you can make a donation on their Ft Lauderdale website.

Although not the official after party for Radio-Active’s RSD festivities, we feel that the Spred The Dub show at divey 1921 is a perfect way to cap off a hectic but fun Saturday. Doors open at 10pm and there’s a $5 cover. Every time I’ve seen this band live, I’ve had a good time.

Sunday

A collective of South Florida EDM DJ’s will be spinning electronic music all day at North Beach Park in Hollywood to raise money for victims of the Japan earthquake. This event called Red Dot Relief is free, but the organizers are asking for donations through their Crowdrise site or directly to the America Red Cross site. Instead of spending the day at Ft Lauderdale Beach like every other weekend, try something different and head a few miles south to Hollywood Beach for this fun event. The music starts at 1pm and goes till 11:30pm.

Less charitable but probably just as fun is Poorhouse’s BBQ dubbed Hootenanny. The entertaining lineup consists of Viva le Vox, The Sawyer Family, Joe Buck Yourself, Heavy Boots, and Boise Bob. The event is free and there will be delicious barbeque for sale. It begins at 5pm.

Thursday Is The New Friday

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.

 

 

 

 

Harpoon The ‘National Lampoon’, Just Call It The Underground

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:

  1. The name is painfully lame and narrow minded. Call it just Underground and the possibilities for different types of events are endless.
  2. 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.

 

 

Laser Wolf Open For Business

Laser Wolf opens in Ft Lauderdale

by Fat Hand

The long anticipated opening of the new Ft. Lauderdale joint Laser Wolf occurred this past Friday, and the FTLC is happy to report our fair city has a cool new triangular-shaped alternative to check out. Laser Wolf is sure to become a top hangout for Broward artists, musicians, and other people making this city cool (like bloggers). Co-owners/brothers Chris and Jordan Bellus’ new tavern features a beautiful hand-constructed bar, 6 taps pouring craft beers, with another dozen or so craft brews available in bottles or cans, a good list of imports and another 5 or 6 quality domestics. Do not plan on drinking watered down American macro-brews at Laser Wolf, as the selection was hand picked to satisfy even your most annoying beer snob friend. The beer list will be changed periodically, and prices range from 3 to 6 bucks with the majority being either 4 or 5. Wine and sake are also available.

The decor features local artwork, murals by professional skateboarder/artist Kris Markovich and local artist Erick Arenas (one of the murals is in the bathroom so be sure to drink enough beer so that you can’t forget to check it out), a set of antique doors, and portraits of Ronald Reagan as far as the eye can see. Guess which part of the foregoing list is untrue.

An outdoor patio in the back has several tables and is adjacent to a grassy courtyard around which several business are located. All of the neighboring businesses are open daytime only, so there is pretty much unlimited outdoor space. It will be interesting to see how all that space is utilized in the future.

The music situation has the bar controlling the tunes played over its system, which is a good thing, because when a cool bar has a jukebox with a poor selection, patrons are doomed to listening to the same Top 40 songs all the freaking time (bars, you know who you are). This correspondent did not hear a single Black Eyed Peas tune all of Friday evening. Live bands and DJs will also be featured from time to time.

For Ft. Lauderdalians seeking a laid-back bar where one can socialize with cool people, listen to great tunes, imbibe some of our country’s finest beers, and, most importantly, just hang out and have a good time, Laser Wolf delivers.

Laser Wolf is located at 901 Progresso Drive, Suite 101, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304

Digital Love At The Green Room Every Thursday

a weekly indie party at The Green Room, attached to RevolutionThe last year has been an exciting time for the local scene in Fort Lauderdale. Just about every weekend, there’s a new art show, band showcase, or warehouse party that attracts impressive crowds of all types (see New Times’ review of Dialect or snapshots of the last FAT Village’s Art Walk for proof). Well, FTL Collective is proud to announce its latest co-sponsored endeavor to promote the 954’s emerging creative community — Digital Love, every Thursday at The Green Room (the club attached to Revolution). Last week, fellow bloggers Reed Fischer and Courtney Hambright previewed the party on their respective music blogs, County Grind and Mood Vane. If you read their posts, you already know the basic details of the party: residents Andie Sweetswirl and myself (Mig), plus a guest DJ will be spinning the best in indie, electro, and 80s new wave every Thursday at The Green Room. No cover charge for 21 and up. $2 PBRs, $5 Jack Daniels shots. Those details alone should entice any nightlife hungry partier trying to extend the weekend by a day. However, there’s even more details about Digital Love to coerce you from your couch on a weeknight:

  • Alongside the regular DJs, there will be at least one local band or well known national act. FYI, Miami rock trio REBEL is performing this coming Thursday, February 10th.
  • Local artists will have a chance to display their works on the walls of the club at least once a month for an art show. We are still accepting submissions for flier art.
  • Local businesses will be working with the party to promote their services or product. Again, send us an email to digitalloveparty@gmail.com if you’re interested in getting involve.
  • Expect the same quality music selection at every party, but know that each event will be a little different than the last. This includes (but not limited to): free swag, unique party themes, and major national DJs or bands.

Unlike a lot of parties that fizzle out after a few weeks, the party organizers and the people at Revolution are fully committed to making this event a fixture in Fort Lauderdale for a long time. A major focus is to involve as many creative types in our metropolitan area to help make the event more diverse than just an indie dance party and more like a community-driven event that happens to have consistently awesome music with an amazing dancefloor and cheap suds. Of course, this blog will be the first to announce the details on all the upcoming parties, as well as the official Facebook account. Drop by this coming Thursday and say ‘what up’. I’m not hard to find. Just look for the man with the headphones and laptop with MIG in big letters.

Artists & DJs Collide At Brew This Thursday

The monthly event with DJs and art at Brew in downtown Fort Lauderdaleby Mig

It’s no secret that the FTLC enjoys a good cup of joe around town (see the coffee category on our post FTLC’s Best of 2010 Places). It’s also no secret that we enjoy events that combine local artists and musicians, with fairly priced suds. Well, this Thursday we’ll be able to relish in both when popular DJ collective Twilight Notes coddles downtown Ft Lauderdale with their celebrated event DIALECT.

Here’s the official press release for the gathering:

Twilight Notes, Brew Urban Cafe, and Freedom Art Present…

“Dialect”

Thursday, January 27th  8:00pm-12:30am

A Night of Art and Music

Twilight Notes and Brew Urban Cafe are proud to announce the first Dialect event of 2011.  We are teaming up with Jose Lopez of Freedom Art who has worked with us to find the best talent in the local art scene and will be curating the event.  Dialect is an eve have put together an exhibition of photography, design, painting and more.  As always, Twilight Notes has brought together an unbelievable lineup of Dj’s for your listening pleasure.  Returning favorites Kent Lawlor, Damask and Dj Esoteric will be playing alongside very special guest Richard Verges of Radio-Active Records.   The event is hosted by Rob Negron and Brew Urban Cafe will have their usual specials on beer, wine, and specialty coffee.

Dialect.

This is the language that we speak.

Below is the list of artists and DJs that will be showcasing their skills at the event.

Exhibiting Artists:

  • Steve Baum
  • Ev Panigua
  • Sal Marotta
  • Dapstilo
  • Danielle Veit
  • Brooke Kotzen
  • Lindsey Grace
  • Olga Volkus
  • Willie Morris
  • Tiffany Tam
  • John Kissee
  • Samantha Kondratowicz

Featuring Dj’s

  • Esoteric
  • Damask
  • Kent Lawlor
  • Richard Verges (Radio-Active Records)

This event is a perfect precursor to a packed weekend that includes intriguing concerts, massive bike rides, and more artist pow wows. Hope to see Broward’s creative community come out in droves this Thursday evening.