Like much of America’s adolescent population, the bulk of my knowledge on Greek gods is limited to recently watching the teenybopper movie Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief a few months ago (I went with my family, lay off me!); however, it doesn’t take a history buff to know that Atlas was the god that literally carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. After talking to Shawn Hagood, drummer of the industrious, alternative band The Atlas Complex, it’s no shocker as to why they chose this particular name for their quartet. Despite what many people believe, not all hard working bands move to Brooklyn to make it big. Some bands like TAC stay near home, work three or more jobs, play open mic nights, and perform in other bands just to be able to fund their aspirations of a career in music.
Responsible people who only go out on the weekends are probably unaware that Fat Cat’s doesn’t just book cover bands. On a typical weeknight, you can watch a local band perform some original tunes on the venue’s intimate stage. This particular Tuesday night was no exception, as the The Atlas Complex performed their eclectic brand of rock music in front of a surprisingly well-sized weekday crowd. Considering that throughout the course of their set, the band meshes varying types of music such as indie, jam, funk, jazz-fusion, and r&b, it’s extremely difficult to limit them to a single genre. In fact, throughout the night they collaborated with other Broward acts — local hip hop group Da Teamsta’s and resident diva Liza Bennich — for some of their songs. Some my favorite tunes included Letters and Windows Of Light, but I also enjoyed their instrumental tracks that showcased their ability to play their respective instruments extremely well. Even if you don’t like the band’s music, which is difficult considering they span at least 5 different genres, it’s undeniable that these guys enjoy playing music and express it on stage via the energy they exude on stage.
Check out the band’s Myspace to listen to some of their more popular songs. In the meantime, enjoy the music video for their hit song DNA below.
Anyone who has grown up in South Florida has been to at least three birthday parties either at Gold Coast or its rival, Galaxy Skateway in Hollywood. It’s been there for sixty-three years even though I constantly pass by Gold Coast on my commutes I can probably count on my one hand the number of times I’ve been inside. Why, I don’t know. After gearing up for a big night by reminiscing of our elementary years over a couple of adult beverages, my friend and I decided we were ready to head over to Intoxiskate at Gold Coast Skating Rink.
Once in the building a sense of nostalgia came over me as I laced up my skates for the first time in probably 15 years: R. Kelly songs, the smell of stale popcorn, relay races, the chicken dance (though I try not to think of that one). Stepping onto the hardwood floor I felt a bit like a calf taking his first steps. Our pregaming was enough to get me out but not without some decent arm flailing and wall-stops (you know, intentionally running into the wall while sticking out your arms as your means of stopping.) But it only took a few laps around until I felt confident enough for the real Intoxiskation to begin. We sat down and took part in some $3 beer specials and some birthday cake (DJ Misha, if you’re reading this thanks for the cake!) and before long I was ready to get on the move again. If you thought a trip to the bathroom after a couple was an adventure wait til you try it on wheels. Bonus points for hovering if you’re a chick.
It warms our hearts more than a toasty buttermilk biscuit that all of you came out to FTLC’s Launch Party – Under The Hood – last Friday night. Thank you! For those of you who were too busy double fisting $5 Miller Lights at some run-of-the-mill bar, you missed quite a show.
Under the Hood celebrated the FTLC web blog debut with an intimate rock show at underground venue, 1921. Unquestionably, you were greeted by a pleasant FTLC member’s smiling face as you entered the velvet, chandelier furnished, speakeasy feel of 1921. Within record time, our bartenders had a scrumptious cocktail in your hand as you browsed the merch table filled with three FTLC T-shirts (not actually for sale).
The commencement of FTLC’s blogging journeys were supported by three superb South Florida bands who got us all rocking to their beats. Dynamic duo Manifest Test Subject began the event with an idiosyncratic set, deliciously loud enough to shatter nearby barware and loaded with personality. Next up were Pompano Beach natives, Retrocities who channeled the likes of Joy Division and Sonic Youth as they gained oodles of newly devoted fans. The energetic crowd was not disappointed by headliners, REBEL, as the last set for the evening. Frontman Migue let loose on the mic with seductive vox, while drummer Aj rancorously wailed on the drums. Along with bass guitarist Carlos, REBEL collectively produced rhythms that pulsed through the crowd sending blinding urges to dance – and we all demanded more. Just when we thought we couldn’t sweat another drop, FTLC’s own cuddly DJ Mig spun the latest booty shaking tunes as our feet pleaded for us to stop.
We woke up sore and sleepy, but we sure had a good time — we hope y’all did too. Let’s do it again soon! Thanks again for showing FTLC your love and we will be sure to host another community music-fest again in the near future. Check out a few pics from the evening posted here and even more on FTL Collective’s facebook page.
the above photos of REBEL were taken by Surya Fernandez
If this Saturday you find yourself in need of some serious recovery after the Friday night FTLC launch party, you’ll want to make your way over to Fort Lauderdale’s independent artist hot-spot, The Bubble. The Bubble is a local warehouse converted into a sort-of artist enclave where the eclectic souls of Fort Lauderdale gather to display art, make music, and have an all-around good time. Here you will be free to relax, check out local artists’ work, and have a post-hangover remedy, most likely from a keg.
This Saturday will feature the artwork of “The Loveable Mad Hatter”, Matthew Valera, an incredibly talented local artist barely past the age of seventeen. Only The Bubble’s second solo art show since its conception nearly one year ago, it is sure to be an event well worth checking out for those of you interested in the Fort Lauderdale art and music scene. In addition to Valera, artists Linda Nilly, Alice Groll, Donna Haynes, and featured IWAN artists will have their artwork lining the walls of the colorful warehouse-turned-gallery. Fort Lauderdale’s own indie rock groups Dooms de Pop and Alexander will grace the outdoor stage, while patrons can expect to sit (or stand) drinking beer and mingle with the über-hip denizens of Fort Lauderdale.
The art show takes places this Saturday, June 12, from 6-11p.m. The event costs $5 and for those over 21, an additional $5 buys you a cup and unlimited refills from the keg. Come and support your local artists and help keep The Bubble thrivin’!
IWAN The Bubble, Saturday, June 12 6-11p.m.
810 NE 4 Ave, Fort Lauderdale
$5/$10 at the door. Cash only.
Indie rock band, REBEL from Miami is ready to take Broward County by storm. Surely after each lively performance on a future tour, they will be leaving a trail of devoted fans along the eastern seaboard. Along with a mix of lawless rock beats and soaring guitar riffs – add a dollop of mesmerizing electronic sounds and a dash of megaphone – just then we might be getting close to appreciating the indescribable sound of REBEL. As the band gears up to play this Friday at 1921 along with Retrocities and Manifest Test Subject for FTLC’s launch festivities, I had a chance to catch up with them by email.
Please note: this blog post was written in 2010. While we plan on updating, we still think its a worthy read.
When you start writing for a Fort Lauderdale blog that caters to locals, it’s easy to neglect what outsiders think of your city. Fortunately, I am obsessed with reading guidebooks, predominantly the Lonely Planet series. Even though I consider the LP the Bible of travel writing, I decided to research what the other top guidebooks are saying about FTL. From what I’ve witnessed, Moon, Frommers, Fodors, & the Lonely Planet are the most purchased brands of guidebooks. After each guidebook’s South Florida edition, here is what I found:
Moon: Florida Beaches
There are few things that I have boycotted in my lifetime: Charleston, NY Jets’ players on my fantasy teams, and 80’s cover bands. Add to the list Moon guidebooks. The first 4 pages in the Ft. Lauderdale section are used to berate our home. Because of that, I have eliminated this book from consideration of top guidebooks. No worries, I have taken the liberty to write some hate mail on behalf of all Lauderdalians:
If you happen to get a discount at the movie theater for being old, then Fodors might be your best bet. I don’t think I’m going on a limb when I assume that the majority of our readers are among a non-senior citizen demographic. If I’m right, this guidebook is probably not for you.
To it’s credit, it did list some attractions that the other books did not:
– Florida Antique Car Museum (never been)
– Sailboat Bend (my favorite neighborhood, I’m biased though)
– Main Library downtown (not sure I’d recommend to tourists)
– Cinema Paradiso
– Swap Shop (AKA Little Bangkok)
– Frank Stranahan’s suicide story (tied his leg to a cinder block and threw himself in the New River)
Overall, there are better guidebooks about Ft Lauderdale. I would have liked to see some cheaper options in the accommodations section (eg. Beach Hostel or Deauville Hostel).
My favorite characteristic about the LP books is that they are catered to budget-minded travelers and backpackers, but also include options for the flashpackers. In this particular edition, I enjoyed the author’s relateable descriptions of some local spots, specifically his description of being black out drunk at Lesters at 3am or the “drunk drunk, wasted beautiful people” at Dicey Rileys. Even though he pokes fun at some of my favorite locales (he describes Brew to people who like coffee shops “filled with artsy-fartsies” and “whiny indie music”) I can’t blame him for having fun with his writing. This edition covers most of the major players in our city; however, there were some glaring omissions, namely Dania Jai Alai and The Swap Shop.
When it comes to FTL, this book is not your best option. When you want to find a place to drink snake blood in Hanoi, Vietnam, the LP owns.
Frommer’s: South Florida
I feel like a traitor, but I am giving the title of best guidebook for Ft. Lauderdale to Frommers. Not only did it include most of the recommendations that the other books listed, but it added some new options for each type of traveler and contains my preferred places that I listed earlier. Some petty downsides included the cluttered organization of the chapters, and the nonsensical ranking system they use for each attraction or business listed. Those negatives can be overlooked because the book does an excellent job of providing an array of options for both the rich and budget minded.
Interesting findings:
All 4 guidebooks listed Poorhouse, 3 different spellings (1 word, 2 words, preceded by “the”)
Museum of Art, Museum of Science, Bonnet/Stranahan House, Mark’s Las Olas, and Lesters were some others that were listed in all 4 publications
As expected, all guidebooks started by mentioning FTL’s past spring break glory. Stop reminding us, please
Pro tip: for good tours of Ft Lauderdale, it might be worth checking out finding a local who can host you on couchsurfing.org or airbnb.com.
