Inventor Ray Kurzweil has predicted that by 2030 nanobots injected directly into our bodies will hardwire every human into the Web. It may sound like a Philip K. Dick scenario, but Kurzweil the technologist, futurist and Google engineering lead for A.I. in language processing has a scarygood track record when it comes to forecasting breakthroughs.
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If our ’net-jacked nanofuture arrives more or less on schedule, and we find ourselves living fairly soon in a world containing features of “Blade Runner” and “The Matrix,” we’re still going to need music. Our altered carbon will require fresh anthems, as not all of the old rhythms and tones, with their imperfect perfections, will be enough for the syncopated hearing of the new flesh. PLEASURES
Which brings us to Pleasures, whose turn at tickling the receptors of the future aural cortex has already begun. This four piece from St. Petersburg, Florida make, in their own words, “a hypnotic dark groove that might sound something like progressive alien pop.” One should further consider this self-portrait through the lens of Tame Impala, Radiohead and a dash of Battles.
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Orlando Weekly says the band “creates a dark psych/cybernetics hybrid that’s somewhere between Manson Family fever dreams at Spahn Ranch and ‘Blade Runner’ replicants decaying. Live, there’s a good amount of NIN/Soft Moon theatrics, with the uneasy alliance between humans and machines at the center of it all.” But they’re still (mostly) human, and they’ve been touring almost non-stop since their declared band birthdate of January 1, 2015, while amassing a discography of EPs (two), LPs (two) and remix LPs (two). Even cyborgs need a break. So they’re stepping off for a while to focus on making their next album, but they’ll favor us with a headlining set on Dec. 13 at the PureHoney 100th Issue Party at Voltaire in West Palm Beach (and then, insanely, jet off for an event in Marseille, France the very next day). So don’t expect the touring component of this man-machine enterprise to be offline for too long, once the new record is assembled.
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Joining Pleasures is Sweet Bronco, the nom de mare of South Florida singer, songwriter and producer Chris Horgan and a rotating cast of players — among them PureHoney’s Honey Talks podcast host Brady Newbill, whose own band, Nervous Monks, is also playing this party. A very disarming Facebook band bio claims that Sweet Bronco in ensemble form “scarcely appears live anymore,” and that’s actually true of the last few years. So having Horgan not just as a troubadour but fronting a full-on band SWEET BRONCO again for an evening is a legitimate happening as he’ll also be joined this go around by non other than John Ralston, David Barnard and Jesse Dalton.
The elements of indie, psych-folk and rock that Horgan has roped into his own musical vision might remind you at points of Talking Heads, Mojave 3, Grandaddy and the Breeders. But even these band and genre tags are confining, and none of them are absolutes in capturing the actual thing Sweet Bronco does. Horgan does what he wants, and that makes him awesome.
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Horgan also recorded and mixed Nervous Monks’ new EP, “View From a Softer High.” His own recorded output is a little more closely guarded. But back in the bio, Sweet Bronco insist “they’ve recorded one billion songs and promise to finally release a couple more of them just as soon as they tweak that reverb just a little bit more … ” Spirit & the Cosmic Heart are likewise scheduled to appear, bringing their lush, synth-driven “emotional bangers” to this surreal tableau of sci-fi, indie, psych folk extravaganza. Chaucer, aka South Florida’s bard of bedroom lo-fi, Joshua Simkowitz, is also on the bill, with Stucco (members of Timothy Eerie and more) rounding out the lineup.
If we don’t exactly welcome our robot overlords, like the famous Jeopardy! contestant said, in the end I’m sure we’ll accommodate the Kurzweilian fusion of man and machine. Kurzweil also says that by 2029 — ten years! — scientists will SPIRIT & THE COSMIC HEART have fully reverse-engineered, softwaremodeled and simulated all of the processes and capabilities of the human brain — “including our emotional intelligence,” he has said, promising us machines with “the subtlety and suppleness” of the mind. So let’s show love to the forwardthinking musicians playing this party. They’re all still writing way better songs than computers can — and if you listen to Kurzweil we shouldn’t take that for granted! Pleasures play Friday, December 13 at Voltaire in West Palm Beach with Sweet Bronco, Spirit & the Cosmic Heart, Chaucer, Nervous Monks and Stucco. Doors 8pm, 18+. pleasuresbandcamp.bandcamp.com ~ Tim Moffatt
SAILOR POON Sailor Poon take the worn-out patriarchal aspects of punk and rock ’n’ roll, strip them bare, smear their faces with decades-old lip gloss that was stuck to the bottom of a Lisa Frank trapper keeper, and leave them unapologetically femme. With songs like “Leather Daddy,” “Butts” and “Blame the Patriarchy,” the Austin, Texasbased five-piece girl band holds nothing back when it comes to conveying universal female experience. SAILOR POON The topics span sex and selfpleasure, male privilege, dated ideals of body image and mysterious smells — Sailor Poon leave no social or societal underbelly untouched. “Male Meltdown” sarcastically inquires, “Do you like the way I wear my hair?/ Do you like it when I wear it long like this?/ Maybe I should cut it a little shorter … Oh yeah, you right, that looks much better.”
Oozing with satire and cheekiness, the girls joined forces in 2015 and set themselves an ambitious local schedule, playing one to five shows per week in a global culture hotspot that can be downright blasé about its musical riches. The workaholism paid off: Austin loves Sailor Poon. They’ve played their city’s rep-making SXSW expo for the past two years running, and in February were honored at the 37th Austin Music Awards with a win in the category of “Best Punk.” And now they’re on their way. Trailblazers in their own right, they still pay homage to foremothers of punk past a la The Slits, The Muffs, Pussy Riot and more. They live their values, playing benefits for organizations that support women, and they take role modeling seriously. “If I had seen bands like us when I was younger, I might be a better bass player now,” bassist Heidi Gloom told Brooklyn Vegan. But more than just being five individuals fed up with patriarchy, they’re subversive entertainers, sending out a bouncy, glitter-bomb war cry as their counterstrike against misogyny. They take the roots of feminism and jet-propel them into the 21st Century, leaving you electrified and wanting to either burn your bra or shove it up higher — but not for anyone else but yourself. Sailor Poon perform at Pink Mirage in Miami on December 5 w. Chew, Reels, Stucco, Electric Supply Company, Real People, Ghostflower, Glass Body, Montage ~ Freddie Zandt
NOODLE STATION - ftl Filmmaker Juzo Itami’s 1985 cinematic love poem, “Tampopo,” is a celebration of ramen and Japan’s food culture. The film follows the trials and tribulations of a ramen shop’s opening and through a series of linked vignettes, examining unique relationships with food through a comedic lens. For chef Walter Harris, a 12-year veteran of Delray’s iconic Dada, it would be a 2017 trip to Japan that would set him on a welcome collision course with noodles and his first solo venture, Noodle Station. The world will never know if he enjoyed tender moments with oyster maids or hung out with hobos to learn how to make the NOODLE STATION perfect rice omelet, but he’s happy to admit that it was a year and a half of delicious research and development. “I grew up with my mom’s soul food and I learned a lot at Dada,” Harris tells PureHoney. “I want to bring that comfort food feeling and great guest service to elevate the casual fast dining experience.” The Japan trip was a culmination of a lifelong dream fueled by the mangas he grew up reading in Lauderhill that instilled in him a love for Japanese culture. If the comics were his gateway, it was the copious amounts of noodles he ate at Japan’s casual iyazaka pubs that sealed his path. Giving the build-your-own-bowl concept an Asian twist, Noodle Station lets guests choose from a variety of starch bases including udon, soba and sweet potato glass, to be topped with seasonal veggies and proteins, and steeped in homemade broths. There are a few signature bowls as well like the gargantuan American Samurai, a combo of ramen and rice noodles topped with hoisin-glazed beef brisket, five-spice chicken, candied Hijiki bacon and a 13-hour-braised pork. The hefty dish doesn’t skimp on fixings with sweet corn, baby bok choy, Napa cabbage, roasted sweet potato, mushrooms and an egg. Harris can’t contain his excitement: “This bowl is our pride and joy, simply put, it’s banging!” Noodle Station’s menu is keto-friendly, with vegetarian options, and can be modified for specific dietary needs because Harris believes his Asian street food with soul should be available for everyone. Noodle Station opens December 2019 at 3045 N. Federal Highway in Ft. Lauderdale. eatnoodlestation.com ~ Abel Folgar
RHYE Rhye is an indie pop and r&b collective started and fronted by Canadian musician Michael Milosh, originally in conjunction with Robin Hannibal. Hannibal was a member of the Danish duo Quadron and became aware of Milosh through mutual friends at a record label they shared. The collaboration eventually fizzled, but Milosh has continued with Rhye as an open collective of alternating musicians. One of them is Dan Wilson, formerly of Semisonic — anyone out there remember “Closing Time?” Wilson shares co-writing credit for “Needed,” the first single off of Rhye’s new album, “Spirit.” This incarnation also has input from Icelandic musician Ólafur Arnalds and Thomas Bartlett, aka Doveman. Rhye used to make a game of keeping band member identities a secret, even selling a poster on a 2014 Boston show with cryptic text in Wingdings that read “Who is Rhye. Edward Bernays.” MICHAEL MILOSH of RHYE
Bernays is considered the father of modern public relations. There is thankfully less of him and more Maxwell and Phoenix in Rhye’s cool, composed danceability. Milosh’s sighing contralto voice also draws comparisons to Sade. The “Spirit” album for which Milosh is touring is something of a departure: eight tracks of almost isolated voice and piano. The project was sparked by Milosh’s girlfriend surprising him with a borrowed piano. The instrument made him want to explore, in his words, “the subtle magic of gentle moments.” He also stepped out from behind the keyboard to choreograph and shoot a twilit, sculptural video featuring dancers for “Needed,” a song of yearning with a hushed beat and expressive touches of the keys as Milosh pleads in a highpitched whisper. Milosh has called the “Needed” video “a visual expression of the lyric.” “I took a fly-on-the-wall approach with each of the dancers and actors as they each had their own experience with the music,” he said. “I just asked them to let go. It was an honor to witness these artists be so vulnerable and trusting, to capture these intimate moments that moved within each of them.” The whole album is a lush treatise on secrets of the heart, with lilting melodies to paint its portraits of intimacy. Who doesn’t love that? Rhye play 6pm Thursday December 5 at the North Beach Bandshell in Miami Beach. rhyemusic.com ~ Tim Moffatt
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
VOLTAIRE: Holy Dances, Analog, Bitter Blue Jays, Brett Staska C.W.S. BAR + KITCHEN: Rosario Craig Band DADA: Matchstick Johnny, Mojo Hands RESPECTABLE STREET: MASS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
C.W.S. BAR + KITCHEN: Poor Life Decisions HULLABALOO: The Ricca Project KILL YOUR IDOL: The Wire RESPECTABLE STREET: Seven Serpents, We’re Wolves, As the Sky Awaits
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
MATHEWS BREWING CO.: Paul Cataldo Solo CWS: Nyne2Five (A.M.) / Funk Brunch (P.M.) REVLIVE: The Queers KRAVIS CENTER: Incubus CHURCHILLS: Dealey Plaza, WLAL, Feast of the Antipathy, Rat Bastard ARTS GARAGE: The Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2
KRAVIS CENTER: A John Waters Christmas DADA: Open Mic CHURCHILLS: Miami Jazz Jam
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
DADA: Spoken Word Open Mic KILL YOUR IDOL: Open Jam CHURCHILLS: Bbomit, Ginko, Salsa Chest, Period Bomb, Aguadulce, Male Model, Deconstructionist x Street Rat, Haute Tension, Sharlyn Evertsz, Lagoo ARTS GARAGE: Comedy
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
RESPECTABLE STREET: CHEW FILLMORE MB: IL DIVO a song celebration DADA: Cal Nelson CHURCHILLS: KRS-1
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5
NORTH BEACH BANDSHELL: Rhye
RESPECTABLE STREET: Viva La Vox, Zoo Peculiar FILLMORE MB: Marcos Witt and Lucia Parker CWS: Mac Coe
PINK MIRAGE: Sailor Poon, Chew, Reels, Stucco, Electric Supply Company, Real People, Ghostflower, Glass Body, Montage HOWLIN’ OWL: Girlfriend Material CHURCHILLS: Sailor Poon ARTS GARAGE: Poetry Open Mic
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
VOLTAIRE: VTF Project, Koffin Varnish, Makoto, Lochness Monster
FILLMORE MB: Rodrigo y Gabriela DADA: Viva La Vox, Matchstick Johnny MATHEWS BREWING CO.: Uproot Hootenanny
RESPECTABLE STREET: Slaves, Fame on Fire
CWS: Spider Cherry GREEN BAR & KITCHEN: Marcus Amaya HOWLIN’ OWL: DJ Fred Ortiz CHURCHILLS: Look Alive Fest ROBOT BREWING CO: School of Rock Showcase STEAM HORSE BREWING: Micah Scott Music ARTS GARAGE: Light it up!, Emmet Cohen Trio
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
MATHEWS BREWING CO.: 2 YEAR ANNIV feat Beautiful Disaster, Krazy Train, Spred-the-Dub DADA: Remember The Ocean FILLMORE MB: Willie Colon HULLABALOO: Joey George
VIDIUM DISTRACTION PARTY: Sailor Poon KILL YOUR IDOL: Art Basel Party RESPECTABLE STREET: Emo Night Brooklyn CWS: Marcus Amaya
HOWLIN’ OWL: DJ Fred Ortiz REVLIVE: NGHTMRE with SAYMYNAME CHURCHILLS: Astari Nite ROBOT BREWING CO: The Standard Americans ELIZABETH AVE STATION: Alyssa Marie, Balatovis, Jbay, Carrington Love, Dakota Dawkins STEAM HORSE BREWING: Freedom Coast Ride, Andrew Morris Band, Dune Dog Food STEEL TIE SPIRITS: BJ Parks ARTS GARAGE: Beautiful Bobby Blackmon & the B3 Band
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
MATHEWS BREWING CO.: 2 YEAR ANNIV feat Girlfriend Material, Space Coast Ghosts. Guavatron HOWLIN’ OWL: Miles Hoyt CWS: Joey Calderaio (A.M.) / Funk Brunch (P.M.) ARTS GARAGE: DISCO 54 Band
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
FILLMORE MB: Ski Mask the Slump God KILL YOUR IDOL: Badluck RESPECTABLE STREET: Highly Rated Reggae CHURCHILLS Hypnotic Trancendental Nothern Mississippi Hill Country Blues Night
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
FILLMORE MB: Aaron Lewis MATHEWS BREWING CO.: Tarion Aguilera CWS: Shaun Rosario + Mike Hill CHURCHILLS: Electric Chair, Lysol, Fracture, Dextro, Zig-Zag, Jackal, Axetone ARTS GARAGE: Mod 27
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13
VOLTAIRE: PUREHONEY 100 ISSUE PARTY/SHOW! feat. PLEASURES, SWEET BRONCO, SPIRIT & THE COSMIC HEART, NERVOUS MONKS, CHAUCER, STUCCO AND MORE! CWS: Samantha Russell Band
MIAMI & BAYFRONT PARK: 7th Annual BUSKERFEST Street Performance Festival Local Artists at select stops of the Metromover Inner Loop. Closing Party ft Shenzi, Inez Barlatier, Cleaveland Jones
MATHEWS BREWING CO.: Coppertones KILL YOUR IDOL: Subterranean Sounds RESPECTABLE STREET: Neil Hilborn, Caracara REVLIVE: Disco Biscuits GREEN BAR & KITCHEN: Misty Grotto HOWLIN’ OWL: DJ Fred Ortiz ELIZABETH AVE STATION: Derick Salguero, Jbay, Wes Raffa, Jason Piquette, No More Monday Blues CHURCHILLS: DRI, Wartorn, FWA ROBOT BREWING CO: Jessica Morale ARTS GARAGE: The Dennis Lambert Show
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
FILLMORE MB: Madonna, Madame X Tour
RESPECTABLE STREET: Wolf-Face, Hellfire Hooch
HOWLIN’ OWL: Grand Opening ft Anders Schullstrom, Mykal Morrison, Ants on Fire, JC Dwyer & the Blackbirds
1306 MIAMI: Toma La Ruta (Tributo A Soda Stereo) CWS: Homegrown Sinners REVLIVE: Disco Biscuits MATHEWS BREWING CO.: Crazy Fingers DADA: Of One Mind HULLABALOO: Moodswing KILL YOUR IDOL: Breaks Yo! ROBOT BREWING CO: Comed STEAM HORSE BREWING: BJ Parks ELIZABETH AVE STATION: Allegra Miles, Jbay, Josh Rene, Moodswing ARTS GARAGE: Carmen Lundy & the Modern Ancestors
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
FILLMORE MB: Madonna, Madame X Tour
HOWLIN’ OWL: Grand Opening ft Miles Hoyt, Joel Dasilva Duo, The Cravens
CWS: Marcus Amaya (A.M.) / Funk Brunch (P.M.) KILL YOUR IDOL: Gameshow Sundays ARTS GARAGE: Tail Dragger Blues Band
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16
REVLIVE: Summer Walker with Melii & Toosii DADA: Open Mic KILL YOUR IDOL: Drag Mondays CHURCHILLS: Miami Jazz Jam
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
FILLMORE MB: Madonna, Madame X Tour
DADA: Tales from the Hive MATHEWS BREWING CO.: Tand HULLABALOO: The Leaf Greens KILL YOUR IDOL: Keep It Deep RESPECTABLE STREET: Soul Patch CWS: Spred the Dub REVLIVE: Morbid Angel with Watain & Incantation HOWLIN’ OWL: Slip & The Spinouts ROBOT BREWING CO: Pocket Full of Lollipops GRANDVIEW PUBLIC MARKET: Del Pelson STEAM HORSE BREWING: DJ Rey ARTS GARAGE: The Jeremiah Johnson Band
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
FILLMORE MB: Madonna, Madame X Tour
CWS: Allegra Miles (A.M.) / Funk Brunch (P.M.) DADA: Karaoke MATHEWS BREWING CO.: Guava Solo ARTS GARAGE: Libra Sene: Songbirds
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23
DADA: Open Mic KILL YOUR IDOL: Drag Mondays CHURCHILLS: Miami Jazz Jam
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24
DADA: Comedy Open Mic KILL YOUR IDOL: Open Jam
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26
CWS: Joey Calderaio MATHEWS BREWING CO.: Jose Almonte Solo KILL YOUR IDOL: Colossal Karaoke CHURCHILLS: All Folk’d Up
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27
VOLTAIRE: SECRET SHOW, How to Start a Fire, KIDS, The Darling Fire, tba
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
FILLMORE MB: Madonna, Madame X Tour DADA: Spoken Word Open Mic KILL YOUR IDOL: Open Jam CHURCHILLS: Eugene Chadbourne
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
FILLMORE MB: Madonna, Madame X Tour
DADA: DC3, Smoke & Mirrors KILL YOUR IDOL: Axetone RESPECTABLE STREET: Highly Rated Reggae CHURCHILLS: 305 Fest (thru Saturday)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
FILLMORE MB: Madonna, Madame X Tour
MATHEWS BREWING CO.: Girlfriend Material Duo CWS: Sierra Lane KILL YOUR IDOL: Colossal Karaoke RESPECTABLE STREET: Bad Santa Gift Exchange
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
VOLTAIRE: Raised by Wolves, Fireside Prophets, Vibes Farm, Koffin Varnish
DADA: Tasty Vibes MATHEWS BREWING CO.: Stall 4 KILL YOUR IDOL: AmericanGrime RESPECTABLE STREET: Lavola Radiohead Tribute CWS: Nyne2Five HOWLIN’ OWL: DJ Fred Ortiz GREEN BAR & KITCHEN: Mac Coe ROBOT BREWING CO: Trill X-Mas STEAM HORSE BREWING: Jason Montero ARTS GARAGE: Peace of Woodstock
CWS: Stereo Mix DADA: Irie Vibes MATHEWS BREWING CO.: B-Side Band RESPECTABLE STREET: Mass HOWLIN’ OWL: DJ Fred Ortiz REVLIVE: JJ Grey & Mofro with Watain & Incantation CHURCHILLS: Bill Orcutt, Chris Corsano, Shane Parrish, Gerard Cosloy, Divedends, Sharlyn Evertsz, Shay Eischen ROBOT BREWING CO: Drew Dockerill, Wisdom & Sound GRANDVIEW PUBLIC MARKET: Billy Craver STEAM HORSE BREWING: Andrew Morris Band ARTS GARAGE: Tribute to Nat King Cole & Friends ft Dock Lowenthal Big Band, Dana Paul, Lisanne Lyons
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28
HULLABALOO: Markis Hernandez Trio MATHEWS BREWING CO.: Girlfriend Material KILL YOUR IDOL: The Wire RESPECTABLE STREET: Litmas 4: Rise of the Grinch CWS: Spider Cherry HOWLIN’ OWL: DJ Gotti REVLIVE: Slippery When Wet – A Tribute to Bon Jovi CHURCHILLS: Motorhead Forever ROBOT BREWING CO: Comedy STEAM HORSE BREWING: Leafy Greens Band ARTS GARAGE: Yacht Rock
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29
CWS: Tropical Smooth Jazz (A.M.)/Funk Brunch (P.M.) DADA: Karaoke ARTS GARAGE: Gianni Organ Trio “GOT”
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30
FILLMORE MB: Great Russian Nutcracker REVLIVE: Sevendust with Deepfall DADA: Open Mic CHURCHILLS: Miami Jazz Jam
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 HAPPY NEW YEAR!
MADONNA Steven Klein
The woman born Madonna Louise Ciccone in suburban Michigan in the late 1950s is heading back to Miami on her 11th world tour as the reigning Queen of Pop, and fans in South Florida will get seven chances to see her before Christmastime. Her latest album is fittingly called “Madame X,” since after 36 years of making music, she has certainly earned the right to a title.
She started out as the perfect ’80s pop star: “Like a Virgin,” “Material Girl” and “Like a Prayer” all became top-charting hits that are still played in stores and restaurants, and sung at karaoke. She branched and became a pro at identifying musical trends of the moment, especially with 1992’s “Erotica” and 1998’s electronic-inspired “Ray of Light.” MADONNA
At 61 she is still in the game, headlining tours and major festivals, and working with the top artists and producers of the day. Although the recent albums “Hard Candy”and “MDNA” got mixed reviews, “Madame X” reflects an ethic that isn’t trying too hard to be cool, but just is cool. Critics have praised its experimentation, and other artists are getting the message: Quavo of Migos had Madonna on guest vocals for his track “Champagne Rose,” and she featured him on the reggae-tinged, Diplo-produced “Future,” also from “Madame X.” Miami has been news-making territory for the megastar, and not always to the good. In 2012, she turned up unannounced at Ultra Music Festival to introduce Avicii and, in a sly nod to “MDNA,” joked with the crowd about taking ecstasy. EDM artist Deadmau5 accused her of making light of drug abuse in electronic music and called her “a [expletive] idiot.” (Avicii took his own life in 2018.) The two resolved their spat over Twitter, but the episode proved, like many before it, that Madonna will speak her mind and has definitely partied it out like the rest of us. In “Future,” she observes, “Not everyone is coming to the future/ Not everyone is learning from the past.” But ever-present Madonna has a past to draw on and a future that is still hers to shape. Sorry, haters; she isn’t going anywhere. Madonna performs seven shows December 14-22 at the Fillmore Miami Beach. madonna.com ~ Olivia Feldman
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SASSAFRAS - wpb The internet recently wondered why Paula Deen was still – after numerous racial gaffes – associated with Southern cuisine. A fair question, and a reminder of how narrow and exclusionary the conception of what’s authentically “South” can get, since overly romanticized views of regional culture and food can hinder good fare from taking off in places with legitimate claims to the tradition. The people behind Sassafras haven’t forgotten that Florida is southern, too. “The entire menu is an expression of the food that I love,” chef John Thomas tells PureHoney. It’s a simple explanation SASSAFRAS by the culinary creative behind the downtown West Palm Beach restaurant, but one that carries the entire gravitas of Southern cuisine: Honest food that satisfies the palate and soul like momma’s cooking. Real Southern cuisine if you will. Thomas, formerly of 32 East, made do with his time after that iconic restaurant closed in the spring of 2018 – traveling and taking in all the flavors the world has to offer – and most importantly, listening to consumer trends. He staged in numerous restaurants since the closing of an establishment where he spent the better part of 15 years. “Life after 32 was interesting,” he says. “I felt a great sense of relief. A huge weight had been taken off my shoulders, but at the same time I felt like something was missing.” Much of that time was spent fine-tuning his fried chicken recipe, cobbled from research into antique Southern recipes and modern takes on the staple dish by contemporary chefs. More impressive, and in tune with trending consumerism, is the incorporation of vegetarian options — over ten thus far — into his menu. Highlighting the best of Florida’s bounty, Sassafras will feature local fish and comforts like shrimp and grits, cheddar buttermilk biscuits, skillet cornbread and gumbo. There will be an assortment of raw delicacies as well as the namesake’s aromatic flavor appearing throughout dishes and beverages. Chef Thomas is excited about the restaurant’s potential and the team he’s got in place to make it happen. He credits proprietor Rodney Mayo with the inspiration. “Rodney’s vision for a nostalgic 1950’s Palm Beach with Southern appeal is reflected in the menu he’s trusted me to create.” Sassafras is located at 105 S. Narcissus Ave in West Palm Beach. ~ Abel Folgar
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SLAVES The early aughts saw a huge shift in the music landscape. Factions such as pop, metal and hip hop were no longer existing just in their exclusive little corners, and perhaps we should have seen it coming with nu metal in the late ’90s, but all of a sudden all of the genres could co-exist in strange, sometimes improbable hybrid forms. The no-freaking-way strain of this tendency might have reached its insane peak with Babymetal, a trio of Japanese girls crooning about death and chocolate over grindcore beats. So what is Slaves? The band exists square in the middle of this maelstrom of no-holds-barred, genre-mixing extremism. Pop music? Sure, why not? There will be people out there SLAVES opposed to the crunchy guitars and faster syncopated rhythms, but Slaves seem to do their best to shore up any angular edges and buff out the melodies to provide a pure pop shine. The recent addition of Matt McAndrew, the season seven runner-up on NBC’s reality television sing-off, “The Voice,” certainly won’t lower the band’s profile or hurt its chances of reaching a bigger audience. Hailing from Sacramento, the band writes music addressing heavy issues such as addiction — not unusual territory for the post-hardcore realm to which Slaves pledge their allegiance. But let’s be real here: pop music is pop music, and these dudes are 100% pop. However, the zeitgeist has been very kind to decent-looking fellas with good hair and a pop sensibility; so the future seems very bright for Slaves. Consider catching them at Respectable Street in West Palm Beach right before they blow up. It’s a date-night kind of gig, or an occasion for meeting your future date to the arena shows that Slaves aim to be playing in between appearances on “The Bachelor” and filling in for Kelly Clarkson on “The Voice.” On second thought, don’t bring your significant other — you may leave alone. Maybe Slaves aren’t post-hardcore so much as they inspire post-hardcore songs … good pop music can do that, you know. Slaves play an 18+ show with Fame On Fire, Hometown Losers, Vagrant Son and Bianca Jazmine 8pm Friday December 6 at Respectable Street in West Palm Beach. slavesband.com ~ Tim Moffatt
DECEMBER 1
NYNE2FIVE (A.M.) /
THE BASEMENT PRESENTS
FUNK BRUNCH (P.M.) DECEMBER 5
MAC COE DECEMBER 6
DECEMBER 19
SIERRA LANE DECEMBER 20
NYNE2FIVE DECEMBER 21
SPRED THE DUB
SPIDER CHERRY
DECEMBER 22
DECEMBER 7
THE BASEMENT PRESENTS
MARCUS AMAYA DECEMBER 8
JOEY CALDERAIO (A.M.) / THE BASEMENT PRESENTS
FUNK BRUNCH (P.M.) DECEMBER 12
SHAUN ROSARIO + MIKE HILL DECEMBER 13
SAMANTHA RUSSELL BAND
ALLEGRA MILES (A.M.) / FUNK BRUNCH (P.M.) DECEMBER 26
JOEY CALDERAIO DECEMBER 27
STEREO MIX DECEMBER 28
SPIDER CHERRY DECEMBER 29
DECEMBER 14
TROPICAL SMOOTH JAZZ (A.M.) /
DECEMBER 15
FUNK BRUNCH (P.M.)
HOMEGROWN SINNERS MARCUS AMAYA (A.M.) / THE BASEMENT PRESENTS
FUNK BRUNCH (P.M.)
THE BASEMENT PRESENTS
DECEMBER 31
BEAUTIFUL DISASTER / NYNE2FIVE