PUREHONEY 42

HOLLYWOOD ARTSPARK EXPERIENCE

Credit Zack Smith

Since 1988, the Rhythm Foundation has been booking arguably the most interesting concerts in South Florida.

Scanning the nonprofit company’s history of shows is like flipping through the most eclectic record collection you’ve ever encountered, a curated sample of globalized, genre-hopping genius: Ornette Coleman, Sun Ra, the Skatalites, David Byrne, Gilberto Gil, Philip Glass, Seu Jorge, Bela Fleck— even that legendary Arcade Fire masquerade ball in Little Galactic Haiti. And that just skims the surface of the household names; over the past 26 years, the Foundation has introduced hundreds of new, international artists from around the world to the stages of (usually) Miami.

“Each concert gets special attention,” says the company’s founder and board chair, James Quinlan. “We don’t select things that we don’t absolutely feel are worth that attention. That’s the benefit of working in a nonprofit framework— we’re not encumbered by quotas and by shareholders demanding volume.

We select things we absolutely believe in and we think are worthy of the attention we know it requires to really make this a successful event. It’s not just a matter of just putting a name on a marquee.”

It’s no surprise that this spirit of passion, innovation and specialized care applies to the Rhythm Foundation’s latest music series: The Hollywood ArtsPark Experience, a monthly concert series at Hollywood’s outdoor downtown staple, presented free to the public by grants from the city and other sources. The series begins Jan. 30 with Galactic, the fine purveyors of jam-band experimentation, fresh off its marathon performances on the Jam Cruise and supporting its vivid album Carnivale Electricos. Monophonics will open.

George Porter Jr.

“Galactic represents a really interesting demographic, which is the jam band world,” Quinlan says. “We feel that’s a really strong community representative of multiple generations. In a way it goes back to Grateful Dead experience.

People tend to be open to improvisation onstage and creating new music, and this band has really taken that and brought it into a new generation.”

The New Orleans connection—which shares a long history with Hollywood, through our city’s own Mardi Gras celebrations—continues with the series’ next show, on Feb. 14. George Porter Jr., the venerable funk pioneer and elder statesman of the electric bass, will perform at a Mardi Gras celebration, complete with plenty of beads—not to mention opening sets by the Dillard High School Jazz Band and the Zydeco Cha Chas, representing an impressive genre rarely heard on South Florida stages.

The series concludes March 21 on a note that is perhaps surprising, given the exotic nature of so many of the Rhythm Foundation’s bookings. It will feature the rootsy, swampy, homespun melodies of the Wood Brothers, an Americana group fronted by Chris Wood, formerly of Medeski Martin & Wood. The band features Chris’ brother Oliver Wood, himself a formidable musician who toured with Tinsley Ellis before forming King Johnson; and Jano Rix, the multi-instrumentalist whose patented “shuitar” combines acoustic guitar and percussion, through the tuna cans and other noisemakers rigged into the instrument.

Unlike many of the Rhythm Foundation’s concerts, it may not be “world music,” as most people would define it—but that’s a classification Quinlan would be all too happy jettisoning, anyway.

“We find that term to be limiting,” he says.

“And because of the fact that it has so many different connotations to different people, we did not really start our work being ‘world music people.’ It’s a category we get put into, because it’s the easiest attachment to our work. But we consider our work The Wood Brothers to be more aligned with the international aspects of South Florida. We see what we’re doing as a natural extension of South Florida’s evolution as an international destination, and we think that music is the bridge that brings different communities together in a most natural way.

“What we’ve worked really hard to create is trust from the local community— that when you see a Hollywood ArtsPark Experience event produced from the city by the Rhythm Foundation, you know it’s going to be something different,” Quinlan continues. “It’s going to be something special. Even if you’re not absolutely familiar with the work of the artist, it’s going to be a positive live music experience.”

For information on the series and other future Rhythm Foundation events, visit www.rhythmfoundation.com ~ John Thomason

BEAUTIFUL NOISE

Credit: Bleeding Palm

The International Noise Conference (INC) – Frank “Rat Bastard” Falestra’s annual experimental noise freak fête – returns to Churchill’s Pub in Miami for the dirty-dozenth time on February 3 for a five day-run of chromosomecrushing volume, lewd do-it-yourself costumes and far more than enough raunchy performance art to make middle America take a big, gasping collective crap in its pants (which some INC artists may enthusiastically use to coat themselves on stage).

Drum machines, synthesizers, effects pedals, oddly tuned guitars, iPads (but no laptops!), power tools and a load of hard-wired homemade contraptions – it will be an orgy of electronic hardware tweaked to inflict the most hearing damage possible, which is just how noise fans like it.

“People are going to hear and see stuff that’s gonna blow their minds,” Falestra said. “Some of it will be minimal, some of it will be explosive. Open-minded people are going to have a lot of fun. If you don’t have an open mind, don’t come.”

More than 150 acts – with colorful names such as Vasectomy Party, Unicorn Hard-on and Breakdancing Ronald Reagan – will blemish four indoor and outdoor stages during 15-minute sets at the venerable live venue of ill repute in Little Haiti. For the uninitiated, think of noise as the musical equivalent of the cousin who shows up late for Thanksgiving dinner, doesn’t say hello, gathers up the rest of the kids to smoke weed and do shots of whiskey, and then leaves without saying goodbye to go drop acid with his friends.

It’s like that.

Falestra said the conference, which grew out of the annual Bored Shitless Festival, is intended to have “locals intermix with acts from out of town” to collaborate and trade shows in their home cities. That mandate helped persuade the Knight Foundation to award INC a grant three years ago, which matches money from event sponsors.

Falestra said those funds get spent on recording, sound and video gear used in live and studio settings throughout the year in South Florida.

This is the first time INC will happen since longtime Churchill’s owner Dave Daniels sold the bar in mid-2014. Falestra said he’s seen no differences.

“We’ll get to do what we want,” he said. “Mr. C will be working the door, so things will pretty much feel the same.”

Falestra said every invited act is worth hearing and refused to name any favorites, but here are some of the many highlights noise fans will experience: • The burgeoning South Florida experimental scene will get three featured days, February 3 thru 5, curated by sceneshakers such as the Jellyfish Brothers (Greg & Eddy Alvarez), Robert Brantley III (a.k.a. Human Fluid Rot), Liz Ferrer and Janise Weingarten.

• Must-see locals on Thursday, February 5 include: Holly Hunt, Sharlyn Evertsz, Xela Zaid, Nunhex, Shitstorm, the Dot Dot Dot Orchestra and the godfather of noise himself, Rat Bastard and his Laundry Room Squelchers.

• On Friday, February 6, Kenny Millions will bring his Be Creative Or Die night back to the cozy confines of the Dan Hosker Green Room for the first time in nearly a year. Expect ear-splitting frequencies and lots of hardcore video porn to be projected on the walls.

Credit: Bleeding Palm

• If you can only handle one night, make that the final night on Saturday, February 7, when more than 60 top noise acts from as far away as Antwerp, Belgium do things you simply cannot un-see and will not be able to un-hear for several earringing days afterward.

• Acts not to miss include: Cock E.S.P. (Minneapolis), Tinnitustimulus (Rochester), Andy Borsz (Jacksonville), Bernard Herman (New York City), Eva Aguila (Los Angeles), Dennis Tyfus (Antwerp) and Profligate (Philadelphia).

For many of the participating experimental musicians, INC is the live performance highlight of the year.

“What I love about INC is the atmosphere of spontaneity,” said Ed Matus, who is playing INC for the third consecutive time. “Being a part of it you’ll never know what you’re gonna see that may inspire you to throw your plans out the window.”

12th Annual International Noise Conference: February 3-7 at Churchill’s Pub, 5501 NE 2nd Avenue in Miami. Each night has different start times.

Check squelchers.net/inc.htm for more details. Free! ~ Adam Matza

ART FUZZ SESSION VOL. 1 The Problem: Low attendance and apathy for museum culture among the tri-county youth.

The Solution: Get the community inspired and excited again about museums by merging the worlds of visual and audio arts with history and local “celebrities”. In this rapidly growing and changing world, kids and teens haven’t the attention span for the museums that once were, let’s face it, neither do most adults. What they fail to realize however, is that museums offer a world of imagination and culture condensed into a single, custom designed space. We are missing the universal shared experience of the past and our 6th sense has been wasted on living second hand. The experience that a visit to the museum provides is unlike any other and one necessary for the betterment of society.

Here’s what they did: Collective America paired with Reeltone Recordings, Bedlam Lorenz Assembly and Young at Art Museum to live record a dozen local bands in the foreground of one of the most vibrant, exciting sets that South Florida has to offer. Fort Lauderdale based artist, Christopher Ian Macfarlane had an ongoing installation at YAA museum which was utilized for the project. If you are familiar with MacFarlane’s work, you know there is never a shortage of style or imagination.

With museum attendance at an all-time low, they believe the release of these recordings will inspire citizens to want to engage in something bigger than themselves and much, much bigger than their computers.

They now invite you to see and hear these works come to life during a release party they’ve named ART FUZZ at Jump the Shark (formerly The Bubble), highlighting the experience through all forms of live and recorded media. The public can expect high energy, live music from participating bands, plus a CD compilation made available for purchase, refreshments, and an inviting community atmosphere!

The ART FUZZ sessions will be unveiled on Friday, February 6, 2015 from 6pm-12am. Live performances by Wastelands, Milk Spot, Kill Mama, the Grey 8’s, Pocket of Lollipops, Plastic Pinks, Bleeth and Kat CHR. Jump the Shark: 810 NE 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale FL. HEAR some of the tracks NOW on this month’s FREE PureHoney compilation!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

R

P T

RADIOACTIVE RECORDS: Bonnie Riot, SUR BACK

RESPECTABLE STREET: Old Habits, Toetag, Incited, Every Passing Dream, Cinderblock, Sounds of the Rodeo, Recoil, Sweet Nothings, The Thieving Hand, Within Your Reach

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30

CHURCHILL’S PUB: International Noise Conference 2015 w/ 45 Bands

S

RESPECTABLE STREET: The Dewars DADA: The Holidazed FUNKY BUDDHA: Sole Mark TERRA FERMATA: Passafire

BLACKBIRD ORDINARY: Dark Horse Flyer MAINSTREET AT MIDTOWN: Ancient Sun

HOLLYWOOD ARTSPARK EXPERIENCE: Galactic

PROPAGANDA: I-Resolution, Lake Worth LongShots, Fireside Prophets VINTAGE TAP: Southern Misconduct, Basebourne, Reverie BREWHOUSE GALLERY: Joel DaSilva Acoustic GRAND CENTRAL: Turquoise Jeep Records DADA: Tailored Soul TERRA FERMATA: Radio Birds / Simplified FUNKY BUDDHA: The Accomplices, The Frontier Needs Heroes GRAMPS: Bonnie Riot CD Release, PHAXAS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31

RESPECTABLE STREET: False Flags, Boxwood PROPAGANDA: Bonnie Riot CD Release, Shotgun Betty, The Zoo Peculiar, Killmama DADA: Mandy Moon KILL YOUR IDOL: The Addictive Guilt GRAND CENTRAL: Andrew W.K. (Live) TERRA FERMATA: 24th Street Wailers VINTAGE TAP: The Living Daylights SWAMPGRASS WILLIES: The Drip Effect FUNKY BUDDHA: Parker Urban Band TRIANGLE CLUB: Art, Music & Food Festival

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1

JAZID: Dennis Brown Earthday celebration w. Inna Sense, DJ Iyatollah, Dax Lion, Kulcha Shok, LanceO KREEPY TIKI: Billy Cook 357 String Band

BARDOT: JMSN VINTAGE TAP: The Funky Nuggets

MEYER AMP: Tropical Rum Fest w. Third World, Waggy Tee, Spred the Dub, Kulcha Shok KREEPY TIKI: Metal Fest: Gemini Syndrome, Silenmara, 1000 Pounds of Thrust, Queen Dementia

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8

PROPAGANDA: Blair Crimmens JAZID: Bob Marley Earthday celebration w. Red Lyte & Sound Movement, DJ Kulcha, Jahman & Cruz Rock, LanceO, Kulcha Shok CHURCHILL’S PUB: Gift Shop Girls VINTAGE TAP: The Forlorn Strangers

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9

REVOLUTION LIVE: Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish, Authority Zero GUANABANAS: The Heavy Pets

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5

RESPECTABLE STREET: Me Chinese, the Band in Heaven PROPAGANDA: Reggae Night VINTAGE TAP: JP Soars, Rockin Jake

CHURCHILL’S PUB: International Noise Conference 2015 w/ 31 Bands

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6

RESPECTABLE STREET: Hub City Stompers, Die Trying JUMP THE SHARK: Collective America Compilation Launch w. Plastic Pinks, Wastelands, Milk Spot, Kill Mama, The Grey 8’s, Pocket of Lollipops, Bleeth, Kat CHR PROPAGANDA: Peep Show Presents: Bloody Valentine Bash

CHURCHILL’S PUB: International Noise Conference 2015 w/27 Bands. Plus Apostrophe’s Stage in Back Patio, Curated by Emile Milgrim KREEPY TIKI: Metal Fest VINTAGE TAP: Octo Gato, The High Ministers

P C

T

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

PROPAGANDA: DJ Needlez Presents. Rock The Mic KILL YOUR IDOL: Bluejay

GRAMPS: Evan Dando (Lemonheads), Sara Johnston

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12

RESPECTABLE STREET: Jangle Leg

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

M

KREEPY TIKI: Hudson Falcons

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

BROWARD COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER: Shock Pop Comiccon

VINTAGE TAP: Graveyard Jaw, Billy Cook (.357 String Band) FUNKY BISCUIT: Aaron Lebos Reality

P E J T M C

W

RADIO-ACTIVE RECORDS: Hypoluxo, Washa, Wake Up

PROPAGANDA: Karaoke Night Hosted by Chris Martin CHURCHILL’S PUB: Miami Jazz Jam & Theatre De Underground

K D B P

PROPAGANDA: Karaoke Night Hosted by Chris Martin CHURCHILL’S PUB: Miami Jazz Jam & Theatre De Underground

PROPAGANDA: Spred the Dub, The Duppies BLACKBIRD ORDINARY: Blackbird Bazaar, Cashmere VINTAGE TAP: Bobby Nathan Blues Showcase CHURCHILL’S PUB: In Defence, Nunhex, Scum Punch, Nekromaniak, Wrists Grow Cold

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2

E Y M K

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13

PROPAGANDA: Jason & The Punknecks REVOLUTION LIVE: Silverstein, Hands Like Houses, Major League, My Iron Lung BAKEHOUSE ART COMPLEX: Boxwood VINTAGE TAP: Clem McGillicutty & The Burnouts STACHE: Nacho (Eagle Chief) SWAMPGRASS WILLY’S: Glamtastic Valentine’s Rock-nBurlesque PaRTaY: The C…MOnSteRs, Glamour Goddesses Burlesque Troupe

FUNKY BUDDHA: B.E. Easy Fest Pre-Party ft. The Funky Nuggets, Ancient Sun

CHURCHILL’S PUB: Lolasitapalooza Benefit: Antifaces, Die Trying!, Talking Dogs, Flees, Lonewolf OMB, The MC1, FLEES, Drul KREEPY TIKI: The Seraphonics, Fun at Parties, Analog

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14

KRAVIS CENTER | PEAK: Camille A. Brown & Dancers: Black Girl HOLLYWOOD ARTSPARK EXPERIENCE: New Orleans ft. George Porter Jr. & The Running Pardners, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Cha’s, Dillard High School Jazz Band BRYANT PARK: B.E. Easy Music & Arts Festival ft.

Nahko and Medicine For The People, The Resolvers, Cope, Unlimited Devotion, The Funky Nuggets, Sawgrass Express, Ancient Sun BROWARD COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER: Shock Pop Comiccon VINTAGE TAP: Slip & the Spinouts

K V

V R

P S

F

V

P V F S K

S

V R P E G

D V R G K C K

S

V

P J

M

P C

T

C

W

P C

T

K E

P B I

REVOLUTION LIVE: Yonder Mountain String Band

PROPAGANDA: B.E. Easy Fest Official After-Party ft.

Thrift Works, Lucky Costello ESPLANADE PARK: 25th Riverwalk Blues & Music Festival YEELEN GALLERY: Black Freedom: Works by Jerome Soimaud MIAMI DADE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS: 9 Mile Music Festival KREEPY TIKI: Joe Buck Yourself, Mobile Deathcamp

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15

KRAVIS CENTER | PEAK: Camille A. Brown & Dancers: Black Girl BROWARD COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER: Shock Pop Comiccon PROPAGANDA: Acoustic Showcase/Open Mic ESPLANADE PARK: 25th Riverwalk Blues & Music Festival JAZID: Inna Sense, DJ Iscious, Fyakin THE STAGE: The Get Together w. Kabaka Pyramid, Jo Mersa Marley, LanceO CHURCHILL’S PUB: Turnstile, Superheaven, Fire & Ice, Freedom

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16

PROPAGANDA: Karaoke Night Hosted by Chris Martin CHURCHILL’S PUB: Miami Jazz Jam & Theatre De Underground

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27

PROPAGANDA: DJ Needlez Presents. Rock The Mic VINTAGE TAP: Smells Like Grunge (Nirvana Trib) REVOLUTION LIVE: Shpongle BLUEPRINT GALLERY at MILAGRO CENTER: Melody Exhibit Opening Reception CHURCHILL’S PUB: Caveman Cult, Koroidia, Hellwitch, Reapermanser, Solstice KREEPY TIKI: Damien Figler Chaotic Comedy

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28

PROPAGANDA: Que Lastima REVOLUTION LIVE: The Expendables, Ballyhoo!, Katastro VINTAGE TAP: The Red Elvis’s HOLLYWOOD ARTSPARK: Paul Collins’ Beat, Charlie Pickett, The Talking Dogs, The Done KREEPY TIKI: Battle Lines Tour: Fight the Fade, Sink In

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 29

KREEPY TIKI: Retro Pin Up Hair Workshop

TUESDAY, MARCH 3

REVOLUTION LIVE: August Burns Red, Miss May I, Northlane, Erra

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

THURSDAY, MARCH 5

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19

MARCH 6-8

KILL YOUR IDOL: The Moon Caravan VINTAGE TAP: Molly Hatchet

SPIRIT OF THE SUWANEE: AURA Music & Arts Festival 6 PreParty Kung Fu, Dopapod, Ghost Owl VINTAGE TAP: Raggy Monster

VIRGINIA KEY: Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance SPIRIT OF THE SUWANEE: AURA Music & Arts Festival Disco RESPECTABLE STREET: The Old Fashioned Biscuits, moe., Papadosio, Break Science Live Band, The Motet, PROPAGANDA: Reggae Night STACHE: Palette Town

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20

The Heavy Pets, Dopapod, Kung Fu and more!

FRIDAY, MARCH 6

VINTAGE TAP: PUREHONEY presents Corners, Plastic VIRGINIA KEY: Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance Pinks PROPAGANDA: Exzakt RESPECTABLE STREET: Stillkept, Murder in Motion, VINTAGE TAP: SS Web, Jangle Leg, Koffin Varnish Moguera FUNKY BUDDHA: Displace, Lucky Costello STACHE: Bluejay KREEPY TIKI: Jayke Orvis, Everyone

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21

VIRGINIA KEY: Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance RESPECTABLE STREET: Burlesque Roulette PROPAGANDA: Wayward Parade Music Fest: Everymen, Jayke Orvis, The Darling Sweets, The Gravel Kings, Gallows Bound, Bed Burner DADA: Jangle Leg VINTAGE TAP: The Living Daylights REVOLUTION LIVE: Rave of Thrones with Kristian Nairn GRAND CENTRAL: Nightmares On Wax (DJ Set) KILL YOUR IDOL: Bonnie Riot CHURCHILL’S PUB: Kryptonite Metal Fest 40 Bands/3 Stages KREEPY TIKI: Damien Figler Chaotic Comedy

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22

REVOLUTION LIVE: Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

REVOLUTION LIVE: Behemoth, Cannibal Corpse, Aeon, Tribulation

TUESDAY, MARCH 10

GRAND CENTRAL: Hundred Waters

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

VINTAGE TAP: The Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Jangle Leg

SATURDAY, MARCH 21

HOLLYWOOD ARTSPARK EXPERIENCE: The Wood Brothers

SUNDAY, MARCH 22

KRAVIS CENTER | PEAK: Les Yeux Noirs

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

HUIZENGA PAVILION in the BROWARD CENTER FOR THE

VIRGINIA KEY: Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance PERFORMING ARTS: Kawehi PROPAGANDA: Indie art & craft Fair JAZID: Rythmadix, DJ Selecta Deps, Red Lyte, LanceO, Kulcha Shok

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

PROPAGANDA: Karaoke Night Hosted by Chris Martin CHURCHILL’S PUB: Miami Jazz Jam & Theatre De Underground

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24

PROPAGANDA: PUREHONEY presents Cobalt Cranes, Sweet Bronco REVOLUTION LIVE: Taking Back Sunday, letlive., The Menzingers

CHURCHILL’S PUB: Trash Talk

SATURDAY, APRIL 11

PROPAGANDA: HOMEROOM: Open Mic Showcase CHURCHILL’S PUB: Vinyl Solutions-Bring It. Spin it. Nunhex

SUNDAY, APRIL 12

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26

KRAVIS CENTER | PEAK: Rene Marie: I Wanna Be Evil With Love To Eartha Kitt PROPAGANDA: Hurly Burly BARDOT: The Moon Caravan INKWELL PUB: Mylo Ranger, Cult Love

FRED LIPPMAN CENTER: Odd Duck Bazaar FRED LIPPMAN CENTER: Odd Duck Bazaar

SUNDAY, APRIL 19

KRAVIS CENTER | PEAK: The Idan Raichel Project

PHOTO BY: JANEL KILNISAN

FEBRUARY 19-22

DONNA THE BUFFALO DANAY SUAREZ RUBBLEBUCKET SPAM ALLSTARS AJ GHENT LANZALLAMAS DRIFTWOOD LOCOS POR JUANA MC YOGI MARCO BENEVENTO CORTADITO SUENALO ELASTIC BOND KEITH SECOLA BRENDAN O’HARA NAG CHAMPAYONS TELEKINETIC WALRUS KEITH FRANK JUKE BIG MEAN SOUND MACHINE APPLEBUTTER EXPRESS DJ BILL KELLY SWEAR & SHAKE AFROBETA MORIKEBA KOUYATE CONSORTES SIHASIN UPROOT HOOTENANNY JIM LAUDERDALE SINDY RUSH OSCEOLA BROTHERS CHANTIL DUKART UMA GALERA NATIVOS ORQUESTRA ZONA DE BOMBA URUCHAMBA ELECTRIC PIQUETE RICHIE STEARNS & ROSIE NEWTON EPHNIKO W W W . V I R G I N I A K E Y G R A S S R O O T S . O R G

VIRGINIA KEY GRASSROOTS It’s fitting that this year’s Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival of Music, Dance and Art is hyping itself as family-friendly. Returning to Virginia Key, near Miami, for its fourth annual iteration, the festival not only prides itself in featuring bands who wear their roots on their sleeves with a style all their own, it’s also based on an ethos of fundamental conscientiousness for our neighbors and the environment.

And aren’t those some of the best ideals to instill in our children?

But, as ever, the main draw will be the bands.

Besides Driftwood, who kick off the music, some out-of-town guests include Lobo Marino a harmonium, drum & bass meditative chant inspired duo from Richmond, VA (feat. on last months PureHoney compilation), Swear and Shake an indie folk band from New York, the Native American duo Sihasin from Arizona and Rubblebucket, another Electric Piquete New York outfit, but they feature horns and have psychedelic influences to produce a peppy if angular dance sound.

Credit: Diego Donis

In fact, the festival begins with its new “Grassroots Culture Camp,” on February 15, a series of workshops for all ages, covering everything from music to cooking. It begins Lobo Marino at 9 in the morning. Events include lessons on instruments led by members of Driftwood, a quartet from Binghamton, New York who mix folk and world music. On Sunday, Ben Cohen, one half of the founding entrepreneurs of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, will host two workshops, one on community building and another on cooking. There’s also dance, yoga, sustainability education, bike tuneups and much more.

Some of the best local bands in South Florida are also represented, including Afrobeta, The Baboons, Locos Por Juana, Spam Allstars and Electric Piquete, among others. In total there are over 40 bands booked playing across four stages. Michael Mut, bassist/vocalist for Electric Piquete said, “It truly is an honor to be selected to play an event like this. The range of acts, the caliber of performers, the amount of activities for the whole family to engage and enjoy -- all are incredible, and we are looking forward to being a part of it.”

The Virginia Key Locos Por Juana GrassRoots Festival has its origins in Ithaca, NY where organizers kicked off the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival in 1990 as a benefit concert to support a local AIDS organization. It did so well I became an annual event. Twelve years later, organizers started the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival in North Carolina.

Both are still going strong.

Children 12 and under free. For more information, visit

Credit: Bill Davis

It’s been four years since organizers have maintained a winter version in Virginia Key. “They are looking to continue to host it down here for a long time to come,” notes Mut, who also handles PR for the festival, “and even expand their presence and partnerships yearround. Putting down roots, so to speak.”

Donna the Buffalo

VirginiaKeyGrassRoots.org or call 786-409-5261. The festival takes place at Virginia Key Beach Park, 4020 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149, from Feb. 19 – 22. Tickets are available online at www.

VirginiaKeyGrassRoots.org/general-info/tickets ~ Hans Morgenstern | Independent Ethos (www.indieethos.wordpress.com)

JOHN WATERS at SHOCK POP It’s easy just to call John Waters a perverted old geezer, but it’s also shamefully reductive. This is a man who abhors escapism so much, he entered into filmmaking to shock people back to reality. That he did it entertainingly and with such humor has gained him a cult following of people from all walks of life.

Though most often considered a filmmaker who has directed 16 movies, including Pink Flamingoes (1972), Hairspray (1988) and A Dirty Shame (2004), Waters has not made a movie in over 10 years, and has no idea when he plans to go back to it, if ever.

Speaking via phone from his home in San Francisco, Waters, 68, says he has always been a writer first and foremost.

He has written five books, not counting his two collections of film photograph books and two screenplay collections.

He’s also recently been exploring art. His specialty is experimenting with distorting photographs of faces, including his own.

On February 14, Waters will appear for one night only at the Shock Pop Comicon in Fort Lauderdale. He will perform his one-man show “This Filthy World: Filthier and Dirtier,” which he has been performing since 2006. It’s never been the same show, as he has updated it over the years. But you can expect him to talk about his influences, from artistic to his fascination with true crime story. He’s also prone to talk about, exploitation films, crazy fashion and the over-the-top contemporary art world.

John Waters by Hot Damn Arts

He is also there to promote his latest bestselling book Carsick, in which he chronicles his hitchhiking trip across the U.S. from his Baltimore home to his home in San Francisco. You will be able to meet him during a book signing. From our chat with him, he sounds eager to meet you.

You perform on Valentine’s Day at this convention. What do you think of that?

I love it. It’s my Mom’s birthday! I’m for it because you get to eat candy, and I used to give people animal hearts for Valentine’s Day, and the kind of people I date seem to always find it touching.

You are performing at Broward County’s premiere comicon and horror convention. What makes these conventions special for you?

Well, people come from all over the world to see it. I love that I get to meet crazy horror stars and people that were in horror movies that I remember. It’s a different kind of stardom and a different kind of audience. A lot of girls have Betty Page bangs and a lot of tattoos, and a lot of boys have goatees and are kind of blue color. I think it’s a good audience. They’re very open-minded, and I like heavy metal kids and all that.

You’re also there to promote your latest book Carsick. I was just wondering was this a social experiment for you?

It was just an adventure I wanted to have. It wasn’t an experiment… I guess it was. It was really a book deal. I wrote the fictitious parts before I left, and then I did it for real because everyone else was so frightened for me… when I was doing it I wasn’t frightened except I never imagined I’d have to wait 10 hours to get a ride, which happened many times. So that was the bad part about it I didn’t predict. But, yes, it was an adventure. I’m glad that I did it. Not only did I get a book out of it that did very well, I felt pretty proud of myself that I had the nerve to do it because everybody else was saying, “You’re crazy; don’t do this.”

It’s an abstract idea until you do it because it’s a book pitch, but I remember the first day, walking out that front door and winding up the street with me little sign, thinking, “Are you crazy? Now I’m actually doing this?”

What is the most surprising thing that you took away from that journey?

I don’t think anything really surprised me because I’ve always believed in the basic goodness of people, and people who pick up hitchhikers believe the same thing, I believe because each person is taking a little bit of chance, the hitchhiker and the person that picks you up. But they’re trying to help you. People thought I was a homeless man. They were not starfuckers… mostly.

I’m sure you’ve seen much of America. You were recently in Miami for the book fair. What makes Miami stand out in your mind?

I like it. You know I’m interested to see what happens with the Cuba thing. How that’s gonna affect it. You know, I had more experience in Key West because Divine used to have a home there, and I used to go visit him there, so I probably have spent more time in Key West than I have in Miami, but I like going to Fort Lauderdale, so yeah, I have fun there. It’s always been a good audience for me, and it’s now such an art place too that’s good because I practice in that world, too. But when I’m on these tours, you know, I get to meet my audience. I definitely do in each city, and that’s great because you get to keep up with who your audience is.

So books and art, but most know you as a filmmaker. It’s been more than 10 years since we’ve seen a movie from you. Any plans at all for directing another one?

Maybe I’ll never make another one. I don’t have any plans because really what I am is a writer. I wrote every movie. I’ve written every book. All my books are still in print. I think them up. I basically write them before I do them. I write my spoken word shows, so everything I do is about writing really. So which way I tell stories? I can do it each way. They’re all equally as important to me.

John Waters will perform “This Filthy World, Filthier and Dirtier” at Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as part of the Shock Pop Comicon on Feb 14. Tickets: www.shockpopcomiccon.com ~ Hans Morgenstern | The Independent Ethos (www.indieethos.wordpress.com)

B.E. EASY FESTIVAL It is unfortunate that many times great events and causes come to be after tragedy. Such is the case of the B.e.

Easy Music and Arts Fest. In 2011, after becoming addicted following hipreplacement surgery, 23 year old Ben Evans passed from a prescription drug overdose. Since, his parents and brother have honored the music and arts lover with a festival that captures the aspects of his brief life that brought him the most joy.

Now in its third year, the festival continues its goal of becoming fully funded through donations and sponsorships so that the charitable beneficiary of the event, the B.e. Easy Scholarship Fund benefits from all monies raised.

The scholarship’s motto is “Open dialogue saves lives” and the fund has labored to help individuals and families struggling with addiction by providing financial assistance and contact information to those who want help. Part of their approach is the advocacy for open dialogue amongst friends and family of those dealing with addiction. This seemingly insurmountable struggle is at the heart of their mission since they “are hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn’t in some way been affected by addiction or mental health issues” as stated on their website.

This year’s event will feature Nahko and Medicine for the People, Cope, The Resolvers, Ancient Sun, The Funky Nuggets, Sawgrass Express and Unlimited Devotion. The B.E. Easy Clam Jam will be comprised of Stinky Pockets/Funkin’ Grateful’s guitarist Billy Gilmore, Cope’s multi-instrumentalist Juanjamon, Ancient Sun’s guitarist Rick Krasowski, former Funky Nugget Nico Swarley and Lucky Costello’s drummer Adam McWilliams; guaranteeing a musician’s style jam incorporating the eclectic takes on funk, reggae and Dead-influenced music this ad hoc army brings to the stage.

The festival, aside from offering a variety of vendors and food and drink choices, also hosts workshops from varied enterprises like Florida Flow Fest. Artists, an integral part of the festival circuit that Ben enjoyed, will also be featured. This group which includes Dillon Endico, Pat Anglin and Emily Holtzheuser will help keep the proceedings lively since this great cause, borne out of the Evan’s tragic loss, is a celebration of life and a testament to the human spirit’s intrinsic nobility in the face of hardship. ~Abel Folgar

EYE FOUR RECORDS

SABALS looking at you, Ariel Pink).

It’s an unprecedented time of uncertainty in the music industry.

It’s blatantly apparent that major artists and labels are in full panic mode. It seems like the only way to make an immediate and massive wave anymore -- outside of having a really great album, of course -- is through publicity stunts, like surprise releases or stealth publicity campaigns that operate through manufactured controversy (I’m

The time is ripe for the revolution mounted on the backs of the maverick indie label to go into high gear. Thus, it is most important for us to pay attention plucky startups like Orlando’s Eye Four Records. Eye Four is currently in its infancy, however, the label’s charges are already making some serious moves well out of its depth as a newer label. PureHoney got the inside line from the men at its helm, David Plakon and Ian Maikisch.

How did the label come to be?

Ian: David has been working as a producer and engineer at the North Avenue Studio since graduating from Stetson. I came to the studio last summer to work and our shared passion for music brought us together. It is all hands on deck for both of us. It takes a lot of planning and commitment because we both take on the roles of A&R, publicist, and in some cases, booking agent. David is our exclusive audio engineer and producer. We’re six months in with three groups signed.

What does your label do differently to set itself apart during such a crazy time?

David and I are musicians, which makes Eye Four an extremely artist friendly label.

The area has some amazing artists that do not always get the opportunity to showcase their talents beyond local bars and events. We’re making a name by getting our artists the national and global press we believe they deserve.

What artists are currently signed and what will you be putting out for them?

Day Joy has an EP titled Haunted coming out in the first quarter of this year.

Palmedo just released a single for the song “Cool Down” in Dec., we released a single with SABALS for “Blistering” in Nov., and they have a second single -- “Wild Thing” -- coming out this month. The SABALS EP will be out in February.

Is there a sound the label hones in on in particular when looking for new artists?

We are open to many genres, but we’re really looking for dedication and talent first. We don’t want to miss an opportunity by boxing ourselves into one sound.

We have mostly put out artists that mix pop with experimental approaches. ~ Von Bader