The Atlantic Current - Issue 9

FEB - MAR 2014 • ISSUE 9

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Saltwater Brewery

the band in Heaven

Craig McInnis

welcome

to the atlantic current

In This Issue We’re riding the current into the New Year and it’s going to be a fine one. Thanks for joining us for this installment of The Atlantic Current, South Florida’s Culture and Lifestyle Magazine.

Leading off we bring you all-pro wakeboarder Steel Lafferty, the inhuman human who invents unheard of tricks behind the boat. Feature writer Cash Lambert brings you the scoop.

Next, we explore the depths of beer at Saltwater Brewery.

We’ve been looking forward to the opening and it was well worth the wait! Dana Krangel tells us how the team of 5 local dudes came together to craft some damned good beers right here in our backyard. Saltwater never tasted so GOOD. Then, Dana brings you our music feature with the band in Heaven and their newest release “Caught In A Summer Swell”. This band may be in heaven now, but they were born and bred right here in South Florida.

Next up, the newest addition to the Current Crew, Writer Nicole Danna presents this issue’s art feature with Craig McInnis and his amazing work that has no boundaries.

All this, plus album reviews, our local fishing report with Tom Greene, charter boat profile with the Poseidon Too and Captain Mark Danley, party pix from the Movember release party, and much more.

The Atlantic Current is a Circulation Verification Council audited publication

Photo: Ben Hicks

CONTENTS

12 | Gear Guide

15

The Current Crew is at it again, searching the globe for the coolest gear to make your SoFlo lifestyle even better.

15 | Steel Lafferty The creator of several wakeboard tricks, Steel takes us through everything from building his craft to his favorite blanket.

21 | Saltwater Brewery The beer wave crashes into South Florida with another local brewery. This feature takes you from the idea all the way to the finished product. Craft beer junkie Dana Krangel tells the tale of South Florida’s newest hot spot.

21

28 | Centerfold Local Mari Juliette graces our pages in this issue’s centerfold

34 | the band in Heaven In this edition we bring you an up and coming band out of West Palm that’s looking to hit the big time shortly. Plus, we review the latest albums from 3 top local bands.

40 | Craig McInnis

34

Artist Craig McInnis is all things creative in this feature.

His art is original, dark, and freaky. You’re going to dig this guy and his incredible work.

44 | Charter Boat Profile Tour the Poseidon Too with Captain Mark Danley, who chose the Jimmy Buffet lifestyle instead of following in his family’s footsteps and becoming a doctor.

46 | Tom Greene Fishing Report

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theatlanticcurrent.com

Our local waters are alive this time of year and expert Tom Greene from Custom Rod and Reels in Lighthouse Point dishes out advice to put you on the fish you want.

Publisher and Editor Dustin Wright • Dustin@theatlanticcurrent.com

CFO (Chief Fun Officer) Danny Floyd • Dan@theatlanticcurrent.com

Art Director Juan Carlos Agosto

Ad Design WM Printing • Michael Carriegos • Gabrielle Horner

Photography Ben Hicks • ben@bocaratonphoto.com Leon Legot • leon@theatlanticcurrent.com Nathan Hamler • nathan@nathanhamlerphotography.com Perrin James • lastbreathfilm.com Joaqin Anico • smile@photosbyja.com

Contributing Photographers Chris Garrison • Abigail Rose Marsicano • Jacques de Beaufort

Writers Cash W. Lambert • Dana Krangel • Nicole Danna

Web Master Trey Smedley

Biz Consultant Yonilee Miller

Advertising Opportunities 561.383.0035 ext 101 • info@theatlanticcurrent.com

Special Thanks Sam Scott, Tom Greene, Patty Wright, Yonilee Miller, Trey Smedley, Juan Carlos Agosto, Steel Lafferty, Chris Garrison, Craig McInnis, Matt Cahur, Thomas Moser, Ben Hicks, Nathan Hamler, Leon Legot, Cash Lambert, Dana Krangel, Nicole Danna, Jayson Koss, Jordan Kyser, Joey D., “Hurley” Burley, D.J.P., the band in Heaven, Heath Van Den Bogaert, Mari Juliette, Perrin James, Joaqin Anico, Carm Mazza, YOU the reader, and most of all our friends, supporters, and sponsors in South Florida who make all of this possible.

theatlanticcurrent

@atlanticcurrent

@the_atlantic_current

© The Atlantic Current 2014, all rights reserved.

No part of this magazine or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted without the express written consent of the Publisher.

EVENTS CALENDAR

FEB 20-23

FEB 28

Virginia Key Grassroots Festival

G. Love and Special Sauce @ Culture Room

FEB 6

FEB 15-17

FEB 22

Atlantic Current Release Party

Jupiter ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival

6th Annual Hobbit Skate Off

FEB 6-9

FEB 16

@ Guanabana’s in Jupiter

@ Saltwater Brewery

Sailfish Challenge

@ Abacoa

Uproot Hootenanny

2nd leg of Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series

@ Deck 84

FEB 8

Flogging Molly

The Resolvers

FEB 19 @ Revolution Live

Tropical Rum Fest @ Meyer Amphitheatre

FEB 20

Big Head Todd

INHOUSE

@ Revolution Live

Rocket Man

Elton John Tribute @ Funky Biscuit

The Reunion Concert @ Bamboo Room

FEB 20-23

FEB 9

Virginia Key Grassroots Festival

Jars of Clay

Shawn and Marlon Wayans

@ Culture Room

@ Fort Lauderdale Improv

FEB 12

FEB 21

Cat Power

Reel Big Fish

@ Culture Room

@ Revolution Live

@ Hobbit Skate Park

Bushwood

3rd Annual Florida Craft Beer and Wingfest in Vero Beach

4th Annual Space Coast Craft Beer Festival

FEB 23 Uproot Hootenanny @ JB’s on the Beach

The Resolvers

@ JB’s on the Beach

FEB 25 Demi Lovato

@ BB&T Center

Dark Star Orchestra @ Revolution Live

FEB 26 Heavy Pets

@ Guanabana’s (Jupiter)

FEB 14

FEB 22-23

The Long Run

Eagles Tribute @ Funky Biscuit

24th Annual Downtown Stuart Art Festival

FEB 28

FEB 14-23

Lake Worth Street Painting Festival

@ Culture Room

Delray Beach Open Tennis Tournament

The Expendables

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@ Culture Room

G. Love and Special Sauce Vertical Horizon @ Revolution Live

MARCH 6-15

MARCH 29

Festival of the Arts

Ales for Anglers @ Sunset Cove Amphitheater

MARCH 1

MARCH 13

MARCH 23

Galt Mile Wine and Food Festival

The Nighthawks

Walk Against MS in Boca

MARCH 1-2 26th Annual Los Olas Art Fair

MARCH 4 Justin Timberlake @ BB&T

MARCH 5-8 Jimmy Johnson National Billfish Championship in Key Largo

MARCH 6-15 Festival of the Arts Boca

MARCH 7-16

@ Funky Biscuit

MARCH 14-15 Bob Saget

@ Palm Beach Improv

MARCH 15 Paul Simon and Sting @ BB&T

MARCH 16 Hackensaw Boys with Special Guests Uproot Hootenanny @ Funky Biscuit

MARCH 17 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration @ The Wishing Well in Boca Raton

31st Annual Miami International Film Festival

MARCH 20-23

MARCH 8

Palm Beach International Boat Show

The Band Perry, Easton Corbin and Scotty McCreery

MARCH 24 Psychedelic Furs @ Culture Room

Dark Star Orchestra @ Revolution Live

MARCH 27 Bad Fish – Tribute to Sublime @ Revolution Live

MARCH 27-30 Southeast Regional Surfing Championships in Melbourne Beach

MARCH 29-30 4th Annual CityPlace Art Fair

MARCH 29 Ales for Anglers

@ Sunset Cove Amphitheater

@ Cruzan

MARCH 8-9 26th Annual Art Fest by the Sea (Jupiter/Juno)

For the latest events, visit www.theatlanticcurrent.com/events

theatlanticcurrent.com 11

GEAR GUIDE

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Florida Salt Scrubs

Florida Salt Scrubs clean and moisturize your hands, body, and feet and comes in six true Florida scents; key lime, coconut, vanilla, lemongrass, orange, and grapefruit. Made right here in South Florida!

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The MULE

Tired of carrying your SUP to the beach? (YES).

Then get yourself a Mule to do the work for you!

Price: $125 Available at www.muletransportsystems.com

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ACTION SPORTS

By Cash W. Lambert

SteeL Lafferty

Age doesn’t define Steel Lafferty.

You’d think the all-pro wake boarder is an older, tenured vet because he’s invented 3 different tricks. That means he’s done something that no one else has ever done in the history of the sport. Amazing. And with all the traveling he does, including recent visits to Japan and Australia, he appears to know the ins and outs of the pro wakeboard tour. He also has impressive maturity. No matter where he goes, he never forgets his roots from his hometown of Ft. Lauderdale, which is why the community never forgets him. A top 10 finish in 2013 certainly cements the idea that his age is above 25, right? Maybe he’s 30?

But just when you think you have him figured out, Steel smiles and tells you that he never leaves home without a certain childish heirloom, and that everyday he “just wants to be a kid”.

He just wants to wake up and have fun, and that means getting on a wakeboard. So maybe he is under 25?

I don’t know. Either way, Steel’s age seems to be irrelevant to the way he lives each and everyday. Maybe that’s all that matters. – Cash Lambert

Photo: Chris Garrison

ACTION SPORTS

SteeL Laffer Did Ft. Lauderdale give you a decent home base to start

That’s impressive, man. What about your least favorite

training? It’s nice to grow up in Ft. Lauderdale, being able to travel up to

memory? I broke my back training in Orlando. I had fractured my L5

Orlando, which is the Mecca of wakeboarding because of all the lakes. It was

vertebrae and I didn’t even know it. It felt like a knife stabbed me anytime I

just an awesome place to grow up, because I was always active and having

sneezed or bent over wrong. I went to Ft. Lauderdale to see my doctor and

fun. I had a great coach there too.

he was the one that diagnosed me after some tests. If the break would have been a little worse I could have been paralyzed.

What’s your favorite Ft. Lauderdale memory? I’m 21 now, but when I was 17, a filmer came into town because I knew I was getting close to a

So they put you in therapy and a brace, right? Yeah. They had me

trick that hadn’t been done before. I went out and tried 20 of these 1080

wear a hard plastic brace for 6 months and the thing was so ugly that I tried

rotations and finally stuck one. I didn’t believe I did it – I was the youngest

to spray paint it. But afterwards I sat on my mom’s white couch with it on

person to do so and the first person to do a wake-to-wake 1080 without

and stained it.

using a double up.

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Photos: Chris Garrison

rty Breaking your back and ruining your mom’s couch must have

wakeboarding is so young. It’s so moldable. I have so much fun, and when

given you a new perspective on life. What about wakeboarding

I’m 30, hopefully I’m still behind the scenes, helping the tour, making it

– what has it given you a new perspective on and taught you? I

better for the riders. Maybe making it one of the most legit action sports out

get to grow up quick and travel on my own, but at the same time I can be a

there, you know? Fame and money are awesome but wakeboarding is what

kid. I don’t have to grow up like normal people and work at a desk and do all

I really love. I want to see it grow just as much as I’m growing.

this paperwork. Wakeboarding pays the bills.

What about your downtime - what’s your favorite place to You’ve invented three tricks: a wake-to-wake 1080, a backside

spend time in Ft. Lauderdale? Definitely Downtown Los Olas. A good

1080 and a toeside backside 1080.When you look back on

buddy of mine owns a bar called American Social with great food. I always

your wakeboarding career, what else do you want to have

eat there.

accomplished? I don’t know if I’ll ever be satisfied. I want to be the one to push it to the next level. That’s kind of a cliché thing to say, but

theatlanticcurrent.com 17

Photos: Chris Garrison

SteeL Lafferty

ACTION SPORTS

Give me a list of places you’ve left the safe confines

of Ft. Lauderdale to visit. I just got back from Japan. I’ve also been to Australia, Spain, Russia and Panama.

What are your thoughts on the past 2013 season?

Satisfied? Hungry? Man it was a hard year. I started off real well, really excited, then blew my right ear drum out. That took

me out of the first couple of contests. I had to get back into the

swing of things. Mid-season I was back and I rode well. I ended up in the top 10, which is pretty good for not competing in half the contests, but in 2014 I’m going for that podium finish.

What’s the one thing you don’t leave home without?

I’ve had this blanket ever since I was little. I don’t leave home without it. It’s a small little blanket and it doesn’t cover me

anymore. My great grandma knitted it for me, and when I was

younger it somehow got lost so my other grandma knitted me

another one just like it. One time I lost it in a hotel and I freaked out. I didn’t ride well in the contest knowing that it was lost.

Do you ever get tired of the road? It’s hard to say I get tired of it, when I’m seeing so many cool places, but near the end of

the season, when I’m sitting between two of the biggest people on the airplane, yeah I’m ready to get home.

You’ve spent so much time flying. Got a funny story for us? Oh yea. I was in first class, flying somewhere, I can’t

remember. I was just listening to music and some woman was

reaching for coffee from the stewardess and the woman dropped it straight on my pants. She freaked out and was saying ‘please don’t sue me, I’ll give you anything”. So she offered me 10,000

skymiles. I was like man I’ll get coffee spilled on me every day if I can get that all the time.

Since you travel so much, what exactly do you call home? Ft. Lauderdale is always home, even though I live in

Orlando. When I’m at a contest and doing clinics I want to go

home. Orlando feels like a home away from home. I know I’m home there.

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BREWERY BIO

By Dana Kragel

Saltwater Never Tasted So Good The craft beer wave finally crashes into South Florida

Wine drinkers, step aside. Hard alcohol chugging college kids, slow your roll. The craft beer movement has been running rampant and you know you want some more. As the general populous pushes ‘clear beer’ standbys to the outfield to make room for meticulously created stouts and IPAs, a new culture has emerged leaving standard beer dead in its tracks.

Photo: Ben Hicks

theatlanticcurrent.com 21

BREWERY BIO Photos: Ben Hicks

his pattern exists in South Florida with a bevvy of

years behind the rest of the country, hypothesizing his own theory

hoppy goodness popping up at your local watering

for our severe latency: “I think what’s happening is people are

hole. But something is different about our region’s

naturally coming to Florida, like they always have, but realizing

beer availability. An excruciating lack of local options

there isn’t that [craft beer] culture really set yet or it’s not as in

has left discerning beer pallets clamoring for suds from basically

motion as other places and just the natural progression of trends

anywhere but South Florida. While we have seen great strides

rolls in. And Florida is sometimes on the end of those trends.”

recently with the expansion of Funky Buddha in Oakland Park and the opening of Due South in Boynton Beach, Florida is still eons

Peter along with Chris Gove, Bo Eaton, Dustin Jeffers and

behind when it comes to creating and serving local libations. Which

Brewmaster Bill Taylor make up the motivated team of beer

is why just the sheer opening of a new brewery in our bubble

enthusiasts that brought Saltwater Brewery from merely an idea to

means so much to the surrounding community and our local craft

a full scale 20-barrel system of pure beer devotion.

beer culture as a whole.

The story starts as most The newest brewery in town has arrived and with much gusto to

brewery tales do, with

the elation of pretty much everyone. Located just off the highway

a couple of buddies

in Delray Beach, Saltwater Brewery opened its doors to the public

homebrewing. In this

on December 30th, 2013 and is ready to stake its claim as a

case, those guys were

powerhouse of beer in an area salivating for their creations.

Peter and his cousin Dustin. It’s safe to say

We spoke with Peter Agardy, one of the five local dudes behind

beer runs in the family,

the brewery and the man responsible for all the marketing

and while they wanted

accoutrement that lead Saltwater to buckets of buzz and praise

to share their craft, they

before the doors even cracked open. Coming from a fine art and

would have never started

graphic design background, Peter has been creating the distinct

on such a large scale

Florida look and feel that permeates throughout all of Saltwater’s

without some backup.

merchandise as well as the artwork in the brewery.

With the slogan “Explore the depths of beer,” Saltwater is capitalizing on South Florida’s beachy vibe and thirsty customer base. Even Peter knows that our tiny craft beer realm is light-

22 theatlanticcurrent.com

Step one? The building. “We never planned on going this big” said Peter, “but a sequence of events and opportunities came upon us for this building.” The 8,000 square foot honker of a brewery has seen many lives. Originally opened in 1952 as Delray Farm Supply, this location used to be a hub for all things country. Now instead of providing necessary working equipment, the building is the perfect place to come by after work and wind down with a local brew. The owner of the building is Peter’s family friend and the father of Chris Gove. Chris grew up with Peter and now oversees operations in the brewery. But there was still one big hurdle that once crossed meant Saltwater was more than an an idea, it was actually going to happen. Peter spends a bit of time up in Montana, a state so sparse with people it only has one area code yet is home to embarrassingly more breweries than Florida. One day he stepped into a favorite, Neptune’s Brewery, and asked owner, Brewmaster and buddy Bill Taylor if he would consider coming down to Delray to assess the Saltwater dream.

Bill came down, fell in love with the South Florida vibe and was hypnotized by the gaping craft beer opportunity waiting to be filled. Peter knew exactly what he had on his hands once Bill came on board: “I think the confidence that we have in Bill as a Brewmaster and his experience and willingness to help us-- we had a lot of faith in that. It was really comforting to us that we can rely on someone we can trust.” With the building in place and a seasoned Brewmaster on their side, Saltwater was ready to create a wave of new beers and become the newest brewery in our tight knit South Florida midst.

Let’s get down to what will make Saltwater not just a new business but a pillar in the community: the beer. Hop heads will no doubt lineup for Screamin’ Reels, a no nonsense IPA with the ideal piney aroma and grapefruit finish. Take it up a notch with Stinger, a double IPA with a different flavor profile focused more on the malts. Brewery visitors are already racing for more Sea Cow, a milk stout gentle on the pallet and big on flavor. Keep your head on a swivel before downing more than one of the Belgian tripels-- it’s called Don’t Get Confused for a reason.

Rounding out the selection with South End, a session ale and an amber ale by the name of Big Treble, it’s easy to see Saltwater is a place where passion for beer meets a love for the ocean.

The brewery itself is an awe-inspiring building, whether you majored in barley and hops or just minored in keg parties. The giant glass window behind the fresh, new taproom allows you to get a sneak into the brewing process and the outdoor area is primed for day drinking and live music. While the brewery won’t be serving food, they found the best alternative that supports Delray business in a big way-- the Delivery Dudes will be adding Saltwater to their stops, bringing in food from countless downtown restaurants.

Look for distribution of the six year-round offerings at your favorite local beer spots in the next six months or so while the brewery comes into its own. The guys have dreams of canning and bottling, like any brewer should. But lucky for beer geeks, growlers are already happening in a big way. The single bottling line converted to a growler filling station will attract big business-- there will even be two 15 minute parking spots so you can fill and go. The process makes it look like your growler is stepping into a time machine that requires Doc Brown’s help and you end up with an ageable product (of course, until you open it). Sharing with your fellow beer lovers isn’t required but it is encouraged. theatlanticcurrent.com 23

BREWERY BIO Moral of the story is, if you care about beer and want to see more of it, Saltwater Brewery is the next stop on your list. Right now, a trip to the brewery is the only way to get a taste, and while you’re there you will see plenty of reasons to toss your old Guy Harvey longsleeve and pickup a Saltwater shirt for your next fishing trip. Cruising Atlantic Avenue and don’t feel like walking over? The Delray Downtowner free electronic ride will be transporting locals directly to the brewery.

All this community feel has been conjured up for one sole reason: a new brewery has opened and that’s kind of a big deal. Cheers to the drinkers in South Florida and the few but essential craft breweries who give us a sense of pride that goes down easy. Even Peter understands the local craft beer scene is primed for growth. “There is so much room here for everybody. We’re excited for the next ten breweries to pop up because it’s just going

p u e Lin

to drive this culture in the right direction.” Stay thirsty, South Florida, it’s going to be a while.

e h T

South End Session Ale 4.5% ABV

Facebook.com/theatlanticcurrent 24 theatlanticcurrent.com

20 IBU

2 SRM

Sea Cow Milk Stout 6% ABV

20 IBU

36 SRM

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Stinger Double IPA 9% ABV

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Don’t Get Confused Belgian Tripel 11% ABV

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3 SRM

Photo: Ben Hicks

Photo: Perrin James - Last Breath Films

Mari Juliette

Mari Juliette Favorite part about south Florida?

The beach and the ocean – just how you can swim pretty much year round.

Favorite destination? Bimini Hobbies? Paddleboarding, wakeboarding, skurfing, longboard skateboarding, tennis – anything outdoors that I can do and not suck at. I used to teach paddleboard yoga too.

One thing people wouldn’t guess about you? That I’m Uruguayan Where did you grow up? I was born in Deerfield but lived in Pompano Beach primarily.

Favorite Local Hangout? Hillsboro Inlet Beach Favorite drink? Rum & Coke Hangover cure? Definitely coconut water – drink a jug of that and you’re straight Favorite food? Pizza and empanadas Favorite music/band? Favorite band is Pepper and favorite artist is Jack Johnson.

Favorite tv show? Fantasy factory Last thing you read? Probably my Gatorade bottle I’m drinking out of right now Dream car? Black Mercedes G-Wagon Convertible Celebrity crush? Josh Duhamel or Eric Geiselman Local bar, nightclub, or couch? Local bar for sure What’s next for Mari Juliette? Pushing forward with work and just doing my thing.

Definitely want to buy my own place soon.

Photo: Perrin James

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MUSIC

music

the band in Heaven Florida is so Flori-duh sometimes that it can be difficult convincing an outsider we have talented artists, let alone full-fledged live music scenes and successful bands who have spread their wings and flown to major labels. Over-the-top news stories, senior citizen migration, and alligator parties might overshadow our loud and proud music culture, but not every band in our landscape looks at our mess of a state as a reason to flee.

By Dana Kragel

Photo: Abigail Rose Marsicano

T

his is quite the opposite, actually. Why shift to a new city only to dream when you are already doing it for real? That’s the mentality of the homegrown heroes Band In Heaven. Technically Florida, not heaven, made this band, although sometimes your ears will toggle back and forth between the two options.

Does it get any more West Palm local music than a Dreyfoos School of the Arts kid staying in the nest and making good in his hometown? Savvy show-goers are all too familiar with this scenario but more times than not, the arts school training halts progress at the crumby bar cover band level. That’s not the case with Ates Isildak, the Band In Heaven’s front man and guitarist.

Ates has been a South Florida resident for almost ever, about the same amount of time he has been playing music. He’s been in a bevy of bands since the Dreyfoos days, watching and playing along as his fellow musicians grew into complete, polished performing machines. Bands he would want to listen to and see live and learn from.

“When it’s fun playing shows with your friends, you feel like you can do it forever.” said Ates. And just like that, you have yourself a scene- an underground. It’s a place to play not just to be heard, but to be a part of something bigger than yourself.

While the South Florida adoration oozes out of Ates and his fellow Band In Heaven mates, technically they got their start in Orlando-- but that didn’t last long. About three years ago, Ates and Lauren Dwyer, on vocals and keys, started the band in O-Town, quickly adding bass player Jay Tillman into the mix. Soon after, they returned to the Promised Land, aka WPB, and caught the perfect wave of emerging bands to play with like The Jameses, Cop City, and even local heavy hitters such as The Dewars and the now Warner Brothers-signed Surfer Blood who are still growing a big fat fan base.

The band name comes from a classic Talking Heads jam ‘Heaven,’ showcasing how deep their musical influence goes and how to wear your love for all things talent on your sleeve(s). While their sound might not closely emulate David Byrne’s stirring catalog, there is a sense of everlasting change and sustained dreaminess throughout. Their lyrics haven’t shifted focus over the course of their time making music, but the Band In Heaven has plenty of material that sounds different from each other.

So how do you describe the sound when convincing your friends to go to a Band In Heaven show with you? Ates says “It feels like a moment you can remember in a wistful and longing way but not trying to tug at your heart strings. It’s not music to fall asleep to but it’s not dance/club music. It’s somewhere in between.”

While Band In Heaven has been around for three years, only half of that time has been with the current, complete lineup. “Before, it was Lauren and I playing with different drummers but it was sloppy. Just for fun.” said Ates. But now, they are a complete band, and what do complete bands do? Cut complete albums.

Band in Heaven’s first full length disc, Caught In A Summer Swell, was released just a few months ago in September, 2013 and boasts their signature sound on ten tracks of raw musical motivation. Leading up to this debut album, the band released some tapes and a couple 7 inchers, but none of that compares to what they created on Caught In A Summer Swell because they created it together, from start to finish, as one entity. The earlier recordings featured a merry-go-round of musicians. But Caught In A Summer Swell is all Band In Heaven, as they are known today and as they hope to be known in the future.

It was a completely homegrown project in every sense of the word and along the way not only created a manifesto for fans, but a more tight-knit band bound to the West Palm Beach music scene. The entire record was a DIY project that would knock the craftiness out of heavy Pinterest users. Recorded in the drummer’s dining room and bassist’s bedroom, it took eight months of writing and recording to create their debut LP.

theatlanticcurrent.com 35

MUSIC This led to a different sound than previously released songs; more

the coolest of ways. The band has partnered up with unofficial king

precise music and a signature sound. Opening track and lead

of everything great, Rodney Mayo, to start a new local label called

single ‘Dandelion Wine’ quickly caught on locally and beyond with

Decades Records. Rodney is the man behind some of Palm Beach

Ates and Lauren swopping vocals and perfecting the crisp Band In

County’s most important venues and hot spots like Respectable

Heaven sound for the masses. So how did they go about writing

Street and Longboards. He has always been a major supporter

such a perfect manifestation on their musical mission? Turns out, it

of local music. The partnership means big things for everyone

happened to them, not by them. Ates told us “We decided that was

involved, including the other local bands sharing the label love

the single after everyone told us it should be. To us, it wasn’t better

like Jean Jacket and Gravel Kings. This is definitely an important

than any other song but people kept saying ‘that one.’”

conglomerate you will be hearing more about in the near future.

If it’s the music that brings you to the proverbial Band In Heaven

Of course, more touring is also on the menu. Why not, when it’s

kegger, it’s the music videos that will ensure you stay until the

such a blast? Said Ates, “Whenever we go out of town, it’s a lot of

party’s over. Having already filmed and produced almost ten high-

fun. We haven’t been on the road for two months straight. My old

quality vids, this crew loves to turn their art into a visual spectacle

bands have done that. That’s when it starts feeling really tedious.

that can be conveniently passed around the internet.

We haven’t gotten to that point, thankfully. It’s usually just like a sleepover with your friends which is nice.”

Ates sees it as a part of his craft: “We just love making music videos.

It feels more like art and not like a chore.” But it’s not just the sheer

So are these locals getting too big for home? That might be the

end product that gets Band In Heaven all hot and bothered about

case, but touring will have to do for now because South Florida

creating music videos, it’s the entire process. Ates sees it as a way

has and will always be home. There might be some more exciting

to work with others and share the creative spirit. “The song writing

scenes in New York, California, or Texas but Ates affirms, “We have

is personal but because it is personal, it’s boring almost – same

seen those places and we have seen bands move to those places

lyrics, same melodies over and over. When it is a music video, it’s ok

and do the same thing we are doing now. We talk about moving

to have a lot of people help. For ‘Dandelion Wine,’ we had 30 or 40

and we dream about it sometimes, but being in Florida, especially

friends to come help. You can’t do that on a song or recording but

with Decades starting, makes it nice to feel like we are building

you can do that on a video.”

something here rather than dreaming of escaping.” We’ll have to hold you to it.

band in Heaven And through it all, it’s the band members leading the way in photo

and video shoots, planning the art production and making sure they

The more bands that come down to our corner of this state

are exuding the look that they feel defines their music; their gift to

and stay here, the more we have to be proud of and the greater

the world but more specifically, South Florida. They produced the

the chance West Palm Beach emerges as the next local music

recording, hit the road for shows aplenty in New York City, and still

destination. Tell your friends-- South Florida isn’t just for Spring

show no signs of slowing down. As Ates puts it “[We’ll] keep doing it

Break anymore.

until we are not allowed to or no one cares or it feels old.”

They have so much to be proud of as a band achieving their dreams in South Florida, but what does Ates think is Band In Heaven’s biggest “write home to my parents” moment up to now? Local boy is as local boy does. “The moment where I felt most proud and most fulfilled was when the [Miami] band Jean

Jacket covered one of our songs. Just hearing someone else play your music and learn the words-- that was pretty amazing.”

With so many great accomplishments at their back, how is the Band In Heaven looking toward the future? In Photo: Jacques de Beaufort

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ALBUM REVIEWS

By Dana Krangel

The Hard Richards- Nu Derection When it comes to local South Florida bands, few are as legendary as The Hard Richards. Representing Boynton Beach, this ska/punk group has been playing live since 1994-- that’s nearly two decades of twisted, mosh worthy jams. Through the years, front man Steve has remained the only constant with a rotating door of talented musicians taking their turn on the stage. Currently, The Hard Richards are rocking nine members and a fresh new album that takes their original formula and makes it better.

Considering how many rambunctious shows they have played over almost 20 years, it’s still a treat when The Hard Richards release an album. Their third full length to date, Nu Derection, is full of tales of booze and girls and truly repeat-worthy ska-licious jams that will make you want to party. Start your night with ‘Jagermeister’ and opening lyrics, “I drink my drink / had time to think / almost puked in the bathroom sink / haven’t even left my house for the night.” Sounds like it’s time to party with The Hard Richards!

The Old Fashioned- Urgency Writing original songs out of Margate, FL, The Old Fashioned is a post-punk trio doing exactly what everyone should be, making music they love. Fairly new to the scene, The Old Fashioned popped up in 2002 playing as part of stacked lineups at gritty venues. Now signed to JMB records, their debut Urgency is delivering their specific sound to anyone that will take a listen.

The EP is five songs of dance-alone-in-your-apartment tunes that conjure up distinct Taking Back Sunday nostalgia while still being gentle enough for more mild music listeners. The songs make you want to catch a live Old Fashioned show which there will no doubt be much more of since their massive CD release party in Fort Lauderdale. Point blank, if you listened to punk/pop-punk/emo in high school, this record is worth a spin and a period of reflection. If this is what their songwriting is like out of the gate, we can’t wait to see what’s next for The Old Fashioned.

Ketchy Shuby- Still Making It Look Easy (S.M.I.L.E.) Five-piece Miami power house Ketchy Shuby knows how to do two things all too well: record fresh music and play irresistible live shows. Stirring up their signature brand of ‘downtown soul,’ Ketchy is back a funk-tastic new record that shows off their unspeakable passion for getting down. Featuring horns aplenty and an old school Stevie Wonder flair, S.M.I.L.E. is to the gills with tunes primed for dancing.

Ketchy Shuby’s lead singer, Jason Joshua Hernandez Rodriguez, gets down and raspy on this record. Lead single ‘The Watermelon’ gives you an earful of saxophone playing against the vocals and creating a blues/ soul vibe, and if you listen to close enough, you can hear Miami in the background. ‘Super Mystery Friends’ is a story of a song that will make you feel like James Bond for four minutes. The only thing missing from this record? It’s not live and in front of my face. These guys put on a hell of a live show. Toss in these new tracks and you’ve got yourself a can’t-miss Miami experience.

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A South

Florida

s No Bou

ndaries

cInnis at Know

Artist Th

Craig M

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By Nicole Danna

art ART

“All things creative” Not only is it Craig McInnis’ own personal commandment – it’s also the way he approaches both life and work. Leave no canvas unturned, no blank wall unpainted. And as a freelance artist in South Florida, it means McInnis covers a lot of ground – both literally and figuratively – from taking jobs for commissioned fine art pieces, set design, illustrations and murals to tackling special effects makeup, album graphics and even songwriting.

Such a wealth of talent has been long-honed. As he puts it, “I knew I was an artist before I even knew what being an artist meant”.

His earliest memories of putting pen to paper occurred while sketching in his grandmother’s kitchen as a toddler. As soon as he could form the thought, McInnis knew what he wanted to do it for the rest of his life. There was no back-up plan, no dreams of a flashy career. For him, art was it. If he wasn’t creating, he wasn’t living.

“Art isn’t something I want to do,” said McInnis. “It’s something I have to do. If I’m not creating, I’m not right.”

McInnis grew up in Connecticut where he recalls sports and academics forging the path most youngsters would follow into adulthood.

While McInnis knew he would never be the star quarterback or making a speech as valedictorian, he was lucky enough to know what his true talents were.

“I just went for it, and was lucky enough to be surrounded by people that supported and encouraged me,” recalls McInnis, who went on to study advertising and graphic design at the Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale. “I never deviated. Even when people told me ‘you’re gonna starve’ I knew there was nothing else I wanted to do.”

Today, the freedom that comes from knowing who you are – in truly owning your passion in life – is not only the key to McInnis’ journey as an artist, but also his success. When McInnis graduated with his degree he didn’t attack the local South Florida art scene in the traditional manner. Instead, he went another route completely, touring as the lead singer for a heavy metal band, GoneMad. When chasing dreams of a record deal fell short, McInnis returned to art in a pragmatic way, painting house interiors and eventually murals. In the first few years he recalls saying “yes” to anything that came his way. Could he design a set? Sure. Make a piano out of foam board? Of course. Do an illustration for an album cover? You got it.

“Even if I didn’t know how to do it, I’d research it and figure it out,” said McInnis. “In the freelance world, you say yes to a whole lot in the beginning. It shaped me to become the artist I am today.”

Today, McInnis’ art exists in two realms – the work he produces for his clients, and the work he does for himself. Unbridled, inspiration comes by way of the dark, the fantastical, the freaky. In a colorful, contemporary manner his illustrations, paintings and murals are replete with painted faces and sordid scenes that often exude a touch of macabre. Like fleeting memories – most recently series of women’s faces and a line of primate portraits – each piece is brought to life through a dark humor that almost anyone can appreciate. They are stories of love gone bad, political statements, or tales of turmoil and insanity.

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ART

Look around Boynton Beach, Lake Worth or West Palm Beach and you’ll find McInnis’ art, murals and commissioned pieces that make up a majority of his day-to-day work. His online portfolio shows a different side, mainly fine art and commissioned pieces, or personal projects that reflect his favorite medium, acrylics. An illustrator first, McInnis begins every piece with a pencil, sketching his ideas before putting paint to canvas or wall.

However, if you’ve been to South Florida Fright Nights, you’ve seen his creative vision another way – and possibly McInnis in the flesh, although you’d never know it. As the creative director for the area’s annual haunted house spectacular, McInnis is personally responsible for all the Fright Night graphics and design work related to the month-long event, well as the set design and creativity behind an entire themed house, perhaps the best example of McInnis’ ability to fuse multi-media concepts with ease. It’s enough work that for close to six months McInnis is obsessed, designing costumes, creating makeup, managing social media and advertising campaigns – even building

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an all-around fright-house that will blow your mind and prepping as an actor for his own creation.

While it would seem enough to call yourself a busy freelance artist, stillperforming musician and creative genius behind a successful seasonal event, for McInnis it’s just a beginning. Right now, his focus is on a new journey: unifying the Palm Beach County arts scene with Art Synergy, an organization that serves to support and unify Palm Beach County artists.

For more information about Craig McInnis, visit his website at www.craigmcinnis.com, or like him on Facebook For more information about Art Synergy visit the ArtPalmBeach website at artpalmbeachweek.com/art-synergy or like Art Synergy on Facebook.

To help bring his vision to life, McInnis partnered with the 17th annual ArtPalmBeach, which means Art Synergy celebrated its inaugural event with six satellite showcases, the first countywide gallery walk weekend covering each of the county’s historic art districts.

Considering all of this, it’s hard to explain why McInnis hasn’t changed his personal motto from “everything creative” to “anything imaginable.”

Photo: Ben Hicks

LOCAL CHARTER

By Danny Floyd

The Boat - Poseidon Too Sportfishing 58’ Andy Mortensen, twin turbos, 3 fighting chairs Two staterooms and heads, fully air conditioned Flat screen TV’s and killer sound system State of the art electronics, including advanced sonar CHIRP technology, boat is constantly upgraded.

A Poseidon Adventure Indeed Captain Mark Danley of the Poseidon too is a man who loves what he does. I could tell that about 5 minutes into our conversation. What I thought would be an informal, 15 minute chat turned into a 35 minute dissertation on subjects ranging from electronics to conservation to catching a fish so big it literally broke the scales. Even though he has been in the biz for 30-something years, his enthusiasm is contagious. Next time I hire a charter, this is my Captain.

Photos: Joaqin Anico

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Q: Ok Captain, how long have you been at this and why did you get into fishing in the first place?

A: Well, first I worked on a head boat in high school and then worked on a boat out of Hillsboro Inlet. I’ve traveled the world; Exuma Islands, Exuma Chain, Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Abacos, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, all over. I’ve also fished out of Maine, New York, and North Carolina. I come from a long line of physicians in my family, and I made great grades in school, but my Dad took me to view a surgery procedure at the hospital and I couldn’t get into the human blood thing so I took the Jimmy Buffet road. Fishing gets under your skin, like gambling can.

Q: What is the “state-of-the-union” in the charter business in south Florida?

A: The business is directly related to the economy. It’s somewhat of a luxury thing--business was phenomenal before the economy collapsed and it dropped probably 30%, plus fuel cost is up---Bahama trips are tougher to do when fuel is $6.00 a gallon there. Its kind of like a balloon, it only takes a second for one to pop but it takes a lot longer to blow one up.

Q: What is some of the latest technology you have on your boat?

A: Of course we have all the creature comforts, full air conditioning, flat screens, killer sound.

Most importantly we have state of the art radar for traveling, and sonar with CHIRP technology.

This sonar is incredible; when you get on top of something you can distinguish predators from bait fish from a shipwreck. Most charters simply don’t invest in something this expensive. Our boat is constantly upgraded and we are real sticklers for maintaining a first-class boat.

Q: What else is unique about your operation?

A: We have a very high end boat, probably the most expensive boat in the area. We believe in 100% quality and we cut no corners when it comes to providing a great, entertaining experience for our customers.

“

weigh the fish, I joked to one of my buddies, “we will break the scale with this one”. And we did! The scale literally broke. So, we had to load the fish back on the boat and go get it weighed at another marina. As weight goes, breaking 4 figures is like getting a super bowl ring.

If I was not a charter boat captain I would be sitting around wishing I was a charter boat captain!

”

Q: From a fishing conservation standpoint, what does the general population need to know?

Q: For readers of our magazine, what advice can you impart on hiring a charter?

A: We are finding that most fishermen are very conversation-minded and even the novices understand that Earth is an exhaustible resource. More people are abiding to the law in terms of bag limit, and more are using circle hooks vs. J hooks which can cause much more damage to the fish.

A: Do your research. Ask the locals. Ask the bartender. Find out, “is it steak or is it sizzle?”

Talk to the captain beforehand. Visit the boat.

Meet the crew. Look for a well maintained, clean boat with a sharp crew.

Q: Tell us about some of the interesting people you have taken out.

A: Of course, we take out sports and entertainment figures, movie stars, people like that; President Nixon and Bebe Rebozo and Henry Kissenger, but what I enjoy the most is first timers who get their mind blown and have a real unique fishing experience—that’s a real treat for me.

Q: Everyone has a “craziest” fishing story---what is yours?

Mark Danley and his crew are doing it right in Deerfield Beach. When we were wrapping up the interview, he said, “being a charter boat captain is a quality of life vs. quantity of income.

I tell people, “it’s not a great living but it’s a great life.”

I believe him.

Poseidon Too Sportfishing 2 Georges at the Cove Marina, Deerfield Beach 954-224-FISH • Poseidontoo.com

A: Well, in 1988 we were fishing off the Outer Banks in North Carolina and hooked a 1085 pound marlin; we were in a tournament and it took us 5 ½ hours to land the fish. As we backed into the slip at the marina so we could theatlanticcurrent.com 45

FISHING REPORT

I

By Tom Greene

n February and March the major thing happening is, dolphin

Now when we go down to the keys the dolphin fishermen do what we

season starts, kingfish season starts, and sailfish season ends.

call “run and gun” ; they are looking for the man-o-war birds as they dive

This is the time of year when we have a large number of small

down to the surface and they pick up bait fish, and the dolphin are up on

boat tournaments up and down the coast—weekend warriors we call

the surface and are running over the entire area trying to chase down

them—guys in the 20-30 foot boats are fishing for $50-150K in a weekend

bait fish. Just another method to find fish.

tournament. Most of these tournaments are 30-50 boats, sometimes larger, with an entry fee, calcutta money and they are all usually family

The kingfish and the wahoo are a little different ---most of the fishing for

type tournaments. A lot of these guys put together top notch crews and

these fish is done early in the morning and late in the afternoon, and with

they go out and catch a lot of fish. You’ve got the ability to catch dolphin,

live bait—you actually can use dead bait with wahoo. Wahoo tend to bite

sailfish, wahoo and blackfin tuna. This time of year we have blackfin tuna

better 3-4 days before the full moon and 3-4 days after the full moon

up to 40 pounds, wahoo up to 60 pounds and sailfish is always catch and

---the wahoo like trolled artificial or trolled natural bait in 150-200 feet of

release. These fish are caught in a variety of ways; the guys will go catch

water. This is where the bullet bonitas, the tinker mackerel, the goggle

live goggle eye, pilchards, and live bait fish, some will anchor and chum

eyes and the sardines –this is the bait fish where you are matching the

and some will slow drift. Most however will kite fish and a lot of people

hatch—best way to fish these are artificials or lures under the surface

ask, “what is kite fishing?” Kite fishing is a method where we take a short

trolling a little faster, 6-12 miles per hour.

rod and reel, an electric reel if possible and we fly a kite; on the kite we can put 2, 3, or 4 baits on one line and suspend them, away from the boat

So we have a lot of customers who get up early in the morning before

and let the bait literally stay right above the surface and it splashes along

daylight, run down to the inlet, and fish right in our back yard ---we have

the surface and attracts the fish. A sailfish comes along, he’ll eat that bait,

an area called “beer can alley” which came about from all of the sunken

it will release out of that kite pin and you are hooked up on that fish. With

ships along our coast---we have 250 of them out there, a bunch of rusty

this method you can get many, many bites and cover a larger area.

tin cans. So, this areas carries the bait, sucks the bait into it. Fish stay in this area, and this is where some bigger fish are being caught in our area.

When we go offshore, we always ask at what depth are the fish? ---they might be at 110, 120, 130 feet deep and as these fish migrate to the

The other crazy thing that’s going on right now happens every year with

south they stay in an area of water temperature that can be 100-200 feet

the February and March full moon and we have stronger southeast winds

from top to bottom but only 1 degree difference in temperature. This is

on those days and the shrimp run. We’ve had a very good shrimp run

where the term “sailfish alley” comes from, so these fish are migrating

in Pompano and Boca Raton in January---so my customers go out the

down sailfish alley. Sometimes when you have a groundswell you can

inlet with dip nets and they got 5 gallon buckets of shrimp in a couple of

see sailfish tailing down sea. The captains will work to keep their boat in

hours, and the same thing will happen in February and March---cheap

front of these pods ---sometimes there can be up to 200 fish in one group

and a lot of fun!

tailing down sea. Everybody is talking on the radio and the guy to the north will hook up, the next guy in line hooks up and by the time these guys get 2 -3 fish in the boat they will turn around and literally run around the pack of boats and set up south of them so they can hit the same pod of fish again. It’s the old story of “10% of the fishermen catching 90% of the fish,” especially when we are talking about sailfish.

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The legendary Tom Greene can be found at Custom Rod and Reels in Lighthouse Point. Email Tom at anreels@bellsouth.net or call anytime at (954) 781-5600. Or just drop by; Tom and the team at Custom are always ready to provide you with the best advice and gear you will find in South Florida

theatlanticcurrent.com 47

FEATURE FOOD

Bangers & Mash Tis the season for shamrocks, Guinness, Jameson, and good ol’ Irish cooking!

With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, it’s only appropriate to feast your eyes on a local dish capturing the Irish heritage. This plate comes with two Irish style sausage, mashed potatoes, and cabbage. Pair it with a Guinness or nice glass of Jamo and enjoy!

The Wishing Well is located at 111 SE Mizner Blvd in Boca Raton. It is a staple in the area and always plays host to great drinks, food, and people.

Photo: Nathan Hamler

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MOVEMBER PARTY Sponsored By To learn about sponsoring or hosting a release party email: info@theatlanticcurrent.com Photos by: Nathan Hamler

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february tide chart NEXT ISSUE What’s that rumbling sound? Is it thunder? Is it an earthquake? Nope, it’s our stomachs! Why?? Because next up is The Food Issue and we’re already working up an appetite.

You’ll hear about some of the top spots foodies rave about and of course we’ll bring some mouth watering photography to satisfy those cravings. You’ll also hear the story of Delivery Dudes and how they created a fast growing business that gets food to your doorstep in a hurry. You’ll also get a dose of some recipes for you and your buds to enjoy, restaurant bios, feature foods, and more.

All this plus more of the content you expect from The Atlantic Current.

Our next Release Party will be held in early April at none other

march tide chart

than Guanabana’s in Jupiter. Check our website for the exact date and time.

From all of us at The Atlantic Current, thanks for reading!

Stay Current theatlanticcurrent.com

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