WMNF Community Radio's 28th Annual

TROPICAL HEATWAVE

An extravaganza of eclectic and exotic entertainment

Tropical Heatwave returns for the 28th spring as the musical event of the year for the eclectic music connoisseur in the Tampa bay area. An astonishing amount of musical talent and creativity will be here for you to experience on six stages of simultaneous music. In booking Heatwave we look for artists who meet many of the Heatwave criteria of musical excellence, strong visual appeal, fun, and high energy .

This year we decided to ask listeners what they wanted and paid close attention to our post-Heatwave survey. Two artists emerged with the most people wanting to see them again: 2006 Heatwave star Chuck Prophet; and 2007 discovery Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue; they are both returning. We are presenting some artists who have played fantastic WMNF non-Heatwave sets in previous years that proved them Heatwave worthy: Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles, Beausoleil, The Eilen Jewell Band, The Mojo Gurus, David Dondero. We have invited bands who came through area clubs who performed terrific, high energy sets that made fans say, “They need to be a Heatwave band!”, including Michael Burks, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, The Duppies, Bonerama, and Modern Skirts.

The most fun for many Heatwave veterans is the magical experience of collectively discovering new artists who never have played before in this area. We send talent scouts across the country looking for exciting up-and-coming bands and regional artists who meet the Heatwave criteria. This year more bands who make their area debut at Heatwave include Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights, Blair Carmen and the Belleview Outfit, Kinobe and Soul Beat Africa, and Pack A.D.

The best venue for dancing is the wood floor of the Cuban Club Ballroom which we have filled with diverse dance bands, and going tothe fourth floor Ballroom leads to the fun of people-watching while traveling up and down the Cuban Club stairs. The Cuban Club and El Pasaje Plaza, the big outdoor courtyards , are also places that usually with enough room to dance. In response to the strong positive reaction we had last year for our Lousiana stage we are reprising El Pasaje Plaza with four of the hottest bands at Heatwave, all from Louisiana . The Cuban Club Cantina, where the bands and the audience are packed close together, is where a lot of Heatwave magic happens. The Orpheum is a room to see regional and national music in an intimate club setting.

While some of the national bands may be on your radar, you should not forget to check out the great local and regional artists who will showcase at Heatwave. We have handpicked great bands who are ready to compete for audiences with the national bands. It's always thrilling for both local bands and their fans to rise to the occasion by turning in some of the hottest music of the Heatwave. In particular New World Brewery, the showcase of the best local bands, is always hopping with some of Tampa coolest hipsters.

With six stages of choice, everybody gets a unique experience by making their own strategy for seeing the best or the most music. Some people hang out at one or two stages where they know some of their favorite bands are playing. Others try to challenge themselves to keep moving and see as many bands as possible. Some just go with the flow. After Heatwave you will often find two people saying it was one the best nights of music they ever experienced, and they find out their paths never crossed watching the same bands.

When you need a break from dancing, check out the street festival on 9th Avenue where delicious food, art and crafts vendors, and political activists hold forth. Find old friends and make new connections.

Tropical Heatwave is a manifestation and celebration of the sense of community this radio station has created. We invite you to join with the other members of the WMNF family to share the fabulous music and friendship.