Stolen Idols

www.stolenidols.com

Stolen Idols are one of the only ensembles in the world presenting authentic exotica, the mid-century tropical mood jazz pioneered by Martin Denny and Les Baxter. With lush arrangements and hypnotic rhythms, Stolen Idols conjure a tropical paradise with all the color and mystery of a Gauguin Tahitian landscape. Prepare to travel to steamy jungles, South Seas islands and Far East gardens – in one night, preferably without spilling your mai tai.

They charmed the steady grooving audience at the Orpheum stage last year, and have been known to play such exciting local venues and galleries as Ella's Restaurant and The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg.

Stolen Idols include Drew Farmer on piano; Kent Oldfield on vibes, marimba, and percussion; Alex Pasut on acoustic bass; and Tom Staley on percussion.

Swamp Logic

http://www.myspace.com/swamplogic

Swamp Logic is bringing the bluesy soulful influence of New Orleans-styled music to the New World Brewery stage for this year's Tropical Heatwave. The band, formed by Blake Yeager, guitars, percussion and vocals; Joe Montanaro, bass, percussion, vocals; Joe Cosas, piano, keys, trombone, trumpet and vocals; Matt Salvador, drums and percussion; and Jeremy Powell, on saxophone, will be performing at 7 pm. With a full house of instrumentation, this will be a fun, dance-friendly way to get your 2011 Tropical Heatwave going. Another local band who received an Artist Of The Day mention in TBT. Check them out covering the Neville Brothers in this Youtube video

Shotgun Party

http://www.shotgunfiesta.com/home.html

The original Shotgun Party trio met in a little Texas dive bar in 2006 and got their start performing weekly at Austin's own Continental Club. Sparks flew and now Shotgun Party, the Austin based trio, really knows how to fire up a crowd! Their original songs are beautiful and timeless drawing influences from early blues, country, bluegrass and depression era swing. Katy Rose Cox's fearless fiddling is simply virtuosic. Miss Jenny Parrott's gorgeous vocals and addictive songs will bring you to your knees. ...and Shotgun Party's newest member, Andrew Austin-Petersen (formerly of the Shake 'Em Ups) excels on show stopping upright bass! With tight harmonies and lively stage antics, Shotgun party will leave you with a smile ear to ear. Don't miss 'em!!

Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade

misstessmusic.com

Miss Tess is Brooklyn-based performing songwriter and bandleader. She currently tours with a tight-knit quartet complete with steel guitar, upright bass, drums, and herself on guitar and vocals. Miss Tess draws inspiration from older styles of music, and uses those sounds in the service of her own personality.

Critics have had a hard time assigning Tess’s music to a specific genre; when she still lived in Boston she won a Boston Music Award for "Outstanding Folk Artist of the Year" (2008), in 2009 she received a nomination for "Best Jazz Act", and in 2010 was nominated for "Best Roots Act" by the Boston Phoenix. Miss Tess & The Bon Ton Parade not only played in most venues in Boston, but are also hardened road warriers who have found homes in all types of venues ranging from upscale jazz clubs, roots music festivals, to local dive bars.

“The thrift-shop clothes, the vintage Weymann guitar, the demure stage name – all those clues signify, right from the start, that Miss Tess plans to take us on a retro roadtrip. The vocal stylings of the past perfectly suit her bell-like voice — more Madeleine Peyroux or Zooey Deschanel than Norah Jones – with its offbeat blend of sassiness and winsome charm. Miss Tess has the chops to pull it off.” –Holly Hughes, Blogcritics

Hymn For Her

www.hymnforher.com

Lucy Tight & Wayne Waxing (who were in an earlier incarnation Maggie and Pierce from Maggie, Pierce and E.J.) are "Hymn For Her", a band that hails from anywhere they can park their trailer. H4H live, tour and record in their 16 foot, 1961 Bambi Airstream (comes with dog and baby).

Their new release, 'Lucy & Wayne and THE AMERICAN STREAM' was entirely recorded in their classic trailer on a coast to coast U.S tour. They stopped at various campgrounds and friends driveways between shows, set up their gear in their Bambi/home recording studio, rolled tape and rocked out. Armed with 2 bullet mics, a three-stringed broom handle/cigar box, banjo, dobro, bass drum, hi-hat, and harp, this 'lil duo causes massive earthquakes wherever they play.

The Only Sons

Straight out of Murfreesboro, Tenn., just south of Nashville, The Only Sons is swinging for the fences with their newest album, “American Stranger.”

With the classic four-piece rock band set up, The Only Sons sound stems from the American country sounds of the ‘60s and ‘70s, but played with devil-may-care exuberance. Citing artists like Bob Dylan, The Drive-By Truckers, and Steve Earle as influences, The Only Sons combines country music with an energetic garage rock sound. Over the past two years, The Only Sons has earned its spurs by playing more than 200 shows in the South. The group has appeared at Austin’s SXSW festival and have shared the stage with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, 13Ghosts, and Lucero among others.

Radio Free Carmela and the Transmitters

www.radiofreecarmela.com

The Sarasota group's music is bluesy, jammy Americana that veers from plaintive folk-rock at one moment to noodly guitars the next, sort of like 10,000 Maniacs covering Lynyrd Skynyrd. In addition to frontwoman Carmela, the band includes bassist Doug Conroy, drummer Dave Townsend, guitarist David Mishki and dobro/mandolin player Jerry Sparkman - musicians who have individually and collectively been performing in Florida for the past decade to devoted audiences.

Though tiny in stature, Carmela's voice reaches out to grab the listener and engage them in each storyline. She has the ability to instantly connect with her audience through a combination of insightful banter and a passionate original songbook. The subject matter of her songs ranges from love and friendship to world affairs, romantic affairs, offspring, distant relatives and death.

They have appeared on a variety of local and WMNF compilations, played the mainstage at the Riverhawk Fest, and played many WMNF tribute shows and last year's Americana Fest. And they are one of the best Bob Dylan interpreters in the state, regulars at the Bob Nite shows.

Rebekah Pulley and the Reluctant Prophets

www.rebekahpulley.com

Haunting vocals, earthy rhythms and sweet tones have earned Rebekah Pulley a place in the hearts and CD players of an eclectic base of music fans. With years of experience playing all types of venues from coffee shops to festivals, performing solo or with a band, she leaves you transfixed in the moment.

"The local singer-songwriter has one of those voices that sears into your brain and finds emotional trigger points you never knew existed (or at least were hiding). She's pretty intense, she's also pretty good."
-Sean Daly, St. Petersburg Times

Steve Vaclavik and the Woeful Ones

www.thewoefulones.com

Tampa resident Steve Vaclavik is a troubadour in the tradition of Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt. His songs are full of the truth as seen by ordinary people. These people often tend to be life's underdogs, and Steve has the special gift to capture their perspectives on the world with genuine understanding. His words, full of humor and insight, are the essence of his music, but his Dylan-esque vocals and spare guitar playing provide a fitting framework that rings true and clear.

With the 2009 release of 'The Roof Needs More' Steve's CD with a full band sound, Steve put together the band Steve Vaclavik and The Woeful Ones. The Woeful Ones are: Mike Worrall - Bass, Mike McKee - Guitar, banjo, Brandon Ruck - Guitar, back up vocals, mandolin and resonator, and Jay 'Jay Bone' Ingle - Drums.

Flat Earth Society

http://www.fes.be/indexEN.html

"Fifteen-piece Belgian big band Flat Earth Society is the sonic equivalent of a freak show—weird, wonderful and like nothing you've come across before." - All About Jazz

WMNF is excited to present Belgian big band The Flat Earth Society for a very rare U.S. performance at Tropical Heatwave. This will be one of only six stateside dates! The music of this massive, fifteen piece Belgian ensemble shifts from strictly written sheet music to liberating improvisation. The music of other composers is used as inspiration, frequently arranged, adapted, and integrated into fresh compositions, adding a wide range of atmospheres and styles to their eclectic sonic universe. This singular ensemble dares to work across disciplines such as theatre and film, and has the ability to seduce a number of different audiences from more select jazz and classical listeners to a wild rock public. In the live moment, Flat Earth Society creates an unrivaled, energized, and challenging listening experience.

Leigh Humes

www.leighhumes.com

"...One of Tampa Bay’s most perfectly pitched and clearly projected voices, backed by flawless musicianship and artistry in the arrangements and accompaniment that round out the collection."
-Rick Crandell, MusicTampaBay

“Singer-songwriter Humes blends influences such as Joni Mitchell and Mary Chapin Carpenter (with a hint of Phoebe Snow in the vocals) into her sharp observations of life and love, backed by a pleasing blend of soft rock, blues and country. ”
-Curtis Ross, Tampa Tribune Pop Music Critic

Living Arches

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-Arches/153271034726298?v=info

In May of 2010, Micheal Hooker invited Jensen Kistler over to her home in Ybor City. It was here that The Living Arches were born after she forced Jensen into drinking a bottle of red wine and begged him to sing with her. As fate would have it, Jensen had just returned from touring with his instrumental band "Florida Night Heat" (who are playing the New World Brewery stage this Heatwave) and had in hand the first few tunes debuting his voice. The two have been co-writing and playing all over the Tampa Bay and Gainesville area ever since. No end in sight.

Kaleigh Baker

www.kaleighbaker.com

Hailing from a small valley in Western New York, Kaleigh Baker has risen to Central Florida prominence as a jazzy, blues-rock powerhouse. Her chill-inducing growl and ear-shattering range come drenched in Jack Daniel’s swagger:

'Her vocals dip into a low and resounding molasses-slow croon with as much ease as they ascend to ceiling-skimming heights...' -Creative Loafing.

With a snarl on her lip and poise in her lungs, Kaleigh Baker serenades audiences wherever she goes. She has devoted the last few years to vigorous gigging, building an extensive underground following. Currently, Baker is prepping the release of her debut EP with producer/musician Justin Beckler.

CC Carter

www.cccartermusic.com

CC Carter is originally from Memphis and his first musical memories are of listening to old Jimmy Rodgers records and early Elvis Presley. Delta blues, country, and then Motown were all staples of his music loving family and of his formative years. Profoundly influenced by the songs of Bob Dylan, CC began learning the guitar and writing original songs at age 15. After many years of being a "back porch" musician, living and working in various towns and cities from Los Angeles to New Orleans, CC moved to Sarasota and immersed himself in the local art scene. CC began writing and performing folk/Americana music solo and the Bush administration inspired many of the songs on his first solo CD, Kill Your Television, released in 2007. The singles, Letter from Iraq and Beltane Song, received airplay on WMNF and other independent radio stations.

Geri X

www.gerixmusic.com

Bulgarian-born Geri X is a composer, a musician and a singer hard to put a label on. Fans and critics spotted it from the moment she broke onto the Tampa Bay music scene: Geri is an artist with a singular sound you have not heard before. One can see it in the way she confidently plays her Babicz guitar, eyes half open and soul pouring out with a rich, crisp and mesmerizing voice.

What started with a classical training in piano, guitar and voice, evolving out of a broad and eclectic blend of influences, has become wonderfully her own. In the process of sharing her songs, Geri bares her soul. It is the strength of the voice and the charge to each word that draws them to a halt.

“Geri X is a poet, rebel, and a singer with a voice that is demanding to be heard. She carries the intensity of a Mike Tyson punch with the serene beauty of one of the best female vocalists of this era” -L.A. Post

She has received countless accolades for her work, including Creative Loafing’s Best Singer Songwriter for 2 years in a row, as well as playing Summerfest and Steel Bridge Song Festival in the last few years. Aside from being a workaholic and an alluring performer, often carrying out few shows in a day, Geri is a prolific songwriter. This is a fundamental quality, which combined with her work ethic and the gift of sharing make her a true artist: one you can connect to.

She is simply captivating. One only needs to experience it.

The Bright Light Social Hour

http://www.thebrightlightsocialhour.com

The Bright Light Social Hour is an American rock band from Austin, Texas. Born out of a university art-rock collective, the band has evolved into an unabashedly wide-screen rock group, melding fists-up rock and roll with muscular funk, soul, and psychedelia.

Named 'Best Indie Band' at the 2010 Austin Music Awards, the Central Texas-raised members of BLSH have built their growing reputation through several EPs and exhilarating widely-acclaimed live shows, including the 2009 Austin City Limits Festival. Culminating their long, studied development, the band has just released their debut full-length album, the eponymously named The Bright Light Social Hour. Recorded in five studios around Austin, the album is founded on sun-drenched optimism, raucous youth, and an innovative brew of American music of varying types classic rock, and utilized the best elements of vintage and modern recording to achieve a sound both forward-looking and evocative of 1970s hi-fi.

WMNF is fortunate to have The Bright Light Social Hour coming here, as they will be touring nationwide in support of their debut album throughout 2011, steadfast in their singular aim--enduring rock and roll.

Sarasota Slim

www.sarasotaslim.com

A guitar slinger-songwriter and self-avowed Florida Cracker, Sarasota Slim has been a fixture on Bay Area stages for over 20 years. Slim has brought steadfast integrity to his music and his instrument. He got his first guitar at 13, and artists the likes of Hendrix, Cream and the Allman Brothers Band made a mighty impression. Slim traced the performers who influenced these artists and discovered a common ground of blues guitarists, including Albert King, Elmore James, B.B. King and Otis Rush. Decades later, he's faithful to these pioneers and to the blues-rock inheritors who were his original inspiration. In March he released *Get Up - Get Down*, his first new CD in seven years

Live, Sarasota Slim fronts a three piece powerhouse with a small arsenal of blues styles ranging from the simplistic strength of the Delta to the electric big city sound with a seemingly endless variation of leads obtainable from his dobro, slide, and electric guitars. The band's pure blues repertoire is complimented by his vocal talents that allow for a change from grit and growl to slow, smooth, blue eyed soul. Sarasota Slim's performances exemplify an American art form, with its roots in the South, adapting to contemporary tastes without abandoning tradition.

Sons of Hippies

www.sonsofhippies.net

During the 2008 Bonnaroo music festival, Sons of Hippies was conceived amid fellow music lovers; their name originated when Brazilian-native Jonas Canales and Florida-bred Katherine Kelly probed familial bonds to discover they were, indeed, children of hippies. The duo's dreamily melodic but complexly synthesized music was an immwediate sensation receiving the critic’s choice award from Creative Loafing for “Best Modern-Sounding Record” of 2009:

"... their wholly fresh sound stems from echoed distortion tweaked out by effects pedals galore and Kelly’s intense singing style. With a voice reminiscent of a modern day Melanie at times and a rabid animal at others, Kelly’s stage presence is nothing short of mesmerizing. Vocal harmonies are layered on by drummer Jonas Canales on nearly every song which adds to the new-age hippie feel and persona that the duo emits." -Creative Loafing

Their 2010 follow-up, A-morph, explores elements of indie pop rock while lyrically encouraging a return to social responsibility and skepticism. The ritual of songwriting is an organic process for front-members Kelly (guitar, lead vocals) and Canales (drums, percussion, synth, vocals) who blend elements of psychedelic and punk rock with tribal Brazilian rhythms. Lyrically, the songs are emotionally intense with a viral urge toward the abstract and poetic.

Their live show is an intense experience. They take the stage just after 6pm in the Cuban Club Cantina so don't be late.

Poetry 'n Lotion

http://www.myspace.com/poetrynlotion

When these local funk & progressive instrumentalists take the stage, everyone starts to party. It is always fun to see Kenny Pullin on trumpet, Matt E. Lee on Guitar, John Nowicki on drums, and Tom Murray working together to create Poetry n' Lotion's unique sound.

Since late 2010 PnL has kept themselves busy playing an official showcase at South by Southwest, a headlining slot at the Friday Extra Concert Series, performing Black Sabbath's 'Paranoid' in it's entirety...all the while crafting their new trumpet led post-core sound. What began back in 2006 as a whiskey swilling acoustic trio, has now morphed into a eclectic 4 piece assault of progressive instrumentalism that is making waves along the gulf coast music scene.

Their debut release 'Kentucky Monkey' (2009/Brokenmold Records) has received stellar reviews from local publications and the band was even awarded 'Best Fusionists' & 'Best Instrumentalists' by Creative Loafing's 2009 Best of the Bay Awards show held in Tampa.

Shortly after WMNF's 30th Annual Tropical Heatwave, PnL plans to record their 2nd record showcasing the new lineup & abstract take on dance music. PnL draws upon many different genres of music. Main influences include Sabbath, Zappa, and Coltrane.

"PnL fuses all the right elements with seeming ease." - Leilani Polk, Creative Loafing

Florida Night Heat

http://www.myspace.com/floridanightheat

This three-piece indie jazz and funk influenced instrumental group call Tampa, Florida their home, and have been known to do us natives some musical justice. With Chris Wood on Drums, Andre Jones on Bass, and Jensen Kistler on guitar, the trio has played South By Southwest and lots of local venue shows including places like The Hub, Cafe Hey, and The Bricks and more.

They play dance-able beat heavy rock, with floating guitar riffs and a healthy dose of bass. Starting off the New World Brewery stage at 6 pm.

Sleepy Vikings

sleepyvikings.com

The six sleazy Tampanians of Sleepy Vikings have braved an infernal Florida sun to write the weird songs about stalkers, dead kings, summer, presidents and teenage loitering that make up the debut album, 'They Will Find You Here' just out on the New Granada record label.

Sleepy Vikings had previously and unsuccessfully described it's sound as "southern shoegaze", but this tag is really just window dressing for hick towns and beer plus Pavement and Sonic Youth. This is a band that accepted an invitation to play its first show before it even had a set of music to play, so fitting into a genre is not a top priority.

What really is tops is the band's music. The songs on 'They Will Find You Here' are filled with dreams and nightmares that have already caused the local press in Florida to call Sleepy Vikings "...a swooning squall" (Orlando Sentinel) and note that the band is "...king-hell committed on blazing a trail" (Miami New Times).

Sleepy Vikings has recently performed at Toronto's NXNE festival, CMJ Music Marathon, Athens PopFest and SXSW 2011. The band will launch a tour of the Eastern US in June in support of the release of 'They Will Find You Here'.

“Song after song of rich southern shoe-gazy goodness.” - Paste

“Made up of all kind of stuff I like – jangly guitars that sometimes get noisy, sweet vocals and hooks a-plenty.” - Chromewaves

Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours

Antsy McClain is quintessential Americana, but not in the musical genre kind of way. Oh no, McClain is Americana in the reared-in-a-trailer-park-by-a-truck-driving-father and Avon-selling-mother kind of way. He grew into a first-rate songwriter, incredible visual artist and insightful humorist. He was also hit with a touch of the mad genius.

His troupe of first class musicians (see the picture of Antsy laughing and jamming with WMNF's Rayzilla), play a funky, rootsy, muscular blend of rock and roll that has become his trademark. McClain calls the music "folkabilly," and his live shows with the Troubadours are a unique mix of masterful musicianship and self-deprecating humor. He is a first class entertainer who thrives on spontaneous audience interaction. This is a good time, fun experience. You will be smiling, laughing and dancing with Antsy McClain at the Heatwave.

Set and Setting

setandsetting.bandcamp.com.

For the past two years, St. Petersburg’s Set and Setting has evolved into an instrumental post-rock powerhouse. Their lineup has changed as they’ve developed, but they have settled into their current four-piece arrangement of Shane Handal on guitar, John Allen on bass, Mark Etherington on drums and Stephen Handal on drums and synthesizer.

For any band, the choice to go the instrumental route is difficult one. Can you express ideas and emotions to the audience with music alone? Will you be able to connect with them and keep them interested? This can be a daunting task, especially for a young group like Set and Setting, who all are in their early 20s.

Set And Setting succeeds by taking the listener on a journey within the song. Though there are no verses and choruses, the songs are intricately arranged and take unexpected turns.
-- Gabriel Loewenberg, tbt*

Alias Punch

http://glwmbl.com/alias-punch

How to describe the kick-off band at The Crowbar, Alias Punch? Well, this is them: Alias Punch brings about the same sensibilities you’d expect from any group of small town fellas’ that use cheeky back woods stage names, watch German Expressionist snuff films from the 70’s, and worship Frank Zappa and surf rock : honesty, style, and subtlety mixed with a ferocity and psychedelic (in thought, not sound) state of consciousness sans-pretense. Confused? Intrigued? Strangely Obsessed? Exactly.

With vocalist/bass player Dusty Mondy, drummer Arkie Jay, and Jasper Bleu, genius of surf rock guitar making a formidable trio, Alias Punch's music is presented with elegant elaboration and a no holds bar brutality AT THE SAME TIME, all while not taking itself too seriously.

Hailing from the music-ridden, bus-stop town known as Orlando, Florida, the band's most recent recorded effort—the EP *Sly and the Family Stallone*, released in June, 2010—typifies their music. As they put it: “"All 3 of us have a relentless ambition that tickles us during the sleepless hours of the night and the grueling monotony of everyday life: self-expression. We don't like to take any certain approach to music writing, other than enforcing complete creative freedom. In short, melodies come to us and we share them."

Alias Punch will open the night for Tropical Heatwave at Crowbar with smash-mouth music and a visible “punch” that will leave you begging for more.

Lauris Vidal, Mike Claytor, Devon Stuart, and Ricky Kendall

http://laurisvidal.com/

Performing solo, and together as an ensemble, these artists are sure to bring the frenetic folk and alt country energy of their solo performances to this live collaboration and showcase.

Lauris Vidal has gained quite a following, both here in Tampa Bay, and also in places where he has toured or promoted his newly released ep, "Better Part".

"One of the most active and credible ambassadors of the DeLand scene, he’s a champion of the new old-timey, digging through the dusty trunk of folk music like an impassioned archivist and breathing life – even youth – into it. Though he was without his band, he was a one-man force who delivered a finale that had the entire crowd clapping along to his stomping." writes the Orlando Weekly on one of Vidal's recent performances.

Mike Claytor, Devon Stuart, and Ricky Kendall will be joining Lauris onstage for a collaboration at the New World Brewery stage stating at 9pm.

The Pauses

http://www.thepauses.com/

The Pauses are a multi-instrumental pop and experimental band, from Orlando. Newly signed to local label New Granada Records, they will be bringing their exquisite blend of chill, melody-laden songwriting and other influences to the New World Brewery stage at 10:15 for this year's Heatwave.

They are currently scheduled to play the New Granada showcase at this year's South By Southwest in Austin, TX, and should have many lovely songs/stories to share. The band is made up of Tierney Tough on Voxxx, Norda, and Bassa Nova, Jason Kupfer on Guitar, Computerboard, Keys, Foot Bells, BeeGee Voxxx and Nathan Chase on Drums, Noises, and Electronics. Check them out!

Have Gun, Will Travel

www.myspace.com/hgwt

This Bradenton-based band is a true WMNF favorite, one of the most played artists on the station over the past three years. They are kicking off the entire Heatwave on the Cuban Club Bandshell so you need to get there early.

Singer Matt Burke's lyrics are both imaginative and vibrant, relating historical reference, heartfelt odes to his hometown, and clever social commentary. It's no surprise that they are now being noticed around the country.

"...organic, infectious Americana Pop. HGWT’s music has a refreshing immediacy to it... Excellent work, fellows." - American Songwriter..

"My album of the year, so far... All in all, an exceptional and hugely atmospheric album from a band that shows that there is still room in alt.country for experimentation." - Maverick Magazine (UK)..

"The band crafts Americana with an edge. Taking influences from a bunch of diverse sources and channeling the whole through their own branding. The mix is infectious..." - Alternate Root Magazine..

Chico Mann

myspace.com/chicomann

"Chico Mann finished the showcase with far-reaching, utterly danceable electronica... The songs, in Spanish, swept through a 1970s African diaspora — stop-start funk, Afro-Cuban Santeria rhythms, reggae vocal lines, Miami disco, early hip-hop thuds and claps — to dissolve decades, along with borders." Jon Pareles - NY Times

Introducing African rhythms and the music of Cuba, the Latin freestyle flavors of 1980s New York and Miami, and the synth-heavy electro beats of dance floors across the globe, multi- instrumentalist Chico Mann (aka Marcos García) is making a larger musical statement that has emerged to be one of the new, vibrant styles of today.

Chico Mann’s live show is wholly energetic and infectious – a melting pot of sounds where call-and-response vocal interplay in Spanish and English meets polyrhythmic soundscapes both ancient and futuristic. He reclaims the new wave Latin Afrobeat and reggae sounds that the Talking Heads, The Police, and Tom Tom Club made pop. He founds his style on their take of those sounds — and then pushes them in a really playful direction. It’s next level post-post-modernist pop music, a remarkable examples of how something can sound familiar while being completely NEW.

"This is the future of music, in case you didn't know. Chico Mann has come from the future to show you how the past should have sounded. This time-traveling mastermind is basically the Jersey City Cuban James Brown of the Casio. You heard it here first…Welcome to the future past." - Turntable Lab

HuDost

www.hudost.com

HuDost will close Tropical Heatwave on The Cuban Club Bandshell with a set of evocative and exotic music.

HuDost is a commanding, experimental Indie World Rock group whose core musicians are singer/songwriters Moksha Sommer from Montreal and Jemal Wade Hines from New York. Their sound crosses all borders and barriers, taking the listener on a journey they will not soon forget. Moksha has traveled the world and studied 12 distinct vocal styles with master vocalists.

HuDost's performances are sensory entertainment on every level, as Moksha moves with a fluidity that compliments her impressive vocal abilities, while Jemal, the other instrumentalists, and the percussionists creatively mix their worldly influences into a seamless tapestry. Their Heatwave performance musicians will be enhanced with the inclusion of dancers and visual arts on stage.

Their original work has been described as ranging in style from "Alternative World Music" to "Country and Eastern" fusion, coupled with atmospheric, experimental sound. They synergize traditional Sufi music, Bulgarian, Croatian, Macedonian and Balkan folk music, Georgian, Farsi, Turkish, Arabic, Folk, Pop, and Rock.

The Righteous Kind

www.myspace.com/therighteouskind

The Righteous Kind kick off the dance party in the Cuban Club Ballroom. They come out of the active music scene of Gainesville, where they consistently play to packed houses combining high energy dance music with great musician and showmanship. Led by award-winning singer/songwriter Charles R Martin, The Righteous Kind puts on a tremendous stage show and has great range - from classic to psychedelic to alternative to garage to pop rock with some Sly-influenced R&B too. The Righteous Kind also acknowledge Ike and both Elvis’s, the Beatles, Chrissie Hynde, Amy Winehouse and The Hives.

“Featuring the one-of-a-kind Charles Ray Martin on guitar and vocals and one of Gainesville’s best rhythm sections, these guys bring back riff- infused rock 'n' roll.” Music Editor, Gainesville Sun,

The Spears

http://www.myspace.com/thespearsrule

Closing down the house at New World Brewery will be St. Petersburg band The Spears. The Spears bring their own local blend of high-energy punk and melodics to the late night lineup of the stage, and will be rocking the crowd from 12:15 until 1 am.

Listen their recordings online, it is clear that confessional lyrics and honesty are steady elements for this band, who has no fear of taking it to the max and telling their story in the rock and roll fashion we have come to expect from the punk genre. One of the harder rocking acts at this years Heatwave.

Amandla Tunesmith plus special guest Baye Kouyate

From the French word for "shake," Soukous music originates in Central Africa and is the most popular dance music of modern Zaire. It incorporates sensual rumba rhythms with Cuban and Caribbean influences, catchy call and response vocals, lively guitar and bass lines and hot percussion to create a sound that is guaranteed to make you move. Amandla Tunesmith took this one step further by adding a horn section. The band has been delivering the spirit of Soukous through out Florida from Key West to Pensacola for the last fifteen years, playing just about every type of venue you can think of. They have opened up for African artists Tabu Ley and Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars and reggae artists Steel Pulse and and Burning Spear.For their Heatwave set they will be joined by the famous Malian percussionist Baye Kouyate.

Rocket 88

After a lengthy hiatus, Florida’s legendary rockabilly band “Rocket 88″, is performing again. Originally formed in Orlando in 1992, the band consists of vocalist Michael Bales, guitarist Marko Zayas, bassist Chuck Zayas, drummer Steve Plotnick, and pianist Terry Mooney. If you came to the Rockabilly Ruckus you experienced the excitement this band can create.

Back with a vengeance, the original line-up is reunited, performing to packed venues their brand of high-octane rockabilly rock ‘n roll. Over the years, in addition to garnering many local music awards, Rocket 88′s eccentric performances on stage have become notorious. The band has performed at some of the most prominent venues in the U.S., including The Windows on the World, The Roxy, and The Supper Club in New York City; The Aragon Ballroom and The Liquid in Chicago; Clutch Cargo in Detroit; and several national House of Blues. The Cuban Club Ballroom is sure to be filled with stylish dancers for their set.

Talk To Mark

www.facebook.com/talktomark

In 2008, Talk To Mark released their debut CD of original bar-rock songs, Unfamiliar. Since then, the band -- currently comprising singer-guitarist Mark Murphy, bassist Joe Arruda and drummer Gene Young -- has continued playing bars, clubs, festivals and many WMNF events. The band founded in 2005, and their alted-up style of rock 'n' roll is diverse enough to enable them to perform at WMNF tribute shows ranging from The Clash to John Lennon to 1979 (they played The Cars) to Woodstock (Creedence Clearwater Revival) and they played a great set at our Little Manatee River Jam.

Holy Ghost Tent Revival

http://www.holyghosttentrevival.com

Characterized as "explosively intoxicating," Greensboro, North Carolina's Holy Ghost Tent Revival cannot be pigeonholed into any popular genre. Melding brass with banjo, guitar, bass, drums and keys, this six-piece ensemble boasts an eclectic mash of instruments and styles—a musical alchemy all their own. Party band? You're in for a treat and be prepared to clap and dance, and move your soul--and feet!

Stephen Murray plays the banjo and guitar, Matt Martin plays the guitar and banjo, Hank Widmer plays the trombone and euphonium, Patrick Leslie plays the bass, Ross Montsinger plays the drums, Kevin Williams plays the keys.

In the same spirit as the blues greats that traveled the highways of the American psyche before, their music is not to lament living's hardships but rather to celebrate in life itself -- in all its pleasure and pain. Hence, the appellation “Revival”!

There are seemingly no boundaries for this group as they travel the country spreading the magic of their heart-throbbing, foot-stomping, good-time music,and Heatwave is pleased to “have a meetin' “ in their *travelin' tent show*!

Two Man Gentlemen Band

www.thetwogentlemen.com

New York City's Best Dressed Two Man Band!

The Two Man Gentlemen Band's brand of hot, raucous, retro swing is fast becoming an underground sensation. Just a few years ago, The Gentlemen were busking in New York City's parks and subways. These days, they traverse the country incessantly, playing hundreds of shows per year for ever-expanding crowds of dedicated fans. The Two Man Gentlemen Band sound is a high-energy blend of the vintage and the modern. Their style - musically & visually - incorporates elements of hot jazz, rhythm & blues, tin-pan alley, and western swing. And their "keen vocal harmonies" (The New Yorker) recall 20s and 30s groups like the Mills Brothers. But their pithy, irreverent original tunes are full of lyrics "so off the beaten path as to be virtually cliche free." (Bluegrass Journal).

The Two Man Gentlemen Band's live show is an absolute must-see. Some reviews: "Terrifically entertaining!" (Mountain Xpress - Asheville, NC)

"An unparalleled experiment in controlled chaos!" (Seven Days - Burlington, VT)

"This kind of good time is rarely seen anymore!" (Valley Advocate - Northampton, MA).

Consummate entertainers, The Gents (Andy Bean - Tenor Guitar & Vocals, Fuller Condon - String Bass & Vocals) match their instrumental prowess with enough charisma to woo even the most skeptical listener. They very simply command your attention. Their improvised banter, with each other and the audience, is as entertaining as the music. And the stomping shout-alongs that pepper their shows whip crowds into a sort of frenzy not typically associated with acoustics duos. Their showmanship and panache transcend whatever niche their musical style suggests.

Those Darlins'

www.thosedarlins.com

"Just when I thought the alt-country mine had collapsed, this trio of punked-up southern belles climbed out into the sunlight with the most immediately charming debut album since the Old 97's made Hitchhike to Rhome." ----CHICAGO READER --Ann Sterzinger

Those Darlins are a pop group, if they are any one thing, which doesn't mean anybody with ears can't hear the country and rock n' roll in their sound and stance. Or maybe this trio of young women (early twenties, although no one's telling exactly), who live in a long stone's throw from Nashville, Tennessee in the college town of Murfreesboro, are punks straight out of London or Cleveland, 1977.

Young in age but ol' road weary souls,you can almost taste the beer,whiskey,fill-in-the-blank straight off because they are steeped in a 'FAM-LEE-TRUH-DITION'. The almost forgotten tradition of the ACTUAL ARTISTS writing FUN,heart-felt songs that people can relate to without feeling like they've been 'sized-up' by some focus group from some industry execs from an industry town... Families like The Carter Family and all of the Hank Williams's. Toss in some Lucinda Williams and Dwight Yoakam and you get the picture!

And with some of their feet firmly planted in tradition and some other feet in Pop,Rock,and EVEN Punk, Those Darlins set the standard... For FUN!!

Jubal's Kin

www.jubals-kin.com

Jubal's Kin is the most impressive folk band to arise in Florida in years. First off, you are amazed to see so much talent in a band so young, a family band with brothers age 12 and 22 and and an award-winning fiddler sister who is 16. And then you are blown away by their talent. They are creating music that is steeped in folk tradition but updated with original songs and contemporary sensibility. They've dubbed it "Appalachia-infused Cosmic Americana."

Musically they are first rate; Roger and Gailanne Amundsen establish a new benchmark for the rising generation of roots musicians - Roger is a three time Florida Old-Time Music Championship winner, and Gailanne is the 2009 Florida & Tennessee Grand Champion Old Time Fiddler. Live, they are charming and winning fans quickly! Don't miss them on our acoustic stage at PLAY.

Caravan of Thieves

www.caravanof thieves.com

Stretching the parameters of acoustic swing, Caravan of Thieves has been winning immediate praise for their new and unique brand of gypsy flavored song writing and their high intensity show. The vocal harmonizing, acoustic guitar spanking husband and wife duo Fuzz and Carrie have extended their family to include fiery violinist Ben Dean and double bass madman Brian Anderson to complete their colorful vision.

Seeking inspiration from beyond the great divide, the quartet produces layers of Beatlesque vocals, driving rhythms, satirical, dramatic song writing and an overall circus of sound. After they played a show at Skippers last year, Skippers management told us that they are a truly exciting band that we should book for Heatwave.

"Caravan of Thieves are too charming, too wry, and just too damn good to fly under anyone's radar..." - Metro Spirit

Ryan Montbleau Band

www.ryanmontbleau.com

Ryan Montbleau Band has been on the patient cusp of a breakthrough. Their distinctive, long-fermenting blend of neo-folk, classic soul, and kick-out-the-jams Americana is about to get recognized. While the difficulty of labeling Montblea's music has made it harder toget the attention he merits, that eclectic approach suits us fine at WMNF and for Tropical Heatwave. They have gained a reputation as a quintessential live band.

“Montbleau’s lyrics are fortified by the voice that delivers them. He mixes the narrative strengths of old-school story tellers like Dylan and Steve Forbert with the quivering melismas of R&B pop.” - The Boston Phoenix

The Hip Abduction

www.thehipabduction.com

Tropical Heatwave is proud to present one of Florida's own: The Hip Abduction! Mixing their unique version of reggae/rock with Zimbabwean, Malian, and Caribbean influences, they keep their compositions distinctly western at heart. Think *Graceland*, or *Rhythm of the Saints*—a little Paul Simon, Afro-pop, 70's roots reggae, all playing a role in shaping their sound.

Singer, guitarist, and songwriter David New developed The Hip Abduction theme from his years spent traveling the Caribbean and South America. Upon returning to the states, he began collecting top musicians in the Tampa Bay area in early 2005, locking in with drummer Pat Hernly and bassist Chris Powers, then added the horn section in 2006.

As a whole, The Hip Abduction members have played and resided in the Caribbean, Micronesia, Ecuador, India, Philadelphia, NYC, and DC. The 2010 tour hit several large festivals along the east coast, sharing stages with bands like with Donovan Frankenreiter and Toubab Krewe and saw the EP release of *Driving for the Sun* .

Hip Abduction kicks off the El Pasaje Plaza stage.

Two Cow Garage

www.twocowgarage

Be forewarned: Two Car Garage is loud. And intense. And brilliant.

"Two Cow Garage is a muscular but kinda unhinged straight-ahead rock four piece (guitar, bass, drums and Korg CX-model organ) that’s got all the best parts of Lucero, Deer Tick, The Hold Steady, Gaslight Anthem and The Replacements fused together. In a word; brilliant. In another word; affirming. Singer/guitarist Micah Schnabel has the gravel-voiced gutter poet thing locked down and the band at his side courses with energy that hits in wave after wave."
-Chad Swiatecki, Austin Music Source.

Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys

http://www.jefferybroussard.com/

Louisiana natives Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys perform sensational contemporary zydeco and tangy, energetic interpretations of Creole classics. Broussard, leading member of the influential nouveau zydeco band, Zydeco Force, is known for his accordion mastery and soulful vocals. Together with The Creole Cowboys, the band fuses southern tradition with popular music flair to craft a new style of fast-paced, expressive Creole folk. Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys overflow with rich vocals, sultry melodies and an infectious beat.

Mr. Broussard and his Cowboys are energetic, to say the least; you start moving in your seat as soon as they hit the stage and the first notes are played. Their rhythmic, rich melodies, both joyous and mournful, will flood the stage and have you groovin' in not time. Bring on the hot sauce and po' boys, 'Nawlins comes to Tampa!

Carolina Chocolate Drops

http://www.carolinachocolatedrops.com/

In the summer and fall of 2005, three young black musicians, Dom Flemons, Rhiannon Giddens, and Justin Robinson, made the commitment to travel to Mebane, N.C., every Thursday night to sit in the home of old-time fiddler Joe Thompson for a musical jam session. When the three decided to form a band, they didn’t have big plans. It was mostly a tribute to Joe, a chance to bring his music back out of the house again and into dance halls and public places. They called themselves The Chocolate Drops.

While the young “Drops” were upstarts in a stable of deep tradition, they are also the link between past and future, expanding their repertoire, taking advantage of what Dom calls “the novelty factor” to get folks in the door and then teaching and thrilling them with traditional music that was evolving as they performed.

The band is also evolving. On the eve of winning a Grammy Award an anouncement was made that founding member Justin Robinson had left the band. Beat boxer Adam Matta and multi-instrumentalist Hubby Jenkins joined Rhiannon Giddens and Dom Flemons. Reviews of the new "quartet" is that the band is better than ever.

From “Dixie” to Rhiannon’s acoustic hip hop version of R&B artist Blu Cantrell’s Hit ‘Em Up Style to“dirt-floor-dance electricity”. If you ask the band, that is what matters most; flat footin', gospel, dance—all guaranteed to move ya'll and Tropical Heatwave and WMNF are happy to invite you in!

Cracker

www.crackersoul.com

Leading up to the finale, Tropical Heatwave and WMNF are proud to present Cracker, the group that veritably introduced brash irreverence and irony into alt-rock. They remain in top form with their latest release, *Sunrise In The Land Of Milk And Honey*, and on tour.

A brief rundown of Cracker’s history: long-time partners David Lowery and Johnny Hickman, 12-year Cracker drummer Frank Funaro and bassist Sal Maida (since 2006) comprise the current line-up. Lowery, in the mid-80s, in Santa Cruz, California, formed Camper Van Beethoven, and their *Take the Skinheads Bowling* became an instant college radio staple.

When CVB disbanded, Lowery formed Cracker with his longtime friend Johnny Hickman. Cracker’s emergent sound was in synch with the Kinks and Southern roots music, but it took the the platinum-selling *Kerosene Hat*--containing the enormous, era-defining hit single “Low,”--to get them really noticed by AAA radio and commercial success. When the dust settled, Cracker found themselves with an ever-growing, devoted following both in the U.S. (where fans refer to themselves as Crumbs) and throughout Europe.

Today the band stays well connected to yet another generation of fans via internet, many of whom were kids when these alt-rock godfathers were first ruling rock radio. Showcasing a bristling, late 70’s – early 80’s power pop punk aesthetic, Cracker hits as hard as it did at the band’s formation 17 years ago.

Welcome them back and rock out at El Pasajae Plaza with us!

Damon Fowler Band

http://www.damonfowler.com/

For the big finish, prepare to boogie or slow dance wit' da' blues of The Damon Fowler Band! Born and raised in Brandon Florida just outside of Tampa, Damon first picked up the guitar at the age of 12. After being shown a few chords, it was apparent that he was a natural. While his friends were listening to the music flavor of the month, Damon was digging into the blues.

The next logical step was to put a trio together and he and they were soon playing small clubs in and around the Tampa Bay area. Years later with thousands of shows behind him, you've got one of the most unique and seasoned acts on the national circuit.

Damon has been invited to many major festivals, and has graced the stage with the best in the business. He has three successful CD's under his belt, and is currently working on a fourth.

His playing, writing, and vocal ability has brought him many accolades and he has been touring with his band—Chuck Riley on bass, and Scott Key on drums—since Novneber, 2004. A regular here at Skipper”s Smokehouse and other Tampa area venues, Tropical Heatwave is particularly proud to have our own close out the night.

Mobile Itinerant Funk Unit

A mobile LARGE ensemble comprised of many of the best jazz musicians in Tampa Bay will parade with instruments through the streets of Ybor City around the Tropical Heatwave venues shortly after 5pm and will end up playing a set of New Orleans/Second Line music unplugged within the Cuban Club Courtyard just before the Flat Earth Society takes the stage on The Bandshell at 5:55pm.

LIquid Jesus DJ

liquidjesusmusic.com

Liquid Jesus will provide the soundtrack between sets and keep the party going into the late night at the Crowbar. They play the eclectic, the obscure, the downright catchy, and the stuff that'll get you shakin' your ass in no time flat.

DJs Noi and Rig

DJs Rig & Noi, programmers who host the Radio Clash show on WMNF, keep the party going late at the Orpheum with Indie Rock, Brit Pop, Hip-Hop, ’80s and anything else you request.

All Get Out

“Loud and personal,” is one of the ways that lead singer/guitarist Nathan Hussey describes ALL GET OUT. Generally when a band is self-described as loud, imagery of guitars propelling distortion and mood over the audience is the resonance to dwell on and personal is not often the conjoined description. Loud has always been the cryptic way to say a band likes to hide behind blankets of fuzz and hard to decipher symbolisms that keep the players of the song at restraining order distance from the audience. With ALL GET OUT nothing is hidden; everything is personal; and loud. All of life’s ups, downs, triumphs, ditches, and valleys are in ALL GET OUT’s self titled EP. Songs like, “Come My Way”, are filled with hopeful guitars and melodies then swoon and swim in a way that are not to be forgotten. And then a song like “Wasting All My Breath” holds nothing back while dealing with death and assigning blame. These quick changes from hoping for the serene to dealing with sucker punches that come wrapped as gifts is what life is about, and that is what ALL GET OUT is about—the mess of life. Being personal is never a clean paint by numbers affair. It’s about the chase, the fall, and getting back up without checking on your own cuts.

BC Clardy

http://www.thepopworld.com

In his debut as a solo artist, BC (formerly of Tampa Hip Hop group RedTide) produced the first of a trilogy called Time Pieces. Part 1, The Time Capsule EP, established the framework of BC’s metaphorical Pop World, a futuristic, dystopian tale, allegorically referencing the politics of today. The grim reality of Pop World is told through the voice of the chrono-archaeologist, a time traveler, stranded in our present, desperately trying to warn us of the impending consequences of our folly. A time in which the widening gap between the haves and the have nots is literal, with the rich hovering in opulent floating cities over the masses of the poor, forced to eke out an existence on the ever decaying surface.

In this second episode of the Time Pieces trilogy, our protagonist, the chrono-archaeologist chronicles The Surface. He fixes his gaze squarely on the struggle of those forced to survive amidst the diminishing of democracy, the rise of corporate power, ever increasing pollution, recession, and minimal health care both present and future. From British Petroleum, to the eventual corporatocracy, and the jailing of government whistleblowers, to robotic sentries that hover over Pop World slums, the chrono-archaeologist presents us with a future that is less hopeful with each passing second. Can his mere words avert catastrophe and return him to a verdant world or is Pop World our destiny? The future is up for grabs. Stay tuned for The Sky.

In the year spanning from the release of Time Capsule to this latest installment, The Surface, BC and his collaborators have become a more well-oiled machine and have provided an even more intense look into the politics of BC’s anime and comic book influenced world. Much like Part 1- The Time Capsule, The Surface was mainly composed by a cast of collaborators from BC’s hometown of Tampa, with the exception of “Wings” which was produced by a French beat maker by the name of Aetoms. While Tampa locals Mudd Buddha and BCs former bandmate Lazy provided the bulk of the production, the roster expanded to include production and guest vocals from guitarist and Americana/blues singer Jeremy Rowland, AKA J Rums on “I Prefer Whiskey” and “Bottom Feeder Blues”, giving this offering a greater sonic diversity than the last. Also, Tampa MC Eyez-N-Powa provides a guest appearance on another one of the records stand out tracks, “Neon Decadence”. And finally visual artist and musician Miles Harris not only provided the album’s artwork, but also production on the album’s intro track “The Surface.” Both lyrically and sonically the ante has been upped for the listener.

Time Pieces Part 2 releases on Peripheral Records on April 19 locally and will be available digitally through CD Baby, I Tunes, Amazon, Sound Cloud, last.fm, Band Camp, and most other digital outlets. CDs will be available through www.thepopworld.com

Catch his set at the Orpheum at 8:15 pm!

Rayland Baxter

http://www.raylandbaxter.com/

Nashville, Tennessee's Rayland Baxter is a contemporary songwriter with a lot to say about music, love, women, and the like. In addition to being from one of American music's epicenters, Baxter is also familiar with the industry because his father, Bucky Baxter, is a multi-instrumentalist and steel player who's recorded with Ryan Adams, Steve Earle and Bob Dylan.

Bucky Baxter toured with Dylan for seven years, and contributed the pedal steel and mandolin that helped transform Dylan's sound on the Grammy-winning 1997 album “Time Out Of Mind.” reports John Stanton for Star News Online Here.

But Rayland has his own unique sound, using multi-instrumental layers to create jazzy, folk-influenced music that appeals to listeners of many ages and musical backgrounds.

Performing at 10:15 on the Orpheum Stage. He will be ready to woo the crowd with his soulful voice and skilled songwriting stylings. Hope to see you there!

Jahfari

At WMNF's Caribbean Fest in March this was the band people were talking about. This reggae is the real deal, the deep soulful roots reggae that moves and inspires. Trent Mullins founded (many years ago) and still leads the band, sings and plays guitar. The rest of the group is Bellinda 'Blu' James (Singer), Desmond Davidson (Keyboard player/Musical Director), Patrick-Peas Head (Bass & Asst Musical Director) & Dave the Drummer (Producer). Jahfari plays for dancers in the Cuban Club Ballroom.

Marksmen

http://www.facebook.com/MarksmenBand

The local band Marksmen will be bringing the late night Orpheum crowd a taste of their rock influenced songwriting at this year's Heatwave, with a full band made up of Matt Segallos, Chris Brickman, Reed Murray, and Glenn Espinoza. The band has been receiving rave reviews in local papers TBT, Creative Loafing, and REAX.

With their new CD "Sister Of Mine" being released soon, the band is sure to provide a tightly orchestrated live show with new and possibly older material as well.

They have been compared to bands like Jason Isobel and My Morning Jacket. Don't miss your chance to see this up and coming local act as their new album begins to reach the ears and stereos of listeners around Florida and around the country.

Peelander-Z

http://www.peelander-z.com/

Peelander-Z is a full on visual and musical exploration of Japanese power pop, comedy, and punk influenced music. The band who now calls New York City their home, will be playing at the Orpheum for this year's Tropical Heatwave at 9 pm.

Made up of the following band members: Peelander Yellow, Peelander Red, Peelander Green, and Peelander Pink, and costumes to match, this act is sure to surprise and wow the crowd with their fun, engaging performance.

They have been releasing records since the early 2000's, and have gained quite a reputation by using "hand-written signs, costumes, and audience participation. The signs often contain the lyrics to their songs. At some of their shows they also bring people from outside of the band on stage to play their instruments as they do a stage act."

Find out more about this unique band at their website, listed above, and in this Wikipedia Article

The Lambasters

facebook.com/thelambasters

The Lambasters are Nervous Turkey turned up a several notches in energy and volume, sounding like a cross between Howling Wolf and The Black Keys. The Lambasters celebrate the power of primitive rock n roll and blues, played with unbridled intensity. It's an astounding sound. When the band gets cooking, it sometimes appears that singer/harpist Ernie Locke goes into a trance brought on by the primal power of the music. After they tore up WMNF's Live Music Showcase recently, WMNF Program Director Randy Wynne said, "Right now there is no better band playing music in Tampa Bay."

Christie Lenee

christieleneee.com

Christie Lenée is a progressive guitarist and conscious singer/songwriter. Lenée’s kinetic fingerboard work, alluring voice, and rich lyrics entrance her audience. Every show is an experience- it’s awe-inspiring, enlivening, often described as “a breath of fresh air.” She is a Tampa hometown girl, a Blake High School graduate who studied jazz and classical guitar. These days she lives in Philadelphia as her home base, gracing the east coast with a radiant presence.

Bachaco

Bachaco's music is a world-class fusion of Reggae, Dancehall and Cumbia with styles like Ska and Hip-Hop. Their unique sound and performance appeals to audiences of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. The mix of lyrics in English, Spanish and Jamaican Patwa is simply the result of members coming from the US, Venezuela, Jamaica, Colombia and Puerto Rico. Bachaco is a true multi-cultural experience.

"If you haven't caught Bachaco live, you're missing out...They have an energy that's irrepressible, their performances spinning into full on jams. If you're an attractive young lady in the audience, you might end up onstage. But wherever you are, you'll be shaking your ass." - Miami New Times