BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet
The best known Cajun band in the world. Bandleader Michael Doucet is often credited as the key figure in popularizing Cajun music. In their live show, the Grammy winners present the best of Cajun musical traditions, filling dance floors and exciting festival audiences everywhere. They have played many great WMNF events over the past twenty years, but this is their first Tropical Heatwave.
Chuck Prophet and Mission Express
Chuck Prophet is a rock renaissance man and a WMNF favorite who returns by popular demand for his fourth Heatwave (2000, 2003, 2006, 2009). As a teenager he played guitar for neo-psychedelic band Green On Red. In his solo career he has become one of the most creative artists in today's music, encompassing a dizzying array of styles - an affection for sweeping pop-soul and funky spaced-out blues, roots rock, wry humor and production touches that include children's choirs and hip hop samples. Prophet is one of rock's best guitarists, playing his trusted Telecaster and delivering his lyrics deadpan, accented by a distorted bullhorn microphone.
In our post-Heatwave survey last year he was voted as the #1 choice among Heatwave fans to return. His 2006 Heatwave set was a magical connection between artist and audience and he called it the best set of music he had ever played. Prophet's role as co-writer and guitarist for Alejandro Escovedo on Escovedo's acclaimed 2008 Real Animal project enhanced Prophet's reputation as a creative force in today's music.
Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue
Trombone Shorty's set at the 2007 Tropical Heatwave was a revelation: a young artist, a consummate entertainer whom we will be hearing for decades to come. In his amazing set he built the audience to a frenetic climax and leapt into the crowd's outstretched hands. After crowd surfing through the courtyard, he and his young band brought it all back home with "When The Saints Go Marching In." He has earned rave reviews both for his jazz artistry and as leader of a blazing funk/rock/hip-hop band Orleans Avenue. USA Today wrote: 'A superstar on New Orleans crowded stage, Trombone Shorty is emerging from the tall shadow of Louis Armstrong, earning comparisons with the late legend's showmanship, technical skills and charisma.' For an example of the fun, check this [video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwxw46IVcvw)
Michael Burks
Guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Michael 'Iron Man' Burks stands tall as a major contemporary blues figure. With a nickname earned by his hours-long, intensely physical performances, fearsome guitar attack, tough, smoky vocals and the thousands of miles logged behind the wheel of his touring van, Burks is a modern blues hero. Nobody in today's blues world successfully bridges searing electric guitar blues with unbridled rock and roll energy like Burks. The Chicago Sun-Times recently said Burks is 'poised on the brink of major stardom.'
Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles
Borges—pronounced BOR-jes, as rhymes with Gorgeous— Her band's music is a whip-smart mixture of old-school torch and twang (Wanda Jackson, Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam) and punk-rock attitude (early Elvis Costello, X, Lone Justice). Throw in some Joan Jett style power-pop and soulful girl group numbers. In previous appearances at WMNF's Birthday Bash and Rockabilly Ruckus, Borges showed she is a playful live performer and a terrific crowd pleaser. Decked out in sexy retro attire and armed with a duct-taped Telecaster, Borges reveals a winning stage presence and a powerful rock 'n' roll voice.
Bonerama
When Bonerama struts onstage with its four-trombone frontline, you can guess it's not quite like any rock 'n' roll band you've seen. When they tear into some vintage New Orleans funk, there's no questioning from which city these guys hail. And when those 'bones start ripping into Hendrix and Led Zeppelin licks, all stylistic bets are off. Even in a city that doesn't play by the rules, New Orleans' Bonerama is something different. They're not a traditional brass band, but they've got brass to spare—even with no trumpets or saxes in sight. They can evoke vintage funk, classic rock and free improvisation in the same set; maybe even the same song.
Eilen Jewell Band
Jewell's heart-achingly hushed style and intimate grasp of roots music's wild graces were revealed in her first two CDs. Her brand new release Sea of Tears has the sound of a breakthrough, finding the artist acknowledging her electric influences and the roots of rock and roll. She pays homage to the British invasion of the sixties, bands like The Kinks and The Animals; her forlorn, yet confident, delivery matches slow rock and resonant guitar sounds throughout the record.
Her touring band is a tried and true ensemble of Jewell, Jason Beek (drums, harmony vocals), Jerry Miller (electric, acoustic, and steel guitars), and Johnny Sciascia (upright bass). The rapport of years touring together produces a tight swagger.
Big Sam's Funky Nation
Presiding over his Funky Nation is Big Sam, formerly the trombonist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, who blows the funk out of his trombone and refuses to let the audience sit still. Between solos and trombone riffs, Big Sam second-lines (a uniquely New Orleans style of street-dance) and gets the crowd going both in movement and in replies to his call-and-response MC-style. A talented group of jazz-trained musicians makes up the Funky Nation, bringing with them the improv-style associated with jazz and the horn-heavy front section that's the hallmark of big band funk. Theirs, and Big Sam's, exuberant dancing and playing, afford them a rare opportunity to let loose. Big Sam's Funky Nation has undeniable personality, as well as masterful chops.
Kinobe and Soul Beat Africa
Soul Beat Africa, coming directly from Uganda, have been bringing their energetic and highly visual show to audiences across Europe and Africa for several years, and this is their first North American tour. These musicians represent the new vanguard of Ugandan performers, gifted instrumentalists steeped in the music of their homeland, but with ears opened to the sounds of the world at large. Driving poly-rhythms underlay transcendent melodies. Traditional African instruments – koras, kalimbas, adungus, endongos, ngonis, drums – blend with guitars and keyboards, drawing on influences from around the globe. This is a new groove for a new world.
Blair Carman and the Belleview Boys
'The best thing to happen to honkytonk and rockabilly piano playing since Jerry Lee Lewis.' - a phrase that's been used to describe the wild piano pounding rock-n-roll talent of this young man from Cincinnati Ohio. Take the 1957 hands of Jerry Lee Lewis and the 1957 look of Elvis Presley and the raw energy of those two artists and what do you get? A piano pumpin', thumpin rockabilly kid named Blair Carman. Blair started playing and performing when he was just a child and is a real Rockabilly enthusiast who strives to keep his music authentic. From the honky tonkin' songs of Hank Williams, to the rock-n-rollin' hits of Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins, a Blair Carman show is guaranteed to leave you wanting more.
Modern Skirts
This Athens alternative indie pop quartet has gained many Tampa Bay fans with their previous visits to Ybor clubs.Lead singer and principle songwriter Jay Gulley's knack for crafting an undeniably catchy melody keeps our ears glued. Everybody sings, and the harmony-vocal arrangements are sophisticated, sweet, and effortlessly discharged….did we mention they have great stage presence?
"The Skirts have rock 'n' roll lust in their veins, and it poured through in front of the 160 or so people fortunate enough to catch this young, talented band in action. The four-piece smiled through a 60-minute set that went past like a blur. While the horns and strings play a more pronounced role on record, in concert the band gives its music a harder rock edge thanks to Brantley's heavy blues solos. But it was Gulley, the front man, who made the show, articulating every lyric and looking every person in the eye, determined to entertain us with his comforting tales of love won and lost. After the performance, most of the people in attendance seemed to agree that we had witnessed something rather special. - Creative Loafing
David Dondero
Few songwriters have experienced and expressed the sinking depths and uplifting optimism of humanity like David Dondero, and his ability to shine a light on the human condition (his own included) is inspiring. Dondero is best known for his narrative tales of America. Having spent most of his life on the road, Dave uses his staggering lyrical talent to paint tales of life in the US of A through clever word play and sarcastic humor about some of life's most sensitive subjects.
James Intveld
James Intveld got his start in the same LA clubs that birthed the careers of Dwight Yoakam, the Blasters and X. The soulful singer and stunningly talented multi-instrumentalist returns for his second Heatwave. Though Intveld's voice might be most familiar coming out of the mouth of Johnny Depp (that's Intveld's dulcet twang when Depp sings in Cry Baby), he should also be known to any followers of contemporary, indie country music. He appeared on the second volume of the classic Town South of Bakersfield compilations, played guitar for the Blasters, and has released three rich and varied solo albums, the most recent of which is 2008's Have Faith which reached the top 10 of the Americana radio charts.
Pack A.D.
Holding the torch high in today's garage rock revival, Vancouver's Pack A.D. strike with a raw, hell-torn, blues-rock swagger that is equally contemplative and unflinching. If you're not familiar with the two-girl group's music, think the White Stripes minus all the annoying pretensions, but plus one incredibly talented singer and guitarist in came-from-nowhere Becky Black. Black has blues pipes that could give 1970s-era Buddy Guy a run for his money, plus the rare ability to use her virtuosity on the guitar as an extension of her voice. Add Maya Miller's confident, perfectly restrained drumming to the mix and you have an exciting band to discover at Heatwave.
The Visitations
This Athens band was under the Heatwave radar but now have snuck up as one that many Heatwave insiders are realizing should not be missed. They are a fun band who use eclectic sounds and lyric play.
Davey Wrathgaber is the off-kilter poet, songwriter and humorist who is the creative force behind the Visitations, seamlessly combining literate, often farcical, always clever lyrics a la Smog, Magnetic Fields and Will Oldham with tasty, psychedelic hooks. Wrathgaber's lyrical cynicism and penchant for political humor have landed him in considerable controversy in his home state. The Visitations demonstrate that music can be weird, even disturbing, without sacrificing the musicality and substance.
Cold Joon
A 'culture –pop' eclectic hybrid that combines traditional West African percussion and dance with pop, reggae, and R&B. Live performances feature high energy fun, dancers, costumes, politics, and are guaranteed to make you move…and think...
Magadog
Magadog was formed in 1992 and are regarded as the pioneering Florida ska band of Ska's Third Wave. Their first gig was a Tropical Heatwave and they are the only group to play three Heatwaves in a row, back in the nineties. The band released four albums and appeared on over 10 ska compilations and had countless U.S. tours along with bands such as The Skatalites, The Toasters, and The Pietasters. They hung up their dancing shoes for a number of years but in 2007 original members Ed Lowery, Dave Akright, and Jim Pedigo assembled a new Magadog ensemble that has had dancers and music fans ecstatic with the timeless fun of ska. They will be closing the party in energetic fashion at the Cuban Club Bandshell.
The Vodkanauts
Surf/lounge/rock 'n' roll combo The Vodkanauts simultaneously pays respectful tribute to musical masters while creating a soundtrack to a mid-to-late 20th century America that never quite was ... but should have been. The Vodkanauts' continuing mission expands the band's repertoire to include rhythm 'n' blues, jazz and other roots-informed genres while still encompassing the surf classics, lounge numbers and original compositions that cemented the band's reputation as one of Tampa Bay's most engaging live acts.
Stolen Idols
A Latin Jazz combo led by Drew Farmer specializing in authentic 1950s-era exotica, the tropical mood-music/world/jazz subgenre pioneered by Martin Denny and Les Baxter. They play exotic arrangements of standards, recreations of classic exotica arrangements, and original music written and arranged in this style. Stolen Idols' core lineup is a quartet with piano, upright bass, vibes/marimba, and percussion., with a group of auxiliary percussionists who will join them for the Heatwave. Seeking something different for this Heatwave? Look no farther.
The Beauvilles
Described as independent Americana Revisionists, The Beauvilles have been playing their music and touring for years, with the payoff just starting. Their new CD Whispering Sin is climbing the national CMJ chart and they have been selected to showcase at the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin and the NEMO Music Festival in Boston. Strikingly passionate vocals, jagged guitars and a taut rhythm section make them a band you need to watch and hear.
The Mojo Gurus
Bourbon soaked, gut bucket, glam meets twang. Led by singer songwriter Kevin Steele, the Gurus perform real deal rock 'n' roll with enough strut and swagger to make most of today's flavor of the month bands pale in comparison. Just signed out of Tampa Bay to True North label, they are busting out nationally. Get there early becausae they will be kicking off the Cantina stage with energy and style. Shake 'em on down!
“Let's Get Lit With...The Mojo Gurus is an exceptional disc of rowdy blooze, rockabilly and honky-tonk...The Mojo Gurus deliver rowdy rock ‘n’ roll with a whole lot of twang and plenty of roadhouse attitude, at once evoking the Stones, Sun Records and the thrill of life in the fast lane. Front man Kevin Steele’s charisma pours through on record and even more so on stage, where he’s a natural fit for the spotlight. Backing him is a tight power trio featuring the visceral guitar work of Doc Lovett.”
- Wade Tatangelo, Music Critic, Creative Loafing, Tampa, FL
Birdstreet Players
Bird Street Players is a high energy funk, soul and reggae band with driving bass lines, wicked horn solos, a rhythm section that doesn't stop and a front man who's sure to keep you movin'! Originally based in Tampa/St. Petersburg, The Bird Street Players frequent the music scenes of New Orleans, Key West, Orlando and festivals all over the East of the country. They have performed with bands such as The Meters, Galactic, Karl Denson, G. Love, MOFRO, Dirty Dozen Brass Band and more. The BSP will keep you on your feet all night long and have you hummin' tunes for days!
Lauris Vidal
Lauris Vidal creates innovative and unique folk music with dark undertones, but always carrying a message of hope. His lively performances include ukulele, tenor banjo, lap steel, guitar and sometimes even lap bass. Seeing Lauris Vidal is an experience all its own; we cannot tell you quite what to expect.
"Kitchen sink beat-blues with off-kilter percussion and an affected sense of swampy melodrama (straight from the Franks Wild Years school) from an ultra-indie artist" - Jim Reed -CONNECT SAVANNAH
Roppongi's Ace
The youngest hotshots in Bay area’s burgeoning Americana scene grew their sound out of the cooped-up, slow-burning Tampa Bay music scene. They cut their teeth on the Ybor City bar circuit, opening for Dr. Dog, Voxtrot, the Black Diamond Heavies, Earl Greyhound, the Six Parts Seven, Will Quinlan, and Have Gun, Will Travel. Their many twang-heavy contemporaries in the scene weighed upon the Ace’s fuzzed out garage sound, and Alex’s stints playing fiddle and mandolin with the likes of Will Quinlan, Ronny Elliot, and Toby Bonar brought Roppongi’s Ace into the fold of Tampa’s burgeoning Americana scene. The band developed its heavy, fuzzy, loud-as-all-hell garage sound through the lens of the Tampa twang, and this growth process is what originally led Into the Night. The band members now live in different parts of the country so local gigs are uncommon for this exceptional band.
Ted Lukas & The Misled
For fifteen years Ted Lukas has been in the center of Tampa Bay’s pop and roots music scene, from leading power- pop band Barely Pink in the mid-to-late 90's, and heading up roots rock band Hangtown since 1998, and recently playing guitar in Rebekah Pulley’s band. He also has organized WMNF's annual summer Americana festivals. In his solo career he plays his own brand of rootsy twang and power pop. Whether it's his own material or a tasty cover, Lukas always rocks it right.
Will Quinlan & The Diviners
The contemporary Americana of Will Quinlan and the Diviners is a combination of folk, country and rock, overlayed with emotional poetry. With a sound described as "gritty, sorrowful, angry and ultimately triumphant," they have just been chosen as one of six finalists (from 400 entrants for the Florida Grammy Showcase which happens May 13.
"...one of the best alt-country bands I've seen in a very long while. WQ & The Diviners' gallop is characterized by loving detail and elegant restraint...a well-bred affair that echoes almost every great artist that defined the genre."
- ORLANDO CITY BEAT
GreyMarket
GreyMarket is a future rock outfit that blends Muse-like power and charisma with Radiohead-inspired lyrical sensability and throbbing laptop electronics.
Formed around a core philosophy of independence, self-sufficiency, and complete fealty to passion at all times, GreyMarket is working tirelessly to build the very best in intergalactic transportation.
Running with a two-man skeleton crew is no mean feat, but one that the intrepid Cave McCoy (guitars, vocals) and Michael Gargiulo (drums) are well-suited for. A little help from a host of electronics and a couple of robotic friends allows them to turn out a stellar live experience.
In 2007, GreyMarket was named Best Alternative Band in REAX Magazine's reader's poll spanning Gainesville, Tampa, and Orlando. GreyMarket has been wowing audiences in clubs and dive bars throughout Florida with high-intensity live shows that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Johumames Posse
One of Tampa Bay's longest running Caribbean bands, they create an instant party with infectious soca and reggae. They will be kicking off the Heatwave on the Cuban Club bandshell with their Island sounds.
Poetry Showcase: Sandbloom
Last year was the first Poetry Showcase at Heatwave and it was cited as a highlight by many who attended. Sekajipo, revolutionary poet and programmer on WMNF's “Overnight Underground" show, will host and perform. Other poets include: Brian Duncan, Dennis "Drod" Rodney, Xzotica, and Richard J.
The headliner for the poetry showcase is Kevin Sandbloom, a southern California songwriter/poet who mixes influences of Bob Marley, Bill Withers and Al Green, and has performed on stages from the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York, to B.B. King's Blues Club in Los Angeles and virtually every poetry venue across the U.S.
The Sheaks
The Sheaks are the latest project by St. Pete native and music veteran Hunter Oswald. With four singers, four songwriters, and a sometimes volatile convergence of four very different and dominant personalities, the Sheaks' sound blends old and new. Unconcerned with current trends, the Sheaks have instead picked up the sword from early, genre-bending alt-rock influences like the Replacements and Yo La Tengo, letting the strength of the material speak for itself.
Thomas Wynn and the Believers
Heady brew of rock, country, gospel and Southern soul, this is one of the most thoroughly indigenous sounds coming out of Florida. It's an EXPLOSIVE LIVE SHOW, by way of rugged, yet uplifting combo of soul and spirit, triple-threat harmonies and tight band that plays hard-charging blistering rock, WYNN, with magnetic stage presence, channels big guns Tom Petty, Waylon Jennings, Ronnie Van Zandt, yes, Otis Redding!
"... one of the most exciting new bands in Florida...I was astounded, as was nearly everyone...Folks stood with their jaws dropped. Several of my friends just shook their heads and said "damn". Their CD has strong tracks, but absolutely pales in comparison to their live sound. Thomas' voice is the key. I can't remember the last time I was this impressed by a band I knew nothing about ahead of time. But don't pigeon hole them as an alt-country band, there was as much soul & blues in their sound as twang. Ultra professional, no stammering or lags between songs.'” -
Bev Capshaw,WMNF 88.5, Tampa
Johnny Cakes and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypso
Johnny Cakes brings Punk/Ska/Calypso to a new level with Snappy Brass and a Punk Calypso flavor.