Ruthie Foster

www.ruthiefoster.com

Ruthie Foster has raised the multiple flags of American music. There’s Southern blues in her groove, rock in her rhythm, a blend of gospel redemption, country poetry and jazz elegance in her singing.

With a sound that ignores demographic lines and a charisma that can ignite any audience, Ruthie Foster is an artist of all-encompassing appeal. Her shows have inspired a string of reviews in which the essential points are made repeatedly: Ruthie Foster merits comparison to the legends that inspired her, even as her unique contributions stake out a place of her own in the spotlight.

“Ruthie’s drawn comparisons to Ella and Aretha, but musically neither is really close,” observed the Philadelphia City Paper in one such rave. “What she does have in common with Fitzgerald and Franklin is the irresistible blaze. It’s impossible to look away, even close the eyes, for one second.”

Bob Schneider

bobschneidermusic.com

Bob Schneider, Austin's genre defying artist, brings his no holds barred show to Tropical Heatwave. His previous WMNF concerts were wildly eclectic, full of surprises and risk-taking. and put him at the top of WMNF's Heatwave wishlist for several years. Schneider thrives on the energy of the stage. While running through a repertoire that includes funk, soul, folk, lounge, rap, punk, Latin and even some melodic experimental-ism, Schneider specializes in loosening an audience’s inhibitions.

Although he tours nationwide, he is still known best as a Austin musician. In the nineties he gained a reputation as a raunchy, womanizing party guy with his bands Joe Rockhead, The Ugly Americans and The Scabs, before releases starting with 2001’s Lonelyland revealed a singer-songwriter with emotional depth – although he has never abandoned his “adult-oriented” themes or lost his ability to create a party.

Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88s

www.mitchwoods.com

Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88’s are the torch bearers of a great American musical heritage. Taking their inspiration from the great jump n’ boogie outfits and swingin’ little big bands of the 40’s, they breathe fresh life into the music that gave birth to rock n’ roll. Mitch takes his cue from his jumpin’ n' jivin’, shoutin’ n’ honkin’, pumpin’ n’ poundin’ predecessors, Louis Jordan, Cab Calloway, Joe and Jimmie Liggins, Louis Prima, just to name a few.

Mitch’s pile drivin’ piano licks and energetic stage persona combine with the Rocket 88’s swingin’ horns, thumpin’ bass, rockin’ guitar, and jungle drums to send a crowd into dancing delight. They are one of the first bands on the West Coast to reach back to an earlier time in American music using humor, style, musicianship, and showmanship to forge their own swinging brand of music, which they coined rock-a-boogie. Mitch & the 88’s have distilled the essence of jump, swing , boogie woogie, made it their own, and deliver it to the present.

Mark Levine and the Latin Tinge

www.marklevine.com

Pianist/composer Mark Levine spent significant time working with Woody Shaw, Joe Henderson, Blue Mitchell, David Liebman and Harold Land, and then pursued his interest in Latin jazz, working with Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, Moacir Santos, Francisco Aguabella, Pete Escovedo, and Cal Tjader.

In a memorable quote, Jelly Roll Morton said that a "Spanish tinge" was necessary in jazz. He was referring to the voluminous traffic, musical and otherwise, between Havana and New Orleans around the turn of the 20th Century.

One of the legacies of this cultural interchange is Latin jazz. Mark Levine & The Latin Tinge draws it's rhythmic inspiration from both Afro-Cuban music and jazz - you might hear rumba, timba, songo, mambo, straight ahead, and 6/8 rhythms in a single tune.

"Mark Levine's genius allows him to play...with an intimate knowledge of both Monk and Chucho Valdés." - Eliseo Cardona, CD Now

"...a great example of small group Afro-Cuban jazz." - Bobby Sanabria, drummer and educator

Jason Ricci & New Blood

jasonricci.com

Blues, Rock, Funk, Jazz Fusion, Eastern, Punk, Carnival, Psychedelic, Performance Art and more are all regularly attached descriptions of the band Jason Ricci and New Blood. Defying category, without defying the techniques, authenticity and disciplines of any one of those category is a rare and dangerous high wire act this band has been balancing expertly year after year, award after award, show after show, fan after fan and album after album.

Jason Ricci and New Blood have been working the Blues, Jam and Rock circuits for over seven years, averaging some 300 shows a year all over the world. Ricci on his own is consistently considered and referred to in print, with awards and in harmonica circles as one of the best and most important harmonica players to have ever picked up the instrument. Shawn Starski (Guitar) is garnering similar attention alike with Guitar Player Magazine naming him within “The Top Ten Hottest New Guitar Players” in 2008.

Although the openly gay Ricci may appear and often sound as unorthodox as his punk and gothic inspired clothing and hair, make no mistake: Ricci spent plenty of time firmly rooted in the blues putting together a blues pedigree, starting as a teen as a devout student of the traditional harmonica masters like Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson and George Smith. By the age of 21 Ricci had won the Sonny Boy Blues Society contest, performed at The King Biscuit Blues Festival; and lived and played with Big Bad Smitty, David Kimbrough, and RL Burnside, playing with those bands throughout clubs and black/African American juke joints throughout the south.

Whether the band is covering Lou Reed or Little Walter or playing a rock room or a blues festival, the musicians in New Blood remain sincere and true to music and the love and respect they have for its many forms, textures and colors.

Tornado Rider

tornadoriderband.com

Last year at Magfest Tornado Rider blew the crowd away with a highly theatrical, manic set of music and entertainment. We booked them the next week for an impromptu show at Skippers and they nearly tore down the Skipperdome - literally - a crazed musician was hanging from the ceiling playing cello upside down. We knew they had to play Heatwave.

Tornado Rider is a one-of-a-kind mystical experience driven by the mammoth power of an electric cello. They are fronted by the most animated and original cellist known to man, who yells triumphant melodies as he leaps around the stage dazzling the crowd with his virtuosity. If you ever have the chance to witness Tornado Rider’s magically costumed theatrical parade of showmanship, musicality, athleticism, and humor, you will be transported to another dimension, and you WILL be entertained!!!

The Ettes

www.ettes.com

Picture a female-fronted White Stripes, raise the tempo, pile on Titanic weight of filthy bass guitar and you're starting to know garage rock darlings The Ettes. Straightforward and no nonsense, this Nashville foursome boasts no agenda other than to make you shimmy and nod your head. Elle Magazine says "Front woman Coco Hames’ voice sounds the way Lesley Gore’s might if she took pouting and strutting lessons from Mick Jagger"

Expect a blowout of authentic urgency that mark The Ettes as a Tropical Heatwave must-see band.

3rd Stone Band

www.3rdstoneband.com

A mix of diverse background and experience, 3rd Stone mixes rock, afro-beat, reggae and funk rhythms on a potent first release. Wester Joseph's perfectly weathered vocals drive a band that has several different gears to navigate, and while many bands with a penchant for jamming do not translate well onto studio records, the ethnic rhythms infused with the granola-fed melodies make for a solid first release from this Gainesville, Florida based group. And while having Anthony Kavouklis, a clean faced young guitar virtuoso with a history of having played on stage with Buddy Guy makes for a good story, this band has sound experience that belie their lead guitarist's assumed years.

Hamell on Trial

www,hamellontrial.com

Hamell on Trial is a one-man punk band and by punk we mean (mostly) loud, fast music informed by politics, passion, energy and intelligence, played by a guy with a sharp tongue and a wicked sense of humor.

Ed Hamell started many a band before grasping the amazing appeal of autonomy: the solo musician’s ability to write a song and perform it the same evening. After freeing himself from the spiritual and financial burdens of a full band, he developed a unique style incorporating elements of comedy, theater, spoken word, and even a cheek-shaking “face solo” or two, as Hamell attempted to further stake a claim for himself far from standard singer-songwriter territory.

Hamell On Trial has recently began moving in a new direction, focusing on the live performance aspect of his music and developing his live set into an hour-long, one-man theatrical production, titled “The Terrorism Of Everyday Life,” that mixed political music with stand-up comedy and social commentary told through stories from his life and travels. Hamell traveled to Scotland to take his show to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, one of the oldest festivals for new and outsider performance art, from which Hamell received a slew of outstanding reviews. Three Weeks raved, “The man may very well be a genius. Obscene, outrageous and brilliant.”

GreyMarket

www.greymarketband.com

GreyMarket is a 2-piece electronic rock band; drummer Michael Gargiulo and guitarist / vocalist Cave McCoy have set about creating their own brand of epic rock music.

Influenced early on by the likes of Radiohead, Muse, and Led Zeppelin, Gargiulio and McCoy decided that instead of disrupting their musical chemistry by trying to find other musicians with the same vision, the pair elected to fuse with laptop-powered electronics, adding sweeping strings, buzzing synths, and pounding sine-wave bass to their arsenal.

The band’s single greatest asset is its ability to put on a compelling live show, fueled by commanding stage presence and technical innovation.

Lumiscent Orchestrii

www.lumii.org

Romanian gypsy melodies, punk frenzy, salty tangos, hard rocking klezmer, haunting Balkan harmony, hip-hop beats and Appalachian fiddle, all eaten and spit out by three violins, resophonic guitar, bullhorn harmonica and 3/4 Argentinian bass. The Luminescent Orchestrii has developed a reputation for ecstatic live performances and infectious onstage energy.

"The balancing of frenzy and finesse is evidently a trademark Luminescent Orchestrii approach, displayed to its utmost in the insanely frenetic dance tunes... The three violins flirt willfully with a cacophony teasingly offset by elegant classical flourishes, swirling and eddying above the rhythm section's bruisingly aggressive but sharply-aimed attack." **** (four star review at The Edinburgh Fringe 2005) -THE SCOTSMAN.

Black Blondie

www.myspace.com/blackblondiemusic

Minneapolis based Black Blondie is a band in the purest sense of the word: the tightly knit four-piece unit collectively writes and performs all of their music. Black Blondie's daring frontwoman, Samahra, has the attitude and charisma of a punk rock diva. She has a voice that would serve any American Idol three times over but lyrics that shock with wit and intellect. You may be reminded of the poetic confessions of a Midwestern emo boy who makes you wanna rip your heart out and cradle it in your hand, but in the next minute she will inspire you to put on your hot pink stilettos, party the night away at a grungy D.C. go-go club, and sign a check to the World Wildlife Fund with a quill tipped pen.

Bass player Liz Draper plays her upright and electric basses as effortlessly as any conservatory bred musician would, yet still sounds like a dirty hip hop sample. Kahlil Brewington's drums lock in as one with the bass and are laced with sophisticated dub and dancehall stylings. Tasha Baron attacks percussive Afrobeat organ lines and plays keyboard atmospheres reminiscent of the Sun Ra Arkestra. Samahra's vocals intermingle enigmatically with this striking and raw musical environment.

Black Blondie's live show, distinctive song writing and innovative musical style has found them sharing the stage with The Roots, Jill Scott, Amy Winehouse, Meshell Ndegeocello, The Coup and J*Davey and a spot in URB Magazine's 'Next 100' for 2008.

Boom Box

www.thisboombox.com

BoomBox (electronic DJ/musicians) Zion Rock Godchaux and Russ Randolph) originates from Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Drawing on the musical history of Muscle Shoals and Godchaux's family lineage (his parents are Keith and Donna Godchaux of the Grateful Dead) BoomBox has incorporated some of this rich history into their music, allowing for the grand entrance of a greater style and fusion of Rock and Roll, Vintage Psychedelic and House. The group draws people of various ages, musical interests and lifestyles with their high energy show.

The duo themselves avoid labeling the music as anything other than "Rock & Roll", expressing that labels would do the music injustice. It's simply left up to each person to extract his or her own account from the BoomBox experience. This signature sound and show brings live music to a new, elevated level.

Reverend Billy C. Wirtz

www.myspace.com/rbcw

Reverend Wirtz will be holding forth in the intimate Cuban Club Cantina. From the moment he sits down at the piano and lights into his Southern old-time gospel and blues with a twist, the six-foot-five-inch, goateed, tattooed tongue-in-cheek "Rev" commands the stage and spreads the "gospel" like nobody's business. With puns flying as fast as his fingers, the Rev plays masterly boogie-woogie and barrelhouse riffs while holding forth on subjects as diverse as W.W.E.D.? (What Would Elvis Do?), Mennonite Surf Parties, and dubious relationships between people you are terrified that you may actually know.

Alex Meixner

http://www.alexmeixner.com/About_Alex.html

Alex Meixner carries on a family tradition of music brought to the USA by his Austrian great grandfather. Building upon this foundation and extensive performances/ touring with his father in The Al Meixner Trio for many years, Alex has developed a fresh musical voice that has made him one of the most exciting performers on the American polka scene. His high energy, audience-interactive performances vary from old time polkas and waltzes to more jazz, pop and world music. He has won over many audiences in North America and continues to attract new fans. Alex plays about a dozen instruments during his performances including the 12 foot long Swiss Alphorn. So if you feel like dancing non-stop to an extremely talented artist, Alex Meixner is the talent you are looking for.

Tomas Delamnoy & Somos Musica

This red hot ensemble which consists of up to 13 members will kick off the Heatwave in the best tropical fashion. Their sound is highly dancable. Exciting and unique rhythms, multiple vocalists, and lots of horns, offer the finest in traditional meringue, salsa, and Caribbean Latin music. They fill the stage with pulsating energy.

Nervous Turkey

http://www.myspace.com/nervousturkeyband

Nervous Turkey uses punk to rough up the blues and finishes it off with Tom Waits gruff to make it a touch disturbing. The fowl-mouthed trio has become known for fierce performances that attract the hardiest of rockers, boozehounds, and bloozehounds. Ernie Locke could be Tampa's most entertaining and engaging frontman. The man is crazy and extremely fun to watch.

"Locke’s appeal is undeniable and his band’s sound has become an essential flavor of the local music landscape. Nervous Turkey formed in 2006, developed a catalog of high-caliber originals, self-released a well-produced debut, Fatboy Likes to Roll, in 2008, and amassed a loyal fanbase along the way with dynamic live performances. Locke is a practiced showman who knows how to use his charm and bring the full physicality of his presence into his performances. A typical Nervous Turkey show is like a roadhouse revival led by the wild stomp and swagger of Locke, who plays a gritty guitar, sings in a low and rumbling timbre that rises to a fierce howl or dips into a deep gravely growl, and wields his harmonica like a born-again reed-blower, the wailing blasts adding greasy texture to Fowler and Cunningham’s heavy rockin’, funked-out soul-blues foundation. “We’re not shooting for the brain, we’re shooting for people to have good times.” - Leilani Polk, Creative Loafing, March 2, 2010

"It's a three-piece with the larger-than-life Locke on his furious sounding harmonica or his '50s Les Paul Gold Top, backed by young-yet-veteran drummer Aaron Fowler and Mark Cunningham on vintage Fender Rhodes electric piano and Hammond bass organ. They could possibly be the best live band in the southeast." - Shawn Kyle, ReaxMagazine

Christabel and the Jons

http://www.myspace.com/christabelmusic

This band has a unique style with a mix of bossa nova and country swing tunes. Lead singer and song writer Christa DeCicco is earning a reputation as one of the southeast's finest laid-back jazz singers. Traveling all around the country, CB&J has plenty of experience on stage. They have been performing their distinctive style of folky swing since the spring of 2005. "They alternate between upbeat country shuffles, torchy, sophisticated, retro jazzy pop and occasional indie-folk with a playful yet terse backdrop of understated guitar lit up in places with accordion, trumpet and violin, propelled by a briskly tasteful rhythm section."— Alan Young, Lucid Culture

The Movement

http://themovementvibe.com/band.html

The Movement's music includes an amazing mix of Rock, Reggae and Hip Hop. Each is definable, recognizable and at once familiar to people the world over--but never before have those three forms of musical expression been blended into a sound that is as indefinable as it is recognizable and familiar. This band is like a mix of Sublime, Tupac, and Pink Floyd. Their album Set Sail is number 7 in the top 100 reggae albums on iTunes. Crowds go crazy when attending The Movement events. The band has built a loyal following while touring the Southeastern circuit nonstop and opening for national acts such as Steel Pulse, Blues Traveler, Slightly Stoopid, The Wailers, Ludacris, G. Love & Special Sauce, Common, Long Beach Shortbus, The Wu Tang Clan, 311, and Rebelution. After several years developing their fanbase, The Movement is emerging in 2010 as a major act.

HuDost

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

HuDost's material is best described as experimental Indie world rock. Their original work ranges in style from Alternative World Music to their own Country and Eastern fusion, merged with an atmospheric, rich, experimental sound. Their sound crosses all borders and barriers, taking the listener on a journey they will never forget. This is not fluffy new-age music—it's serious, complex fare with no aversion to addressing agony.

Moksha Sommer's vocal execution is precisely orchestrated, her voice-opening, hollow-toned vortexes piercing through the tough spots. There is nothing better than hearing a beautiful voice along with beautiful music live and that is what this band gives you.

Stone River Boys with Dave Gonzalez

myspace.com/stoneriverboys

When the Hacienda Brothers released their third and final studio album titled Arizona Motel in 2008, guitarist Dave Gonzalez was left with the unfortunate task of promoting the new release without his partner Chris Gaffney who died unexpectedly from liver cancer. Dave Gonzalez put together an Austin Texas all-star band to hit some of The Hacienda Brothers favorite venues fater the unexpected death of his partner Chris Gaffney. Gonzalez took over the onstage vocal duties for all of Gaffney’s songs, nailing them with emotion and finesse night after night. Gonzalez’s outstanding performances are no surprise to those who followed The Paladins, where Gonzalez did the bulk of the singing for over 20 years. Dave Gonzalez was also the Hacienda Brother’s primary songwriter and powerhouse guitarist who in 2007 was named one of Guitar Player Magazine’s “Top 101 Unsung Guitar Heroes.” The sound is part Duane Eddy, classic honkytonk, and spaghetti westerns. As Dave explains “unexpectedly it also sounds absolutely great on the soul stuff.”

The wild card in Gonzalez’s Austin All-star band was vocalist Mike Barfield. When Barfield breaks into his screaming whoops and animated country-soul dance you’ll want to join the infectious good time. Gaffney would have loved this pairing. In 2009 the Stone River Boys made a big splash performing at SXSW and the Americana Music Conference. Out of their showcases came a record deal with Cow Island Music out of Massachusetts. For every end there is a new beginning and in this case for Dave Gonzalez and Mike Barfield, it’s The Stone River Boys. Look for a new release titled “Love On The Dial” to hit record stores on May 18th.

Rachel Goodrich

http://www.myspace.com/rachelgoodrich

Rachel Goodrich's music is an eclectic blend of vaudeville-inspired indie pop, swing-jazz and country-folk. She is the quirky, adorable, hard not to crush-on (whether you're a boy or a girl) 24-year-old singer/songwriter out of Miami who is in the process of making a big name for herself. That's evidenced by this solid New York Times piece:

"All summer long, Miami's Rachel Goodrich promised that her album would be "coming soon!" In the meantime, fans who had begun to crush on the quirky 24-year-old sufficed by catching her increasingly crowded live shows and replaying the four non-downloadable offerings on her MySpace page. They hit the "play" button over and over again, like lab rats in some sort of addiction experiment: More, please! With her CDs finally pressed (and the album available on iTunes), we can now do what everyone wants to do upon encountering this adorable homegrown troubadour: take a piece of her with us. Tinker Toys is an apt name for her disc; on it, Goodrich's Rickenbacker guitar and playful voice are matched by an equal dose of kazoos, chimes, whistles and trombones as if she's still giddy from having looted an instrument store. Goodrich's sound (which she describes as "shake-a-billy") is characterized by catchy melodies, whimsical lyrics, and plenty of aural surprises. "

B.C.

Bryan Clardy, a.k.a. "BC," is a Tampa hip-hop emcee. Last year his talent went national with his Time Capsule, Clardy's six-track preliminary release — the first in a trilogy called "Time Pieces."

Clardy got into hip-hop at an early age, reciting other rappers' rhymes when he was in fourth grade and getting into writing his own by middle school. He attended Gaither High School, and then got back into rhymes while studying fine arts and sculpture at Ringling College of Arts and Design in Sarasota where he met up with Jerry "DJ Lazy" DuFrain and joined the group Red Tide. Clardy says DuFrain became a mentor to him; and they have worked together ever since.

Since its release, Time Capsule has garnered Clardy opening spots for nationally-known groups Solillaquists of Sound, Slaughterhouse and Tech N9ne, and Del Tha Funkee Homosapien. "MC B.C. was impressive when he busted his socially conscious rhymes while producers 2% and DJ Lazy backed him with powerful beats and tracks that hid punk-rock fury under a smooth hip-hop cover." - Curtis Ross, Tampa Tribune

Lauris Vidal

myspace.com/laurisvidal

Lauris Vidal creates innovative and unique folk music with dark undertones, but always carrying a message of hope. He is 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.

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. With or without his band, he is a one-man force who will get a crowd clapping along to his stomping.

The Soulphonics & Ruby Velle

This soulful band puts the ‘fun’ back in funk. The Soulphonics & Ruby Velle have been around the Atlanta music scene since early 2008 after getting their start in northern Florida. The singer's name is Ruby Velle and she is backed by a solid lineup, including a three piece horn section (trumpet, baritone sax, tenor sax) and rhythm section (B3 organ, electric guitar, bass and drums). They played a hot soulful Heatwave set two years ago and the band is now tighter than it's ever been and has a sick ass 75 min set worked out! They are ready to blow the top off the Cuban Club Bandshell.

Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights

myspace.com.jonathantyler

Based on the strength of their independent release Hot Trottin’ and incendiary live shows, a bidding war ensued which resulted in Dallas’ Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights getting signed by Atlantic Records. The Atlantic debut, out shortly, will undoubtedly be full of the band’s Southern-inflected blues/rock/soul. Tyler’s got a powerful voice that recalls Chris Robinson’s (with less abuse), and he uses it on anything from Skynyrd-singed guitar grinders to sweet ballads to juicy, R&B-flavored rock. The band has already opened for a slew of acts of varying genres, from Erykah Badu and the Arc Angels to Kool & the Gang, and Kid Rock.

Dynasty

http://blogs.tampabay.com/tbt/2009/03/artist-of-the-day-dynasty.html

In the past few months, Dynasty has opened for the Wu-Tang Clan and KRS-One, as well as quirky Miami (and fellow Heatwaver) pop-folkie Rachel Goodrich. How does she manage such cross-appeal? With a positive energy and undeniable charm, the Queens native (real name: Diana Hardy) flows with ease over lyrically rugged terrain.

"My goal is to keep the crowd interested and involved,” she said. “I can bring positivity without being corny. I don’t curse. I don’t talk about most of what you hear on the radio, but I can still rock a stage with the best of them." She says she’s been rapping since she was 11; expect her to keep it up for a long time to come.

The Pauses

www.thepauses.com

The Pauses blend quirky rock with subtle hints of pop, technical electronics, and sugary sweet female vocals to make a delicious indie rock smoothie that they hope will hydrate your ear buds into a frenzy.

"This Orlando quartet had an array of instruments onstage, including a xylophone,which was untouched until their final song. Tierney Tough, switching between her bass and electric piano, had a beautiful voice. Their style had some Shoegaze influence, along with some Noise Rock elements. An excellent combination of dissonance tempered with melody. Fans of The Pixies/Frank Black, Sonic Youth, early Smashing Pumpkins (before they sucked), and Belle & Sebastian would find this band appealing. I know I did." - Marc Ganancias, Examiner.com

Hip Abduction

"Members of this tight and energetic Florida based band have laid stakes all over the world and bring to the party international traditions, rhythms and instruments" - Tampa Tribune

The Hip Abduction is a culmination of world genres directed toward high energy live performances and tranquil lyricism. The theme derives from singer/songwriter David New and his years spent traveling the Caribbean and South America. Up to 8 members can be on stage during a Hip Abduction event, each following a world, rock, soul, and reggae theme. Tight drumming coupled with a strong melodic groove structure is at the core of each tune. THA draws on the stories of acoustic driven blues, overlays jazz/funk style instrumental melodies, and crafts high-energy festival style free improvisation. Influences include James Brown, Funky Meters, Paul Simon, Dave Matthews, Ray Charles, Reggae, Jazz & Funk, soul music, and world.

Johnny Cakes and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypso

www.myspace.com/johnnycakespapocalypso

"If the name isn’t crazy enough for you, just check out this band’s music. Johnny Cakes and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypso, from St. Petersburg, purvey an insane combination of ska, reggae and punk. When I did some research, I found out they play in a style called “gutter calypso,” which, according to the band’s Myspace, is a combination of “calypso, punk rock, ska, reggae, rock steady, tropical, rock, and a whole bunch of other stuff all marmaladed together.” Hey, I was close!

Last Saturday, this unique band played an amazing show at The Market on 7th in Ybor (one of my favorite places in the area). I have never seen that place so packed! Right off the bat, I knew that this show would be one to remember.

I wish I could describe the band better, but honestly I was way in the back trying to write on my little notepad. The tiny stage was overflowing with musicians that included a horn section, guitars, bass, regular drums, and I’m pretty sure I saw (and heard) a steel drum as well. At one point, it sounded like there was a marching band hiding in the back. Think Jimmy Buffet meets Sublime with a dash of NOFX. Lead singer Michael “Ostrich” belched out grungy vocals with some hilarious lyrics (when you could understand them). The music was loud and in-your-face, perfect for a keg party. And who doesn’t like a keg party?

One of the most memorable parts of the night were the crazy names of the songs. I recall song titles like “Commando” (their frontman actually admitted “This song is about not wearing underpants” right before it started), “Long Island Iced Tea Island,” and of course, the crowd favorite, “Butt Sex.” They also played an incredible cover of “Wipeout.”

Oh my, I almost forgot about The Jellyfish Dancers! Yes — this band has dancers, four lovely ladies who skip around under giant jellyfish umbrellas. Amazing. The night was full of laughter and dancing and all around shenanigans. Another fun fact for your enjoyment: Skippy, a plastic penguin, is considered a legitimate member of the band. Love it!" - Cillian, Creative Loafing 1/16/2010

Ever So Klever

www.EverSoKlever.net

Ever So Klever soars with their sounds of swing and rockabilly to provide energy reminiscent of a late 90's Warped Tour vibe that is twisted with the classic influence of South Florida Latin rhythms. The horn section blasts livelihood alongside juiced up and sexy female lead vocals to provide motivating choruses combined with Brian Setzer like guitar riffs. The walking bass lines and classic swing drums will provide the back bone to bust out that zoot suit, consider some slicked back greaser hair, and take a ride with your baby in that classic 1930's hot rod. The right touches of other musical influences and genres lend spicy diversity to full songs like "Sinning Again" which reflect an almost Orange County-No Doubt like ska vibe and intros of songs like "Here Comes Mama" displaying their sultry Latin music talents.

This kind of band doesn't come along often as is evident by their busy tour schedule and is a result of nothing less than hard work and talent. If you enjoy bands like No Doubt, The Cherry Poppin Daddies, Save Ferris, and The Horror Pops, you will certainly find Ever So Klever pleasing your palate just as much.

Unkempt

http://www.myspace.com/unkemptmusic

Unkempt are an uncompromising 5 piece metal band from Lakeland. Their music is a veritable explosion of un-relinquished fury that requires pure submission from the listener. Their ability to embrace the audience and open the most closed mind speaks volumes. Unkempt’s driving rage leaves us hitting pause in order to give ourselves a chance to breathe. This is a young, fresh, vibrant band making their way into our mindset. It might take a lobotomy to get them out.

The Semis

From a twilight zone on the outer edges of punk, pop and the classic rock your long-haired uncle cranked on the faux-wood-paneled console, the Semis have consistently defied tidy genre classifications and gained respect as a favorite live band in the St. Pete music scene. Influences as far flung as the Beach Boys, Cheap Trick and Pavement can be heard in the band's twisted rockers and not-quite-but-sorta-kinda ballads.

Founder and lead singer Billy Summer, the son of USF classical music professors, has been playing guitar, writing, cavorting, wearing old-lady glasses and, oh yeah, singing for the better part of two decades. Get him going in conversation, and he'll share some seedier tidbits. Suffice it to say Summer has held it together, and his band's current lineup is its most solid so far; a feat in spite of and a credit to himself.

Peter Baldwin Band

The Orlando neo-soul artist is one of the most talked about new artists on the Florida music scene. Leilani Polk in Creative Loafing saw him and wrote that "he held me (and most of those around me) rapt with merely an electric guitar and his silky-smooth, sexy falsetto, hitting notes so high I could almost see them soaring through the rafters into the starry sky above. After listening to two original numbers, a raw but gripping rendition of MGMT's popular disco funk number, "Electric Feels," and some adept scat singing and vocal acrobatics, I was hooked."

Baldwin only began playing publicly in 2007 but already major labels are talking to him. He often plays solo but for Tropical Heatwave he will play with a full band. The setlist will encompass soul-fused folk, rock, funk and jazz-flavored originals spanning Baldwin's three-year musical career. Baldwin's trademark solo performances on vox and electric guitar will be studded throughout.

Two Man Gentleman Band

www.twogentlemen.com

The Two Man Gentlemen Band’s original brand of raucous, retro vaudevillian swing is fast becoming an underground sensation. Three short years ago, The Gentlemen were playing marathon sets for tips in New York City’s parks and subways. These days, they traverse the country incessantly, playing hundreds of shows per year for legions of dedicated fans and even catching the attention of big-names like Bob Dylan & Willie Nelson, for whom The Gents opened a handful of shows last summer.

The Gentlemen’s memorable, pithy compositions combine the sounds of hot jazz, vintage rhythm & blues, and tin-pan alley with boundless energy and enthusiasm. Andy Bean pounds out intricate, rapid-fire chord changes and melodies on an assortment of antique 4-string guitars and banjos. Bassist Fuller Condon dances around the fingerboard with a punchy, driving style that renders a drummer unnecessary. Their “keen vocal harmonies” (The New Yorker) recall 20s and 30s groups like the Mills Brothers and The Cats & The Fiddle while their lyrics are “so off the beaten path as to be virtually cliche free.” (Bluegrass Journal) Few other songwriters so deftly address such a wide range of topics; from the familiar – love, fancy beer, reefer – to the utterly peculiar – William Howard Taft, mathematics, rabbit meat.

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). “Romping, outstanding fun!” (About.com)

Kevin So

www.kevinso.com

The Boston Globe describes Kevin So as "Riveting...impeccable...fast developing...unusually talented..." He's one of the most exciting and powerful singer/songwriters to emerge from the Boston music scene. Making a name for himself as a boundary-stretching singer/songwriter, So's original blend of pop, rhythm & blues, and hip hop has garnered the attention and praise from critics and fellow artists. One of the most recognized artists in the Asian American community, So is recognized for his lyrical truths and his knack for engaging people through his music, intense storytelling, and foot stomping performances.

Sista Otis

www.sistaotis.com

Sista Otis is a one woman band. A party with just a acoustic guitar, vocals and songwriting with classic elements, reminiscent of the late 60's. Bringing her singer/songwriter blues inspired rock-hip hop with gospel rhythms to The People. A Poet, Storyteller, Lyricist, Master Melody Maker and Improv Artist.

Song structures so diverse and truly original yet so familiar and warm that you feel like you've heard them before. Strong with rhythm and addictive hooks and lyrics that hit the heart, head and stir your eternal soul. With saucy lil' numbers bout' having the bar tender pour another round to This love is spiritual. She's sassy, charming and raw. She can easily do an adult show, kids show or a gospel show at the church on your corner. Knowing and understanding how to serve the people. She is, "The Original Good Time Girl" and the Good Time Revolution is in full effect when Otis is up in the house.

Grant Peeples

www.grantpeeples.com

This self-described left neck songwriter resides in the liberal lowlands of Wakulla County, Florida after repatriating himself from the Miskito Coast of Nicaragua where he lived for over a decade. Grant has been described by Bobby Braddock as a guy who "sounds like John Prine, but with a Southern bent". Gurf Morlix also said of Grant, specifically of Grant's songwriting on his latest CD "Pawnshop", "Grant is on a roll here, painting evocative pictures of the New American Landscape. Writers like this are hard to come by."

All of which is by way of leading up to one thing. You won't want to miss Grant Peeples' set at Tropical Heatwave. He is a real honest to goodness talented singer-songwriter who can connect with his audience.

Chicken Chasers

www.chickenchasers.com

"A band that lists Chico Marx, Kurt Weill and Lalo Schifrin as influences is setting its bar pretty high. Calling itself The Chicken Chasers raises it even further. These birds can fly, though. As Kurt Vonnegut might say, The Chicken Chasers are unstuck in time, topical references sitting atop hot jazz, with lyrics that swing as well as the rhythm section."
- Curtis Ross, Tampa Tribune 11/09

"I love this band’s music. They are totally different from anyone else out there. They describe their music as shving. I spelled it correctly: shving. It’s kind of a cross between Louis Prima meets Spike Jones meets Chico Marx and Jackie Mason. I know, right?"
- Michael Calzone, BeachLife 11/09

"With nearly a big band's worth of instruments, the five-piece outfit has more pure musical talent than several other bands combined."
- Julie Garisto, TBT* (St. Petersburg Times) 7/09

Sons of Hippies

myspace.com/sonsof hippies

Sarasota’s Katherine Kelly (vocals, keys, guitar) and Jonas Canales (percussion, synths, vocals) spent late ’08 feeling out their psychedelic space-rock sound, but they've definitely found their stride: Their new CD, Warriors of the Light, calls to mind Radiohead or a trippier version of Metric.

Sons of Hippies have torn it up at WMNF Tribute shows (Blondie at the 1979 Tribute and The Beatles at Abbey Road) and music fans demanded that they get a chance to play Tropical Heatwave.

Sleepy Vikings

www.myspace/sleepy vikings

Sleepy Vikings includes four ex-members of deflocal favorites Giddy-up, Helicopter! (Sandi Streppone, bass; Nicole Schleif, guitar, banjo and lap steel; Ryann Slauson, drums; Conner, guitar and vocals) plus Tessa McKenna, vocals and keyboards; and Stephanie Paceco on guitar.

What's new? A pleasant female vocal from McKenna (often in harmony with others in the band); a mood that’s more enchanting and less haunting. SV material is more upbeat than Giddy-up, Helicopter!’s earlier material, with lighter arrangements acting as a counterpoint to introspective lyrics. Remaining from the band’s previous incarnation: that warmly familiar sparkle and trance that first won over fans. “It’s more refined, more musical, less noise,” Conner said. - Julie Garisto, TBT

Jim Morey Band

www,jimmorey.com

"Trumpetist, singer, guitarist, collector of hats, member of jazz groups Lounge Cat and the Helios Jazz Orchestra ... and now leader of his own wildly creative band, the Jim Morey Band.

Ragtime, jazz, swing, pop, Southern-flavored Vaudeville ... it's all a big melange to this eccentric but rising group, which is unlike any you're likely to see anytime soon. Along with David Crisler on electric MIDI banjo, Anne Van Atta on upright bass, Billy Carr on drums, Morey's group has has been a popular draw at funky hipster events all around Tampa Bay." -
Julie Garisto, TBT Artist of the Day

"Jim Morey Band fuses vagabond jazz and muddy river Creole with that Tom Waits style of stumblin’, rootsy rock n’ roll, sly gypsy rhythms swaggering and swinging and stomping and grooving along. It’s like a one-man band with four members.”
– Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

"Poetry Is" Showcase

myspace.com/poetryis

Lizz Straight, host of WMNF's poetry program and one of the country's leading spoken word artists, coordinates a showcase of the best poets and spoken word artists in the Tampa Bay area.

Black & Ten

This a new side project of three-piece traditional roots reggae by members of Tampa's longtime reggae band Tribal Style.

Have Gun, Will Travel

myspace.com/hgwt

Have Gun, Will Travel is one of WMNF's most loved and most played bands for the past two years.

Matthew Burke started the band three years ago as a side project singing covers and acoustic ballads. He eventually fleshed out his material with musical friends into expertly arranged and full-bodied electro-acoustic blends of country, folk and classic pop. Now HGWT is one of the top bands from Tampa Bay, getting recognized nationally. Have Gun, Will Travel has been acclaimed by National Public Radio, showcased at the Americana Conference in Nashville and climbed College Media charts. .
photo by Lance Aram Rothstein