tampa bay pulse magazine issue 8

puls

emag

azin

etam

pa.c

om

the Queen of

SPACE MIAMIJackie Richie

Also in this issue:

Blackstone ApparelExtreme Gallardo

Florida’s Hottest HangoutsiPad DJ

the Nightlife Issue Featuring:

DESIGNER HAIR DRESSING & HAIR COLORBRAZILIAN KERATIN TREATMENTS

RELAXING CLINICAL TREATMENTS & FACIALS

813.443.530610911 N DALE MABRY HWY • TAMPA, FL, 33618

FACEBOOK.COM/VERITYSALONS

OUR CHAIR AWAITS YOU

pulse | 1

2 | pulse

contents 08Issue

pulse | 3

sixESSENTIALSLifestyle Accessories

tenGAMINGCombat AceSpider Man

fourteenMIXOLOGYIsfjordKrus82Medea

twenty-twoTRAVELFlorida’s Hottest Nightspots

twenty-sixMOTOExtreme Lamborghini Gallardo

thirtyFITNESSThe Hangover

thirty-twoNIGHTLIFELegacy Productions Group

thirty-fourDJ PROFILELyndon Uy

thirty-sixSTYLECouture Experience

thirty-eightNIGHTS ON THE EDGEA sit down with Cameron Fulks

fourty-twoFOLLOW THE GROOVEJohnny Pease

fourty-fourNOCTURNA VIPTampa’s new Latin vibe

fourty-sixQUEEN OF TAMPACorey Rena

fourty-eightMACPMark Anthony

fifty-twoCOVERJackie Richie

fifty-sixON THE MICJules Vegas

fifty-eigthWHO’S THE BOSSOksana Boss

sixty-twoSTAR PRODUCTIONSAndres Yepes

seventyPULSARAZZI

4 | pulse

In life there is definitely a correlation between suc-cess, hard work, and having fun. Hard work, can be defined as the blood, sweat, and tears that one must have to endure for days and sometimes years in or-der to achieve ones ultimate goal. Once that goal is

obtained, the success of the individual is reached, and then the fun begins…. Hence the correlation.

Which leads us to the greatest cause and effect theorem of them all….. If we work hard….we play harder! This simple ideology formulates the concept of this particu-lar issue. As we go deep inside the minds of some of Tampa’s Own Nightlife Elite.

This Nightlife Issue is dedicated towards providing cut-ting edge information on the Bay area’s local hot spots, behind the scene stories, bios, and information on where the future of Tampa Bay Nightlife is commencing.

The last 3+ years we have had the pleasure to partner up with some of Tampa’s Top promotion and entertain-ment companies. As we have taken on the Bay Area by storm via print, web, social media and events. These strategic partnerships have allowed us to become Tam-pa Bay’s Premier Nightlife and Entertainment Source.

Furthermore, we want to thank all of you whom continue to support this little magazines visions and dreams. As Tampa Bay Pulse Magazine is truly becoming your #1 source for nightlife and entertainment.

publisherLetter from the

Hugo D. Aviles

pulse | 5

PUBLISHERH. A. World Wide Media Group

DESIGNCK Graphic Designswww.ckgraphicdesigns.com

PRINTINGTampa Prints 4 Less

EDITORChad [email protected]

PRESIDENTHugo D. [email protected]

FINANCIAL DIRECTORAnthony McGeough [email protected]

DIRECTOR of OPERATIONS Sonny [email protected]

WEBSITE OPERATIONSDiego Felipe [email protected]

PRINTING & MEDIA RESOURCESDon [email protected]

MUSIC MEDIA RELATIONSAlfonso [email protected]

CO-DIRECTORMUSIC MEDIA RELATIONSDru [email protected]

STRATEGIC RELATIONSMichael [email protected]

LEGAL ADVISORMatthew A. Foreman, [email protected]

MARKETING ADVISORSAngye Fox | Ad Sizzle [email protected] Kamenar | [email protected]

TRAVEL/EVENT ADVISORSTammy Levent | Elite Travel [email protected]

SALESMichael A. Brittingham [email protected]

CONSULTANTSAxel Anaya | Anayity, LLCBen Wilkison | Body By BenDonald K. Duru | DURU Ventures GroupPavan Pediredla & Satya Mantena | PCM InvestmentsJeffrey Souvenir | BigJeff FilmsJohann Pambianchi

PHOTOGRAPHYBrian Pekdur | Paicon ImagesKevin Kelii | KK Photography John KantorJonathon Ridgely – ProPhotoLuis A. Battistini | LuisX.comLuis SantanaMike Ossola | Mike Ossola Photography

FASHION | HAIR | MAKEUPDali Hernandez | House of DaliElena Filoqi | Belanova SalonMarc Vansco |Verity Salons & SystemsTula Pambianchi

To advertise contact H. A. World Wide Media Group, Inc. 1-877-334-6569 ext 4

Vol. 2 Issue 7 Tampa Bay Pulse is published by H.A. World Wide Media Group, Inc. Tampa Bay Pulse Magazine is a registered trademark of H.A. World Wide Media Group, Inc.. Tampa Bay Pulse Magazine is in no way responsible for loss or damage to unsolicited items. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Copyright 2011 by Tampa Bay Pulse Magazine and H.A. World Wide Media Group, Inc.. All rights reserved.

STAFF

6 | pulse

■ Essentials

iDJ Live is the easiest way to become a DJ with your iPod touch, iPhone or iPad. This iOS-DJ controller is perfect for anyone from Pro DJs to music lovers who have never tried DJing before. The iDJ Live system harnesses the processing power of your iPad, iPod or iPhone and enables you to DJ parties, events and even clubs using the music that is already on your iPod via Algorid-dim’s djay or other Core MIDI-enabled apps.

Numark has worked with Algoriddim the makers of the highly popular Djay software to bring support for iDJ Live to Djay for iPad. Mix your iPod music library on a hyper-realistic turntable interface. Perform live, record mixes on-the-go, or enable Au-tomix mode and let djay mix your favorite playlist automatically. With unprecedented ease-of-use and innovative multi-touch mixing features, djay for iPad takes DJing to the next level and offers a unique experience for beginners and professionals alike. Djay is available for purchase from the App store. For more infor-mation please click here

You can mix and scratch your music, including your iTunes Mu-sic Libraries using two large performance platters and a central mixer section with a crossfader, buttons and knobs. iDJ Live is laid out in to carefully recreate the two-decks-and-a-mixer setup that professional DJs prefer. Just load your tracks to either Deck A or Deck B, and then control it, cueing up the start point, per-forming advanced transitions and even scratching.

iDJ Live comes complete with iPad stand and custom headh-pone/speaker audio cable so connecting to your sound system of choice is easy. Connect your iPod touch, iPhone or iPad in sec-onds using the built-in dock connector. Once these two connec-tions are made, just switch the party into overdrive.•••

iDJ LivePro Meets Portable

The Opena CasThe World’s first iPhone 4 Bottle OpenerThe ‘Opena’ was designed and developed by Rob Ward and Chris Peters, two good mates who like to make things happen. Chris is an Industrial De-signer who runs his own product design business. Rob is an idea’s man and has a knack for online sales and marketing. Together they combined their powers to make the Opena a reality. The Opena case is currently available for pre-order through the official website www.openacase.com.

pulse | 7

Paul BudnitzBicyclesKidrobot founder launches premium urban bicycle brandPaul Budnitz, best known as the founder and creator of art-toy specialty brand Kidrobot, has officially launched Paul Budnitz Bicycles, a premium bicycle brand specializing in unique high-end urban bicycles.

“I’m making the most elegant, lightest, and fastest city bicycles in the world,” says Budnitz, “a bicycle as stylish as a vintage Aston-Martin, created with only the best parts and designed to look beautiful and last a lifetime”.

An artist and entrepreneur with over a dozen designs in the collection of the Mu-seum of Modern Art, Budnitz began creating bicycles when he couldn’t find what he wanted on the market. This lead to deep immersion in bicycle science and extensive prototyping.

Produced in small runs and for sale for the first time today, Model No.1 is a lightening fast titanium commut-ing bicycle with lines that recall a vintage motorcycle. No.2 is a titanium play bike for adults with super-fat tires, and a smaller rear wheel that optimizes accelera-tion. Both models feature Budnitz’ unique trademark split-tube Cantilever Frame™, optimized to absorb road shock and provide a quick, responsive ride in a city envi-ronment. They also feature Gates Carbon belts instead of chains, and handmade components adapted from top-end racing bikes.

“Bicycles cut down on health insurance costs, are a lot quieter than cars, and enhance community. I’m creating striking bicycles that last forever, and are unbelievably exciting to ride, and empirically speaking, don’t suck,” says Budnitz.

The base price for both models is $5500.Paul Budnitz Bicycles are sold exclusively online at http://budnitzbicycles.com.•••

ABOUT PAUL BUDNITZ BICYCLESPaul Budnitz Bicycles (http://budnitzbicy-cles.com) creates the quickest, most beauti-ful, and most elegant urban bicycles in the world. Combining advance design and top-end components with Paul Budnitz’ eye for design, Paul Budnitz Bicycles makes strik-ing, lightning-fast titanium bicycles that are built to last a lifetime. Paul Budnitz Bicycles was founded in 2011 and is based in Boulder, Colorado.

ABOUT PAUL BUDNITZPaul Budnitz is best known as the founder of Kidrobot, the world’s premier creator of art toys, fashion apparel and accessories. Bud-nitz’ obsession with creating the perfect ur-ban bicycles lead him to found Paul Budnitz Bicycles in 2011. Budnitz has art directed virtually every Kidrobot product since the company’s inception, and created Dunny & MUNNYWORLD, Kidrobot’s signature plat-form toys, as well as each Kidrobot retail store. Over a dozen toys Budnitz designed are now part of the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. In 2009, Budnitz authored I AM PLASTIC, TOO, his 2nd book on designer toys, and The Hole in the Mid-dle, a children’s book published by Disney/Hyperion in 2011. Budnitz is the director of two award winning feature films, and has founded and run many other businesses. He is also an accomplished software designer, first programming software for nuclear pow-er plants when he was 16 years old. Budnitz frequently speaks on business innovation and creativity at conferences worldwide, blogs at http://paulbudnitz.com, lives in both New York City and Colorado, and owns 80 pairs of size 13 sneakers.

8 | pulse

■ GAMING

Featuring a story written by New York Times’ bestselling mili-tary author, Jim DeFelice, writer of Leopards Kill and Threat Level Black, ACE COMBAT ASSAULT HORIZON puts players in the shoes of a top gun pilot in an international task force. The engaging war drama will span real-world locations, such as Dubai and Russia, and incorporate new categories of aircrafts, including super-sonic jets and the introduction of the attack helicopter, door gunner and more.

ACE COMBATAssault Horizon

pulse | 9

“ACE COMBAT is a beloved franchise and we’re excited to take the series into a whole new direction with more visceral and fast-paced action,” said Kazutoki Kono, Producer and Executive Director at NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. “Players around the world will find an adventure that will keep them glued to the edge of their seat. They’ll feel their adrenaline pumping with every bullet, every explosion and every near-miss escape.”

The ACE COMBAT development team, re-nowned for their uncompromising-standards and continual dedication to excellence, have reinvented the ACE COMBAT series, and with it, the action shooting genre. ACE COMBAT ASSAULT HORIZON introduces a revolutionary close-range assault system that delivers high-speed acrobatics and one-on-one encoun-ters to make dogfights more tense and excit-ing. Players will engage in combat across the globe, dodging skyscrapers, and turning their enemies into fiery supersonic debris in both single player and online multiplayer.

10 | pulse

SPIDERMANEdge of TimeActivision Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Entertainment, LLC an-nounced Spider-Man™: Edge of Time, where Spider-Man faces one of his greatest challenges ever — saving Spider-Man. De-veloped by Activision-owned studio Beenox, Spider-Man: Edge of Time challenges the player to take on the roles of both classic Amazing Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2099 to correct a timestream gone awry and prevent a catastrophic fu-ture brought on by the early and untimely death of Peter Parker.

“The first Spider-Man entry by Beenox, Spider-Man™: Shat-tered Dimensions, was touted as one of the wall-crawler’s best Spider-Man games to date from both critics and fans,” said Vich-arin Vadakan, Director, Global Brand Management. “Beenox is once again taking a fresh and different approach to bring a fast-paced and high-octane ad-venture and unexpected story to life in Spider-Man: Edge of Time.”

pulse | 11

12 | pulse

“At Beenox, we are constantly listening to the fans and looking for new and creative ways to innovate the gameplay experience for them,” said Dee Brown, Stu-dio Head, Beenox. “We want to create a totally distinct experience in Spider-Man: Edge of Time by working with Peter David on the story and creating this urgent, high-stakes experience where time is working against you and the fate of Spider-Man hangs in the balance.”

Spider-Man: Edge of Time is a focused, action-packed adventure set in two connected and evolving timelines, from the contemporary times of the Amazing Spider-Man to the corrupted future world of Spider-Man 2099, against the backdrop of a rich, tightly crafted narrative by acclaimed Marvel veteran Peter David (co-creator of the comic book series Spider-Man 2099). The game features all-new “cause-and-effect” gameplay, where players will see how the immediate and sometimes unexpected effects of their actions as one Spider-Man changes the timeline of the other Spider-Man. Spider-Man: Edge of Time is slated for release this fall.

Attendees at WonderCon 2011 in San Francisco, CA, can get a sneak peek and learn more about the game on the Activision/Spider-Man panel on Saturday, April 2, at 4:30 p.m. in Room 103.

For more information on Spider-Man: Edge of Time tune in to the HeroHQ community on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/heroHQ

pulse | 13

14 | pulse

■ MIxoLoGy

pulse | 15

Isfjord Premium Arctic Gin and Vodka are products with a unique and remarkle story. Distilled with the worlds purest iceberg water from deep within the Greenlandic Ice Cap. For 180,000 years the pure iceberg water has been fro-zen and preserved as ice in the vast Ice Cap of Greenland, completely sealed from the outside world. As the centuries pass, Mother Nature breaks the ice into floating icebergs from where millions of ice pieces naturally scatter into the icefiord of Ilulissat. On this unique location local Icermen carefully select and hand-pick the ice, and melt it into the purest natural water on Earth – and used for the remark-able pure taste of Gin and Vodka.

“Isfjord Premium Arctic Gin and Vodka stands out in a spir-its world where consumers are finding it more and more difficult to differentiate between brands. Future consumers will choose brands that DO right and FEEL right, rather than brands that just talk right. Winning such an acclaimed award is not just something that makes us as a relatively new company proud – but it also makes us very proud on behalf of the beautiful country of Greenland – one of the most beautiful places on earth”.

Caroline Deichmann-Bendixen, Head of Global Marketing and Operations believes that Isfjord Arctic Premium Gin and Vodka will be one of the new spirits products that consum-ers would notonly want to consume but also support, due to the truthful honest DNA and heritage of thebrand.

The Greenlandic Gin & Vodka brand Isfjord wins the Ger-man Red Dot seal of quality!

The red dot design award is the world’s largest design com-petition. The Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen started honouring excellent design as far back as 1954, when it was called Industrieform e.V. The sought-after “red dot” has since become established as an internationally recognized seal of quality, and is now awarded in different disciplines. The winning works will be on show in the red dot design museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of contemporary design.

Prof. Dr. Peter Zec, the initiator and CEO of the red dot explains:“Year after year, the jury is overwhelmed by the wealth and the variety of the works submitted.Although the majority of the entries meet high quality stan-dards, only the best designs win a reddot design award,” “In 2011, the jury again used its expert knowledge to assess the creativeachievements of design ‘veterans’ but also of new and upcoming designers, placing a great deal ofemphasis on originality, emotional and design quality as well as conciseness”. The result is deserved the winners that stood out amongst thousands of entries from 40 coun-tries thanks to theirexcellent design.”

The jury agreed: In recognition of the excellent design, Isfjord Premium Arctic Gin and Vodka willreceive the sought-after red dot in “the red dot award: Communication Design”. This testifies to the prize-winner’s very high level of design. 15 jury members, all of whom are design experts of international repute, assessed every single one of the total 6,468 entries in a process that lasted several days.

Just 608 works were awarded a red dot. All of the award-winning works in 2011 will be on show in the special exhibi-tion “Design on stage – winners red dot award: communi-cation design 2011” in the Alte Münze Berlin.•••

ISFJORDA remarkable truthful story of Greenland

16 | pulse

KRU82 is a premium vodka with a remarkably clean and crisp taste. What sets their vodka apart from all the rest is an unusually smooth finish. Because of the smooth finish, it is uniquely versatile and equally desirable for a Martini or a wide variety of cocktails.

The KRU bottle is shatterproof and designed to go anywhere you want to go. It doesn’t matter if you are into hiking, fishing, sailing, skiing or whatever you do. KRU will be there with you unscathed at the end of your journey ready to mix into your favorite drink. Fastened to the top is their signature black strap and metal carabineer, making it easy to tote KRU to the party or to the nearest alpine lakeshore. KRU82 is equally at home on the rocks at a club, or on the rocks of the nearest beach.

Bottom line: KRU 82 is an exceptionally versatile premium vodka as smooth as the container that preserves it.

KRU82Premium Vodka

pulse | 17

Did you know that award winning, ultra smooth MEDEA Vodka is made from the purest artesian water and distilled sixteen times using centuries old mastered techniques perfected since 1777 in the world’s first center of distillation excellence in Schiedam, Holland? And did you know that the display technology in the MEDEA limited editions bottles can be traced over 150 years to physicist and mathematician James Clerk Maxwell? Max-well’s Equations, adapted to suit modern tech-nology, are all around you – from mobile phones, to digital cameras, to Times Square billboards, and to each of the MEDEA limited edition bottles that allow you to program up to six messages of double tweets. Rooted in the world’s best technology for distillation and displays, MEDEA Vodka is simply the BEST ENGINEERED VODKA IN THE WORLD!

“This is a true neutral grain spirit. The nose is quiet with no alcohol aromas upfront and re-ally no discern-ible smells of any kind. It’s not watery or thin but presented with maybe a very slight, yet pleasant, earthy smell and gave the impression of having a firm body. Again very neutral in

the mouth, with a good mouth feel and no bite and a vague hint of sweetness but so vague that it seemed to be playing hide and seek. Straight up upon swallow-ing it leaves a tingling sensation in the back of the throat, but again so mild that you wouldn’t really call it peppery or spicy, just tingly. That tingle subsides very quickly, inducing you to repeat the experiment and enjoy the whole process over and over until you finally pour some over the rocks. It really opens up and is just a pure pleasure to sip. It’s unbelievably smooth with a wonderful mouth feel and its neutrality is very inviting.”

MEDEAMessage on a bottle

18 | pulse

As a fashion photographer my clients come to me for all their needs. Whether my clients need everything taken care of from planning the shoot, retouching, de-sign of the look book or catalog and even a website, I handle all of this for you so you do not have to make a dozen calls to every company of service you need.

Beauty photography requires a sensibil-ity that few photographers take the time to cultivate. Unlike portraits, beauty for cosmetics, skin care or jewelry must be lit and directed uniquely each time and can never be formulaic. We specialize in

beauty photos that fully demonstrate the quality of your product. Also, the makeup and hair teams with whom we col-laborate bring innovation and technical artistry to every project. Our results are always tasteful; the images are neither dull nor cloying.

Any size fashion project you need photo-graphed starts with:• Planning your shoot and how you would like each shot lit and set up.• Casting fashion models for your shoot.• Scouting locations.• Securing the location, for example if

you want to shoot on the beach, in the desert or any place your imagination can take you. • On the day of the shoot my team of makeup artists, hair artists, wardrobe stylist, assistants and of course me, work together to provide you with a suc-cessful look book, ad campaign, catalog or editorial.

Whether large or small scale, big budget or medium size budget, please do not hesitate to call or email me.

There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.

Please visit his services page for details, and his galleries link, to enjoy the slideshows Kevin Kelii has to offer.

KevinKeliiPhotography.comEmail: [email protected]

Kevin Kelii Photography

pulse | 19

20 | pulse

pulse | 21

22 | pulse

Miami – Live Music Every Night of the WeekWhen you want to pair your tequila shots with high-quality music, downtown Miami’s live music venues cure that craving. Sweat Records has retained its gritty vibe, still satisfying music fans and industry insiders who wouldn’t have it any other way, while the White Room has rebranded itself as Eve, a transition com-plete with a cleanup of its multiple rooms and a scrubbed-up clientele. Both venues regularly bring in live bands and DJs, with Eve host-ing entire music festivals, and Sweat Records hosting quirky events like Board Game Night – complete with a speed Scrabble tournament.

Nearby, Churchill’s Pub hosts a musical guest

Tammy LeventCEO Elite [email protected]

■ TRAVEL

Where live music jives and drinks freely flow:

Florida’s Hottest HangoutsWe have such a wild nightlife here that it’s hard for me to stay home when the sun sets. Yes, when I’m not tossing back cocktails at Nikki Beach in Cabo, I’m working off my margaritas on the dance floors of Florida. What-ever you’re into, we’ve got it. Whether you are a hardcore music lover, a self-proclaimed party-girl, or a cocktail connoisseur, Florida’s hip hangouts offer what you crave.

pulse | 23

or event every night of the week with frequent CD release parties and fresh local talent. Their open mic night on Wednesdays is a favorite for Miami sing-ers and songwriters to test new material, with the odd poet and stand-up comedian thrown in. Admission is always either free or cheap, so drop by and buy a starving artist a drink with the money you’d spend on a cover charge elsewhere.

When it comes to SoBe’s hip hangouts, two of Miami’s best known clubs come to mind: Mynt Lounge and Mansion. Mynt is exclusive, even by SoBe standards. But if you can make it past the door, you’ll be among the most rich and beautiful of Miami. Enjoy the people watching and the terrific music because the club itself isn’t much to look at. Mansion, on the other hand, is a classic fun and sexy nightclub. Half of the club plays hiphop, the other side plays house music, and both sides have seriously talented DJs. While you don’t have to be fabulously wealthy or a model to enter Mansion, you do have to be able to afford $10 beers. But hey, that’s South Beach.

Tampa’s Classic Cocktail SceneIf you’re the type to ask your bartender “what’s in this drink?” and feel your gag reflex surge if the answer is “sweet and sour mix,” this list is for you. The best cocktails are hand-crafted, squeezed from real fruit and poured out of bottles resting on the top shelf. The classic cock-

tail movement has finally begun to reach the shores of Tampa Bay.

SideBerns not only has an incredible wine list and fine Mediterranean cuisine, it also has a cocktail menu full of fresh-squeezed citrus, real fruit purées, and organic herbs, along with rare liquors. While you won’t find straight-up classics on the menu, like an Aviator or a Mint Ju-lep, rest assured that the bartending staff can stand up to the test and make them for you on request. But don’t ignore what they do offer, like Tito’s Tonic – vodka, Stirring’s ginger, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup, and cinnamon. It’s the cure for what ails you. Come by during Cocktail Hour from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. daily for $6 appetizers and drink specials.The Columbia Restaurant, located at the Tampa Bay History Center on the Riverwalk, is one of Florida’s oldest restaurants, and is owned by fourth-gen-eration restaurateur Richard Gonzmart. The Columbia mixes pitchers of some of their cocktails tableside, so you can see exactly what goes in them. Try the Imported Sangre de Toro Sangria, or their famous Mojito – possibly the best Mojito in Tampa.

Fly Bar, in the North Franklin Historic District, offers three lists of their signa-ture cocktails: the mildly priced “First Date” list of $8 drinks that blend seri-ously hard liquor with fruity twists; the $9 “Commitment” menu with entertaining

drink names like Wrong End of a Gun (bulleit bourbon, elderflower and lemon), and Fat Cat Daddy (midnight moonshine, crème de cassis, pinot grigio syrup); and the $7 “Golden” menu, with a fresh lime and agave nectar Margarita, and the Fly Sangria (brandy, apples, and oranges). Imaginative mixers are made fresh, like the black pepper bay leaf that goes into a Rollin’ Barrel, or the ginger syrup of the Leather Sofa. The rooftop deck’s rustic bar is mellow, perfect for enjoying the view, your cocktail, and your date’s conversation.

Party On,OrlandoFor pulse-pounding music so loud that your body moves with the soundwaves almost involuntarily, there’s only one place to go: Orlando. Dance clubs are as over-the-top as a DisneyWorld parade on a holiday weekend. Antigua nightclub on historic Church Street, for example, combines cascading waterfalls with 15-foot high dance boxes, three VIP areas, and four bars in a club that feels more like an upscale resort. Ladies who sign up for Antigua’s email list get in free on Saturday nights, and on Fat Tuesdays, ladies also get in free and drink free until midnight. Saturdays are good for the guys, too, since everyone drinks for free from 10 P.M. to 11 P.M., followed by two-for-one shots from midnight until closing. It’s a place to see, drink, and be seen drinking.

24 | pulse

Independent Bar, on the corner of Washington and Orange streets, is a multi-level nightclub with three bars, two dance floors, an option for café-style sidewalk seating (if you want to carry on a conversation), and music that will literally suit everyone’s tastes. That is my favorite part of IBar: I can dance to alternative music from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s on Sunday, act cool on College Indie Night on Friday, rock out to Industrial and Electro on Wednesday, or groove to old soul and rock n’ roll on “Grits & Gravy” Tuesday. Cover charges range from free to $5, and they offer frequent drink specials, like the “Free Keg of PBR Till it Floats.” Don’t come here for classic cocktails. Do come for high-energy dancing with your friends.

Sky Sixty, on Orange Avenue, is a clean and classy rooftop bar with danceable music, fast service of reasonably priced drinks, and no cover charge. In Orlando, that can be a tough combi-nation to find. The outdoor venue takes full advantage of the cityscape, and the experience is more South Beach chic than Orlando’s usual fare. The only trick is to find the understated entrance that leads to the staircase to the rooftop. Just follow the sounds of people grooving to great music, and you’ll be fine.

The wonderful thing about Florida’s drinking and dancing estab-lishments is that there is always something going on – specials, ladies nights, music festivals, happy hours, and let’s not forget that “Free Keg of PBR ‘Till It Floats.” Having a good time here is as affordable as it is easy.

Out of Town HotSpotsIf you find yourself in sexy Southern California, or the even steamier Las Vegas, here are my can’t miss favorite clubs for star-studded nightlife:

Mention my name at the brand-new Nikki Beach in Las Vegas, and my personal friend, general manager Nicky P, will greet you at the private membership club. I love the Nikki Beach chain, so if you can’t hop on a flight to Sin City – Miami is an-other good bet.

Drai’s Hollywood Nightclub in Los Angeles is one of my recent finds. I shared the dance floor with the Kardashians and half of the L.A. Lakers in this hot and happening club. It’s one of the sexiest clubs I’ve ever been to – and that’s saying something.

I’ll see you out on the town.•••

pulse | 25

26 | pulse

■ MoTo

Right from first glance, these similarities are even more evident in the new Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale. In fact, it is equipped with the same rear spoiler that offers greater aerodynamic load – reaching in the best aerodynamic condition 3 times the load of the Gallardo LP 560-4 – for increased dynamic stability during tight, high-speed driving. As in the race cars, the rear spoiler can be varied manually in order to let the driver optimize the car’s performance according to the track or road characteristics.

Another element taken directly from the racing version is the removable engine hood with quick-release sys-tem. Both the spoiler and the hood are of course made of carbon composite material, as are a host of other components on the SuperTrofeo Stradale. Together with aluminum, carbon fiber is the basis behind the extremely lightweight construction of Gallardo’s new top model.

The Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale boasts a maximum dry weight of 1340 kilograms. It beats the already lean Gallardo LP 560-4 by 70 kilograms, which gives the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale a stunning power-to-weight ratio of 2.35 kilograms per HP for breathtaking performance. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.4 seconds and reaches 200 km/h just 10.4 seconds later. Its forward thrust finally tops out at 320 Km/h.

The Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale sports a brand new “Rosso Mars” finish that underscores the special con-nection between ultimate race track performance and Lamborghini’s “Italianness”. The “Rosso Mars” color symbolizes Italy’s traditional racing red, as established at the beginning of last century in motor racing, when the home nations of the competitors were indicated by the color of the paint on the vehicles. Dark green stood

The most

extreme Gallardo ever!T

he Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo championship brings professional racers and gentlemen drivers face-to-face in fiercely fought battles on Europe’s most challenging racetracks such as Monza, Silverstone and Hockenheim. There are many similarities between the racing and road versions of this super

sports car. For example, they both share the same V10 powerplant, which is used in the racing version with no modifications.

pulse | 27

28 | pulse

for Great Britain, blue was for France, white (and silver later on) represented Germany, white and blu stripes for USA, and red was the color of all race cars from Italy.

The exterior appearance of the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale is perfectly accentuated by a matte black finish on the large rear spoil-er, the engine hood and the front air intakes, which con-trasts with the “Rosso Mars” paint. The forged wheels are painted in high-gloss black, a color that is also available on the roof as an option. The rocker panel covers, impres-sive rear diffuser and outside mirror housings are made of carbon fiber polished to a high gloss, while the brake calipers are accented in red for the first time on a Lam-borghini. It’s a perfect match

with the exterior color and racing concept of this new super sports car. And besides the historically suggestive “Rosso Mars”, the new Gal-lardo Super Trofeo Stradale is also available upon request in “Grigio Telesto” or “Bianco Monocerus” with the roof available in gloss black as an option, as mentioned above.

Black and red, the per-fect combination of sporty minimalism, are the domi-nant shades inside the Super Trofeo Stradale. The most broadly used materials are Alcantara - in “Rosso Mars” on the underside of the dashboard, the central part of the seat cushion and the backrest - and extremely lightweight carbon fiber. Black Alcantara with contrasting red top-stitching is used to finish the other parts of the interior.

The steering wheel is uphol-stered in black suede and also features red top-stitching. The door panels, the monocoque racing seats and the center console cover are made of carbon fiber, the construc-tion of which Lamborghini has achieved a world-leading expertise. Discreet sporty

accents are provided by dark chrome visible metal parts.

Upon request, an interior layout including elements made of carbon fiber, such as the handbrake frame, the middle of the center console, the lower rim of the steering wheel, the decorative frames

pulse | 29

around the main and secondary instru-ment panels, the door handles, and the handle for opening the glove box (also available upon request), can be ordered.

Like the Super Trofeo competition ver-sion, the new Super Trofeo Stradale is based on the Gallardo Superleggera technical approach. The V10 powerplant generates 570 HP, equivalent to 419 kW, which is fully available at 8000 RPM. The maximum torque is equally impressive, with the torque curve peaking at 540 Nm at 6500 RPM. The V10’s unique firing or-der delivers the striking sound you hear in motor racing.

Like the race car, the Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale offers the robotized e-gear six-speed transmission con-trolled by steering wheel paddles as standard equipment. This electronically controlled system shifts through its six gears smoothly and much faster than any human being could. And for maximum acceleration from a standing start, the transmission can be set to the “Thrust Mode” – a program that allows to reach the best performance possible executing a racing start with minimal tire slippage at an initial engine speed of approximate-ly 5000 rpm.

Every kilometer in the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale is packed with sheer excitement, in part due to its unrelenting grip in virtually all situations thanks to all-wheel drive. At the end of

the day, the Lamborghini Super Trofeo is the only single-brand racing series in the world that features all-wheel drive race cars. The Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale is a highly concentrated driving machine offering a truly stunning driving experi-ence with breathtaking cornering speeds and fast, immediate response. Its road manners are always precise, stable and completely safe.

The layout of the suspension is directly derived from motor racing, with a double aluminum wishbone guiding the wheels. Precise rack-and-pinion steering gives the driver a very close connection to the

road. As is true for the Gallardo Super-leggera, the vehicle is specially set up to take full advantage of its dynamic poten-tial. No other model in the Gallardo line is as close to being a true race car. Another great feature is the ultra-lightweight 19-inch wheels, which alone save some 13 kilograms. The lightweight and sturdy wheel bearings and bolts are made from titanium and high performance Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires are fitted.

Behind the massive wheels are brakes designed for unmatched stopping power, as controlled by the ESP stability control system, which is standard equipment. The front axle is equipped with aluminum calipers with eight pistons each, and the calipers on the rear axle have four pistons each. The ventilated discs on the front and rear measure 365 and 356 milli-meters, respectively. Upon request, Lam-borghini will install a carbon-ceramic brake system. The carbon-ceramic discs measure 380 mm for the front wheels and 356 mm for the rear wheels.

The optional equipment designed with racing in mind includes not only the carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs, but also a tubular interior roll cage, 4-point safety belts and fire extinguisher. On the other hand, those who want comfort can equip their Super Trofeo Stradale with a satellite navigation, with Bluetooth con-nection for mobile phones, an anti-theft system, and a lifting system that raises the front axle.

30 | pulse

■ fITNEss

by Ben Wilkison

HANGOVERthe

pulse | 31

The Gym Rat- Not to be confused with the disgusting rodent that you find in the New York City sewers. The Urban Dictionary defines a gym rat as: One who spends entirely too much time partak-ing in muscle building, strength train-ing, cardiovascular, or aerobic activity. Specifically, one who does so at a health club or gym. Often used derogatorily by people who do not partake in or under-stand this lifestyle, some self-proclaimed gym rats use the term as a status symbol or for positive reinforcement. I’m certain we all know some self-identified gym rats; you have probably gone out partying with them. I would venture to deduce they were unequivocal about the alcohol they consumed. You probably noticed their frequent trips to the bathroom as well as the $5.00 bottle of water they ordered with their drinks. Believe it or not there is much to learn from the self-described “Gym Rat”. The gym rat understands:

1)Alcohol is a toxin (poison)2)Alcohol is a diuretic3)The liver is the only organ that detoxi-fies alcohol

With this understanding of the effects of alcohol we find our answers by truly understanding the question. “What is the question”, you ask? Simply: “How do I consume a toxin, which places exces-sive stress on my liver and kidneys and stay fit?” The simplest answer is obvi-ous, avoid the toxin. In layman’s terms, just use common sense. If you know in advance that you are going to let your hair down, unwind with friends and paint the town RED, then adequately prepare your body. The easiest ways to promote great kidney health is to keep your body well hydrated, watch your salt intake, and lower the fat in your diet. Water is free,

unless you are into drinking the $5.00 bottles. Nourishing your body with plenty of water will ensure that your kidneys are operating at their peak performance. Kidneys need an abundance of oxygen-rich blood to do their job. Here are a few tips to prepare your body for a night on the town.

#1- Pass on the double whopper with cheese with a side of clogged arteries. A diet high in fat impedes the blood flow so lowering the fat in your diet is crucial.

#2- Throw the salt over your shoulder. Since salt presents a double threat by causing water retention and increased blood pressure, you definitely want to lower your intake prior to your big bash. Remember, the kidneys are two of the most important organs in our body. Not only do they make urine, which expels contaminants from the body, but they sift through that urine, ensuring that essen-tial vitamins and minerals do not leave by way of waste water. The kidneys perform many other essential functions that fall under the radar as well. They adjust our bodily fluid levels, balance the amount of chemicals, and release hormones that produce activity in other areas of the body. Well-functioning kidneys are vital to a long and healthy life.

The liver actually operates as an internal filter and aids our cells in receiving the proper amount of nutrients they need to survive and thrive. So what one tip will increase liver functionality as you participate in the nightlife? Well, you have all the tips to prepare your kidneys for a night to remember (or not remember if you happen to blackout). The third and final tip is easy.

#3 Follow tips 1 and 2! Everything you have to do to promote great kidney health will also promote great liver health. Since the liver assists your cells in get-ting their nutrients, it wouldn’t hurt to add a multivitamin to your diet daily.

Common sense and moderation are always the best two rules of thumb to use when faced with this paradox. Sure- marketing ads will convince you to drink as much alcohol as you can possibly devour and then use their magical pill to eliminate the after-effect of a hang-over. They persuade you that you will be right as rain, but science corroborates a much different reality. While I’m not condoning getting plastered and taking a multivitamin with your hangover pill, it is most definitely acceptable to participate, and enjoy the exciting nightlife. Make no mistake! A proper diet, low in fat and salt, in conjunction with daily exercise is your best pre and post healthy hangover strategy.•••

I’m often asked, “Is it possible to maintain a healthy fitness level and still enjoy the exciting nightlife?” Of course most en-quiring minds want an answer without all the exercise science and chemistry les-

sons; and flat out saying HELL NO!! Or SURE! Wouldn’t be ethical as a fitness trainer. Like most experiments, we use a rat to test our the-ories. In this case we will use the “Gym Rat.”

32 | pulse

We’re boring… yet thousands of people ask us where we think we should party.

LEGACY PRODUCTION GROUP LLC is committed to bringing the hottest new events, themes, and parties to the scene. With our high emphasis on customer service, combined with precise atten-tion to our continuously evolving atmosphere,

we strive to provide our clientele with events they will always remember and memories they will never forget.

How many Entrepreneurs form Legacy Productions Group, LLC?Chris: LEGACY was formed by Ryan Littler, a silent partner, and I. After our silent partner’s one-year contract was fulfilled, Pat-rick O’Brien teamed up with Legacy. Ryan became Legacy’s Di-rector of Marketing and our personal, in house graphic designer (Ryan O’rion Design). Patrick became Legacy’s Vice President and Director of Operations. As CEO and Founder, I hold the unique responsibility of handling client relations, vendors, and staff. Together we formed a formidable team that specializes in nightlife and event planning as we dominate each market we penetrate.

Can you tell us a little about Legacy, when it was formed, and what started the idea?Chris: This is an interesting question because Legacy evolved from my former company, Fresh Entertainment. Fresh was the original company I birthed while I was a student at the Univer-sity of Tampa in 2006. I was young and had not yet become busi-ness savvy, so the company was solely based on throwing wild, college parties. Eventually, Fresh matured, as did I, becom-ing Legacy in March of 2009, Legacy symbolized the future of Tampa’s nightlife industry. The concept of just throwing college parties was not bold enough, so as a company we expanded and began to produce annual holiday parties, corporate parties, as well as charity and other special events.

What has been the most surprisingly difficult part of promot-ing nightclubs and establishments in Tampa?Ryan: Like other industries, the economy has posed a chal-lenge. However, we have become very creative in our marketing campaigns and continue to create environments that enhance the social scene in Tampa. We don’t like to cater solely to one segment of the population. We provide unique experiences each night that appeal to a diverse clientele.

Do you feel that you have gained most of the market share in Tampa?

pulse | 33

Ryan: We are continually expanding our share of the market. We are currently working with some of the paramount bars and clubs in Tampa, and are continuing a regular schedule with almost six nights a week, in addition to our special events, like Day-Glow.

What would you say were some of your worst moments that humbled you to establish the productions group that stands today?Chris: Business always has its ups and

downs. When I transitioned from Fresh to Legacy I did not have all the right licens-ing to operate. That fact, along with my growing popularity, made me a target. However, it made our company stronger, better preparing us for the future as it improved our model and brand. I’ve learned firsthand that what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger!

Can the city of Tampa handle any more promoters?Ryan: There are many promoters for different scenes that don’t interfere with ours, and to be honest, I enjoy seeing them evolve. We love competition, as it keeps us on our toes and limber, creating innovative and more exciting events! I don’t know if Facebook can handle any-more promoters though…hahahaha

What are 3 Factors that separate South Tampa nightlife, from any other part of the city?Chris: South Tampa is much more diverse than other areas of Tampa. It provides a safe, clean and trendy environ-ment that gives you every different type of atmosphere that one could ask for ie...Restaurants, bars, lounges, and clubs.

For this reason Legacy concentrates the majority of our nights at bars and lounges in the area. South Tampa provides the ‘Average Joe’ with areas that have bargains, as well as venues that satisfy the high spending VIP’s. We diversify our nights between bars and clubs so that each night our clientele can catch a dif-ferent experience.

What projects can Tampa expect from Legacy in the next 5 yrs?

Chris: The sky is the limit... We plan to expand Legacy to produce tremendous special events and semi-annual pub crawls with over thousands in atten-dance. In concert with phenomenal sponsors, Legacy will market for many businesses in the area; we will host large, one-of-a-kind corporate parties. Who knows…maybe I’ll get involved with politics as well...

At the end of the day, who makes the final decision? Ryan: The final decision? Well that depends on what we are deciding? Chris and I go back and forth depending on what project we are working on, but in almost all scenarios, it is a mutual agreement. We both have our own parts in the business and we trust each other’s opinion, based on our vast experiences, ultimately Chris is the one who gives the green light.

Legacy has been part of the nightlife evolution in Tampa since the mid 2000’s. How has the nightlife scene changed since you guys first started promot-ing and where do you see it going from here?Ryan: When I came to Tampa, I was help-ing promotions under Fresh, and we were doing Banana Joe’s, The Hut and some other venues. Those were larger venues compared to some of the bars and clubs in Tampa now. Tampa no longer frequents the large clubs unless there is a special performance. It seems that most of the Tampanians prefer smaller, intimate, personal venues, like bars or lounges.

Do you feel that the nightlife scene in Tampa can stand its ground with other giants like Miami and New York City?Chris: Well I’m a New York native, and I have had my share of good times in Miami, but I believe Tampa definitely has the potential to become a huge nightlife entity. The city ultimately needs to grow before this can happen. With the help of Legacy, and some of the events we have planned for the next decade, hopefully we can set the tone as we help the city grow to its potential, putting Tampa on the map.

Here at LEGACY we just want to give many thanks to our clients, vendors, staff, and fans that have supported us and patronized our production group.•••

34 | pulse

DJ Lyndon hails from the sleek, dark, and hypnotic clubs of NYC. His career as a DJ began as a young teen-ager in the 1980’s in Queens

NY where he grew up. Like most DJs he began to play music at private parties and local clubs and quickly ascended into the Manhattan music scene, playing at world famous venues like Palladium, Roseland, Copacabana and China Club. His love for house music combined with his entre-preneurial spirit was the key that led to his partnership with Roger Sanchez and the success of their mix tape business “Red Zone Recordings”. Prior to CD’s and digital media via the Internet, New York-ers and international travelers sought out Red Zone mixed tapes to relive their unforgettable nights at NYC hotspots. The infamous Red Zone tapes even found there way to the Caribbean and European market.

This exposure catapulted him onto NY’s hottest radio stations, guest DJ spots, and the resident DJ spot for the annual gay pride parade that takes place along the Hudson River each year. These days Lyndon has stepped into the sunshine, the sunshine state that is. Enamored by the easygoing lifestyle and bright sunny beaches that have lured so many NY natives. His move to the Tampa Bay area may be further than a cab ride away from the city, but he retains the energy and love from the NY underground and can be heard sharing this vibe throughout the Tampa Bay area. Currently you can find Lyndon rocking the crowd on the roof of Push Ultra Lounge (House Invasion), Thursdays @ Café Alma in Downtown St. Petersburg, or at some of the exclusive High Society Events. His music and DJ career continues to evolve, improve and excite. Essentially, keeping people on the dance floor is what motivates him, that’s his game, and “game’s on” in Florida.

How old were you when you first picked up your tables and what was the defining moment that made you want to pursue your dream as a DJ?I was 16 yrs old when I first bought my original set of Technics SL1200. During the early stages of my DJ career I was in-

vited to play for an outdoor event (Queens Day) sponsored by a local radio station (WKTU) and when I got to the stage I saw over 5,000 people grooving and dancing to the music I was playing for them. This to me was the defining moment that made me want to pursue my dream as a DJ.

Where do you see the Tampa/St. Pete Club Scene evolving in the next 5yrs?I believe the club scene in the Tampa / St. Pete area is currently seeing resur-gence. As history tells us, local clubs usually prosper during times of economic recessions. Lets face it, people need to find forms of entertainment to get away from the harsh world of reality. What’s a better way to release all that energy then to dance your ass off to good heart pounding “House” music? (For those unaware, the term “House Music” was derived from “Warehouse Music” Named after a famous nightclub in Chicago first opened in 1977) This resurgence should continue a while and will make the club scene in the bay area very exciting in the forthcoming years.

In this day and age, everyone sees suc-cess but they don’t know the hard work, blood, sweat and tears that it takes to get there. Do you feel you have paid your dues as a DJ or still paying them?As a DJ, like any other career, you pay your dues through your experience, along with the knowledge and wisdom you ac-quire. Let’s face it with today’s technology

it doesn’t require much technical skills and talent to play one track after another. Then again does the ability to mix two, three, or even four tracks together define you as a DJ? Having grown up in the city, when New York was considered the “Mecca” for club goers worldwide. I was privileged to DJ with some of the best DJs in the music industry of yesterday and today. DJs like David Morales, Louie Vega, Glen Friscia, Frankie Knuckles, Mike Cruz, my old partner Roger Sanchez and Frankie Bones. These guys still DJ in the hottest venues worldwide. From working with these guys I learned im-portant factors and traits that separate a successful working DJ compared to your local “Bedroom Legend” who only plays for himself with no regard to whom he is playing for. A successful DJ knows how to use his eyes as well as his ears. It’s im-portant that a DJ gets a feel for the room and is aware of the actions and reac-tions of the patrons inside the room. The DJ must also use his knowledge of his music library and be aware of his timing. These are some of the factors I learned throughout my experience.

Where do you get your music and how do you decide what tracks make the play list and what tracks don’t?I get my tracks from exclusive sources within the music industry. I also get tracks from friends and other DJs. The tracks that make my play list are heavily based on the reaction of the patrons in the clubs I play for. Like most DJs, I go with the 80 / 20 rule where the music I play is 80% replays of hits played within the past couple of weeks in the club mixed with roughly 20% of new mate-rial. This is one way to slowly educate your crowd. As a DJ my goal is to keep the crowd dancing by taking them on a musical journey. Using both tracks they know as well as introducing them to new tracks. I take them on peaks and valleys through my song selections. Here in the Tampa / St. Pete area, I have learned to timely mix in updated versions of older music along with newer tracks to keep the crowds level at their peak. There’s a fine line between playing outdated music and in “force feeding” your patrons with too much new unheard tracks and losing your crowds interest. Again it’s all in the timing.

If you had one last thing to say to your fans what would it be?I would tell them that there are a lot of talented DJs in the Bay Area. Support your local DJs!

Lyndon Uy NYC Underground Invades The Bay Area…

pulse | 35

36 | pulse

Give us a quick bio about yoursel...After 25 years I have found the most incredible family in Paul Mitchell. While attending their school in Tampa, I quickly realized this was everything I could ask for. With Paul Mitchell being the only company still owned by hairdressers, it was easy to feel the warmth of the entire company from top to bottom. From day one, I wanted to absorb as much knowl-edge and craft as I possibly could. This to me meant following other successful people from Paul Mitchell. Paul Mitchell The School of Tampa, provided me with the opportunities to learn and be a part of several hair shows, working side by side with the teachers, allowing me to hone in on my specific skills.

After graduating I spent three years working in a Paul Mitchell Focus salon with the hopes of one day becoming a National Educator. I have always loved teaching, as it is gives me an intense

satisfaction in helping others achieve their goals. As my talents grew and with a little bit of luck, I was blessed to make

the right contacts and earned an exclu-sive invitation to become a Paul Mitchell National Educator. After a very intense training course, I am honored to claim the title of a Paul Mitchell Certified Pro-fessional Educator.

Why do you think you decided to become a hairstylist? I don’t think I ever made the decision to become a hairstylist…..it chose me. I’ve always been an active artist, but for some strange reason, I could only finish in the presence of others. As an athlete, I have always embraced pressure as it has always put me in a comfortable zone. “A happy place,” if you must, as being a hair artist has the same correlation as being a professional athlete. We get paid on per-formance and thriving under pressure, all while putting a smile on your face. How did you get your start in the indus-try?

One On One With Paul Mitchell’s Own, Jason BoydCouture ExperienceThe

pulse | 37

After 86 credit hours in college, I quick-ly realized that it was not for me. My cousin owned an advertising company and he asked me to join him for a week in Savannah Georgia. A week turned into over a year and a half of travelling on the road. Covering over 30 states, while advertising for salons, and day spas, shortly after, I realized how much art, creativity, passion and education there was in the world of hair. I then left to go back home and enrolled in The Paul Mitchell School of Tampa in order to start my career. What thought process do you go through when styling someone’s hair?First I try to find out as much about the person as possible. Then we discuss what their goals and disadvantages are, as well as their limitations. After that is figured out, as an artist I then assess their bone structure, hair texture and hair lines to give them the best couture hair experience designed for them. Is there a certain time period or style icon you look to for inspiration? I wouldn’t say there is a certain time period, however inspiration for me, can be obtained anytime, or anywhere. Having the privilege of working for Paul Mitchell, enables me to be first in line for all the new trends and techniques, keeping me inspired all the way. What and who inspires you? The man himself…… Paul Mitchell. Back in 1980, he started off with a $700.00 investment in one of the worst economic times in history. To be able to turn that $700.00 into the most profitable hair company in the world, all while making sure his intent was for the hairstylist first, is truly an inspira-tion!

What styling tools do you use most often? While working in the salon, I want to make sure that I am using the very best products, all while providing the aura of confidence to my clients on the prod-ucts. With that being said, Paul Mitch-ell provides me with every liquid tool imaginable in order to achieve great styles and textures. What’s nice about Paul Mitchell, is that his brand pro-vides you with all the latest up to date supplies and tools. Each liquid supply compliments every category, such as extra body, super skinny, super strong,

color protect and moisture. As they are color coordinated, making it easy for our guests to know how to shop.

What are some good tips for young people trying to break into the indus-try?Find your Passion! For me it was easy with Paul Mitchell. But once you do, find a mentor or two to help guide you in the right direction. In the industry it is very easy for us as stylists, to start making money and leave what we first were passionate about. Having the privilege of working next to somebody that has been there, done that, will help you achieve any goal you set for yourself. Are there any types of products you would advise people to stay away from? Professional products purchased at drug stores, grocery stores and con-venience stores, are the most unpre-dictable purchases you will buy. Most professional products that you see on these shelves are either counterfeit, or there is no telling how long they have been sitting in some warehouse prior to even being put on the shelves. Not to mention certain names, but lower qual-ity products have been known to leave a silicone film on the hair, taking away from your style.

What do you recommend for keeping hair looking fresh when it comes to humidity? Welcome to The wonderful world of Florida, where humidity attacks every-one! One of the amazing categories that Paul Mitchell offers is “Smooth-ing”. From your extra curly to your super fine, Paul Mitchell’s smoothing category has the right product for your hair. One of the best defenses against humidity is what we call “Gloss Drops”. This take home product, I recommend to mostly everyone, and it’s a quick fix to achieve frizz free hair all day long. Please describe your signature style? When hair reaches past the shoulders, it then becomes about the style. When hair is cut above the shoulders, the haircut now relies on the quality of the hair stylist. As an Artist, there is noth-ing more exciting to me than to give someone a bad ass short geometric couture hair experience! •••

38 | pulse

Can you tell us a little about Edge En-tertainment, when it was formed, what started the idea? I started Edge Entertainment November 2008. I saw a need for upscale events for a younger yet still sophisticated crowd. Everyone was always telling me they wanted to try upscale events and venues but felt things were too “stuffy” at a lot of locations.

Have your friends and family been sup-portive of your career choices, and if so how were they supportive?My friends have been the backbone of my

company since its inception. I was asked to write a bio for our website and for my friends, I left: To my friends: This has been a very long road and you’ve taken every step (stumble on some nights) with me. I thank you for always keep-ing me humble and on the right track to greatness. We’re headed straight to the top, and I hope you know I have all the Johnny Vegas shots chilled and ready. In this industry it’s impossible to know who cares about you and who wants to get on the guest list. You guys have always been there for me and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. We get along so well

Nights On The

EdgeA Sit Down With Cameron Fulks

As a full service promotional company, Edge

offers a range of opportunities to host

events that are individually catered to our

clients needs. Our dedication to hosting

incredible festivities has successfully built

us a solid list of contacts, celebrities, an undeniable repu-

tation, and most importantly...A LOYAL FOLLOWING!

38 | pulse

pulse | 39pulse | 39

40 | pulse

because we all share the same hunger for success. The future is looking very bright for all of us!

Having a great team of people around you in this industry is imperative for success!

What is the one thing you know now, that you wished you knew when you started out?“Listen to the streets”. When I started out I did events that I liked. I soon real-ized that’s not what makes it. You have to think outside of the box and bring par-ties, themes, venues, and acts that your guests desire to see.

What three pieces of advice would you give novice promoters?If you’re in it for the long run, take the time to do the right thing now... it will help tenfold in the end.

I started my company when I was in college and that crowd is a hard one to tame. There are so many variables and hurdles to overcome. Taking short cuts will land you in the same category as the 100 companies a week that enter this industry and fall by the waste side.

Can the city of Tampa handle any more promoters? Some days I feel like everyone is a pro-moter. The true definition to me is being an essential team player between your guests and the venue. It’s not all glitz and glamour, though I’ve pulled off many 20 hour days to make an event come to life. Many people don’t realize what truly goes into creating a high-energy venue that will appeal to diverse demo graph-ics. Anyone will try a new night or new club for a week or two. The challenge is attracting and retaining core customers. Getting them to come back for years is the hard part. We are extremely proud of our longevity. We started the majority of our current events over 2 years ago. The relationship you build with your clients and venues at that point is incredible, as people start to really trust your vision.

After many long nights what is your favorite hangover remedy?REST!!! I guess the good thing about owning a promotional company is that at the end of the day, as long as I’m doing my job right, I don’t really have a direct boss. I work a lot and stay very profes-sional at all events, but I like to have a great time too or else I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing. I try to make it to my office every morning at 10 but on long

nights hitting the snooze button and go-ing back to sleep until 1 or 2 is incredible!

Do you feel that the nightlife scene in Tampa can stand its ground with other giants like Miami and New York City? I’ve had job offers in both cities and have always wanted to stay in Tampa. Edge Entertainment is 100% about giving our guests the most memorable experience that we can. In larger cities it’s very easy to lose the connection with your guests. I attend every Edge event and generally know the mass majority of people there. In cities like Miami it’s mainly tourists that you may never see again so it’s hard to have great relationships. Here, I’ve taken care of people that have called me a year later saying, “my birthday is com-ing up and I wouldn’t even think of doing it with anyone but you!”

Do you feel that your client base is loyal?Very loyal. People always want to check out new things and I’m a big proprietor of taking care of our guests anywhere I can. This is the foundation for our success;

it catapults our success, attracting core customers that appreciate our hard work. Clients text me about going to other events and I’ll call the owner to put them on the guest list or make sure they are taken care of. Guests always notice little efforts like that and end up coming right back to our events.

Would you say the Kennedy has a big influence on your career and also your success in Tampa?I would say Tommy Ortiz and Chris Scott are the main reasons why Edge Enter-tainment is where we are today. They took a huge chance on a start-up com-pany. Securing venues is the toughest thing to do in this industry. They basically handed us the keys to all of their loca-tions 2 years ago and it’s been an incred-ible relationship to this day. They have become family to me instead of business partners. I call Tommy about life ques-tions all the time…hahahaha Tommy and Chris have stood behind every decision I’ve made with Edge since our partner-ship has started and walking into work knowing the “Boss” supports you 100% is a great feeling to have.

What projects can Tampa expect from Edge Entertainment in the next 5 yrs?We are currently developing a big online network for Clubs and Bars around the United States as well as signing con-tracts for expansion to Toronto, Canada. Our main goal is to surpass the previ-ous years events, so who knows... in 5 years we may have the Pope hosting an event.•••

40 | pulse

pulse | 41

42 | pulse

Can you tell us a little about Groove Entertainment, when it was formed, what started the idea, and if people were supportive? In 1996 I started a retail establishment called THE GROOVE in North Tampa that still exists today. Over the years I sold mix tapes from local DJs. In 2000 I started selling records & cds from inter-national artists as well. Groove Enter-tainment originated from my record store & head shop The Groove. All my adult life I have been throwing parties and events. This started all the way back to keg parties to pay my rent my senior year of High School. Over the years I’ve strived to bring in great talent and do my events at the hottest venues the Bay area has to offer. Starting out, I ran the Ybor scene at clubs such as The Rubb (Now Honey Pot), The Masquerade (Now Ritz), 1509 (Now Club skye) to name a few. After Ybor I primarily did my events in South Tampa at clubs such as Rain Lounge, The Hyde Park Cafe & Bahasa (Now The Kennedy) . From 2002 – 2010, I did all the events at Floyd’s inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. For the last year I’ve been working with the Soho Group doing Fridays at The Hyde Park Café & Satur-days at The Kennedy as well as special events on off nights…

Would you say that Floyds Hard Rock

had a big influence on your career and also your success in Tampa? I was actually successful before Floyd’s; that was the reason their marketing department called me to do all the events there. Floyd’s was definitely an awe-some experiences and I feel blessed to have worked with them for 8 years. It will always be a highlight in my career. More than anything, I miss most is having a great place for everyone in the industry to hang out together late night.

What has been the most surprisingly difficult part of running nightclubs and establishments in Tampa? Definitely the work it takes behind the scenes in order to have successful events on a consistent basis. Partygoers usually don’t realize how much goes on behind the scenes. From booking the entertain-ment, hiring staff, creating the marketing materials, and the actual marketing of the event itself. Also I always believe great entertainment and great service go hand and hand, and that is the key to any successful event.

Do you feel that your client base is loyal? Absolutely! I love all of my clients and friends. Without them Groove Entertain-ment wouldn’t exist today. It certainly wouldn’t have lasted 12 years without each and every one of them…

Can the city of Tampa handle any more nightclubs? There will always be nightclubs that come and go. It’s the great ones that survive. I believe that establishments have to evolve with the times for ongoing success. I’m actually opening up a small Lounge and Bistro in the fall called The Manhattan. It will be located on the west side of South Tampa.

What are 3 Factors that separate the Kennedy from any other venue? We are defined by our consistency, we strive for continued improvement. The venue is also striking and unique, the completed upgrades are spectacular. Our stellar staff and attention to detail elevate our service to superior; each of these at-tributes are a dominating factor.

What projects can the city of Tampa expect from Groove Entertainment in the next 5 yrs?Tampa can anticipate international artist & live shows. I have been doing more now then ever. It has been great working with the Soho Group. We are consis-tently working on bringing great talent to Tampa on a weekly basis. I also have The Manhattan opening up in the fall. It’s definitely going to be a swanky hip joint for times when you just want to have a drink and chill with friends.

How has the nightlife scene in Tampa changed since you first started throwing events, and where does Groove Enter-tainment see it go from here? The nightclubs have definitely evolved over the years. The music industry as well as the clients will always be the ones to predict where it’s going. Without them no event would be successful, no matter what talent you bring into the nightclub.

Do you feel that the nightlife scene in Tampa can stand its ground with other giants like Miami and New York City, and will there ever be another monumental after hours like Floyds? For the time being it will be hard for Tampa to compete with cities such as New York or Miami. We just don’t have the international visitors that they have. Talent wise, Tampa has been on top of the game. There are more shows now in the bay area then ever. The only way there will be another Floyd’s is if the Hard Rock decides to do it all over again. Especially since they are the only ones that can serve liquor after 3am.•••

Follow The GrooveWith Johnny Pease

pulse | 43

44 | pulse

Can you tell us a little about Noctur-naVIP, when it was formed, what started the idea, and if people were supportive?NocturnaVIP originated in 2004 with the purpose of meeting the demand for alter-native nightlife events within Tampa Bay’s Latin community. When NocturnaVIP was created, there were very few Latin night-life events in Tampa Bay, and not many targeted the South American community. This demand is what created the Noctur-naVIP you know of today.

NocturnaVIP, is Tampa Bay’s gateway into one of the largest local based nightlife communities for individuals interested in the latest events and entertainment.

Today, as a privately held company, Noc-turnaVIP goes above and beyond to offer the best of local entertainment. Noctur-naVIP also plans to target the American, and European communities in the near future.

What has been the most surprisingly difficult part of starting a new upscale Latin events company in Tampa?The hardest thing is always finding the right venue to have these events take place, as well as making sure that our

clients are 100 percent satisfied, once the night has ended.

Do you feel that your Latin client base is loyal?Yes, I do feel that our clientele is loyal, and for that reason…. I am extremely grateful. When this company was first planting its seeds in Clearwater, the people I grew up with always attended my

events, and were definitely supportive. To this day, I see familiar faces at each of our events, and many new ones. There will always be new places, and busi-nesses, where people will go and party...but with NocturnaVIP, people already know who we are, and what we bring to the table.

On a side note, I would like to thank everyone who has attended our events, and helped us every step of the way. If it was not for them, we would not be having this interview today. Would you say that the Venue and Noche Latina has had a big influence on your career, along with your future success in Tampa?Latin Nights at the Venue have been a fantastic success. The upscale atmo-sphere of the club not only offers el-egance, but also helps facilitate some of the most insane live events. The Venue, being one of the best Night Clubs in Tampa Bay, has given me the opportunity to accomplish many goals in life. Some, that most people can only dream of. It is for this simple reason, why NocturnaVIP will have a long and prosperous future in the Tampa Bay Latin Community.

Do you feel that your strategic partner-ship with Sunset Events will be able to compete with such contenders like Dynasty Events in the Latin arena?Sunset Events has brought some of the biggest and most heart pounding shows to the Tampa Bay Music club scene. I believe Tampa Bay would not be where it is today if it was not for Sunset Events, and its owner, John Santoro. With their help, Ultimate Thursday nights at The Venue, has secured a spot in Tampa’s Latin nightlife.

Tampa Has A New Latin VibeVipNocturna

44 | pulse

pulse | 45

Dynasty Events is a very successful com-pany that has helped set an extremely high standard for Latin events in Tampa Bay. I believe NocturnaVIP is not in direct competition with Dynasty Events, as we tend to cater towards a different targeted crowd. If anything, we work together to bring the Hispanic community tasteful events, along with a unique atmosphere. Which is probably the reason why both are companies have achieved such suc-cess.

What projects can Pulse Magazine ex-pect from NocturnaVIP in the next year?

You can expect live concerts from great artists, as well as festivals, with the col-laborations of other marketing compa-nies. NocturnaTV, is also one of the few projects we have up our sleeves.

Do you feel that the nightlife scene in Tampa can stand its ground with other Latin Giants like Miami and New York City?One of our goals is to emulate the de-mand for events like the ones seen in NY and Miami. With the Hispanic population in central Florida growing rapidly, and promotional companies such as Pedro

M, Dynasty Events, Knockout Produc-tions, Nocturnal Live, Sunset Events, and NocturnaVIP (just to name a few), bringing monster events to our city, I believe that Tampa is starting to be rec-ognized, as one of the best cities to party in America.

What is the one thing you know now, that you wished you knew when you started out?This is a very tough and competitive busi-ness to be in. It takes lots of creativity, dedication, sleepless nights, and com-mitment to make it in the world of event promotions.

The clients always come first, and the little things are the ones that matter the most.•••

“This is not only our job, it’s our

passion”

pulse | 45

46 | pulse

How many Entrepreneurs form Pied Piper Productions?Two, Mike Piper and Me, Corey Rena.

Can you tell us a little about Pied Piper Productions, when it was formed, what started the idea, and if people were sup-portive?Pied Piper Productions is a full charge marketing and event company formed in 2003. We don’t just market the event. Some of the bartenders and wait staff are ours, and Pied Piper puts on the whole production. All the entertainment is part of our production and in many cases the décor as well. We have a warehouse full of props, costumes and equipment that we have purchased over the years.

I was one of the owners of Bahasa and Mike had thrown some parties at differ-ent places. We did a couple together. I was approached by Jack from Jacksons about helping him out over there and we saw the potential and formed Pied Piper Productions. Jacksons and Pied Piper have a great working relationship. People were very supportive. When we began Fridays we had crowds up to 2700 weekly. Our production and the location of Jacksons combined was a great one of a kind mar-riage.

I once read that you opened your first bar 11yrs ago called the Hydeway. What would you say were some of the worst moments that humbled you to establish the empire that stands today?Bigger is not always better. Hydeaway was a great bar frequented by lots of Athletes and musicians and was one of the first bars in the SOHO district. When HoHo decided to move I took over the whole space and opened up Bacchus Sushi and Noodles. My chefs were very innovative and sushi was not what it is today. People were still confused by the concept but it became an entertainment complex where people came to eat and stayed for the transition into a nightclub. We had a great run, but with 9/11, Tampa going through a growth spurt, Centro

Ybor opening, new clubs such as Rain (thanks Rick who we work with now at Hawaiian Village for doing that. Just an inside joke… its business) and my head chef Hunter getting into a car wreck and being in traction, it was hard to maintain. One thing at a time maybe, but all three at once….we could not sustain. Food is very difficult and though I feel it’s a nec-essary evil to an establishment’s success, I will always look to partner with some-one who has a passion for it, rather than do it myself.

What has been the most surprisingly difficult part of running nightclubs and establishments in Tampa?Well as of late, the economy has been the difficult part. People just do not have the disposable income. Luckily people drink in good times and in bad, it’s just a ques-tion of how much they want to spend now.

Do you feel that you have gained most of the market share in Tampa?I feel there are many people sharing in the market here. There are lots of good operators. All we can do is put on the best show we can, and hope that people like what we do, and keep coming back.

Can the city of Tampa Handle any more nightclubs?Hmm…again I think that’s an economical question. I think if it turns a little, people will spend more. I also think it depends on the concept.

What are 3 Factors that separate Jack-sons, from any other venue?Location, Concept and our Team Synergy;

A much better view in Tampa is hard to find. Our concept is difficult to duplicate cause of space. We actually operate three separate spaces all in one. This allows us to capitalize on 3 different genres of music. And last but certainly not least, it is the team we have in place. Jacksons, PM Noctem and Pied Piper together are family. Some of us have been working together for more than 10 years. They are the people that make the wheels turn and without them we could not exist. We like

to call it our little dysfunctional family. We play together and it makes us stay together.

What projects can the city of Tampa expect from Pied Piper Productions in the next 5 yrs?I could tell you but, then I’d have to kill you. Just kidding, we have lots of things in the works but until then, Pedro keeps us busy bringing lots of DJ talent from all over the world to the area, and our 8th annual Halloween and NYE parties are coming up again. I feel like they just passed, but we will hold auditions for our haunted house scare actors soon. These events take months of preparation.

Pied Piper Productions has been part of the nightlife evolution in Tampa since 2003. How has the nightlife scene changed since you first started throwing events at Jacksons, and where does Pied Piper Productions see it go from here?I have watched it grow here for many years. More clubs, more promotional companies, and just better operators creating more competition. I say that in a good way. It makes us as the operators work harder to keep the customer com-ing back. I remember when Cheesecake Factory said our market was too small for them to expand here, and they are here now. Hydeaway was one of maybe 4 places on Howard, now it’s a district. We are getting there. With just a little help from the economy, Tampa will have another growth spurt. Who knows maybe a revitalization of the downtown area? Being a NYC native, I would love to see a happening downtown area. Its one thing Tampa is really missing!

Do you feel that the nightlife scene in Tampa can stand its ground with other Giants like Miami and New York City?Those are different animals. The amount of people that live there alone, not to mention the tourist and business com-muters that go through there, make those markets so different than ours. Tampa stands on its own and does just fine. It’s when you try to emulate the others in monster cities that you can fall short.•••

Corey RenaOne-On-One With The Queen Of Tampa

pulse | 47

48 | pulse

the

“”

My mother never accepted anything less than, “close to perfect” so I won’t either.

thebehindMARK-ANTHONY

“You can either be product of your environment or you can allow it to make you a better person.”

That statement is something many people need to remember when growing up in the “hood, ghetto, or any negative situation.” Never allow yourself to be a product of a bad situation. Use that to motivate you to become something better and great. My life as a military brat has been very difficult. I had to move around a lot but for some reason I spent most of my adolescent years in the hood, Maywood to be exact. From 11 to 17 I experienced more than I wanted of Maywood from my cousins dying to my friends being raped and killed.

After spending 2 years at Proviso East I convinced my mother to allow me to transfer to York High School in Elmhurst. There I found my place in the world of design and art. I won several 1st places and teachers’ choice awards both junior and senior year. I’ve been winning awards since 5th grade in everything from Social Studies fairs to Science fairs. This quickly subtracted friendships and raised the level of jealousy. I dealt with loosing friends my whole life because of how good at everything I seemed to be. Being good was never actually the case. I was taught at a young age to do everything to the best of my ability and I

took it to heart. Everything I touched or associated myself with I made sure I did exactly what I was taught and nothing more.

I later moved out of my mothers house when I was 17. I was accepted into the Illinois Institute of Art on the day my cousin was shot in the doors threshold of his house. I will never forget that day in October. He is one of the reasons why I do what I do and will never quit. During my five years at Ai I switched my major, worked 3 jobs, ended up in the hospital from exhaustion, and then started a design firm. MACP is doing well now. It’s still new but drawing a lot of attention with the large projects and clientele. Even after all of that I had a beautiful baby girl. Shortly after she was born I thought I’m not getting any younger so time to do one more exciting thing. The Marine Corps was the answer. I’ve learned so much in the Corps and even made it back from a deployment to Afghanistan. My prayers go out to all the families whose loved ones did not return.

Now I’m continuing to serve in the corps and put even more focus into MACP. Photo shoots and fashions show will be the next few projects from the company so please look out for us at www.macpco.com and MACP on facebook like us on twitter as well @official_macp.

pulse | 49

Hello Mark-Anthony. Do you prefer to be referred to as that? Or is there something else you’d like people to address you by?

No that’s acceptable. I like the references people come up with as if I’ve never heard them before. “How’s J. lo?”, “Oh like the prince?”, or “Like the singer right?” I have been called M&M which was cute. I think that’s my favorite, melt in your mouth and not in your hand... I’ll leave that alone.

Hmm, well I’ll let the readers decide about the truth behind that last one... But to get started -- it is my understanding that you’re both a young entrepreneur with your own business as well as a Marine in the United States Marine Corps. Now that sounds like quite a bit you have on your plate. Lets start by finding out a little about your background. Did you begin both career ventures simultaneously?

Ha! A certain someone may know where that came from but leaving it to the readers sounds good to me. As for the ventures no, I went to Ai ( Art Institute of Illinois in Chicago) in 2005 and I started working on my company during my sophomore year. I started out designing logos and CD covers here and there. I didn’t really get into the design process until my junior year. That year I think was the most difficult year of my life. I had three jobs, a full time student and had to maintain the freelance projects. It was a stretch for me because I ended up in the hospital from working too hard. After I recovered I went hard again. Guess you can say I’m very stubborn. I think it’s in my blood to be career driven. My mother never accepted anything less than, “close to perfect” so I won’t either. I didn’t always have MACP. At first it was Madskillzco but my partner and I had a falling out which left me with all of the responsibilities. I chose to take some time out for myself and figure out what I needed to do in order to be successful and then MACP was born. After that I joined the Marine Corps.

Wow! That sounds like quite a load to handle. And it seems as though graphic designing has been your passion for quite some time. MACP -- is that an acronym of some sort? What exactly does it mean?

It was quite a lot to deal with at one time. Didn’t really have much of a personal life at all. MACP stands for Mark-Anthony’s Creative Production. I decided since I’m the one producing the work why not put my name on the company. Came to me one day while I was in the shower. That’s where most of my creative ideas are sparked. Guess has something to do with being an Aquarius... (laughs) I don’t know.

So what exactly caused you to leave MACP and go on to pursue a career in the military? I say leave because I assume you wouldn’t be able to do both full-time considering the restraints.

It was quite a lot to deal with at one time. Didn’t really have much of a personal life at all. MACP stands for Mark-Anthony’s Creative Production. I decided since I’m the one

50 | pulse

producing the work why not put my name on the company. Came to me one day while I was in the shower. That’s where most of my creative ideas are sparked. Guess has something to do with being an Aquarius... (laughs) I don’t know.

So... To have more a personal life you joined the Marine Corps? How exactly did that come about or work out for you?

It wasn’t really a personal life that I was looking for but nonetheless I did have more time to socialize with people only because I worked and trained alongside them. Then later that personal life started to dwindle because of MACP. I wanted to train as a marine by day and design by night. But the personal life period was an “interesting” one. (laughs)

Speaking of personal life, how has that been going for you? I take it military life can be difficult as is with all the moving about and other demands it brings -- but to pair that with trying to hold onto a business seems like it would have quite an effect on friendships and intimate relationships.

Another loaded question... I should’ve just wrote a lengthy biography and created a blog. But yea military life is very difficult but it’s pretty much straightforward. This makes a social life convenient although when you include being an entrepreneur, things can get a little difficult.

Friendships have been up and down since joining the corps. I’ve made just about all the mistakes you can make. I’ve lost friends over women, distance and misunderstandings. Yea I ignored that whole bro’s before... Well you get it. It’s all apart of growing up. I wish two specific rappers would talk to me again but who knows maybe we’ll be able to mend our broken friendship.

Hmmm as for intimate relationships... (laughs) those were interesting. A lot of them have been short-lived. Some were the quiet at first then scream over scuffed marks on high heel types and others were the “Uh uh he better pay my bills” types. I won’t give too much information though. I don’t want to ruin your other questions.

So, from the sound of it things haven’t gone as smoothly as you’d like on the relationship front? What would you say was your most meaningful relationship and where do you stand now as far as status -- single? Dating? Looking?

You have no idea. Things did not work out as planned at all. Although just like any lesson life gives you, you have to learn from it and I did. The most meaningful one I had was the one that created my beautiful daughter. I won’t give any names to protect them from questions and exposure but definitely my daughter is a blessing the best thing I could’ve ever gained from dating someone. That relationship showed what it’s like to live

with someone for the first time and I have to say I enjoyed the concept. Coming home to the one I love kissing her and my daughter. It was nice... But yea we had to move on.

As for single yes I am. I don’t know if I want to date anymore since my work is taking so much of my time and when I get out it’s only going to get worse. I plan to be a self-defense instructor, and a personal trainer on top of going back to school. My life just from saying that seems like it will be a handful but by no means will I ever reject a woman. I will make time for any woman I’m interested in. I like getting to know women how else will I ever know when “the one” comes along. I hope it happens eventually because I’m not getting any younger. Do they still have that old show blind date where you go off the voice of your date? (laughs) OK I’m just playing.

Hmm... Interesting. So what qualities do you look for in a potential partner, both physical attributes as well as personality? Do you have absolute deal-breaking factors?

She has to be goal oriented or at least be working towards something. No one wants an individual or partner not working to better herself. With me you just have to be yourself not famous, not rich, or a video vixen. I’m attracted to women who care about themselves. I would

pulse | 51

like a woman to be on my level as far as motivation and dedication to moving forward in her career. As far has her physical attributes I am into curves. I like a woman who has some meat on her bones won’t lie. Corn bread fed is all good in my book. (laughs) I do have an “absolute deal-breaking factor.” A women’s feet have to be on point. By that I don’t mean painted and matching her fingernails. I simply mean manicured and well kept. The minute I see her feet are bogus... I’m making like a car thrown in reverse on hill, heading in the other direction.... Fast! The reason why is simple. Women who take care of their feet take care of their bodies the same if not more so it’s important to pay attention to them.

Well its nice to see you’re looking for a well rounded female (for the most part). Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? Both personal life as well as well as in terms of occupation?

That’s not far from now. I remember hearing that question back in college and I don’t think I’m even close to where I said I’d be. It’s alright though, I am striving everyday to get to where I want to be and complete projects one day at a time. I won’t say how old I am but I 5 years I’d like to have a special someone. I don’t think I’ll be as willing to date 5 years from now.

I will never give up on designing and being an entrepreneur. That is my passion and right now I would say I see myself still working on MACP “the Build.” I would like to have a private jet, a few 3 car garage houses and tiger. Ok now I’m going to think more realistic. I want to own a house and be very heavy in the investment and stocks game. Hopefully MACP will have a building and a few employees. One major goal that I want to accomplish in that time is to be a leading design firm in the urban design world.

Well I hope all those things happen for you! What is an average day for you like? Being a marine and also juggling other aspects of life? Do you imagine it’ll be a difficult transition once you’re out of the corps?

An average day is pretty rough. I’ll have images of what I do in the Pulse magazine but anyway, I wake up at 5am and go

to work. At lunch time I train marines in MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program). Then it’s back to work until 4ish. Right after I shoot over to MMA practice (Mixed Martial Arts). After I get served a few times by other fighters I go home and design the rest of the night and do it again the next day. Having the type of day I have makes it difficult to train as a Marine and still design for clients.

I think it will be quite difficult adjusting only because I’m going back to school where I will be a self defense instructor and personal trainer. I’ll still design and focus on MACP but I only function when fully occupied on every level so my life has to be very busy. Maybe a special someone may make me slow down one day but till then I’m going in.

What is the biggest misconception people have had of you, overtime?

There is one word that stands out more than any other... Cocky. I’m not cocky by any means. I’m actually pretty shy believe it or not but I’m an all in type of guy so shy or not I give it all I got. I do

think that I am very confident but people allow themselves to misunderstand the differences between cocky and confident. If I’m good or greater something the world will know so that I can continue to do what I’m good at for those who need my help. Sorry for the rant but that has been my biggest misconception since grade school.

Okay, so to sum everything up -- what is the take home message you would want readers to know about you? What are your final words about yourself that you would really like to express to people as a whole?

Life is too short to dwell on mistakes and issues in the past. I always say there are two types of “things” in life. Things you can control and things you can’t control only worry about things you can control and you’ll get by just fine. As you can see I live by a few simple things. I’ve had my downfalls and shortcomings but I keep on going no matter what happens. I will be successful and everyone will know MACP and what we stand for, “Influencing creativity!” -MACP

Interview given by Suchita Palit.

52 | pulse

The Personal Bio Of Jackie

Richie, Written By The

Queen Of Space Her-

self: Oh, hello my name is

Jackie Richie. I was born

with the “buy a big red cape and be

just like everyone that you look up to”

syndrome. Ex: Superheroes, DJs, Not

so super heroes, Magicians, Crazy

People & Rulers of parent’s basement

kingdoms. My real dad must have

been a fame monster Punk Rock gui-

tarist (2010 translated to Internation-

al DJ) and mother- I swear it’s Ma-

donna. Yeah, The Music Queen not

the virgin.

I was raised by regular Cuban parents hoping I would turn out normal. That obviously failed. I am now a weapon of mass distraction in Miami, Fl. and head promoter of the #1 Nightclub in the U.S., Space Miami. I’ve become a topic of discussion at dinner tables and a disco-household name for club-goers and House Music DJs around the world. Please proceed with caution if you are around me. I am known to break out with Tequila Wars in the Space Terrace and take prisoners. Simpler way to think of me, The Queen of Space Miami.

Who is Jackie Richie? You seem to have your hands in so many projects..How would you describe yourself?I arrived to the nightlife industry as a baby Godzilla stomping through clu-bland. And well, now I orchestrate huge Electronic Dance Music events after will-

ingly selling my soul to the DJ Gods six years ago. My addiction is seeing people smile, so I do anything in my power to be the best Nightlife Ambassador and VIP destroyer in the business. If I have to beg my bosses to open up a secret door to make my hundreds of customers happy, I’ll do it! I’m a woman of my word. Ask around.

How has 2011 been so far for the Queen of Space? What do you hope to achieve by the end of the year?Just when I thought last year was huge, my version of 2011 came and made 2010 a bitch. I just recovered from the crazi-est IndepenDANCE 4th of July weekend in Miami with the Surfcomber Hotel Pool Parties that I do with the Space Family that featured Fatboy Slim, Dirty South, Martinez Brothers, Victor Calderone, and Boris to name a few. And of course, Space was sold out with my personal favorite DJ Laidback Luke, Markus Schulz and Erick Morillo. Even Richy Rich, the iconic Party Monster, came out to play!

I feel as if my year always intensifies starting with the Summer of Space and into the last quarter of the year. Septem-ber is the Space Sabbath Month of R-E-S-T and as we re-open in October I’ll be preparing to celebrate my birthday with my favorite Resident DJ Patrick M for our annual “WILD THINGS” themed joined birthday marathon celebration! Oh, and my crystal ball also sees another huge custom built arena for Halloween!

It must get exhausting being constantly on the move. How do you deal with all of those late SPACE nights?The funniest moment may be when I hop scotch in to Space at 10pm. No one is warmed up yet and I’m the loud mouth at the door making everyone laugh, while I grab the door guy’s megaphone. I never have the “same Saturday night at Space” and am always on my toes, so time flies! I always have good friends keeping me company, crazy ass Alan T, and DJS that come to visit me after their gigs at other

THE QUEEN OF

SPACE MIAMI The Exclusive Interview With Jackie Richie

52 | pulse

pulse | 53

54 | pulse

pulse | 55

mega clubs in Miami. That’s when I begin to DJ babysit and spoil them. Typically, my nights are filled with 5 hour energy drinks, a lot of h20, Tuna Salad, and Tequila! If they fail, I have my thrown in the DJ booth, it’s the coolest f*cking stool on earth that gives me nice disco-breaks since I’m there until late Sunday morn-ing.

Miami is clearly one of the evolving American Cities for dance music and club life, how does it feel to be a part of this? What about Miami do you love the most?These past few years, as we rush into Space’s second decade of existence, even the founders of Space have sat back in amazement at the creation we’ve wrought. We book tons of expensive chart topping International DJs every month when a typical nightclub only books them once every two or three months. Sh*t, I remember when I evolved from Open Format Music parties on South Beach be-fore I joined the Space Family. It felt like yesterday when I pranced into the Main Room with Oscar G slamming the bass to my face, and my whole perspective on life changed. Yes, that’s not exagger-ated, I swear. I began to educate all of my friends on Social Networks like MySpace-when the site was at its prime-about House Music, and put up all the hits and cool DJs. That’s when the disco shit hit the fan and my loyal followers loved the movement.

I’m madly in love and married to Mi-ami. That’s a good answer right? What I love most about my city is the educated crowd. We can book a range spectrum from Steve Angello and Markus Schulz to Loco Dice and Marco Carola and every-one knows what to expect. As they name their songs and love all of the different vibes and style of music they bring. It’s all about the energy. We feel the energy all week as I go on crazy tangents on Twitter and Facebook hyping up the events. The responses are insane with @jackierichie and @clubspacemiami tags. As Thomas Gold and I recently sat back at dinner af-ter his positively stunning debut at Space, he mentioned that the hype on twitter from Miami fans was insane. Now that is the best feeling on earth. When your promo is taken to the next level and all of Miami radiates it. I mean, where else do raging fans ask David Tort to sign their inflatable disco monkeys and shoes? Throw pink thongs at Steve Angello? Or beg Laidback Luke to sign hundred dol-lar bills? Miami Santeria Drums Techno Safari Magic, I tell ya!

Is there anything that is off-limits in your line of work?What are limits? And when can I feed them Tequila? Not sure what that word means. I think they are hiding from me with “follow the rules.” Come out and play boys. I got nothing but love for you!

Who, for you, is the most influential DJ or Producer in the world?Do I really need to answer this? Are you aware that all of my good friends are DJ’s? Ah well, here I go. Even Nostrada-mus predicted this, Loco Dice & Swed-ish House Mafia! Swedish House Mafia has brought EDM mainstream without “selling out” and turning into pop stars. The team backing them is insane. I watch their promo videos and get chills. They can party harder than anyone but are still the most humble and down to earth people. The Masquerade Motel produc-tion in Miami is a big reflection of their success. And as for Loco Dice….Oh! He makes my Techno loving heart pop out of my ears. He sells out his shows at Space every time he comes. I’m in love. I just stand there, frozen, backstage and look around and am taken back at the magic. For once I understand why some girls get crazy and throw their undies at the booth. I’ll never throw a thong, but if you see a fake mustache or inflatable ducky cup holder making its way up to the booth through the crowd, you’ll know who was behind it.

Aside from Space, do you have any other interesting passions in life?If I tap into this I would have to write a book. Honestly, I just want to wake up and get paid to be Jackie Richie. With the things I do and happen to me, I swear I need a camera crew following me every-where. Where the heck can I sign up for that?

On our interviews and media sources we talk about celebrities and people who influence us. When you were growing up, who were the celebrities and specific media personalities that influence you the most?Frank Sinatra. Oh that golden voice...He is the God I pray too.

Any tattoos? If so..where..and what do they signify?If I can’t commit to a man, what makes you think I can do it for a tattoo? I have a “Monroe Piercing.” I just found out it’s on the wrong side of my face though. So it’s the “Madonna Piercing.”

What are 3 factors that separate Space, from any other venue?1. Our Space Terrace is magical. Where else do Dj’s feel inspired to stay on for 12 hour marathon sets in the U.S? ;-)2. Four words: 24 hour liquor license.3. We do whatever it takes to make our customers happy. It’s our motto. There’s no place like Space!

Do you feel that your client base is loyal?I am blessed with the best client base in the world. They love music, DJs and stay loyal to the Queen of Space. It’s all in response to how loyal I am to them too. Anyone who doesn’t know my client base personally would swear that I am secretly harvesting humans and cloning them with EDM loving genes. The phrase client base sucks; from now on I’ll call them “Space Family.”

What projects can Pulse Magazine ex-pect from the Queen of Space in the next three years?I’ll be celebrating 13 years of Space with the crew, running wild in Europe & Ibiza, and probably finishing up the job of taking over the world for Pinky and the Brain. Bigger surprises are coming; I can’t make them public yet. Let’s just say things will grow at an exponential rate. Huge things coming my friends!•••

pulse | 55

56 | pulse

With only $70 in his pocket, and strug-gling on the streets with no roof over his head, Jules Vegas had to rap his way to success. Performing between shelters, and hip hop showcases, he was able to create a name for himself, while display-ing his passion for hip-hop music to the masses. Born Evans Jean-Jules, Vegas was raised in the city of Las Vegas, where he bred himself into a tough skinned entrepreneur. At an early age, and with no parental guidance, he became property of the state through incarcera-tion, along with multiple group homes. On the outside looking in, Jules Vegas demonstrates that he is the future of hip hop, and rather than conforming to music industry standards, he has created his own path in becoming acknowledged as one of the underground’s best. Pos-sessing head-spinning wordplay, and a topical range that’s able to entertain both the underground, as well as mainstream

fans, this 26-year-old lyricist has proven that talent can still make waves within the music industry.

What is it about Jules Vegas that sets him apart from the rest?Great question, but that’s something I really don’t pay too much attention too. I focus on being myself and the music that I put out. When everyone is busy doing their thing, I’m constantly perfecting the sound that I want to portray. I enjoy when another artist is out there doing their hustlin’ but I never worry about if I’m better, worse, or different, because I’m always going to be me. At the end of the day that’s all that matters to me and my fans.

Tell us a little bit about your soon to be released EP: Hated RespectedHated Respect is just the beginning of a Volume series that I am going to start

releasing. We have been working on the sound for a very long time now. Our goal was to make a hip-hop mix tape/EP without your typical hip-hop sounds. No Kanye beats no Jay-Z samples. We wanted to reach out to a different creative sound. Show the world that there are talented musicians out there while show-ing a tribute to our favorite unknowns in the mainstream world. You may hear 1 or 2 songs that may ring a bell, but most of the music is original or non-mainstream.

Today’s music genres aren’t as clearly defined as they were a decade ago. Now there’s a lot of fusion and crossover in-fluences that is seen throughout music production...what do you think about the changes within Hip Hop, and the direc-tion in which the new school (i.e. Drake, Laws, Wale etc.) is taking it?I’m just happy that the world is getting tired of the ringtone music, bubble-

Jules VegasOn TheMIC

56 | pulse

pulse | 57

gum hooks and sissy verses. Drake, Wale and every other artist can continue doing what they do best, but we all need to keep ourselves consistent. We can’t let our generation fall into the dark side and think that it’s cool to say, “Bru Bru,” every other word and dance like you’re playing hopscotch in the summertime with clothes that don’t fit. You can’t sag skinny jeans people! Hip Hop used to be a creative outlet to showcase your creative wordplay and detailed storytelling. It seems that it went away from that for a while. But I’m starting to feel like our generation has created a new form of hip-hop that has bridged another gap in our genre. I love hip-hop and good music, so I love how everything sounds these days.

Who would you consider your influences throughout your journey as a Hip Hop artist?The list is too big to even say. I always listened to motivational hip-hop. I played the trumpet when I was little, so I also listened to clas-sical music and Jazz. I have always been a fan of good music of every genre. But country music never seemed to grab me. But shout out to Taylor Swift. She’s cute in the face. I never limit myself to good music, so I try to explore new sounds wherever and whenever I get a chance.

What brought about the title for your upcoming single, “Good Friends Die”?I picked that as the title cause the lyrics in the song speak for themselves. We all have lost a friend in life let it be a good friend, bad friend, girlfriend, boyfriend, or a new friend that became an old friend. We all fit in one of those categories in our own lives. If you were to die today or tomorrow, you would have an immediate effect on someones life. It is just determined upon the person themselves, to see if it will have a positive or negative impact on their own life.

Do you have a process you go through while trying to be creative?Roll up.

What would you say are some of your ambitions musically…and do you have an ultimate music goal?Happiness. I only want to enjoy what I do and make a living off it. Mil-lions of dollars and a lavish lifestyle is not my main focus. But don’t get me wrong, let it rain if we can make it rain. I’m just waiting for my time so I can take care of my family and love ones. This stuff is my therapy too. I need this, so I don’t go crazy and get a regular job that involves a tie and me saying “Right away Sir”.

Favorite song of 2011?I’ll let you know by the end of the year. Nothing is really deserving of that title yet.

We’ve noticed during some of your performances that you may be super aggressive on stage, but your clothes deferrers from the typi-cal hip hop outfit. Seems that you have a little bit of fashion sense...how would you describe your personal dress style?I’ve always said I dress to well to be a thug. I wanna look good. My lady loves how I look and that’s all I care about. I don’t care what “dudes” think of me. I treat my performance like a formal event. I feel like I would be offending my audience if I were dressed like an idiot and tried to entertain them at the same time. You can only make a first impression once you know.

So we hear that you are currently self managed. Talk to us about some of the pros and cons of being a self-represented artist?No pros...No cons...Just growing pains.•••

I need this, so

i don’t go crazy

and get a regularjob that involves a tie and me saying“Right away Sir”!

pulse | 57

58 | pulse

Give us a quick bio about yourself Miss Boss…I was involved in sports from a very young age. It happened that my godmother was an Olym-pic Champion, and World champion, so she introduced me to sports when I was 9. Eventu-ally that led to me being on the Ukrainian Na-tional Rowing Team, which gave me a chance to travel all over the world. Soon afterwards I was being offered chances to model (mostly runway) when I wasn’t competing and that led to more traveling. But when I visited the U.S., I realized right away that it was where I wanted to make my home.

Who is Oksana Boss? You seem to have your hands in so many projects... how would you describe yourself?I always remember that I’m no different from anyone else. We are all connected by this amazing world we are a part of. These proj-ects embody different facets of my life - differ-ent ways of interacting with and experiencing the world we all live in.

Who is the most influential person in your life?I am very lucky to have my cousin Natalie Ya-remenko in my life. Although she is my cous-in, friend, and manager, she is a very well-known businesswoman in the international trading business community. She teaches

me new ideas that enhance the quality of my life, both personally and professionally. She taught me to value each day and embrace it as though tomorrow may never come.

If someone had never heard of you before, what three experiences would sum up your career?That’s easy - my background as an interna-tional athlete, my travels all over the planet as an athlete and model, and now my work as a DJ.

How did you develop an interest in music?To me, nature has the most profound music. It is our nature to respond to music from the day we are born, whether it’s a mother singing to her child, an orchestra playing, or music at a club or party. I enjoy diverse music genres; but house music has become my favorite. It’s always growing, changing and evolving. Each year, I learn more as my passion blossoms. I also have good friends in the industry that are teaching me new things daily.

Who’s TheBoss?Oksana Boss

pulse | 59

60 | pulse

pulse | 61

Aside from modeling and hitting the decks, do you have any other passions in life?Modeling and DJing are my careers; my passion is to use them to help make the world a better place, to bring us back to living in harmony with nature. I am vegan, and love to help animals from all walks of life. I think that our purpose in life is to live, love and leave the world better than I found it.

What are some of the craziest places you’ve had the pleasure to visit?I would say that every place I have been to, that I remember I have learned a lot from. I love Paris and Las Vegas, Madrid and Beijing. When I travel, I love to feel the spirit of the country and its culture side.

In our interviews and media sources, we discuss about celebrities and people who influence us. When you were growing up, who were the celebri-ties and specific media personalities that influ-enced you the most?I have never had an idol that I have been crazy about, but I have a sincere respect for Madonna as not every person half a century old can look flaw-less and healthy. Most importantly, she values the vegan lifestyle just like I do. I admire her spirit and nature as a human being.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?Actually there are two things! First, that I’m Vegan. Most people don’t really understand what that is (they think we are just vegetarians), but be-ing Vegan is more than just eating healthy - it’s a philosophy of life; living in harmony with nature. We especially believe it’s bad to exploit animals for our own selfish purposes, whether using them for food, clothing, or other products. Second, I can co-pilot a jet and sail a 52 foot yacht. Yet, I still can’t drive. hahaahhaa

You make a living based on your image: Are you afraid of losing that image?Someone said “image is everything.” I’d say instead that “image is everything you are.” As long as you grow and change, so will your image.

What’s next for Oksana?I’m working very hard to get to the point where I will be invited to play at “Z” (the Republic of KaZan-tip festival on the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine). It’s the world’s largest and most important dance music festival. It’s important to me not only be-cause it’s in my home country, but also because of its powerful motto: “Schastia” — Ukrainian for be happy and have fun. As I have mentioned, I’m a very extremely lucky person. I am currently being trained by Jask, a world-class DJ/producer (www.facebook.com/jaskthaisoul). I’d also like to thank all my friends for their support and special thanks to Djs Alvaro and Pedro Muniz for the inspiration, and Tony Puccio for the encouragement and spiri-tuality.•••

62 | pulse

Andres Yepes was born and raised in Medellin, Colombia South America. As a youth, one of the first gifts his father ever gave him, was a video camera...and since then, he showed an immense interest in filmmaking. During his adolescent years, Andres dedicated himself to learning the ins and outs of video production, thus mak-ing him known throughout high school as, “the kid that makes movies”. Not long after that, he then obtained his business administration degree from Webster College, and went on to furthering his education at the Interna-tional Academy of Design and Technology.

While attending IADT, he started his company, Star Video Productions, and before graduating, he had already built an extensive database of clients, which allowed him to produce professional videos full time. Today, he has over 3,500 cable commercials and infomercials in his portfo-lio, along with hundreds of video productions. A lot of his work is currently airing on a wide variety of broadcast channels including Brighthouse Networks, and Verizon FIOS. You can also see many of his productions on MTV, and other television channels worldwide.

Andres covers everything from pre to post-production, specializing in conceptualization and script authoring, filming, editing, special effects, voice over, chroma key-ing, as well as DVD authoring. He considers his inspira-tions to be his children and his beautiful wife Crystal Yepes. With the sky being the limit, Andres Yepes will continue to use his skills and creativity, to excel in the video production industry.

727.277.9807 / Email: [email protected]

Star Video Productions“No man can be successful unless he loves his work.”

pulse | 63

“...working with andres was a very humbling experience, as his passion for film is quite transpar-ent and unprecedented. Being able to turn visions and dreams into reality is his expertise. that is why he is the official Media director for tampa’s own pulse Magazine” ~ pulse Magazine

64 | pulse

DRYNK

pulse | 65

66 | pulse

TAMMY LEVENT

pulse | 67

68 | pulse

KENNEDY

pulse | 69

70 | pulse

VENUE

pulse | 71

72 | pulse

pulse | 73

74 | pulse

JACKSON’S

pulse | 75

76 | pulse

pulse | 77

78 | pulse

tampa bay pulse magazine issue 8

Documents