wemerge magazine issue 3

COVER MODEL Nicole Ricca

nicolericca.com

WEMERGE SPONSORSHIPIf you would like to advertise with us please call (561) 305-2070. One of our reps will be happy to explain our pricing and size options, as well as our distribution strategy and targeted marketing [email protected]

Copyright©2008 WeMerge Talent, Inc. which is in no way related with wemerge publishing, inc., uls media solutions, inc. or its affilates. (There’s a free plug) All rights reserved to WeMerge Talent, Inc. All content included in this magazine: text, graphics, logos, icons, and images, are the property of WeMerge Talent, Inc. and/or its content suppliers (writers, photographers, illustrators, and others) and protected by US and international copyright laws. Wemerge Talent Magazine contains the opinions and experiences of other people and the publishers do not necessarily approve, agree with, and/or condone those opinions or actions. WeMerge Talent, Inc. cannot be held responsible for these opinions or actions. We provide a community service to our readers. All collaboration or verification of event postings are the responsibility of the reader prior to relying on such information for any action that may be taken on their behalf or on the behalf of others. For all legal issues call a lawyer. Not “Aloia”. Or call Big Doug, he handles all our problems. See pg. 21

Special Thanks to Lou, Bob, Joey, Carlos, and George for helping with production. Reverse Polarity and Pilot Rai for helping with recording and audio. Nicci “Bean” Loren for helping with imagination. All the haters for giving us motivation. Talent TV for extra support. And last but not least Bonus Red Dot for always being a bonus.

We Look Forwardto Working with You

President Creative Director

Vice President Chief Editor

Dwayne Adams Renda Writer

WebMaster

Code Name:Spider

Asst. LayoutResearchMarketing

Michele Barenfeld Scott Kalinowski Stone Smith

ComputerTech.

ContributingWriter

Michelle Villaman

ContributingWriter

Rachael Gavin Matt D'Amico

Pg. 2 - Local Featured PaintersPg. 4 & 5 - Local Musical Talent

Pg. 6 - Comedy and ComicsPg. 8 - Miami Movers & Shakers

Pg. 9 - Local CreativityPg. 10 - The Dick Clark of Hip-Hop Pg. 11 - Featured Out of State ArtistPg. 12 - Featured Musical ArtistsPg. 13 - Artist Spotlight

Pg. 14 & 15 - YO! Pg. 16 - Sunshine State Exports

Pg. 18 - Check Out the TalentPg. 19 - Featured Tattoo ArtistPg. 20 - Check Out the SupportPg. 22 - Featured ModelPg. 23 - Featured PhotographersPg. 24 - Venue Review

Pg. 25 - Check Out Kevro’s Art BarPg. 26-29 Check Out the Cork Board

WEMERGE IS A MAZE INGu 1 try and your a genius u 2 tries and your smart u 3 tries and your just dumb u 4 tries or more

and your the kinda person who is really going to enjoy all the colorful pictures in our magazine.

Start

Finish

Support the scene or there will be no scene to support 1

WEMERGE TALENTSupport the scene or there will be no scene to support8 12

16 18

We Can’t Change the World, but We Can Change Our Ways

You Are HereGood Luck

Available for commisioned work. Visit myspace.com/maffuarts2

Linx786-399-9472

www.LinxPlace.comwww.MySpace.com/JahLinx

*Available for commissioned workSupport the scene or there will be no scene to support www.WeMergeTalent.com 3

SewerSide They say, “you get what you pay for.” But sometimes that’s not the case. Sometimes you get more. That’s why people with money in their hands keep running up to Sewerside whenever he steps off a stage, looking to buy

his 4-song EP, “Lostenfound” for only a buck. The famous “dollar disc” has helped Sewerside

establish his name in the area, and we’re happy to merge him with

you and help him spread his name even further. Be his friend on MySpace, go see him perform live, and buy a CD. You’ll get more than you paid for.

MySpace.com/Sewerside

Fire Zuave Chuck Andrews, Chris Cartrett, and Jason Hermes used to be known as The Guns, but they are now playing under the name, Fire Zuave. These guys dominate the indie rock scene in Palm Beach County, and they fully deserve all the success that’s coming to them. We think they’re worthy of an article in our next issue, but we’d like to know what you think. Check them out online, and let us know if you’d like to see more of Fire Zuave and get to know them better. www.MySpace.com/FireZuave

Amber’s music is a mixof Country, Rock, Celtic, & Soul

Has opened for:Tim McGraw

Faith HillToby KeithSugarland

Keith Urban

House gig @ Boston’s On The Beach in Delray Beach

(www.BostonsOnTheBeach.com)for the past 11 years

4 Independent CD Releases

Some bands are just kind of put together - just a rotating cast of characters on different instruments. Other bands are actually groups

of friends. Down to earth dudes, with a down to earth name, the five friends in “Powerline” named themselves after the local street where their practice studio was. And now they gig together, hang out together, and remind us what being in a rock band is all about - lasting local friendships…and rockin’. www.MySpace.com/Powerline5

We stand behind the artists that grace our pages, and our hope is that after reading our magazine, you will show your support.

Support the scene or there will be no scene to support www.WeMergeTalent.com4

Local band spreadWith independent music, especially on a local level, the most successful musicians are the ones who understand the power of unity and community. No one represents this idea of freely

spreading love to the people through music than a local reggae band outfitted with the tag…“Spred The Dub.” They play everywhere. Go check them out. www.MySpace.com/SpredTheDub

As an artist in one of the most morbid, misunderstood, and creatively underrated,

subgenres of hip-hop - “Horror Core” - J. Hexx proudly fulfills his obligation to give listeners plenty of death, blood, and gore with the release of his latest project, “The Seven Doors to Death/Twitch of the Deadz Nervez.” Reading song titles like “Cannibalism,” “Hang ‘Em High,” and “I Hate You,” prepares curious J. Hexx listeners for what they will hear before they pop the disc in and push play. Or does it warn them? Either way, after pushing the play button, the first thing heard is a sample that says, “One must study

death in order to appreciate life,” the perfect opening line to explain the reason for all the darkness this South Florida artist has compiled on his 23-song independent release. As ironic as it may sound, there’s actually a lot more optimism and hope in the lyrics than would be expected from such a dark and twisted album. “Rope of Life,” the album opener, combines the yin and the yang in a way that only a talented schizophrenic MC like J. Hexx can. This CD appeals as much to those who are curious about the extreme contrasts in life as it does to die hard fans of the “horror core” variety of hip-hop.

Local Music Talent


MySpace.com

/TheJHexxProject

ww

w.SevrdN

ervezMusic.com

“A Pair of Nuts” Cracks People Up!

By Michelle Villamar [email protected]

Some of the best comedy comes in pairs – think Abbott & Costello and Laurel & Hardy. Yamil Piedra and Johnny Trabanco challenge the norm by bringing their improvisational sketch act to audiences across the country. Throw in some music and videos created by the pair and you’ve got a recipe for some hilarious entertainment.

The two grew up in Miami and began performing together in 1998 where they met in college at Florida International University. They decided to form “A Pair of Nuts” in 2003 after seeing

the chemistry they had on stage. Their manager Gideon Horowitz, GM of the South Florida Improv Comedy Clubs, signed them after seeing their show, which he called, “some of the funniest material I have ever seen performed on my stage.”

The two Cubans are equal opportunity comedians – no one is safe. “We don’t limit ourselves by only doing ethnically driven material,” Yamil explains, “We try to make our show as universally appealing as possible.” They definitely accomplish this with their online material too. Case in point – check out their entertaining commercial parodies like the “Viking Sponsorship Foundation” or “The Law Offices of Facmee & Diaz.” Their show is young,

hip and edgy; it doesn’t cross the line, but gets very close without being offensive. The masses agree with me. They have over 700,000 online video views.

They won the Best South Florida Performance at the Miami Improv Festival, and have been invited to perform at the 2008 LA Comedy Festival & the 6th Annual LA Improv Festival with an all star line up which includes cast members from SNL, MadTV, Reno 911, The Office and more.

They are beginning a national tour but if you can’t wait to see them in a show, you can have instant gratification. w w w . N u t s C o m e d y . c o m , w w w . Y o u t u b e . c o m /YPiedra, or you check out MySpace.com/PairOfNuts

WEMERGE CARTOON

www.WeMergeTalent.com6

Support the scene or there will be no scene to support www.WeMergeTalent.com 7

Have you ever been driving down the street, listening to a CD, and it’s so

good that you just want to give the artist a compliment? If you’re listening to a famous major label artist, it’s not so easy to do that. But if it’s the CD of a local artist that you know personally - you can easily get in touch to tell them what you think.

I had such an experience a few days ago, while driving and listening to “Indie Unplugged Miami,” a live compilation

recorded in 2007 at The Wallflower Gallery in Miami that features The

Cornerstoners, Alukard, Raffa & Rainer, Fitzroy, Nacho & Johann and a live audience that’s not

afraid to applaud, hoot, and holler for this varied line-up of

Dade County go-getters. As the front man for The

Cornerstoners and the executive producer of the unplugged compilation album, E. Grizzly got a

text message from me that said, “Grizz - U Da

Man - Just thought I’d remind you.” He hits me back and says, “Nah - You da man - I’m just tryin’ to keep up.” It’s funny, because not only is he that humble, but here he is talking about how I’ve inspired by him, but he has no idea how much he’s also inspired me. What made me send that text was once again hearing my favorite verse (from “Anthem to the Entrepreneur”) while driving. E. Grizzly says, “Why are you different? Why are you special?/ Most people ain’t shit. And you gonna be successful?/ Why you gonna make it, when so many people couldn’t?/ You know why?/ Cause I’m a take it where so many people wouldn’t…”

And that’s what E. Grizzly does. He takes it where so many people wouldn’t. With his event booking company, A-Ha Events (Artists Helping Artists), he was responsible for booking the first local independent show at Mansion in South Beach. Now he’s got a series of shows there, and at venues throughout Miami, that consistently prove there genuinely is a real live music scene down here. A community minded, ambitious, and talented rap artist with all sorts of cross genre appeal and influence, E. Grizzly is that rare visionary artist with the organizational skills and the business mind necessary to make things happen for himself and for the music community on the whole. We are happy to Merge him with you. RW

E. Grizzlywww.MySpace.com/ErikGrizzly

www.MySpace.com/IndieUnpluggedMiami

Whoever said that hip-hop is dead

has obviously never met Brimstone 127. Every aspect of hip-hop culture is alive and well inside of this organic Miami MC whose music fits into its own unique genre of “world beat hip-hop.” Socially driven, conscious, and positive, the music Brimstone makes is as relevant and necessary as it is dope. It’s almost hard to write about him because he has done so much. Not only is he an MC, a producer, an engineer, and a teacher at SAE Institute in

Miami, but he is also the consummate example of how to use hip-hop culture to create a community. His accomplishments, creative

contributions, and alliances with some of the most notable pioneers in hip-hop are what make us want to merge him with you. Check him out online, and then

go check out one of his live shows. www.

Brimsonte127.comwww.

MySpace.com/Brimstone127

online

Every aspect of hip-hop culture

is alive


Nichole Lopez is a

conceptual artist whose art guides her through

a personal search for reconnection. Her acrylics and

oils are emotional vehicles for the universal human story of self-

discovery. In her struggle with the fear every artist confronts while expressing

herself, she lays bare all pretenses.

“I think we as artists have a responsibility to bridge the connection with humanity

and the soul,” says Lopez, “so that we aren’t totally lost to the coldness of

technology.”

The non-restrictive lines and patterns in her work speak to her. Search for

a medium that most closely embodies the freedom one finds in true self-expression. Paint.

www.myspace.com/nikiartwww.nikiphotos.com

www.nikiartstudio.com

I began the Selfclicker series in a roundabout way. I knew I was going to have a “one man” show, and I needed a focus and a large body of work. I was interested in painting a friend of mine, “MoonshineSally.”

I usually use photographs as references. The photos she took of herself were awesome. I started painting “MoonshineSally” and the painting “MoonShineSally Meets Tae” was my first in the beginning of my Selfclicker Series. I said to her, “you have awesome poses. You are such a great Selfclicker!” I made up the word “Selfclicker” in early January of 2008. And now I have a full-on Selfclicker movement and

plenty of art to derive from some of the best Selfclickers!

Deviantart.com

/Selfclicker

Mys

pace

.com

/Sel

fclic

ker


SelfClicker.com

- Alexia Hemmingway


A Night in the Life of a DJ

Some insights, answers, and sarcastic commentary from

South Florida’s #1 party DJ

What do you have that I can dance to?Can you dance?

You play music other than “black” records?Sorry - all my records are black. But I do have

some green, red, blue, gold…

Can I request a song? Yes

Ok, can you play it next? I’m leaving after.Since you’re leaving I think I will keep you here for a while and not play your song until I want you to leave.

Dude - If you play this song I will get laid.If you need me to play a song for you to get laid, I think

you should pay me like… $175.00 - just like a pimp!!

Hey?? Can you play that new… blah, blah, blah?Meanwhile, their drink is in there very unsteady, drunk,

drugged up hand dangling above my turntables!!

CREDITS:- 100+ Concerts Produced

- Over 5,000 club gigs in 20 yrs- Countless Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

- Plus Private and Corporate Events- Huge Catalog of Mix CD’s

- Relationships with music industry’s top labels & management

- Booking artists for various venues since 1995

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/THEDJSTEVIEDWWW.BME.CC

[email protected](561) 350-3824

OFFERING:DJ Lessons, Recording Studio, Mix CD’s, Artist Development, Music Production, Concert Promotion, Event Coordination, Club/Lounge Disc Jockey, National/International Artist Bookings

5909 n.federal hwy boca raton (561) 988.TATS

ALL STARS3677 north

powerline rd deerfield bch

(954) 968.7777

The Exchange131 east

palmetto pk rd boca raton

(561) 395.9929

With the successful release of our third issue, we have

decided on starting a new tradition of merging you with at

least one new “out of state” artist in each issue. We begin that tradition

now, as We Merge you with our featured make up artist... Rosetta Garcia, of Los Angeles.

myspace.com/macdolls2

www.WeMergeTalent.com 11

“Butta Verses” has something most artists want - a catalog. He’s got a discography almost as unique as his biography. The adopted oddball

professional MC with veteran rap status just keeps dropping CDs, and has been for years. His catalog of releases speaks for itself, and what

speaks even louder is his talent. Go get one of his CDs, or better yet - grab the whole collection and see why he’s been in the game so long. www.MySpace.com/ButtaVerses

Support the scene or there will be no scene to supportWeMergeTalent.com12

D. Schwartz aka FilthIf you made a checklist of what it takes to be a dope MC, he would have big red checks next

to everything: voice, delivery, lyrics, style, stage experience, content. D. Schwartz

aka Filth might be your new favorite local rapper after you

check out his MySpace tracks. It’s been a while though since he released a solo CD, and his sophomore release has somewhat of a “rolling release date.” So along with your friend request, send a message telling him you’ll buy

the CD when it drops. That might speed things up. Tell him WeMerge sent you.MySpace.com/FilthyTunes

Jack LicataIn a state full of transients and transplants, Jack Licata stands out easily as one of the most talented of the few hometown heroes. Will he be the next big native Floridian star to carry the torch for The Sunshine State, joining the ranks of Tom

Petty and Jim Morrison? We’d like to think so, but really it’s up to you. If you check him out and like what you hear, then support him and help send Jack on his way

to the top. Nobody gets there without fans and

supporters.MySpace.com/

JackLicata

Brendan O’HaraMost people already know about

Brendan O’Hara. We’re here to merge him with the rest of

you. What makes this young man so unique is the fact

that he’s not limited to the borders of The Sunshine State.

He gigs literally all around the country, spreading his modern soul music to the masses. Professional, packaged, and most

importantly - talented, Brendan O’Hara has his act together. Go check out his music, and if you’re a venue owner, book this cat right here. He’ll pack the place. WeMerge staff recommends, “Mistress.”MySpace.com/BrendanOhara

The ResolversIt’s the feel good Reggae vibe that synergistically brings together these 5 talented musicians whose influences and experiences encompass literally every genre of music. The Resolvers are methodically moving forward and following all the steps necessary for success in the music business. Weekly gigs, opening for big acts, publicity, CD release parties, a growing fan base - all the components are there. They almost make it look easy. They play every Sunday at Kahuna in Deerfield Beach, just a few hundred feet from the ocean. Go see them, and buy a round of drinks.

www.MySpace.com/TheResolvers

Brokensound Blvd.The two core members of Brokensound Blvd., Limelight (MC) and Bonus (Producer/MC), give us beats and rhymes that manifest years of practice and paying dues. Their debut CD, “Thirty Words to the Gallon” reminds you of why you fell in love with hip-hop in the first place. Go get it just in case you forgot. And pop it in your system any time you catch yourself feeling like real hip-hop is dead.MySpace.com/BrokensoundBlvd

Make hip-hop life, yo life!

WeMergeTalent.com

WeM

ergeTalent.com

13


RENDAWRITERMore than just the man behind the “YO! Card” and “H2YO! Water,” Renda Writer is a performance poet and professional event host whose second independent release, “Workaholic” derives its title from the work ethic that pushes him forward every day.

A firm believer in “the law of attraction,” Renda is using it to achieve his biggest goal yet - appearing on The Ellen Degeneres Show. He also plans on teaching others how to bring positive results into their lives through the same approach with his “2008-2009 Law of Attraction Poetry Tour,” a tour that will visit college campuses and venues throughout America, and will consist mainly of Renda Writer’s original performance poetry, and will be accompanied by stories and elements of comedy and motivational speaking. www.RendaWriter.com

YO! CARD The next time you see Renda Writer,

buy a “YO! CARD” for only $1 Use the access code on the back to download “YO!” from

DropCards.com/RendaWriter“YO!” - produced by Mike Beatz (MySpace.com/MikeBeatz20)

“YO!” video coming soon to YouTube.com/RendaWriter

On “Yo!” Renda Writer makes a smooth

transition from performing poetry to writing

an actual hip-hop song, connecting his wit and

lyricism with a whole new fan base. He speaks of

the universality of the word “Yo!” with lines

like, “We all say ‘Yo’ whether we know it

or not/ Whether we order yogurt

or yodel…”

H2YO!WATER

$2“Yo! - Drink It”

www.H2YOwater.com* Also available by the case

Water - necessary for

all life on Earth, Yo!

per bottle

$1

Support the scene or there will be no scene to support www.WeMergeTalent.com


YO! CARD The next time you see Renda Writer,

buy a “YO! CARD” for only $1 Use the access code on the back to download “YO!” from

DropCards.com/RendaWriter“YO!” - produced by Mike Beatz (MySpace.com/MikeBeatz20)

“YO!” video coming soon to YouTube.com/RendaWriter

On “Yo!” Renda Writer makes a smooth

transition from performing poetry to writing

an actual hip-hop song, connecting his wit and

lyricism with a whole new fan base. He speaks of

the universality of the word “Yo!” with lines

like, “We all say ‘Yo’ whether we know it

or not/ Whether we order yogurt

or yodel…”

“Yo! - Drink It”

$1

Artist: SOULEYEGenre: Hip-Hop

Where did he go? Steamboat Springs, COWhy did he go? Souleye is an example of someone who in a sense, “made it.” Originally from

New England, Souleye moved to South Florida and spent a few years doing local shows, open mics, and showcases in the tri-county area. He sold some CDs, gained a decent fan

base, and made a bit of a name for himself, but hadn’t yet gotten his “break.” In 2006 that changed - he won a contest that landed him a performance spot on Jam Cruise and became the first ever hip-hop artist to perform on the yearly week long cruise and celebration for jam bands and neo-hippie culture. Performing alongside big names like Michael Franti of Spearhead, String Cheese Incident, and Bass Nectar onboard the ship helped to cement several new business relationships that lead to him moving to Steamboat Springs, CO and using it as a home base while touring extensively around

the US. He did over 200 live shows last year and currently tours with the live hip-hop/electronica group, Blvd. Maybe if enough South Florida WeMerge readers e-mail him,

we can get him down here for a big homecoming concert? For the latest on Souleye: www.SouleyeSounds.com www.MySpace.com/BlvdSource

Artist: MATT WINFREE (THE SPOON BENDERS)

Genre: Blues RockWhere did he go? Nashville, TN

Why did he go? Matt Winfree’s story is one of a band that reached a career plateau and almost outgrew Florida. It was like he had to go; it was his time leave. His band, The Spoon Benders, had played over 500 shows in the South Florida area and received the “Readers Choice Award” for “Best Live Band” in the “Best of 2006” issue of New Times. They played almost every South Florida venue, developed a core group of devout fans, and opened up for most of the big touring acts that came to Florida, including Foreigner, Pat Benatar, and The Steve Miller Band. After paying all their dues on the local scene and amassing a long list of credentials, it soon became necessary to leave Florida in order to seize bigger and better opportunities and build up from the foundation laid here in the Sunshine State. With Matt being the founder of the band and the only one able to pick up and leave, he moved to Nashville, TN, hired some new band mates and recreated The Spoon Benders formula for suc-cess in a new environment late last year. For the latest on Matt Winfree: www.MySpace.com/

MattWinfree www.TheSpoonBenders.net

Artist: ALEXX CALISEGenre: Rock

Where did she go? Los Angeles, CAWhy did she go? Alexx Calise is an artist who left South Florida early in her career

because she saw that for what she was trying to do, the market and the available opportunities would be better for her out of state. She grabbed the bull by the horns and left the state as a way to jumpstart her career. After a few years of rocking local open mics, recording some rough tracks, learning the music business at Florida Atlantic University, and doing shows with her former band, Wakestate, Alexx decided to use her youth and talent to her advantage and head west, to the City of Angels. Shortly after her arrival in Los Angeles, she met the right people and released her official debut

CD, “Morning Pill.” She is currently sponsored by 13 different music companies and has been attracting attention from the press in a way that almost makes it

look easy. For Alexx Calise, moving was definitely the right move. For the latest on Alexx Calise: www.MySpace.com/AlexxCalise

www.AlexxCalise.com

3 different artists from 3 different genres who left Florida

and went to 3 different places for 3 verydifferent reasons


Mic Dwww.Myspace.com/ThePainterofRealms

Raw Honeywww.RawHoneyArt.com

www.WeMergeTalent.com18

Who ever said “nice guys finish last” obviously hasn’t stopped in at the

brand new No Hard Feelings Gallery in Coral Springs and seen the entire wall filled with almost 200 awards and trophies, all with the name Chris Blinston.

There’s not much room for even one more, which is OK with him because about a year ago Chris turned his attention away from himself and committed to teaching the craft to others with seminars that he now conducts all over the country. A cordial and welcoming artist and entrepreneur who is successful and known throughout the world for his “bold line color realism,” Chris Blinston is as humble as a newcomer and serves as a welcome reminder that there are some good people left. He even asked that we mention in our

article how much he enjoys spending time with his 4 ½ year old daughter.

Stop in at the new No Hard Feelings Gallery (See Ad on Page 17) any day of the week to meet Chris, see his trophies, and get that tattoo that you always wanted.

On your way out, look up and take notice of the sign above the door that says, “Because Nice Matters”Advice from Chris : - Don’t be afraid to work from the bottom up- Be a part of the culture- Take seminars- Ask questions- Be respectful www.ChrisBlinston.com

www.BigBrain2.com


Monday - Ladies Night2-4-1 drafts, sake drinks, & shots for Ladies

Tuesday - Beer Tasting (call for details)

Wednesday - Open Mic

Thursday - College Night2-4-1 Drafts & $2 Shots

Friday - Live Entertainment (call for schedule)

Saturday - Live Entertainment (call for schedule)

Sunday - In the Biz2-4-1 Drafts $2 ShotsOpen Mic hosted by Graham Woodard

Over 100 Microbrew Beers30 Wines, 40 Teas & over 40 Shisha flavors

BRING IN THIS AD FOR $5 OFF

ANY HOOKAH

Now Open During the Day

11am-2am Mon-Fri

2621 N. Federal HighwayBoca Raton, FL 33487(561) 368-4643www.MySpace.com/TheFunkyBuddhaLounge


We Offer Hefty Commissions to people who are: * Reliable * Personable * Organized *

* Experienced * Self-Motivated *

If interested, e-mail resume to [email protected] “Sales” in subject line - We’ll contact you for an interview

*Also, if you’re an artist interested in being featured, or interested in writing or designing for us, remember that bringing us a paid advertiser is the best way to get our attention.

Peace,WeMerge Staff


If you don’t own the 1st issue of Spiderman, the 1st issue of Batman, or the 1st issue of Superman, it’s either because you weren’t around back then, or you were around but didn’t buy

them, and now your kicking yourself because of their value today. WeMerge Magazine doesn’t want you to miss out on a similar opportunity, so we encourage you to check out

“Imani The Killer.”Jeff Carroll’s latest work gives you the chance to own an original comic book that is well written, visually stimulating, and has as much potential to become a valued collectible as any of the famous titles of yesteryear.

[email protected] Support the scene or there will be no scene to support22

561.704.4299myspace.com/wormcarnevale

www.wormcarnevale.com

www.WeMergeTalent.com 23

Written By Rachel Galvin

[email protected]

Nestled in an unassuming strip

mall in North Miami, The Luna Star Café is a haven for the artistically-inclined. This little corner of the world

is an intimate place where the muses roam free and free-speech is paramount. It is also a mixed-bag, a magical realm of surprise. Their events are as eclectic as the people who come to watch, ranging from blues and indie rock to art shows and open-mic nights.

The space is small enough to encourage mingling and conversation. It has an air of the romantic mixed with a touch of brotherly love. Reminiscent in spirit of the cafes of the 1960’s, Luna Star is brimming with the Bohemian; stepping through

the doors or peeking in the window is a peek into something just beyond the ordinary.

Owner Alexis Sanfield birthed this unique concept in 1996. “I didn’t want to work for anyone else anymore and I liked the idea

of live music. I wanted to create my own little piece of paradise, a place where a community of artists could gather.” People of all walks of life come through the doors seeking solace and a soulful experience. “We have a variety of people. It is very dynamic. They are all ages – 25 to 75, sometimes older.”

She allows groups to come in during off times to hold meetings and fundraisers. Planned Parenthood is coming again this year but the date is not set yet. “Last year was a huge crowd. Diane Ward will perform,” she added. Ward is a popular Blues and alternative folk singer based locally. Other frequent performers include: Raffa & Rainer, Matthew Sabatella & the Rambling String Band (folk music highlighted by guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, bass fiddle and mountain dulcimer), Valerie C., and Wisecracker (founding member of Pandemonium, the longest running Public Radio comedy show).

Luna Star also holds art shows once a month. “I am open for artists also to hang their work. Big galleries and museums won’t allow local artists to hang their

work unless they are well known. This is a great place to start.”

Besides being a great place for art, music and performance, they are also known for their beer - about 120 international varieties. There’s also plenty of wine for those who love a variety of vino. After a few swigs, dive into one of their many delightful food items. Perhaps a cheese platter or hummus is to your liking, or would you be better satiated with a veggie burger or crab cakes? To add to your vocabulary skills they have Greek classics like Thyropita, Tzatziki and Spanakopitas. They also have paninis, salads, pasta, burgers, gourmet pizza and desserts. Cappuccinos, espressos, chai tea and sodas are also available. There is a $7 minimum requirement during live performances. A cover charge may also apply.

Luna Star Café is located at 775 Northeast 125th Street in North Miami. They are closed Sundays & Mondays and “open in the evenings until the action winds down.” They are a cash only business, no credit cards. For more info, call (305) 799-7123.

www.LunaStarCafe.com

The Luna Star Café

Poets t Painters t Rappers t Comedians t Bands Sculptors t Performance Artists t DJs t Actors t Tattoo Artists t Authors t Graffiti Artists t Producers t Dancers t Singer/Songwriters t Cartoonists t Martial Artists t Make-Up Artists t Magicians t

What does WeMerge look for in an artist submission?1. Talent2. Commitment to their art (gigs, portfolios, credentials, etc.)3. Professional packaging (high quality photos & logos)4. A willingness to participate in promoting the issue your featured in

WeMerge Magazine is always accepting artist submissions. We catalogue them all for possible inclusion in future issues.

Our advertisers are very important to our survival. For this reason, artists who can provide advertising referrals will have thier sumbissions reviewed immediately. Submit to: [email protected] or fill out the Website Submission Form.


It was Pulitzer Prize winning writer and poet Carl Sandburg who said this - And local artist, photographer, and entrepreneur Kevin

Rouse (a.k.a. Kevro) is known for putting this quote into action.

He opened Kevro’s Art Bar last summer along with Deb Sullivan because he had a dream of expanding his existing art gallery in the Pineapple Grove district of downtown Delray Beach to a bigger space.

If Kevro hadn’t seen his dream of opening an art gallery that would double as a bar and entertainment venue when he looked at an old run down set of buildings in downtown Delray Beach, then maybe it would have never happened. Once a Haitian convenience store that doubled as a crack den, Kevro set out to turn the unkempt piece of land at 166 SE 2nd Ave in Delray Beach into what would later become Kevro’s Art Bar.

Kevro the patient dreamer spent a few years putting in the necessary work to remodel the space and turn it into a place where literally anything can happen. Every night is something different. Stop

in for the weekly Open Mic on Tuesdays to witness poets, singers, comedians, bands, and rappers all gracing the same stage or swing by on a Thursday night for their original music showcase. Every Saturday night DJ Teak takes over and turns the place into a lively dancehall, spinning only the best in reggae, breaks, industrial, funk, & 90’s hip-hop. The venue is also well known for it’s monthly burlesque show (the last Thurs of each month), brought to you by the Boudoir Beauties, and the fact that it offers Blues dance classes on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month really puts Kevro’s on the map as venue where you can find an entertainment schedule that other venues only wish they had. As if that wasn’t enough, this distinctive venue that bills itself as an “urban art oasis” for the “creative class” also has fire dancing, drum circles, and belly dancing on the first Friday of the month.

We appreciate you reading this, but in order to truly understand the brilliance that is Kevro’s Art Bar, you have to stop in and see for yourself. Have a beer, a glass of wine, or a soda, utilize their free Wi-Fi, and play a round of ping pong, and be sure to tell them that WeMerge Magazine sent you. You’ll be stepping into a dream - Kevro’s dream.

“Nothing happens unless first we dream.”

KEVROART.COM

Downtown Location1, 1/2 Blocks South of Atlantic Ave

Just West of the train tracks2 Free Standing Buildings (Art Bar

& Visual Media Studio for Rent)2 PING PONG TABLES

KevroArt.com

Drink & Draw

Kevro’s Art Bar, where all creative expression is art

4,000 sq. ft. Patio

Support the scene or there will be no scene to support www.WeMergeTalent.com

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Now Open on Wednesdays


MySpace.com/WorldWideTV

3291 W. Sunrise Blvd.Ft Lauderdale Swap ShopBooth T14 - Ft. Laud. 33315

954.255.2063Bring in this Ad for 10% OFF

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(561) 368-6393

The Underground Poet’s Societywww.TheUnPS.com

Stay tuned for info on 2009 Poetry Conference

The Write Side Poetswww.TheWriteSidePoets.org

A non-profit organization that empowers the next

generation through poetry.

Antwian “Intellect” Crawford and

Ray “Knowledge” Dominguez are the respective

founders of The Underground

Poet’s Society, Inc. and The Write Side

Poets. WeMerge them with you.



LOOKING FOR Something to Do Tonight?

Want to get in touch with the community?

Try these sites:ArtsCalendar.com

LivingFLA.comTheHoneycomb.com

OpenMics.orgLotsofEvents.comBroward.org/arts

BocaRaton.com

Nightlife.Meetup.com/151DowntownDelrayBeach.com

SouthFloridaCameraClub.comFreeMiamiEvents.com

CuilloCenter.comGotFolk.com

You’ve read the slogan at the bottoms of our pages,“support the scene, or there will be no scene to support.” Whether it’s nightlife, art, photography, or live music, there is a scene associated with your interest that could use your support to keep it going.

“A FINAL ROUND OF APPLAUSE” Thank You.

*No animals were harmed in the making of this ad.

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