Miami’s 20 Best Punk Bands of All Time

The 305 did not invent punk rock, nor was it instrumental in the development of its subculture. As a matter of fact, South Florida was plagued by so-called “album-oriented rock” clubs, insufferable cover bands with Eagles aspirations, and misguided disco heads who were ignoring the better stuff put out by…

Churchill’s New Owners Abandoning Plans for 21-and-Over Policy

Rejoice, kids. Just days after the new owners of Churchill’s Pub announced a 21-and-over policy, they’ve already abandoned those plans. Yesterday, following the pub’s weekly staff get-together, an announcement of the reversal was made on Churchill’s official Facebook page. “After a meeting today with the new owners, the age policy…

Churchill’s Pub Becoming a Strictly 21-and-Over Club Under New Ownership

Sorry, kids. Local punk landmark Churchill’s Pub, a longtime haven for 18-and-up shows, will no longer be letting anybody except drinking-age adults through the door. It’s been only three weeks since founder and owner Dave Daniels completed the pub’s sale. And many Miami promoters, scene figures, and band members are…

House, Wynwood’s First Megaclub, Opens May 16

In December 2011, Crossfade first wrote about the impending arrival of House, a nightclub concept from Living Room veteran Mark Lowe. Months and eventually years went by with no word on the fate of House. We’ll admit, we just thought it was going to join Miami’s long history of never-materialized…

Marino Maali on Being a Deaf Rapper

Marino Maali lounges in the backyard of his friend’s house. His arms are covered with tattoos of Psalm 23, a coy fish, the name of his hometown, Windsor Castle, and the footprints of his son. His non-stop smile bridges the space between his ears. Behind his left ear, a hearing…

Billboard Latin 2014’s Winners

Felicidades to Marc Anthony. Last night, the Nuyorican superstar stocked up on Billboard Latins, winning ten crystal statuettes, including Artist of the Year and Hot Latin Song, Digital Song, and Latin Airplay Song of the Year for his salsa scorcher “Vivir Mi Vida,” Other notable premios recipients: The late Jenni…

The Vagabond Miami Closes

The Vagabond is gone. After six years, the NE 14th Street nightspot will be shuttered. And the closing isn’t next year, next month, or next week. The club is closing today, according to co-owner Carmel Ophir. See also: The Vagabond Miami: Five Classic Memories From the Fifth Anniversary Party…

Five Richest Rappers of 2014

When you’re in the rap biz, it’s all about the Benjamins. No matter how many shiny awards are stacked somewhere in that multimillion-dollar mansion, you’ve only truly made it when you rank among Forbes’ wealthiest hip-hop artists. More than just lyrical worth, the worth of these rap moguls was calculated…

Nino Brown on Jesus Christ: “He Got a Little Gangsta in Him”

Before Cash Money Records, there were the Cash Money Brothers, a group of fictional New York City drug dealers whose criminal ascension during the ’80s crack epidemic was masterminded by their leader, Nino Brown. The New Jack City character, played by Wesley Snipes, has become an iconic rags-to-riches story in…

Miami’s Five Best Record Stores

There was a time when the cynics believed that record stores were doomed to go the way of Blockbuster video rental joints: abandoned and forgotten by the masses who once flocked to their doors. But the resurging popularity of vinyl has created a new niche market in which local music…

Record Store Day 2014’s Best Releases, According to Sweat Records

Since 2007, every third Saturday in April has been set aside for the observance of Record Store Day, when vinyl lovers and music fans show love and appreciation to the their local shops. In Miami, though brick-and-mortar music retailers like Spec’s, Virgin Megastore, and F.Y.E. are certainly a thing of…

Ultra Ban: Delayed Till April 24 by Miami City Commission

What happened with the Ultra ban? Well, we won’t find out for another two weeks, because the Miami City Commission has just delayed the issue till its next meeting on April 24. Originally scheduled to be discussed, considered, and voted upon today, the resolution was withdrawn by both sponsors, Mayor…

Ultra Music Festival Fights Ban With Petition to “Keep UMF in Miami”

Ultra Music Festival has issued a “call to action.” Responding to Mayor Tomás Regalado and Commissioner Marc Sarnoff’s proposed ban, the EDM fest has launched a petition to “Keep UMF in Miami.” “In order to stay at Bayfront Park,” Ultra writes, “we need your support now.” And at the time…

Ultra Ban on Miami City Commission Agenda

Chaos. Gatecrashing. Drug use. Graffiti. Crime. In the wake of Ultra Music Festival 2014, Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado and Commissioner Marc Sarnoff have hyperbolically enumerated the evils of the EDM fest in pursuit of a city-wide ban. There were two undeniable tragedies at this year’s fest: the trampling of security…

Tobacco Road Planning to Sell and Relocate

Speakeasy. Whorehouse. Music landmark. For the last 101 years, Tobacco Road has stood at 626 S. Miami Avenue, serving a clientele of locals, drifters, and legends in need of booze, good times, rhythm, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll. This tavern survived Prohibition. It lasted through the lawless coke-addled days of…