“Makeda” Been digging through the global R&B vaults lately and keep landing on this little ditty from 1999. It was the first single that I ever heard from Les Nubians and it changed my perspective on Francophone soul music completely. Hope the throw back video rubs somebody the right way…
Target Practice It’s a fixer-upper: Regarding “Target Identified” (June 7), by Francisco Alvarado: As a longtime (25-plus years) Trail Glades user, I would really like to see the park fixed up. I use all of what it has to offer, from the handgun range to the shotgun and rifle ranges…
This is Miami and, generally speaking, even the slightest hint of cellulite or a paunch is unacceptable in the realm of upscale night clubs. (Just watch the trailers for the South Beach documentary ClubLand). But resourceful club-hoppers know how to combat drunk munchies and extra pounds, namely with cigarettes and…
This is a piece in the Design District off N. Miami Ave. by local artist Santiago Rubino, who was featured in our art section in November 2006. If you would like to contribute photos of street art that you’ve found, send them here…
Our latest writer is looking for Ricky Williams, whom she describes as a “blind pianist.” Her husband, now deceased, used to play guitar in a band with him in the Nineties. Any tips can be sent to me here. — Arielle Castillo…
This next letter is about the hallowed, now defunct Miami rock venue, Washington Square. “I used to live in Miami around 93/94, and I use to go see shows at the Square. I had the live disc, I was wondering if there is a way to get my hands on…
I’ve gotten a few messages recently from people trying to track down musicians, friends, etc from the South Florida music scene. Hence, a new public service of this blog … If you’re looking for a person, copies of an old rare local album, whatever, send me all the info and…
Shoot Straight Politics screws up your aim: Regarding “Target Identified” (June 7) by Francisco Alvarado: As a soon-to-be ex-employee of Miami-Dade Parks, I can testify that this is business as usual here. We have many parks that commissioners hold on to like jewels so they can use them at re-election…
Save the gimmicks and theme venues for beach-bound trendoids; Corbett’s Sports Bar (12721 S Dixie Hwy, Pinecrest; 305-238-0823) is a little watering hole with a no-nonsense approach to drinking. Trophies, funny signs, and photos of football players are as kitschy as the décor gets, and drinks are always reasonably priced…
Art Attack Bobb is guilty: Regarding “Artist as Prisoner” (May 31) by Rob Jordan: You can’t be serious. Ed Bobb should be a free man because of freedom of expression? Has it occurred to you that the cretin who took the pictures was expressing his desire to fuck little girls?…
There’s no better time for an exodus from Miami than Memorial Day weekend. On the Friday night leading off that three-day sinfest, Seminole Hard Rock Casino maintained the easygoing atmosphere that our neighbors to the north are known for. Crowds of partygoers deluged the entertainment complex, but the drama was…
Standard suburban extras unwittingly nailed their roles one recent Friday night at a West Kendall strip mall. Teens sporting thick chains and black tank tops loitered around an IHOP. The clerk of a patronless liquor store smoked a cigarette outside and watched burger mongers line up at the McDonald’s across…
How Vegetarians Fare Not well: Regarding “Chew the Right Thing” (May 10) by Lee Klein: Thank you for your recent attention to vegetarian fare in South Beach. I was a little bummed your review of Michael’s didn’t mention what options they have for vegetarians. I went there for drinks and…
Most people would agree that drinking and driving is a bad idea, and that guzzling a Budweiser before racing in the Daytona 500 amounts to a death wish. But there is a place where such rules of the road dont matter, and being inebriated just makes it that much more…
Camilo’s a Coward Ask those who served: Regarding “Camilo’s Retreat” by Francisco Alvarado (May 3): I served with Camilo Mejía and he had no problem being a soldier and training for war when he was collecting educational benefits. He was asked three times before leaving for overseas whether or not…
Churchill’s Pub (5501 NE 2nd Ave, Miami; 305-757-1807) is an oasis for punks in Miami’s lacking rock scene. It may seem ironic to find a British dive in Little Haiti, but with regulars who romanticize poverty and shun capitalism, its actually the ideal location for aspiring anarchists — complete with…
He’s No Hero Give him his just desserts: I just read your article on the deserter (“Is He a Coward or a Hero?” by Frank Alvarado, May 3) … what a pussy that guy is. I mean seriously, who joins the army and doesn’t know there is a possibility of…
How many martinis and half-forgotten hookups must we indulge before tiring of debauchery? The road of excess can be exciting, but for some of us, clubland adventures often turn into reruns of a boring soap opera. And it is right about this time, according to William Blake, that you find…
Back Yard Baghdad Steering clear of Opa-locka: I gotta say dude, I loved your story (“Baghdad West” by Calvin Godfrey, April 26). Everything about it was so on point. I’d love it if your next story was about the city officials who just show up to collect government checks and…
Revelry can turn up in the unlikeliest of places. The streets around the rundown Crystal Plaza may be quiet, but in a dark room inside the shopping center, flashing lights and booming bass assail the senses. People dance. They elbow each other. Strangely no fights break out. That is probably…
A Hero Among Chickens Give that bird a hand: Thanks for running the article on Mr. Clucky (Riptide, “Chicken to Ride,” April 12), South Beach’s luckiest resident. Most of Mr. Clucky’s kind are either ground up alive at birth, incarcerated in battery cages that allow each bird less space than…
Every day people stroll past Casa Casuarina (1116 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach; 305-672-6604), the former home of slain designer Gianni Versace, and wonder what lies beyond the iron gates and white facade of what is now an exclusive club, spa, and hotel. On a recent weekend night, a hoard of…
