Audio By Carbonatix
“It’s bingo, sort of, but not like you’ve seen it before. We made up our own rules, because we don’t know how to play ACTUAL bingo. This is Rebel Bingo. It’s not nice and it’s not fair. Do not bring your grandma.”
That’s the way the cryptic press release for Underground Rebel Bingo Club describes its event to be held at a “secret location” tomorrow night in Miami. But speaking with founder James Flames, a 26-year-old London native, we were able to pry the location out of him and ask what makes his brand of bingo so rebellious.
“It’s hard to describe,” Flames answered when pressed to explain the concept. “It’s just an incredible experience. It’s a rave with a spectacular stage show where the entire audience plays bingo.”
When news happens, Miami New Times is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If Miami New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
The concept started in London, where Flames and his friends used to run parties in a basement. At one of these basement parties, they found a bingo cage and decide to incorporate the game into the party — except nobody knew the proper rules to bingo so they decide to make up their own. The idea of play-by-your-own-rules bingo took off with Rebel Bingo taking place in other major cities like New York and Madrid.
So are you dancing and playing at the same time? Well, not exactly. “In the middle of the evening, when people are dancing, a guy will come out and start a game of bingo.”
And according to Flames, there some excellent prizes to be had, like tickets to upcoming Fillmore shows like Bassnectar and TV on the Radio.
Plus, there will be plenty of hometown flavor with Damaged Goods and Miami Chainsaw Massacre providing the maniac soundtrack for this not-so-leisurely game of B-I-N-G … Oh..
The Underground Rebel Bingo Club with Damaged Goods and Miami Chainsaw Massacre. Friday, October 14. The Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets cost $10 to $15 via rebelbingo.inticketing.com. Call 310-623-2467 or visit rebelbingo.com.
Follow Crossfade on Facebook and Twitter @Crossfade_SFL.
