Islamorada Community Entertainment

Archive for January, 2010

One of the goals of MoradaPalooza was to give the young musicians the opportunity to play on a large stage and feel like rock stars. But it really was the audience who had the greatest opportunity. This was a chance for everyone who attended to say “we saw them when…” And the bands proved we will be saying that.

The day started off with “A moment Of”. It’s hard to be the first band on any concert lineup. The sound system is still being adjusted and the kinks worked out but they played like pros and had a tight set. The power trio set the tone for the day and they did it well!

“Thunderhead” followed. This young classic rock band pulled off some challenging tunes with lots of special effects, great stage presence, and a very polished cool vibe.

Next, “Fiendish Effigy” who drew in lots of loyal fans brought a total shift in musical direction. Reminiscent of 80’s punk, these guys have a hard driving pyrotechnic energy.

“Xpelled”, from Homestead, was a real treat. The group featured three part harmonies, dual guitar lines and solid arrangements. They played originals and covered some very modern pop tunes with flair.

Headliners “Inside the Mind of” did not disappoint. These young men delivered some of the most orchestrated, well written, and complex music ever heard on the Islamorada Founders Park amphitheater stage. This was a whole different ballgame and the audience knew it. Some describe the style as “progressive” but a better description might be modern Jazz-fusion.

To the audience the Upper Keys event was about the performances. For the performers the event was much more. It was an opportunity to learn about stage production, wiring and concert sound. It was also a chance for these young artists to relax and figure out their identity in a safe environment.

Cooperation and organization were key. Several walk-on performers were inspired by the scheduled acts and joined in the music, resulting in two hours of jamming organized by members of bands and individuals. It was great to see the kids openly sharing their ideas in this forum.

At MoradaPalooza the youth bands’ dedication, professionalism, and talent was a sight to see and hear. The vibe of the day was inspiring – inspiring to other kids to follow their dreams and inspiring to adults who sometimes need to be reminded to resurrect their dreams.

In the spirit of the talent, passion and determination of young artists, of what you believed you could do in your life BEFORE you grew up, and of the tired parents who tolerate the late night basement jam sessions….In the spirit of MoradaPalooza (TODAY – FOUNDER’S PARK AT NOON!www.keysice.com ) we decided to talk to a handful of local musicians about how they got their start in music.

First up? Mike DiMaggio of Stereo Underground.
A horseshoe tournament? Love it!

Q: Were you in a band when you were young? If yes, how old were you?
A: Yes, I was 16.

Q: Who were the other members of the band?
A: My brother Dave and our two friends Jack and Pat.

Q: How did the band get together?
A: We all played instruments so we just started jamming together as friends, then eventually we got gigs.

Q: Where did the band practice?
A: My mom’s basement

Q: Tell us about your first gig? How old were you?
A: I think I was 17. It was an outdoor gig, at a horseshoe tournament. I had never been to a horseshoe tournament and haven’t been to one since. It was strange but a lot of fun.

Q: How has your feeling for performing changed over the years? Less excited, or more, relaxed or do you still get a little nervous or anxious?
A: I used to get very nervous which is not always a bad thing. If you can use that nervous energy in a good way sometimes your performance can benefit from it. Now I don’t really get nervous anymore but I do get anxious a few hours before a show, but once I get there I’m quite relaxed.

Q: What is the secret to keeping a band together? Are you like family or co-workers?
A: Well, I can’t say I really know that secret! I’ve been lucky enough to have my brother in the band, so we’ve always had a partial band even when other band members left for whatever reasons. It’s very difficult to keep a band together, over the years we’ve had lots of different bands.

It’s much like a relationship, each person has to carry some responsibility and be conscious of other people’s feelings. I think the main thing that breaks most bands up is a big ego.

Q: Do you find playing in the Keys is different then playing other places?
A: It’s a little limited in terms of venues or places to play but other than that, not really.

Q: Do you have a favorite song?
A: Not really, I have lots of favorite songs and different parts of songs that I like more than others. I listen to anything and everything to hear what is out there.

Q: Favorite song to play?
A: Honestly, that changes from night to night. Usually it’s a new song for me. I like to add new songs to my sets, it keeps it fresh exciting for me. It also really depends on how well I play a certain song and how it is being received by the audience.

Q: Some people say it is dangerous to turn your passion into your work, would you say this has some draw backs?
A: Well, I did and so far so good. I have the band gigs, acoustic duo gigs with my brother on percussions, and solo acoustic gigs. However, there definitely are drawbacks, and the biggest one is not having having the time to write and record music as often as I would like.

Q: What are your pros and cons about turning your hobby into a professional career?
A: The good thing is making money doing what I love. The bad thing is sometimes treating it as job and losing some of the excitement that made me love it in the first place.

Q: What do you hope the future brings for Stereo Underground?
A:  I hope to get another record finished and released soon, that would be our third record. I just hope to sell more and play more of the songs I write.

Q: What advice would you give to young people just starting out in a band?
A: Don’t give up, have fun with it. Check your ego at the door!

Q: How would you say those early years playing helped you in your later years?
A: It gave me the experience and the confidence to do it professionally.

Find more info about Stereo Underground here;

Website: myspace.com/stereounderground
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Stereo-Underground/99783315052?ref=ts

Mike’s Solo gigs:

Every Tuesday – Acoustic Open Mic Night – Coconuts 7:30 -12am
Every Wednesday and Saturday – Acoustic – Snook’s 5 -9
Every Friday – Acoustic – Outback Steakhouse 5:30 – 9:30

Stereo Underground gigs:

Feb 5, 6, 25, 26, 27 Holiday Isle – Tiki Bar 10pm – 2am
March 13 Ocean Reef Club – Burgee Bar 10pm – 2am

It is cccold here in the Keys but the fire is stoked and the vibes are warm. My little dogs are snuggled next to me in my big chair and I’m excited thinking about what ICE has planned in the near future.

The next big event we are bringing to our South Florida neighbors is MORADAPALOOZA on January 23! This all day concert is a Kids Jam Fest with fresh new music from bands with members all under the age of 21. It is the future of music baby!

This FREE ICE concert is a chance for people of all ages to enjoy these young bands who can’t play in our local bars and clubs. You’ll get a sneak peak into what is happening in the garages, backrooms, and carports of these kids’ homes.

Claudia Miller covered the event for the local press. Here’s the link and an excerpt; http://www.keysnet.com/arts_entertainment/story/175802.html

“Alex Caldwell, a 24-year-old MoradaPalooza veteran, who has gone on to play professionally in several bands, said that he and his friends were having trouble finding venues and wanted a place to perform.

“When we were in high school, we’d get together with the other bands and save money for three months to rent out the Elks Club,” he said. “Dave (Feder) started allowing one kid band to play at BayJam each year, but he didn’t want to have it become unappealing for the older audiences. He came up with MoradaPalooza for us.” There were several MoradaPaloozas, and then it tapered off as many of the participants graduated and went on to professional music careers. A few years ago, the tradition was picked up again, and this year marks the third festival for a new generation of young bands.”

Featured Bands this year include:

• “Inside the Mind of” features an alternative progressive fusion metal style band with a high evolved and surprisingly sophisticated sound. http://www.insidethemindof.net

• “Thunderhead,” a talented classic rock style band.

• “Fiendish Effigy” is a four-man high energy thrash metal band.

• “Xpelled” is a six-person rock/punk/metal band from Homestead.            http://www.thexpelled.com/

If words like thrash metal, alternative progressive fusion and punk scare you, take a chance, expand your horizons and support the talented youth here in your community. Come to the free concert. What do you have to lose? Nothing. What do you have to gain? A better appreciation for the music the future brings. You also have bragging rights. These young musicians are working their butts off and will be BIG one day, and you’ll be able to say I saw them when…

It’s getting chillier and I have to pull my chair a little closer to the fire while I think of what else is coming. I look at the smoke as it lingers out of the wood-burning stove and up to the stars. Speaking of stars, wait ‘til you see what other events ICE is bringing South Florida and the Florida Keys:

• American Shakespeare Center’s Romeo and Juliet – Feb. 6.

• The New York Children’s International Film Festival – Feb. 26 & 27; March 5&6

• Rossini’s La Cenerentola (Cinderella Opera) by the Jacksonville Lyric Opera
8pm, at Coral Shores PAC – March 6

• Bay Jam – March 20

• Dancing with Our Island Stars – March 26 & 27 (tickets on sale now)

Although we dub ICE as cool entertainment just the thought of these events and the good vibes they evoke warms my spirit. I’m sure this surprise cold weather will be gone by January 23 for MoradaPalooza but even if it’s still cold the great music and good crowd will keep us warm. See you at Islamorada Founder’s Park at the beautiful TIB Ampitheater for the Kids Jam Fest.

For more information about ICE and any of these events visit www.keysice.com.