The Scenestress

Way back in April of ‘09, a commenter at CLSarasota.com just could not believe I had missed some band called No Fraud play a show (sound familiar?). Being a 20-something Sarasota-transplant, I’d never heard of No Fraud, who were, according to Mr. Cakemangler, responsible for ”the best early Florida punk/hardcore recording ever released.” Well then.

I went about the business of writing my column despite this egregious oversight until the chance for redemption came: No Fraud. Is back. In Sarasota. OMG! The irony is too delicious to ignore and so on Friday night I am dressed in boots and black — with a touch of hot pink — and heading to Pastimes Pub to partake in my first real punk rock show.

I’m running a little late, as usual, so I quickly give my $5 cover to Big Leon at the door and rush to get a view of the stage. Suddenly, I am fully in the pit, pushing and shoving and trying to stay vertical long enough to cross the room. It definitely gets my adrenaline going and when I find to a safe spot and stop to take in the stage I understand. Lead singer Dan Destructo grips the microphone like he’s making love to it (albeit violently) and shouts, sings and chants while the guitars and drums thrash behind him. The dudes in the pit take in the energy from the band and crash into one another with their own ebb and flow. It’s chaotic, it’s loud, it’s raw and it’s real. Photos and Interview with Dan Destructo after the jump!

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The Wienermobile, photo by James De Mass

Well, the Ketel was certainly flowing on Saturday, but on Sunday morning the sunshine was prying apart my curtains and telling me to get up, go out and do something on this beautiful day. Who am I to ignore that call, especially after weeks of chilly days and downright cold temps at night? I got a friend, a blanket, and some snacks at Publix and hit the bay-front park off 14th St. to bask in the sunshine for the few hours it lasted.

I wasn’t the only one enjoying the brief change in weather as evidenced via my Facebook feed: People were thrilled to get outside for the Downtown art fair both Saturday and Sunday — even the Oscar-Mayer Wienermobile was out around town; I kept seeing it pop up in photos too. We’ll see if the weather lasts but it seems as if spring is sproinging in Sarasota, and season is finally actually starting. Certainly the success of the first-of-its-kind Noise Ordinanace CD Release Party is a sign of more good things to come. Read the rest of this entry »

I’m in Miami (bitch) for Super Bowl XLIV and started the weekend off on Thursday night with dinner at STK, where the Kardashian sisters also happened to be dinning, dressed in Herve Leger. Wow, short, tight dresses on Kardashians? Who’da thunk it?

While the ‘Dash sisters headed to neighboring hotspot Coco Deville, I bopped down the street to the GQ Party at the Bud Light Hotel, where what’s usually the Doubletree Surfcomber Hotel has been taken over by the Budweiser marketing gurus and turned into a beery extravaganza, down to the monogramed towels and mints. The party was a bit of a sausage-fest, aside from the paid hostesses shakin’ it in little tiny shiny dresses. Chart-topper T-Pain arrived shortly after I did with a twelve-deep blinged-out posse, and I am sad to report that I did not recognize the singer and failed to snap a photo. I thought he always wore a big stupid top hat.

Anyway, I watched T-Pain “DJ” from the VIP lounge with retired footballer Clayton “Vince” Holmes and his big shiny diamond Super Bowl ring until I couldn’t stand the hype man cutting into the beats anymore and got the hell out of there. Check out all my photos from night one after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

We’ve gone through a lot together in ’09. Looking back at my first year as your resident night-life-style writer, I must say it’s been quite a ride. I’ve discovered some fun at local watering holes, rubbed elbows with celebrities and (arguably) mastered the art of iPhone photography. Way back in January my column debuted with a visit to Soap, the monthly indie dance party, which set the tone for what I would be doin’ for y’all: seeking out the coolest and craziest stuff Sarasota has to offer. I was surprised to find no shortage of cool and crazy in this town, despite our rep as an over-sized seaside retirement community.

Regular faves like Horsefeathers’ biweekly Drag Queen Bingo never failed to entertain, with a barrage of inappropriate language alongside a healthy dose of gambling, and the other corners of Sarasota’s own little Bermuda triangle also kept me busy (including one memorable ladies’ night at the now-defunct Esca). In May I familiarized myself with all Southside Village has to offer, making some new friends and crawling into the office the next day with one helluva hangover. I also hit the beaches for margaritas at the little-known Lido Key Tiki Bar and a Sunday pool party at The Colony organized by Klauber dynasty offspring. Read the rest of this entry »

Miami is one colorful city, and not just because of Art Basel. The “most important art show in the United States” has become so large since its inception in 2002 that numerous satellite fairs have popped up all over the Miami area. Only a weekend browsing it all will tell the difference between the official show and the outsiders.

After strolling just 20 feet into the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Basel epicenter, I am dazzled by the swirl of it all. The giant white walls stamped with masses of color transport me to a strange world, one inhabited exclusively by elegant people carrying designer handbags, with the soft hum of their many different languages hanging in the air. Read the rest of this entry »

Bullshit there’s nothing to do in Sarasota.

If I have one concept to impart in my weekly time with each of you it is this: The scale and scope of happening hotness in this town continues to impress me, and we have those of you who are getting out there and making it happen to thank for that. Last week in particular, those awesome folks were numerous and varied. Let’s start at the beginning, shall we?

Monthly dance party Soap has become something of a guilty pleasure for me. Guilty because Wednesday morning at the office after a night downing PBRs and whomping it up with Skiffle & Co. is generally a particularly tough concept. On this particular Tuesday, however, due to the Thanksgiving holiday, I secured a glorious Wednesday off. “It’s party time,” my pink hoop earrings seemed to be saying, so I plugged them in and headed to the Cabana for an extra-special Soap with musical guest Gil Mantera’s Party Dream, all the way from Ohio. Read the rest of this entry »

There’s another new kid on the block of the downtown Sarasota dining scene….and this one may have a chance. On Wednesday I attended the media preview launch of the First Street Chop House, formerly Arosa, on the corner of First Street and Pineapple, and was pleased with what I saw.

Upon arrival a nice young man led me upstairs to the reception while sharing a little history about the building, which was actually built in 1926 and was at one time, among other things, a gentlemen’s club. A server greeted me promptly to offer a drink, after which I greeted a few other Loaf-ers and played spot-the-rival-media-groups (I tallied a few from SRQ Magazine and The Observer, with whom I very politely shook hands when introduced). Read the rest of this entry »

I’m finally, mostly recovered from  last weekend and ready to hit the town. My night begins at Selva Grill, for a real proper dinner and date. After a slew of hard work at the paper during Best Of, I’ve earned a gift certificate to the upscale Peruvian restaurant, and while I’d drank at Selva several times before, I’d never actually enjoyed a meal there.

Contemporary art and low light set the mood at Selva. My date and I spend a short time waiting at the bar during which Sir Steve helps me choose a delicious martini made with Chambord, vanilla vodka, and champagne (the “French”). Vinny Sizemore, local playboy and owner of denim destination Stitch Boutique pops by with air kisses, and I politely wait before he is out of ear shot before turning to my date to tell him I’ve spotted a rival local girlie blogger sporting a very staid hot-pink pashmina/LBD combo. Ha. I always knew I was better…dressed. Read the rest of this entry »

Yes, please!

The boyfriend and I were looking for a light, late dinner and after discussing the available options downtown we agreed to brave the unknown at Main Street Oyster Bar. I used to love to hang out at the restaurant that was Zoria but had yet to check out the new place. First, let’s get one thing straight — MSOB is not inexpensive. That wouldn’t be a big deal if it hadn’t been advertised as such. Definitely hit up the Oyster Bar during happy hour, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., when oysters and martinis are half price. Nevertheless, the overall dining experience was quite enjoyable: I got my nice, light dinner, ran into the fashionable mother and father of a friend, and spent lots of time gabbing with co-proprietor Arthur “Buddy” Lopes.

Aside from the beautiful bar and capable menu, Arthur himself had always been a draw for me, so it’s very nice to see him back out on the floor of the restaurant. After I finished my calamari, Arthur sat down with us for a while to discuss his backyard garden, the changes at the restaurant, and that one time he dated the Jewish-Italian mayor of Providence, R.I. (“the sex was great but I’m not looking to be the first lady, okay!”). Another highlight of the evening at Main Street Oyster Bar was when server John stopped by to tell me that he was a fan of my work. “To what work are you referring?” I asked with a wink. All in all, the only thing I’ll miss about Zoria was meeting my favorite bartender in the handicap bathroom when I needed to make a “purchase”, but as they say, all good things must come to an end. Read the rest of this entry »