Sage Francis and Joe Beats Venue: I/O Night ClubDate: 02/15/04Band Website: http://www.non-prophets.com/
As a part of the Fuck Clear Channel Tour, Sage Francis and Joe Beats of the Non-Prophets, stopped by I/O in downtown Miami for a hardcore hip-hop show. If you are a fan of spoken word poetry and sharp witted word play, then you probably want to check out their new album Hope, released on Epitaph Records. Sage Francis performed a two set show, one was accompanied with bass and acoustic guitar and the other with his DJ Joe Beats. Francis, who hails from Rhode Island, promoted vegetarianism, his dislike of Clear Channel Media Corporation and the political awareness by handing out free CD’s if you registered to vote at the show. Overall, if you are tired of the bling-bling style of the current mainstream rappers, then you will love the emo-lyrical flows of Sage Francis.
Modest MouseVenue: Polish American ClubDate: 02/12/04Band Website: http://www.modestmouse.com
With the release of The Moon and Antarctica, the Seattle indie rock band Modest Mouse makes it first trip to Florida in five years. This latest album is the most widely distributed album ever produced by the four piece band and the fan base is spreading. It was very apparent with the sold out show and the large amount of onlookers who did not purchase advance tickets trying to squeeze in the front door. It was a high-energy show mixed with a jazzy, funky punk rock with a slight hint of blue grass kind of sound. The only down side to the performance was the length, the band only played for an hour. This was due to the fact that the club was filled to capacity and the fire marshal were trying end the evening early. The hour long show was not worth the $20 ticket fee. For anyone who loves indie music, Modest Mouse is definitely a band you should keep an eye out.
The SlackersVenue: ChruchillsDate:02/14/04Band Website: http://www.theslackers.com
If you are a lover of really good ska, then you are a lover of the New York ska band The Slackers. The band just returned from a four week European Tour, to promote their new album, Close My Eyes. This band combines traditional ska, reggae, soul, swing, garage rock, and jazz with a more contemporary style to make an up-beat sound, which makes it hard not to move your feet. The seven piece band had a lively two set performance in which they kept the crowd on their tippy toes without a dull moment. Even though the theme of the show was about love, due to it following on Valentine’s Day, do not let that fool you. They are a hard core ska band, their performance even convinced me to purchase their new CD.
