As humans we’ve spent the majority of our existence looking for answers; and although things got a little convoluted along the way I think they’re starting to get untangled. I recently watched the Quantum Communications documentary by James Law and David B Sereda, and thought I’d pass it along. Although this isn’t what I usually write about, I think there’s some pretty powerful stuff here that we should all know about, or at least have the option to know about. It provides a scientific breakdown of our place in the universe and the power of the heart and mind. It’s about two-and-a-half hours long, but totally worth every second. Enjoy.

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We’re on this adventure together,
Natology

As we continue on this adventure through the evolution of thought, we see the importance of language and finding a distinct voice. That is because the dialogue that is happening right now is writing about a particular time in history. I am continually awed by my friends and how they are participating in this conversation. Speaking of which, my homie Kiki Valdes has developed a new language that merges expressionist art and contemporary culture.

The Valdaziacs presented by Michael Margulies Artist Agency is a solo exhibition about human complexities, layers, and process as told by cats like Ren & Stimpy. Kiki uses 90s cartoon references to create an air of nostalgia that is a point of familiarity amidst an abstract story. His paintings are presented as a study that’s curated to show the process and evolution of thought. Basic shapes and curves hold it down on consistency while the paintings reflect complete and incomplete thoughts. Despite the layering and delayering of ideas, the work comes from a radically humble perspective that allows it to reach a wide audience. Excited to see where this whole thing will go, I have a feeling it’s going to be pretty big. If you’re in Miami, you have until May 9th to check out his show in the Design District at 101 Exhibit Gallery.

In the late 70s and early 80s, the disco craze and emergence of contemporary club culture manifested itself in the Omni Hotel just north of Downtown Miami. The name of the party was Scaramouche, hosted by local legend Bo Crane and commandeered by resident DJ, Joe Lenders. This members only affair hosted some of the biggest names in the disco scene and set the pace for Miami nightlife as a clubland mecca.

With a firm grasp on the roots of dance music and its legacy, along with a keen sense for emerging talent, Nightdrive Miami is bringing back the spirit of the discotheque. As a monthly bash at Miami’s premier dance club The Vagabond, Scaramouche will host the world’s freshest rhythms from the best in contemporary disco and house music. Sponsored by South Florida Ford, Scaramouche is the first music installment of the Fordistas movement, a platform of expression and growth for emerging local artists.

To kick off this inaugural event, New York City’s live disco quartet Midnight Magic will headline supported by a debut live DJ set by emerging Miami producers Dude Skywalker. The event will also be the official launch of Dude Skywalker’s Feel Good EP, presented by Nightdrive Miami and South Florida Ford, featuring a local all-star selection of remixes by Lazaro Casanova, Panic Bomber, RZZLR, CHALK., and Benedikt Hammer. Also performing will be local DJs and disco connoisseurs Laura of Miami, Patrick Walsh, Ess & Emm, and Stravinsky.

For party info and to download Dude Skywalker’s Feel Good EP, visit Fordistas.com

Will is more being than human. He understands life a little differently than most people, which gives him a point of view for a story worth telling. There’s a deep connection to nature and mother earth, alongside technology as his form of expression. William Ismael, also known as WILLPOWER, is an LA artist who documents his lifestyle through coding, programing, design, music, and projection. Will’s recent body of work consists of fully immersive and interactive installations based on movement and sound. He converts spaces into living worlds where pixels meet sacred geometry and pictures are painted through his audience and their moves.

His lifestyle embodies that of a bodhisattva in the twenty first century. A well dressed vagabond with a raw vegan diet based on hyperlocal produce. Will describes himself as an Urban Warrior, which he defines as someone living in an urban environment that is conscious of pollutants and takes action to enhance their mental, physical, and spiritual health. There’s a lot of layers to WILLPOWER, most of which I’m still discovering and I’m happy to be on that adventure. WILLPOWER is one of the first artists I’m showing for my new position as curator for Product/81 Gallery in Wynwood Miami. Please stop by this Saturday April 13th from 7pm-10pm for the opening of Fordista XI: Color Warriors, where WILLPOWER takes you on a visual journey through the mind of a child with Autism.

by WhyAreYouAreEye

How many emerging visual artists really get the chance to expand on their writing skills? I am not sure about the answer, but when I asked some artists around town, not many replied affirmatively. Which is why I was very impressed and excited when I saw that The ArtCenter South Florida was offering a “Writing an Effective Artist Statement Workshop” in their facilities located on 924 Lincoln Road.

The Workshop was run by the ArtCenter’s director herself, Susan Caraballo. The cost for the course for a non-member was $40 and for members $30 with a 5 hour length. This was a chance not only to learn a few tips on writing a statement, but also a chance to sit and speak with other emerging artists; much like a support group.

Susan hopes to introduce this sort of program to local artists, which both her and I feel are lacking in the current art community in Miami. The following workshop titled “Demystifying The Art of Proposal Writing” will take place on April 13th. It will focus on writing proposals for art grants and fellowships. In addition, the participants will be asked to fill out a mock application, and the winner will get a 1 year free membership with The ArtCenter, which grants 10% discounts for any classes or workshops, exclusive invitations and access to member events and artists talks and more. The Center also offers classes in drawings, photography, printmaking, fibers/textiles and jewelry/mosaics.

If you are looking to expand your artistic vocabulary visually or in writing visit their website http://www.artcentersf.org to get more information.

By John Hood

It might be cliche to say cliches are cliches for a reason, but don’t think for a moment that means every reason is itself a cliche. Take Jimbo’s Shrimp Shack (aka Jimbo’s Place), which could well have been created to fit the phrase “they don’t make ‘em like they used to”. Same goes for the joint’s proprietor, one James “Jimbo” Luznar. Thing is, in this case “they” didn’t make anything; unless you count making way for Jimbo to be Jimbo. Lucky for us all that “they” did so too, because there’s no way Miami would ever have become such a kaleidoscopic metropolis were it not for the man and his eponymous place in the sun.

 This ain’t hyperbole either. Founded back in 1954 at the end of a hard-to-find road on an abused inlet of Virginia Key when its beach was “For Coloreds Only”, Jimbo’s was pure open door from get. Any creed, any color, any tribe, any time — if you made your way to Jimbo’s, you got greeted with a handshake and smile.

What’s amazing is that Jimbo got away with it way back then. Remember this was well before the Supreme Court enforced desegregation and Castro inadvertently put a cool Cuban skip to our collective step; when Morris Lapidus could build The Fontainebleau, but Jews still couldn’t get into most Miami Beach country clubs; and when the likes of Ella and Duke and Billie not only weren’t permitted to stay in the places where they played, Blacks couldn’t even cross the causeways without a “pass”.

Jimbo’s, in contrast, existed in a space and time all its own — and all of its namesake owner’s kaleidoscopic creation, right up until 2012. Whether it was the beer and bocce and barbecue, or the way-outta-the-way location; or something as simple and infectious as Jimbo’s own wide smile, that creation did as much to put Magic into our City as anything — and anyone.  Of course Jimbo wasn’t just anyone; still isn’t just anyone either. Rather he’s one in a long line of singular Miamians who’ve shown that those who care a little less about loot and a little more about life, might indeed reap even greater reward.

On Sunday, at Gramps, amid what will undoubtedly be a packed house, Jimbo will be celebrating his 86th birthday. There will be beer, there will be bocce, there will even be smoked fish. Mostly though (hope hope), there will be Jimbo, offering a wide smile and a candid handshake to all and sundry, and for one night at least, we can all again be Miamians — and all Miamians can be friends.

Robert Burr, who’s “been the public voice for Jimbo’s since back in the early ‘90s”, fills us in on the man,  the myth, and the legend — and what promises to be another of Jimbo’s legendary birthday parties.

For the few too new in town to know, just who is Jimbo?

Jimbo is an old sea captain that came to Miami after a stint in the Merchant Marine back in the 1940s. He set up a shrimping business on Biscayne Bay, but had to move when the Miami Herald building took over the waterfront near 15th street 50 years ago. The City of Miami gave Jimbo several choices of where he could go and he chose the end of the road on Virginia Key, aside a quiet little lagoon. Over the years his place became popular with boaters, fishermen and locals who enjoyed hanging out in this natural, out-of-the-way location. Then movie companies discovered the place, along with photographers, television shows and music video producers.

Why’d Jimbo’s have to close?

Jimbo passed his prime after the 80th birthday and slowed down on his activity, allowing his sons to take a more active role in operating the place. Eventually, the risks outweighed the rewards and the family decided to give the life-long lease back to the City of Miami.

What was it about his eponymous spot that made it so hot all those years?

Jimbo’s place was unusual in that you could just go there and enjoy taking it easy with no agenda, no expensive overhead or cost to relax there. People had picnics, played bocce ball, sat around and met up with friends to enjoy some quality time or do nothing at all. They bought some $1 beer, ate some of Jimbo’s famous smoked fish and enjoyed live music on the weekends.

Got a highlight or three that might best exemplify the joint’s renown and notoriety?

That’s a tough one, but I suppose the most auspicious example would be Bebe Rebozo asking then-President Nixon to intercede when the City of Miami wouldn’t give Jimbo a liquor license. I would’ve loved to have been there when Jimbo thanked Tricky Dick for “straightening out that deal with the beer”.

Wouldn’t you say Jimbo’s annual bday bash also did much to make the place so legendary?

Who else throws a party on their birthday and buys a truck full of free beer for their friends? The parties started out with a few dozen close friends who brought covered dishes and such. Everyone was welcome, so it became popular to invite all your friends. Jimbo likes meeting new people, so the more the merrier. That kind of attitude is infectious so over the years, Jimbo gained a lot of friends. He just loves meeting new people. I would say this kind of heartfelt attitude earned him a remarkable degree of great appreciation and loyalty and camaraderie.

Do you see a similar confluence of crazy cool assembling at Gramps for Jimbo’s 86th?

Yes, the idea of a party to honor Jimbo rings true for many of his devoted fans. It’s a reflection of his “everyone is welcome” attitude. Jimbo does not judge. He likes everyone. He’s happy to know you and be your friend. That kind of attitude results in a brand of friendship that people take to heart. When the word goes out about a party for Jimbo, people go to great lengths to participate.

Who all is in on the action and how’d it come to go down at Gramps?

It was sad times when I sent out notices that Jimbo’s place was being bulldozed by the city. People are anxious to hear some good news. I called Adam Gersten, who saved a lot of the stuff from Jimbo’s before it was destroyed and had taken all these mementos to Gramps. Adam thought it was a great idea to honor Jimbo with something special, and when we sent to a note announcing a party to celebrate Jimbo’s 86th birthday, the buzz spread rather quickly. Adam started a Facebook page for the event and it’s helped everyone to communicate their feelings towards Jimbo and his friends. Captain Greg, a great fish smoker like Jimbo, wanted to get involved and he created a special fish dip called “Jimbo’s 86″ with sweet jalapeños which is amazing.

Any last words of advice for those intending on helping ol’ Jimbo blow out all those candles come Sunday?

Just come by and keep your fingers crossed Jimbo feels good enough join the celebration, because it will be great to see him get to say hello to many of his old friends — and as always — to meet a few new ones, just like he’s been doing around these parts for more than 65 years.

Jimbo’s 86th Birthday Party takes place coincident with the Official Closing Party of the Heineken Transatlantic Festival Sunday April 7th at Gramps. Beer, Bocce, BBQ, Bullshitt’n and live music by Beat Machines, Loose Cannons, and other special guests.

 By John Hood

All Photos Kaitlin Parry aka Shoot People

The bash had South Beach throwback written all over it. But its dash was as up-to-the-minute as tomorrow-makers get.

There was the blast of SMAC’s Home Cookin’ back when the go-to was Groove Jet and the lads all lept with Hollertronix, the rage that gave NFA its day and age when the spill was all Liquid and the stage succumbed to Schoolly D, and the polyglot bop which put the snap-crackle-pop in spots such as Shabeen (when Chris Blackwell was still lurking about) and Stephen Talkhouse (when Yellowman night run into Mario Bauza).

It also had the same what-it-takes as all the other most memorable events to have ever taken place during the annual bacchanal once known simply as WMC. That is, it was a quasi-outlaw, officially unofficial throwdown potent enough to have the hearts of 24-hour party people skipping to beats they’d never forget.

We’re talkin’ ‘bout the good-natured dustup that went down on Day 2 of Bed Head Hotel, that presto-bango hotspot which popped up atop The Gale over the last wild weekend of what is now (almost) universally known as Miami Music Week. The one where Diplo and a gang of co-conspiros roused a crowd to a once-in-a-lifetime high that not only touched the clouds, it threatened to blow out the very sky itself.

Coiffed together by a Big Bad Apple outfit known as UG Strategies, who teamed with Jays of Sweden, DBest of London, Elektro Daily and Mobile by Coinduit, the Mad Decent Bed Head began on a crescendo and rose from there. Then again any one-off which finds singular sensations such as The Partysquad, Walshy Fire and Jillionaire raising stakes alongside the one-and-only Diplo is bound to make the singularly sensational seem downright soarful indeed!

By definition Wayward is the way of the traveler; the one that’s in it for the adventure. Destination is a relative space and in this particular story it’s a bifocal path made for riders. Motorcycle riders that is. Wayward is a menswear collection developed by Los Angeles designer and motorist, Sam Adegoke. It’s a collection made from a sharp style influenced by a lineage of West African tailors, the edge of a well traveled gentleman, and the consciousness of a rider. In other words, it’s a premium line of denim and leather designed to keep our dapper riders safe. Not mad at that. My vote is on enhancing the safety and lifespan of well-dressed men.

Sam’s vision is two-fold. Alongside Wayward is the Helmet Project, a non-profit that focuses on improving rider safety in developing countries. The Helmet Project will launch in West Africa this year, bringing education, equipment, and advocacy to Liberia. His first destination is as calculated as the abrasion resistant lining of his garments. Transitioning from the end of a civil war in 2003, Liberia is in the hands of the first female black president and is well on its way towards rebuilding a nation that could very well shape a continent. There is an intrinsic camaraderie amongst riders and Sam is building a movement that connects across the socio-economic spectrum. I’ll be writing a lot more about Wayward, the Helmet Project, and a Natology collaboration in the months to come. In the meantime, here are shots fromWayward’s launch at ConceptLA.

By Yuri Tuma

What is the philosophy behind a “concept store?” After speaking with Alessandra Gold, a Miami fashion designer from Brazil and owner of Alessandra Gold Concept Store, the answer became very clear and business forward.

In one big retail space, Alessandra manages to fit fashion designs (clothes, shoes and accessories) from over 50 emerging designers, in which half are Miami locals. Under the same roof she also runs a photography studio used for fashion editorials styled by her team, utilizing the talent she represents. Part of the concept is to have a place where designers can sell and showcase their products, but also promote them with a fashion specific public relations effort. But it doesn’t end there. Upstairs from the showroom , she runs a branding, consulting and wholesaling agency representing seven different brands, including her own fashion line.

This past Thursday, Alessandra Gold Concept Store celebrated their 1 year anniversary with a silent auction benefitting The Lotus House and a very special performance by Jamaican reggae artist Cecile.

If you are looking for a fresh shopping eye, an awesome fashionable gift or an all in one styling PR photo studio branding agency, you should visit immediately. They are located at 3326 N. Miami Ave. You can also find Alessandra Gold Concept Store products in retailers like The Shoe Gallery in downtown Miami and The Archive in Ft. Lauderdale.

Speaking of lone rangers wearing cowboy hats in rugged landscapes shot vertically, the Richard Prince exhibition reminded me a lot of my friend David Tamargo’s Urban Hunter. David and I went to school together, and I will forever be a fan of the way this guy can shoot a landscape. Long exposures, Leica 35mm film, color and dark rooms made David the artist he is today. I’m happy to see such a strong correlation between his recent work and that of Prince’s. Not that it surprises me, but it’s always inspiring to see these types of connections. They’ve got their finger on the pulse of something, and I think David’s got a good story to tell.

Urban Hunting is the bigger picture, it focuses on creating and documenting situational fantasy where Tamargo and his characters hunt/interact with man-made animal sculptures found in urban environments. The Urban Hunter, which he developed two years ago for an Art Basel solo exhibition with Fordistas and Product81,  focuses on the main character of the story. He’s shot vertically and almost identical in composition as Richard Prince’s Cowboys. There’s an interesting similarity between the two, including an element that inspires fashion.  If friends are a reflection of who we are and how we think, then I couldn’t be more honored to be a friend and a fan. I’ll leave you with his perspective on Urban Hunting and a taste of his work. Pay attention to the composition, lighting, color and saturation in his night shots. There’s a whole lot of magic happening in there.