Basshead

Yes, the Miami Throwback Tour is something that makes you throw up your hands and cry, "How can something like this happen?" Unfortunately, this city is full of hucksters and con men, self-styled hustlers who consider it their birthright to get over on somebody else. No matter what I write, I am just one of many voices in a tourist town that prides itself on an uncanny ability to cater to rich people and perpetuate celebrity culture. All I can suggest, based on the scant evidence I have, is that people no longer patronize Phatman Promotions' events. But I know that if they were to announce a similar concert in the future, my warnings wouldn't be followed.

Am I a pessimist? No. I've had fun at Mynt, Skybar, and even Mansion (though the bouncers at Mansion tend to be a little too surly for my taste). Sometimes, I'll kick off an evening at one of the South Beach clubs such as Amika, and then finish up the night at a more casual downtown Miami spot such as The District. Other nights, I'll check out a show at Churchill's Pub, then hang out with friends at Marlin Bar.

When I first arrived here two years ago, I was both impressed and cowed by the utter strangeness of South Florida. Today, I still find it a unique and beguiling place. But I am learning how to navigate it as I would any other urban area, full of talented people and unrepentant assholes, which has a lot of growing up to do. In Miami, you have to be an optimist to survive.