One of our favorite local music events last year was the So Raw Festival, a two-day summer jam that showcased some of the best local and international low-fi, garage, and straight-up rock 'n' roll around. Oh, and did we mention the promoters graciously included free booze with the low, low admission price?
Since then, the loosely affiliated crew has put together a number of sporadic, one-off events — but we're stoked that this weekend marks the 2010 return of the So Raw Festival proper. It's set to take place across two days, this Friday and Saturday, at the new event space the Stage, in the Design District.
Florida bands scheduled to play include favorites such as Heartstrings, Teepee, Electric Bunnies, Slippery Slopes (repping O-Town), and Sexcapades. Confirmed out-of-towners are Shining Path, GULL, and the Barreracudas. Tickets cost $10 a night and, like last year, include all-you-can-drink Naragansett beer and Select vodka.
Last week, the official So Raw pop-up store opened at 155 NE 38th St., across from the shows' venue, local designer Nektar de Stagni's shop. To get amped for the festival, stop there for cigarettes, candies, and various sundries, as well as music and limited-edition T-shirts. It's open Monday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. and will stay put through July. Visit Crossfade, New Times' music blog, at blogs.miaminewtimes.com/crossfade for full So Raw Festival preview coverage.
