MP3 of the Day: “Sorrow” by Jim Wurster

Jim Wurster is one of the best almost-kept secrets of the South Florida singer-songwriter world, a leading light of a micro-scene that revolves around small venues like the Luna Star Cafe. While his artist bio may be given to, shall we say, hyperbole, this much is true: Once upon a…

Throwback Tuesdays: Phil Spitalny – “What’s the Use?”

Today’s throwback comes from wayyyy back in the way-back machine’s gears: 1930, when Phil Spitalny’s orchestral jazz compositions were pop hits. It’s hard to imagine a time before popular music was splintered into a thousand different subgenres, but think about it: Beyond classical and real folk traditions, there was basically…

Miami Social Cast Member Brings Us “The Wearable Towel”

So which cast member of Bravo’s upcoming docu-soap Miami Social has the most embarrassing past? Hardy Hill, who did some softcore porn or Ariel Stein who’s busy promoting the Wearable Towel?Stein’s is vice-president of 20/20 Vision Management, based on Fisher Island, and we just got a press release from the…

Friday Food Funnies

No theme this week — just a random sampling.I went to a restaurant that serves ‘breakfast at any time’. So I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance. ~Steven WrightWhen I go to a restaurant, I always ask for a chicken and an egg to see which comes first. ~UnknownWhen a…

Miami Social Cast Officially Unveiled

As we were the first to report, Bravo officially announced the details of its upcoming “docusoap” Miami Social yesterday. And to think, Lesley Abravanal said it would never happen. Bravo has the official website for the series up, and it’s our first chance to get a look at the official cast…

Peel the Vote ’09: Luis Morse for Miami Commish

Today, Banana Republican begins a weekly series assessing candidates running for various municipal elected offices this year. Let’s turn our attention to the District 3 city commission race in Miami, where we have seven contenders vying to replace Joe Sanchez, who is running for mayor. The district includes the affluent Roads…

Gerard Jean Juste: A Miami Hero

Jerry Jean Juste spent time in jail in Haiti. He brought together Miami’s troubled expatriate Haitian community in its most troubled hour. He hated no one — at least publicly — not even  When he winked at you, it was as if the skies had opened. He died yesterday of…

Letters from the Issue of May 28, 2009

First Came the Greyhounds Balanced: Michael J. Mooney’s May 21 story “Track Star” was incredible. You had me in tears. You were so good about showing both sides of the story. And if it does upset the industry, I’m fine with that! Please kiss Jailamony for me. (But I still…

Black vs. White, Miami Remains the Same

Just got back from the Spence-Jones Vindication Show in Overtown. The thunderstorms had just subsided outside the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church at 301 NW 9th Street. But inside Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones’ angry voice boomed throughout the cavernous assembly hall. She was flanked by 30 to 40 supporters.”It’s been almost…

Notes from the Soundboard: Famous Fathers and Sons

Notes from the Soundboard is a new column appearing weekly on Crossfade,  focused on pop music’s history and ongoing evolution. Lee Zimmerman shares insights and observations on how music continues to connect with the weirdness of the world. Click here to read past installments.”It’s not time to make a change,…

Archive Diver: The Four Tops at China Club on May 25, 1988

Archive Diver is diggin in the crates for  New Times content from days gone by. We’ll be bringing you everything from fliers, to articles, to whatever throwbacks got something to do with anything.This week, check out promotion for a May 25 and 26, 1988 show by the Four Tops at…