Before there were 8-tracks, cassette tapes, compact discs, or MP3s, vinyl ruled Miami.
Throughout the 1950s, Dade County's coin-operated juke boxes were run by the Mafia. Old-school Minneapolis gangster Sam Taran was a key figure. He and his cronies set up shop in every hotel lobby, shine shack, whorehouse, and dive bar from Miami Beach to Goulds.
A shiny dime bought you two songs -- just long enough for a barroom brawl, knife fight, dry martini, or a quickie with a hooker.
Meanwhile, department stores like the old Burdines on Flagler, and an appliance retailer called Philpitt's were just about the only place the average Joe could buy those golden sounds. Record stores hadn't really been invented yet.
Throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, albums were huge, culturally and physically. The cover of a long-player was big enough to roll 10 fatties, smash a rail, or count out a month's worth of Quaaludes. Plus, the record sleeve was a work of art, like a souvenir for buying the music.
On January 14, an active roster of professional vinyl junkies -- DJs Induce, Benton, Mr. Brown, and Manuvers -- pay tribute to the world's greatest musical storage medium at Workshop Collective. The party also features a live set by Miami's meanest rock 'n' roll canines, Talking
Dogs.
Pop Up Record Store with DJs Induce, Benton, Mr. Brown, and Manuvers. Special live performance by Talking Dogs. Saturday, January 14. Workshop Collective, 171 NW 23rd St., Miami. The party starts at 7 p.m. and ends at 11. Admission is free. Call 305-573-4141 or visit workshopcollective.com.
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