In Tune: Art Basel Saturday Music Recommendations

There’s this little thing that descends on South Florida during the first week of December. Some might call it a movement –a gathering of sorts, if you will. Others may think of it as celebration.  Its trail is easy enough to follow, but you have to stay sharp; clues can be colorful, extravagant, loud and completely subjective. As you may have guessed, this has nothing to do with a cold front.

Every year, Art Basel takes place throughout various areas of Miami and Miami Beach. For those not familiar with the name, it’s one of the largest and most prestigious art fairs in the United States. Currently in its 10th anniversary, the main event takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center and features the works of over 2,000 artists. In addition to that, various exhibitions, shows, satellite fairs and experiences are hosted in places like Wynwood and the Design District.

Music may not be the first thing you think of when you hear the word art, but the two are definitely intertwined. Music is art projected; through sounds, rhythm and words, artists create something that has the power to inspire, influence and stimulate conversation. The Art Basel music scene has grown tremendously in the last few years, and this weekend, you can expect to see proof of that.

Saturday, Dec. 3

Courtesy of Basel Castel

Basel Castle 2011
Basel Castle isn’t just a concert or performance; it’s an experience. Produced by The Overthrow, it marks the line where art and music meet and then blurs them. But in a really cool way. Like a mini-festival, Basel Castle features contemporary artists, musicians, interactive games, installations, exhibitions and live performances. Wait, did I mention it all actually happens at a castle in the Art District? Well, yeah, it does. The gallery space will be decorated with an installation titled “Exhibits in Collaboration” by Hyundai’s RE:MIX LAB. Basel Castle starts at 5 pm and lasts into the early morning.

Details:
Location – The Overthrow Castle in the Wynwood Art District
Address – 41 NW 20th Street
Age Restrictions – 18+
Time – 5 pm – 4 am
Cost – Free with RSVP before 9 pm and $10 after that time

Visual artists – Ron English, Mike Giant, Sam Flores, Claw Money, Jeremy Fish, Mark Bode, Sean, Desmond, Greg Mike and Oliver Black
Multimedia – Bean Summer and Rony’s Photobooth
Musicians – Yelawolf, The Rapture (DJ set), Penguin Prison, Bad Rabbits, Cris Cab, Ninjasonik, Tamara Sky, Heroes x Villains, Blorr, Damaged Goods and Troy Kurtz

Courtesy of He's My Brother, She's My Sister

He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister
I first came across this band last year when they opened for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale. My friend Caroline and I had looked up some of their music the night before, and we both instantly went crazy over their song “How’m I Gonna Get Back Home Tonight.” The band is co-fronted by brother and sister duo Robert and Rachel Kolar who alternate lead vocals. Rachel has a siren’s voice, one that just pulls you in. But luckily, what she lures you into is toe-tapping and unavoidable swaying. Rob’s voice is deeper, and it makes me think of a time when things were simpler. His singing has a soothing effect. Plus, the harmonies you get when they sing together are swoon-worthy. The rest of the band is made up of Lauren Brown (tap dancing and percussion), Oliver ‘Oliwa’ Newell (upright bass), Aaron Robinson (slide guitar) and Satya Bhabha (cello). At the risk of sounding unprofessional, I just need to say this: I’ve seen Lauren Brown tap dancing, and the girl is fierce and incredibly talented.

There’s very little that’s traditional or standard about this group, and that’s what makes them so special. Their edge comes from a combination of ingenuity, passion and a free-spirited vibe. On their Facebook page, the bad describes their sound as “Flamboyant Folk, Glam-a-billy, Circus Rock, Vaudeville Pop, Cabaret Blues.” You know what I call it? A guaranteed good time. It’s impossible not to fall in love and want to cuddle with them.

Details:
Location – The Vagabond
Address –  30 Northeast 14th Street
Age – I’m pretty sure it’s 18+ females, 21+ males. Don’t quote me on this.
Time – Around 11 pm
Cost – $10

“In Tune” writing and photography by Kathy Paz unless otherwise noted. Contact me at Kathy.Paz@fiusm.com.