Michael Christmas play SubAp!'s 1-year anniversary at New World Brewery in Ybor City, Fla. on Feb. 11, 2012. | Photo by: Nicole Kibert ©

All photos by Nicole Kibert

By the time Criminal Culture hit the stage on Saturday, New World was already buzzing with people.  They could’ve been hangers on from the venue’s regular Saturday clientele, or they might have been one of the many friends that each band brought to Eighth Avenue’s finest watering hole, but it didn’t matter.  That first bright, ringing, distorted chord of Criminal Culture’s performance set the evening in motion, and they — along with Feral Babies and Michael Christmas — would not look back.

Maybe it was the invigorating (aka cold) chill in the air, but the energy was palpable and is a testament to the enthusiasm that each individual brings to the Bay area’s vibrant music community.  They came to SubAp!’s 1-year anniversary, but their presence was less about a website and so much more about getting off their asses (like they always do), going out, and seeing their friends (and strangers) play the music that makes all of our lives more meaningful. We were very pleased to debut our new photo book showcasing Tampa Bay music… click the link below to get your very own copy!

LOOK: THE ABCs OF TAMPA BAY MUSIC PHOTO BOOK

The good ol’ day-to-day is sometimes trite, and excuses to give in to the grind are available in bundles, but seeing all of the smiling faces and warm bodies bundled up in FL winter gear was heartwarming for sure.  From the seasoned, blunt observations of Feral Babies’ Justin Arnold, to the boundless energy of Criminal Culture, to one of the finest young bands in the Tampa Bay area — Michael Christmas — absolutely crushing it to close out the evening, it felt like a success.

LOOK: FERAL BABIES AT NEW WORLD BREWERY 02.11.12
LOOK: CRIMINAL CULTURE AT NEW WORLD BREWERY 02.11.12 

Thanks to the bands for wanting to play the party, and thanks to New World Brewery and ThxMgmt for making it happen.  Thanks to Cafe Hey for making the delicious pop rock cupcakes, and more importantly THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR COMING OUT and eating them.  We hope that you continue to enjoy SubAp!’s bloggery, and we hope we can all do it again next year.  Until then, have a look at some shots from Michael Christmas’ set below as well as links to sets from Feral Babies and Criminal Culture.

With Gratitude,

- SubAp! Staff

p.s. The photobooth photos aren’t developed just yet but we will let you know when they are fully processed and posted!