FESTIVAL REVIEW: WMNF’s 31st Annual Tropical Heatwave (Plus Top 55 Photos)

By: David Wolfson, Nicole Kibert, Kelley Jackson, Brian Mahar, and Ray Roa When the dust settles after WMNF’s annual bacchanalia of music, food, drink, and friends — aka Tropical Heatwave – it’s clear that the one-day festival (which celebrated its 31st birthday last month) is an irreplaceable asset to the Tampa Bay community.  In essence, the soiree achieves much of what most local promoters try to do year round, which is... Read More

GET LEARNED: SubAp!’s Guide To WMNF Tropical Heatwave 2012

Heatwave is a behemoth.  WMNF’s annual celebration of some of the best and most eclectic music the country has to offer is now in its 31st year and has ballooned way beyond its early days as an event that could be contained at the Cuban Club alone.  In 2012, WMNF’s Tropical Heatwave has expanded to include 14 different stages spread across 11 different venues.  Hell, it even has its own beer now. WMNF’S 31ST ANNUAL TROPICAL HEATWAVE:... Read More

LOOK: John Vanderslice at CL Space 09.02.11

I mean how can you not like this guy? How can you not like a guy who speaks so highly of his mom in front of a bunch of people he doesn’t even know (that’s her that he’s calling in the photo above), kindly shares the stage and the spotlight with the local opening band for a number of songs, sings a duet with an audience member for D.I.A.L.O., and invites the crowd to come see his studio if they’re ever in San Francisco. Certainly... Read More

LOOK: Alexander & The Grapes at CL Space 09.02.11

So this was my first time seeing Alexander & The Grapes, and in hindsight, I don’t know what took me so long. I was certainly impressed. They have a sense of yearning & longing that comes through in some of their songs that is reminiscent of much of David Bazan’s stuff. And with a lead singer that looks so much like the Listener, how can you go wrong? See for yourself below. LOOK: JOHN VANDERSLICE AT CL SPACE 09.02.11 Next... Read More