Last-Minute Show Alert: Jacobs Ladder and Anthony Green at Culture Room Tonight

But more seriously, tonight is all about rocking out at Culture Room, but backed by serious skills. Green only collaborates with players with serious chops, so Jacobs Ladder's opening slot is a good fit. The Miami Beach High-bred trio got their start as part of that school's locally famous jazz band program, and the years of formal training show. 

A Jacobs Ladder song may wander from punk to prog to jazz to reggae and back in just a few minutes, but all of it anchored by super-tight playing. Bassist Sammy Gonzalez, for instance, is also a classical guitar player and teacher of the kiddies in his spare time! 

Alright, so I've been hyping these guys for years now over on the Miami New Times site because their blend of slightly nerdy musicianship with a major pop sensibility seems poised for some crossover power. After years of self-booked national tours, the band has finally scored a real national PR deal, just criss-crossed the country again, and recorded a new EP in L.A. (the you've-made-it music industry hive!) called Back to Life.

The official release party is at their hometown spot, Churchill's, on April 8, but they'll air out some of the new material, as well as old fan favorites like "White Magic," tonight in the 954 at Culture Room. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and tickets to the all-ages show cost $12. 3045 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale. 954-564-1074; cultureroom.net