Brendan Eldom

Tony Turbo teaching at DRUMS

The word "drums" doesn't just stand for those round things you hit to make noise in a circle under the full moon, anymore. Not in Fort Lauderdale, at least. Nope. Nowadays, DRUMS indicates "Dancers Raw Underground Music Session," a free dance class that incorporates percussive elements, worldwide cultural moves and sounds, and your body. DRUMS offers every kind of movement you can think of, from Zumba to yoga, to capoeira to dancehall.

Each class starts with a half hour of proper instruction, then continues to freestyle dancing, where you can bust any move, pop, lock, whatever. "The concept of this half hour class is to expose different ideas of movement, as well as open the minds of our youth and give them positive outlets for expression," says Brendan Eldom, founder of the Oceans Deep music label and, this, the House of DRUMS.

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Pedro Leon with SkYp3r Photography

Thousands of years ago, ancient Celtic and Germanic civilizations celebrated the first day of May -- a month eventually named for Roman fertility goddess Maia - with dancing, drinking, and general merriment. Christians came along and kind of ruined the whole pagan thing, but the tradition of May Day festivities survived.

Fast forward about fifteen centuries to 2013, and we're still getting down and dirty to usher in the warmer days of Springtime. Even though May Day has officially passed, Hypnotic Productions happily announced their eighth-annual Maydaze event at Club Cinema. Bass, lasers, and dancing beauties will all honor yet another joyous season of fertility.
They know that it's the fans that make their party dreams come true, and in order to please them, they must continually top each prior party with more lights, more sounds, and more energy.

"We always try to bring something unique and different to the table," said organizer and headliner Danny "DJ Xta-C" Colica.

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youheardthatnew.com

It's been 10 years in the making, but rappers Bishop and MeRCY have finally delivered a collaborative project. The two best friends released a full-length, My Brother's Keeper, in April. What was originally intended to be only a mixtape, resulted in 14 clean tracks with an addictive old school sound.

New Times spoke with the two about their friendship, how they keep each other in check, and who's the better rapper.

New Times: How good of friends are you two?
Bishop: We've known each other for 11 years, and I would say our friendship is significant. MeRCY is probably my best friend.

Mercy: The way we first met was college. It was some type of elective class, probably public speaking. I was writing raps. I see Bishop behind me, I didn't know at the time, but he was writing raps at the same time. So I turned around and said, "Yo, you rap nigga?" The same way he was writing his raps was similar to mine. Ever since then that's where it started.

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Punk is back, suckas!

While mainstream punk may be sleeping or in a deep coma, it is the underground scene that is still poppin'. A prime example of that thriving undergrowth is Fort Lauderdale band the 707's, composed of Casidy Moser, Josh Young, Shaun Meyer, and DC. The 707's play what they describe as "fast punk rock 'n' roll." And what you hear on their recent EP, 9 to 5, out on Hated for Trying Records, is fast and punk and rock 'n' roll.

"Our influences are all over the fucking place," says Moser on the topic of their sound, pinpointing early '80s Southern California bands. And what gets Moser's pen to paper? "Definitely living down here in South Florida, working shitty jobs, and getting drunk with all our friends," he readily admits.

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Juke not only has an incredibly solid musical name, it also creates soulful, countrified blues with an international twist. And their music works everywhere, from the Lowes Hotel on South Beach to the home of Fort Lauderdale rock, Poor House. They even just returned from playing at the humongous Wanee Music Festival in Northern Florida. Frontman Eric Garcia's ability to get nuts on the harmonica makes all feet tap and every head sway. Garcia, who also works as the booking agent at Will Call Miami, talked to us about writing songs about lunch and how he's the weakest musician in the band.

See also
- PHOTOS: Wanee Music Festival 2013 at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park

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A couple of years ago, Casey Schumacher's momentum was gaining. The 22-year-old, also known as Case Windu, released albums The Munchies and Best Case Scenario and toured with Curren$y.

After graduating from Full Sail University in Orlando and dropping Acquired Taste in February 2012, Windu's presence seemed to have diminished, releasing no new material since then and performing at local clubs like Speakeasy Lounge and Green Room only on occasion.

"Aside from getting my work done with school, that and music were all I had to worry about," said Windu. "I'm not in a position right now where I'm able to create as much as I'd like to, and it drives me nuts, man. It really sucks."

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RMB Photography

April 28 is a huge day for up-and-coming country singer Ciara Rae. Not only will her new social media sites be updated and her music available on iTunes but this local star will be performing at Davie's finest, Cowboys.

This University of Miami-educated songstress will be wearing custom-made duds created by Straight Southern, Joe Curtis and Tyler Stampler's clothing line from right here in Broward County.

We sat down with Rae to uncover more about her and her band's sound, the local country scene, and her favorite Willie Nelson song.

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Deciphering which band to catch between the multitudes of acts performing at this weekend's inaugural Block x Blog festival is one a tall order. With three stages and a tally of 30 odd bands on the bill, you could really use a personal assistant to help maximize the experience.

County Grind is here to help though, if you are a fan of the hook-heavy synth pop sounds of bands like Depeche Mode and the Junior Boys, circle one band on the list that you must see: Krisp. Based out of Miami's artistic hub, Wynwood, this four-piece's glimmering electronic indie rock has garnered a sizable following in the Magic City.

Although currently residing in Miami-Dade County, most of the quartet is familiar with gigging in Broward. Previously, three of the four that make up Krisp played in a Pompano Beach group, under the moniker Prospect Road.
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This week, the Funky Biscuit is serving up four piping hot days of buttery, savory, fragrant music. Biscuit Fest 2013 is presenting a slew of acts, including Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, the Heavy Pets, Tommy Malone, Albert Castiglia, and Bobby Lee Rodgers.

Rodgers says of the musical meal soon to be devoured in Boca, it has "a wonderful lineup with endless musical possibilities." He encourages others to "come on out." The musician himself will play a big role in those infinite possibilities. He's sitting in with numerous bands working his magic on the guitar and banjo.

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