I’ve spent the past 15 years roaming the streets and exploring the spaces of Ybor City. I watched its evolution from crusty and creative-friendly, to corporate and shiny, to the synergistic community of today, but one constant has remained throughout: it’s a place where you can be yourself. And no matter who that self may be at the moment, you’ll be able to find a soundtrack that fits.

October, 1995, Guavaween

Me and Dore and her dad and my mom are making our way up 7th Avenue with ugly monsters, sexy nurses, superheroes and super freaks. I’m dressed as a Cure fan with my Robert Smith t-shirt and heavy black eye makeup, my idea of a clever costume. Music blasts from every doorway, mom’s looking all around like she made a big mistake but she’s smiling her way through it, and Dore’s dad is videotaping it all. I vow to leave the adults behind next time.

August, 1997, The Masquerade (now The Ritz)

I’m 17, out on a school night at a concert with my delinquent boyfriend, the one my dad (justifiably) detests. But dad knows where I am and who I’m with, and I’ve decided not to question his uncharacteristic lenience. The Verve Pipe is the band in question, on tour in support of their album, Villains, the one with the two radio hits, “The Freshmen” and “Photograph,” driving alt rock flavored with psychedelia and grunge. The show peaks during the encore, when the Verve Pipe is joined by members of support acts Tonic and K’s Choice for a group performance of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” I get a rush of pure pleasure (The Beatles are my favorite!!), and I turn around to share my delight with my boyfriend only to find that the asshole (a hateful Elvis fan) isn’t even paying attention.

This article appears in Mar 17-23, 2010.