Fight the Power

Fight the Power

Remember attending all-ages shows? Aware how important they are for making local original music economically viable? Then please read on and mark your calendar. The City of Seminole is attempting to pass an amendment that bans persons under 21 years old from places of businesses that have a capacity of more than 100 people (i.e. nightclubs like Boomerz) with a few exceptions (i.e. sporting events). It's a bullshit, hypocritical piece of legislation that I watched get pushed through in the Sarasota and Manatee counties with minimal resistance from the folks who were affected most. I'd hate to see it become a trend that spreads north of the Skyway. Southeast Music Alliance founder Joran Slane feels the same way — actually, he probably feels a lot stronger, which is good. His aggressive art-rock band Auditorium will join forces with fellow SMA acts Knowing Stu (Tina Louise-fronted modern-rock band — see p. 68 for a review of their new CD); Soulfound (emo-leaning power pop/alternative rock); Variety Workshop (punkish reggae); Last Day Alive (emo/screamo) and The Crimson Terror Ensemble (alt-rock) for a "Save Our Scene" all-ages performance at Boomerz. To sign an online petition visit smaflorida.com.

Soulfound/Knowing Stu/Auditorium/Variety Workshop/Last Day Alive/Crimson terror Ensemble, Sat., Sept. 1, 8 p.m., Boomerz Boiler Room, Seminole, $7, smaflorida.com. —Wade Tatangelo

Sweet Ride

The primal sounds of Tampa Bay's near-legendary Pink Lincolns stand in stark contrast to what passes for punk these days. While MTV's idea of rebellious rock is some skater dude singing about a petty crush and a bruised heart, Lincolns leader Chris Barrow keeps it real with performances of band classics like "Cotton Mather," a brash, brilliant middle finger to The Man. Tampa's Pseudo Heroes split the difference between punk and power-pop, with tunes that are at once catchy and subversive. Clearwater's Doll Parts, an all-female punk (a tad poppy, in a good way) quartet, round out this rowdy, talent-rich roster.

Pink Lincolns w/Pseudo Heroes/Doll Parts, Sat., Sept. 1, 9 p.m., Crowbar, Ybor City, $6. —WT

The Dwele Deal

Neo-soul singer Dwele grew up in Detroit, soaking up the sweet sounds of Motown greats like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. On his 2003 debut album Subject and its 2005 follow-up Some Kinda…, Dwele channels the high, rich vocal style of his heroes, offering heartfelt, jazz-tinged love songs that are far classier than the bump 'n grind fare of someone like R. Kelly. Problem is, classy doesn't move units like sex does; it appears Dwele's future with Virgin Records might be in jeopardy following the mediocre sales of his first two albums. Opener Yolanda Johnson's silky, expressive vocal style complements Dwele's nicely. How 'bout couple of Marvin-and-Tammi-style duets?

Dwele w/Yolanda Johnson/Reggie, Thurs., Aug. 30, 7 p.m., Club Code, Ybor City, $15/$20 at the door, $30 VIP. For more information, go to 820PR.com. —WT

This article appears in Aug 29 – Sep 4, 2007.