The Atlantic Current - Issue 12

September - October 2014 • ISSUE 12

e d i u G Y HOU P P A

R R

Gravel Kings Eduardo Mendieta Zion Wright

H H

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f ourit es o t or is A l al fav loc

FREE

STRONG

DURABLE

LIGHTWEIGHT

The

entertainment scene in South Florida is vast.

a few favorite spots including Rebel

lasting impression as they tour

A seemingly endless

House, Longboards and Sweetwater Bar

throughout Florida. Eduardo Mendieta is

array of bars, restaurants, and places

and Grill who are doing some cutting

our featured artist and you’re going to

to party. It’s part of our “work hard,

edge stuff on the libation front.

dig his story as he redefines West Palm

play harder” lifestyle and it’s hard to find a place that does it better.

Beach’s blank canvas with his amazing Next, the Happy Hour Guide with a great

work. Fifteen year old Zion Wright is

selection of local bars to choose from

lighting up skate parks all over Florida

In this issue, we present our 1st Happy

and specials not to pass up. As part of

and you’ll soon understand why his

Hour Guide. We have done our

the guide, we stroll into Hullabaloo and

name, which means “raised high,” fits

homework so you know where the

check in with mix master Brett Hart as

him perfectly. Finally, local fishing legend

hottest spots are and the pros behind

he shares his liquid creations. And we

Tom Greene dishes on where, when, and

the scene (or behind the bar) who are

wrap up our Happy Hour Guide with the

how to catch the fish you want and why

making it happen.

best places to hear fresh tunes while

September and October might be the

sipping (or guzzling) your favorite

best two months of fishing this year.

Before we show you how to get your

discounted drinks.

happy on, we bring you a new section of

All this and more of what makes up

The Atlantic Current, Newsworthy, which

Next we venture into our music section

South Florida culture and lifestyle.

highlights a few topics you’ll probably

with The Gravel Kings, an indie folk band

Thanks for being a big part of what we

want to know about. Next, we cruise to

out of Fort Pierce who are making a

do and who we are.

Photo: Ben Hicks

–The Atlantic Current Crew

6 theatlanticcurrent.com

Contents

12 12  Events Calendar here’s always something to do in T South Florida. As distracting as it can be, we like it that way.

17

17  Happy Hour Guide I nside our first annual happy hour guide you will find bios on three of our favorite hangouts, all the best local happy hour specials, featured cocktails, and more.

Hope you’re thirsty…

38  Gravel Kings he Gravel Kings reign supreme in this T issue’s music feature.

38

40  Album Reviews reat new albums by Lavola, Killbillies, G and Shorty The Giant.

42  Eduardo Mendieta Bringing his talent to a wall near you.

46  Zion Wright itness the rise of a local skater with W global aspirations.

50  Fishing Forecast

42

et some insight from Custom Rod G & Reel’s Tom Greene.

52  Party Pix naps from our last release party S at Saltwater Brewery.

46

SEptEmbER - OctObER 2014 • ISSUE 12

8 theatlanticcurrent.com

Guide Y HOU PP A

R R

50

Gravel KinGs eduardo Mendieta Zion WriGht

Photo by: Ben Hicks

H H

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s f OUR Rite st O A li l fAvO lOcA

FREE

ON THE COVER

Location Hullabaloo

Publisher and Editor Dustin Wright • Dustin@theatlanticcurrent.com

Associate Editor Danny Floyd • Dan@theatlanticcurrent.com

Publication Design ID Creative

Ad Design Michael Carriegos • Ivana Martin

Photography Ben Hicks • ben@bocaratonphoto.com Nathan Hamler • nathan@nathanhamlerphotography.com Leon Legot • leon@theatlanticcurrent.com Aaron Lurie Chelsea Erwin

Writers Dana Krangel • Cash W. Lambert • Alex Rendon Natalya Jones • Tom Greene

Web Master Trey Smedley

Advertising Opportunities 561.383.0035 ext 101 • info@theatlanticcurrent.com

What We Believe We believe in the power of local business partnerships, entrepreneurship, and our community. We believe coastal South Florida is one of the most desirable locations in the world, and we consider it a privilege to highlight and promote everything and everyone that exemplifies our lifestyle. The amount of local talent is immense, from action sports enthusiasts to world class chefs, artists, musicians, and athletes. We believe that this talent deserves recognition, and we make these people and what they do the cornerstone of our content at The Atlantic Current.

theatlanticcurrent

@atlanticcurrent

@the_atlantic_current

Copyright 2014 by the Atlantic Current LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Atlantic Current is a registered trade-

Photo: Ben Hicks

10 theatlanticcurrent.com

mark of the Atlantic Current LLC.

E&M MUNCHIES RESTAURANT GROUP EL JEFE

LUCHADOR NO.2

SEP

4.20

Calendar

6 Gravel Kings @ Propaganda – Lake Worth

Kings of Leon, Young the Giant

Photo: Chris Bickford

September Rock United— Battle of the local bands to benefit Broward County United Way @ Revolution Live

@ Cruzan

7 Dolphins vs. Patriots

Uproot Hootenanny @ Funky Biscuit

@ Sun Life Stadium

Mike Epps The People Upstairs

@ Palm Beach Improv

@ Banana Boat – Boynton

9 ZZ Top and Jeff Beck

12-14 South Florida Fall Boat Show

@ Cruzan

@ South Florida Fairgrounds

10 Fortunate Youth

13 FAU Football Home Opener vs. Tulsa

@ Guanabanas

11 Killbillies

Bushwood @ Arts Park – Hollywood

@ Square Grouper

12 Supervillains

Uncle John’s Band (Grateful Dead Tribute)

@ FAU

@ Funky Biscuit

Surfer Blood, The Band In Heaven, and Suede Dudes

Uproot Hootenanny

@ Respectable Street

TR3

The People Upstairs @ Hurricane Bar and Lounge—Delray

Rascal Flatts and Cheryl Crow @ Cruzan

19-20 Margaret Cho

24 Gimme Hendrix

@ Palm Beach Improv

@ Funky Biscuit

20 24 Hour Theatre Project

26-28 Jay Mohr @ Palm Beach Improv

@ Lynn University

14 Mad Caddies, Illscarlet, Askultura, The Real Monsters

Killbillies

26 The People Upstairs

@ Two Georges at the Cove – Deerfield Beach

@ Rhum Shak – Lake Worth

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Stevie Winwood

27 FAU Football vs. UTSA

@ Propaganda

@ Little Moirs Food Shack – Jupiter Daytime Radness

18 Havana Nights—to benefit AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse)

@ FAU Stadium

@ Cruzan

@ Arts Garage

21 2nd Annual Reggae on the River

Ann Storck Center 21st Annual Celebrity Chef’s Food Tasting And Auction

Future Prezidents

@ Guanabanas

@ Seminole Hard Rock

Dolphins vs. Chiefs

@ O’Shea’s

19 Short Straw Pickers

@ Sun Life Stadium

28 Uproot Hootenanny

@ The Funky Buddha Lounge

Future Prezidents

@ JB’s On The Beach

@ Cabo Flats

Bushwood @ Guanabanas

22 Jack White

Uproot Hootenanny

@ Fillmore – Miami Beach

@ Kahuna Bar – Deerfield

12 theatlanticcurrent.com

Find the latest events calendar at theatlanticcurrent.com

Green Market Guide

October 2 Killbillies

10 Fright Nights

18 Grovetoberfest

@ ER Bradley’s

@ South Florida Fairgrounds

@ Coconut Grove

Dumpstaphunk

Killbillies

@ Funky Biscuit

@ Das Biergarten – Abacoa

FAU Football vs. Western KY @ FAU Stadium

Future Prezidents @ Kahuna

11 4th Annual ARToberfest

Killbillies

Tequesta Green Market. Starting October 17 and 3rd Saturday of the month thereafter through April. Constitution Park—9am-1pm

Jupiter Riverwalk Green and Artisan Market under the east span of the Indiantown Road Bridge. Every Sunday year-round—10am-2pm Palm Beach Gardens Green Market. PGA Blvd and Military Trail. Every Sunday year-round— 8am-1pm

@ Two Georges – Boynton Beach

West Palm Beach Green Market. Starting October 4, through May. Waterfront and City Commons along Intracoastal @ Clematis—9am-1pm Lake Worth Famer’s Market. Starting October 4 through April. Old Bridge Park—9am-1pm

The People Upstairs

Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line

@ Brogues – Lake Worth

@ Cruzan

Delray Green Market. Starting October 4 through May. Old School Square—9am-2pm

@ Revolutions City Place

12 Future Prezidents

Citizen Cope

@ Cabo Flats

18-19 27th Annual Las Olas Art Fair

Delray Beach Central Park Market.

September only. Big Apple Shopping Bazaar— 10am-4pm

3 Realms of Terror & The Abyss @ Enigma Haunt in Boca Raton

The People Upstairs

@ Revolution Live

@ J Street in Downtown Lake Worth

Dolphins vs. Packers 4 The People Upstairs @ The Backyard – Boynton Beach

@ Sun Life Stadium

19 Uproot Hootenanny @ Deck 84

16 Tim Reynolds TR3 @ Funky Biscuit

22 Authority Zero

5 One Direction

Foster the People

@ Sun Life Stadium

@ Fillmore – Miami Beach

23 Chris D’Elia

Uproot Hootenanny

17 Motley Crue

@ Palm Beach Improv

@ Hard Rock Live

@ Deck 84

@ Respectable Street

9 The Funky Nuggets

Daytime Radness

23-25 Ed Dwyer’s Billfish Classic

@ Funky Biscuit

@ Island Water Sports

– Port Canaveral

Boca Raton Green Market. Starting October 4 through May. South end of Royal Palm Shopping Center—8am-1pm Boca Raton Green Market @ FAU. Starting September 4—September-December and JanuaryApril. FAU Breezeway—10am-2pm Deerfield Beach Green Market. Starting October 4 through April. Cove Shopping Center— 8am-2pm Green Market Pompano Beach. Starting October 4 through April—Atlantic Blvd. and Cypress Rd.—8am-1pm

25 Moonfest 2014 @ Downtown West Palm Beach

26 Coral Skies Music Festival @ Cruzan

Motley Crue

South Beach Seafood Festival

Future Prezidents @ Kahuna Bar

@ Lummus Park

Killbillies

Uproot Hootenanny

@ Square Grouper

@ JB’s On The Beach

Enrique Inglesias and Pitbull

30 Killbillies

@ Hard Rock Live

@ ER Bradley’s

The People Upstairs @ Rhum Shak – Lake Worth

theatlanticcurrent.com 13

Photo: Leon Legot

Newsworthy

FAU Gets it Right

The “House That Schnellenberger Built” finally gets christened with a proper name, Schnellenberger Field. The

hoots from the Owl Nation were loud and clear early last year when the announcement was made that GEO Group was going to drop 6 large ($6,000,000) for the naming rights, only to have the offer withdrawn on April Fools Day when the FAU administration had an “oh s**t what have we done” moment. From “Owlcatraz” to Schnelley Field—has a nice ring to it.

Somewhere down the line naming rights will be sold, but the field itself will be called “Schnellenberger Field” for posterity. Coach, congratulations for all you have done and for this well deserved and overdue honor.

Help Keep Our Coast Clean

Uber Rolls into South Florida

The City of Delray Beach and Sandoway House are teaming up to “make a difference by volunteering” at the 29th Annual Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, September 20 from

For all of us who want to get from point A to point B without

8a-10a at the Sandoway House Nature Center. Come

having to drive ourselves, Uber is a game changer. Need a

join The Atlantic Current Crew for a couple of hours and

ride? Simply download the Uber app on your phone, send

make a difference. For registration info visit www.

a message out, and an Uber driver picks you up and takes

mydelraybeach.com

you where you want to go, and your credit card on file is charged automatically. Want to be a Uber driver? After you pass their screening process, get messaged when someone near you wants a ride, go pick your party up and get paid automatically. Best thing is you can work when you want and choose the rides you want to give. Have a party of 4 who needs a ride? Uber can split the fare 4 ways. Want to impress your friends with fancy transport?

Their Uber Black or Lux service will have a high end sedan sent right to you.

Uber is rolling in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and more towns nearby. www.uber.com

14 theatlanticcurrent.com

Cu r

e d i u G t Bar n e r

Oures f o t t A Lis Favori Local

W

hile no one can agree on how the term “happy hour� got started, it’s a big deal in South Florida. With the huge number of

bars that compete to deliver the best deals on libations, we thought it would be a good idea to scour the area and find the best of the best, the best drinks, best tunes, and best bars. It was a tough job, but someone (burp) had to do it.

Happy Hours and the drinks that are consumed therein have changed over the years. With fresh, innovative concoctions utilizing traditional and non-traditional mixes, bars and bartenders need to know their stuff and bring their A Game every day to set themselves apart from the competition and deliver up an unforgettable drinking experience.

So join us as we take an up-close look at the trendsetters in the South Florida world of liquid,

Photo: Ben Hicks

mind-bending consumption. See you at the bar.

theatlanticcurrent.com 17

ft a r CCocktails of

By Alex Rendon

Photos By Ben Hicks

Sweetwater Bar and Grill brings the artistry of the Craft Cocktail to South Florida



If you go looking

poured over custom

for a bucket of Coronas

ice cubes. If your

or lemon drop shots at Boynton

mouth isn’t watering

Beach’s upstart watering hole

at this point, we’d also

Sweetwater Bar and Grill, one look

recommend getting a

at it’s robust menu will reveal you

physical, because you

may have ended up at the wrong

have no pulse.

Current caught up with the sage

place. Don’t despair, there are plenty of sports bars down the

In the three-and-a-half

businessman. “You can have all

street (if that’s your sort of thing,)

years since the Sweetwater

the fancy bottles stocked on up

but we’d encourage you to stick

Bar and Grill has been in

around and let your taste buds

business, it has become South

Owner Clint Reed and his general

you don’t know how they relate

explore the infinite, majestic

Florida’s go-to destination for

manager Sean Iglehart take

to each other, they are as useful

possibilities of the craft cocktail.

the savoriest, craft cocktails

artisan mixology seriously at this

as expensive duck quacks.”

around. And, all this in the no

1600-square foot locale just north

frills confines of Boynton Beach.

of Woolbright Road on Federal

Don’t know what a craft cocktail is? Besides getting out from underneath that rock, we suggest you put the well vodka screwdriver down too. Now open your mind to the possibilities

on your shelves you want, but if

“You can have all the fancy bottles stocked on up on your shelves you want, but if you don’t know how they relate to each other, they are as useful as expensive duck quacks.”

Surprisingly Sweetwater Bar and Grill is Reed’s first foray in the bar business. Before opening up this nectar-of- the –gods’ locale, Reed spent 19 years in the finance field. “Part of my job was

This is as rare as finding a

Highway. “Most people wouldn’t

entertaining clients across the

stellar, perfectly mixed Old

have the wherewithal to house

country, and as I was taking them

Fashion with Angostura bitters

100K worth of booze in an

out to have a good time in places

with homemade syrups

and rye whiskey at your local

establishment this size,”

like Chicago and Los Angeles I

and rare bitters, all

Ale House.

explained Reed when The Atlantic

became aware of the growing

of an impossible-to-find gin, infused with fresh fruit and a touch of sage, mixed

18 theatlanticcurrent.com

phenomena that was the craft

BBQ to Italian and serve exotic

explains Reed. “We knew, if done

“Our concept doesn’t work with

cocktail.” Reed admits that he had

meats such as Bison and Ostrich.”

right, we could pull from the Delray

high volumes,” explained Reed.

no idea what he was doing when

Reed keeps the menu small, to

Beach area, since Woolbright is

“When we opened, we didn’t

he first opened up Sweetwater Bar

about 18 items at a time, with the

only one exit north on I-95 after

want everyone and their

and Grill a few years back, but he

selection in constant flux. His three

all.” He admits, however, that

brothers coming in for a drink,

saw a golden opportunity in the

house specialties rotate constantly–

he had gotten lucky and has

our drinks take three times the

hand-crafted mixed drink business.

he suggests we try their current

benefited positively from

ordinary time to make than your

At the time, South Florida was

scrumptious creation, the

favorable reviews in local media.

regular gin and tonic drinks. “

completely devoid of craft

homemade Venison Ravioli.

cocktail dives and Reed simply seized the opportunity.

Nowadays Reed says there are Reed’s unique formula for success

many bars jumping on the craft

has relied devoutly on word of

cocktail bandwagon, but not

Today, Sweetwater Bar and Grill is

mouth. His venue opened up with

many have the dedication that

much more than a craft cocktail

little fanfare and advertising is not

his place has. “I’m almost

dive, its kitchen slings out on point

an expense that registers much

positive we have the most

delights as well. “We are relatively

weight on Sweetwater’s bottom

diverse collection of whisky and

small, but very eclectic,” Reed

line. “We opened up with the

gins in the state,” affirms Reed. It

points out. “We have no boundar-

‘if you build it, they

really is something you have to

ies; we do everything from Asian to

will come philosophy,’”

see for yourself.

theatlanticcurrent.com 19

B o r ? , y t rs

r i h T

By Dana Krangel

Photos By Ben Hicks



There is something to be said about a

chameleon restaurant. The

Longboards brings surf culture to Clematis Street

Longboards in downtown West

Opening their doors in July of

Florida, but it evokes a chilled

Palm Beach has succeeded in

2011, Longboards quickly

out, throwback vibe and it’s all

a goal that most restaurants

emerged as a Clematis favorite.

on purpose. Owner Rodney Mayo says he was inspired to open the

type of establishment that

have: satisfying every palette.

doesn’t simply appeal to one

It’s the spot for happy hour

target audience but instead

hunters, family dinners and

makes various groups of people

celebrations, a perfect place

feel right at home. The ability

for a post-surf chill out and an

to make a space belong to

afterhours live music joint. The

everyone, no matter how many

only friend of yours that might

people feel comfortable there, it’s

not fit in at Longboards is your

a true gift. The big box restaurants

imaginary friend and that

The surfer vibe and solid seafood

massive projection screen. “It’s a

of the world don’t stand a chance

mostly has to do with the

selection make Longboards not

throwback to the 60’s surf

against a chameleon restaurant.

fact that he doesn’t exist.

just quintessentially South

culture” says Mayo. “It’s a way of

20 theatlanticcurrent.com

the cocktail menu is where the booze really stars, with signature, handcrafted drinks and the much buzzed about Scorpion Bowl.

concept by simply “hanging out with some of my longboard surfing buddies.” And woah if that vision hasn’t come to life with a surfboard shaped bar and surfing videos of gnarly waves constantly playing on the

life, an attitude. And I wanted to

your little brat cousin who thinks

create food and an atmosphere

he has a gluten allergy. Better

to celebrate that culture.”

yet, they will feel like they got their South Florida’s worth with

But let’s get down to what

the nautical vibes and legit

makes a bar a great bar, the

outdoor seating.

spice of life that Longboards does oh so well. First thing’s

The ocean inducing interior

first, happy hour is banging

wasn’t an accident, it serves

out of control. Every day of

as an inspiration. Walk into

the week from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.,

Longboards and feel the daily

of age patrons can lap up half off every libation behind the bar and soak it all up with $6 bar bites, including arguably Clematis Street’s best calamari. Oh sorry, did we not mention the $1 oysters? But back to the booze.

Longboards boasts a solid beer bottle collection and a small selection of rotating taps. But

The surfer vibe and solid seafood selection make Longboards not just quintessentially South Florida, but it evokes a chilled out, throwback vibe and it’s all on purpose. weight on your shoulders momentarily lifted. It’s impossible not to relax in this space and the staff wouldn’t have it any other way. Friendly to tourist and locals alike, it’s really the stellar staff that keep people coming back for repeat visits. The environment, the people, the food and the drinks. Is there anything else

the cocktail menu is where

that matters?

the booze really stars, with signature, hand-crafted drinks

An incredible amount of

and the much buzzed about

restaurants open their doors

Scorpion Bowl.

and then shut them for good remarkably quickly on Clematis

Oh, you can’t drink tonight

Street. The ones that stand up

because your family is in town?

tall from the beginning snag the

Let’s be real, you live in South

necessary following and you will

Florida. When is a member of

be hard pressed to find a West

your family not visiting? Bring the

Palmer who doesn’t list

whole gang to Longboards, picky

Longboards as a favorite. Now

eaters and seafood cravers alike.

past the three year mark, Mayo’s

The menu is coastal enough to

vision was “a casual environment

satisfy your aunt that wants her

with great fresh seafood to

taste buds to also take a

match” and it’s safe to say that

vacation, but can even please

mission has been accomplished.

theatlanticcurrent.com 21

The Against rain G Rebel House incites a culinary revolution in Boca Raton

By Alex Rendon

Photos By Ben Hicks



Who knew rebellion

drink menu. Together, under

Decadent burgers and authentic

With scrumptious offerings like

could taste this good?

their holding company, E&M

Mexican street food may be

Rebel Fried Rice and pan seared

Since opening up in the summer

Munchies, the two have ignited

considered fast food options, but

LaBelle Farms Foie Gras, this small

of 2012, Boca Raton’s Rebel

the kind of culinary revolution

House has been wowing patrons

in the Deerfield Beach/Boca

with its unconventional take on

Raton area that would make

the dining experience. Owners

Che Guevara proud.

Michael Saperstein and Evan

Our concept was based on openmindedness and free-thinking, not tied to a specific concept that you can spell out.

plate-derived establishment may just be Saperstein and David’s magnum opus.

Describing Rebel House as simply an American tapas-style

David call their offbeat, eclectic

The pair began fascinating local

fancy-comfort- food- meets- up-

taste buds with their mouthwater-

scale- cuisine “renegade style

ing creations at Charm City

each was done with foodies’

scratching the surface though,

dining.” Their eccentric flair

Burgers six years ago, following

hearts in mind. Rebel House is the

when considering all the tasty

extends beyond the kitchen too,

that up with their juicy South of the

culmination of the two’s attempt

options for rounding out one’s

into Rebel House’s whimsical

Border eats at El Jefe Luchador.

to up the ante on casual fare.

palette. “We didn’t want to be

22 theatlanticcurrent.com

place would really just be

pigeonholed as a ‘tapas’ place,”

Rebel House’s offbeat ethos

explained enterprising restaura-

effuses from its menu onto its

teur Evan David when The

modish and quirky décor too. An

Atlantic Current caught up with

open floor plan, exposed ceilings,

him recently. “We wanted to offer

thought-provoking take on gonzo

a diverse selection of flavors, and

art by Adam Sheetz, and even a

give people the chance to share

tattered mannequin greeting

and not have to commit to one

patrons upon entry, it’s not the

dish.” Rebel House calls their small plates section “munchies;” but there’s so much more— there’s a fresh veggies section, a raw/cured/fromage selection and many more main dish/large plate options as well.

It’s a forward-thinking menu that focuses on giving diners tons of options and choices. “Our concept was based on openmindedness and free-thinking, not tied to a specific concept that

type of place you’d expect to see

you can spell out,” he explained.

in the early bird –loving, stuffy

It’s all in the rebel name for David.

steak house-purveying environs of

“We intended to go against the

Boca Raton. But, that was the

grain from the beginning, not in

point according to David. “I felt

terms of condoning political

Boca Raton was catering

anarchy per se, but more about

exclusively to the 50-to-80-year-

us marching to the beat of our

old demographic,” said David. He

own drummer.” David and

saw a huge void to be filled when

company’s aim was to bring their

devising the Rebel House idea in

own influence, food and culture

2012. “There are lots of young

to Southern Palm Beach County.

people in Boca Raton that savor

We’d say they have succeeded,

good food, and I knew older

hands down, with Rebel House.

generations love to be around the

For those seeking comfort food,

What good would all this culinary

food menu, Rebel House’s drink

youth too,” explained David. With

nothing could satisfy more than

revolution be without some

menu changes every four to six

the success of places like Charm

Rebel House’s staple “OG Recipe

libations to wash it all down?

weeks. A few standouts remain

City and El Jefe, David and

Fried Chicken.” Deep fried the

With 40 craft beers to choose

constant however, like the “Kiss

Saperstein knew, if done with just

kind of way that would make

from and an extensive craft

My Ego”– a nutty take on an Old

the right attention to detail and

Paula Deen jealous, this

cocktail list, Rebel House takes its

Fashioned, with fig, walnut and

with an edgy and progressive flair,

delectable dish comes with mac

adult beverages as seriously as it

coco-infused bourbon and

the odds would be on their side.

and cheese and collard greens on

does the food it slings out. “Our

chocolate bitters. Then there is

They couldn’t have been more

the side. And for those with more

mixology program is an extension

Rebel House’s wildly unique take

spot on. “At the end of the day,

discerning high brow tastes, there

of our kitchen,” said David who

on the Rum Daquiri. Called a

you really have to identify with

are items like the 24 Hour Lamb

told us Rebel House dedicates as

“Banana Hammock,” this masterful

who you are,” summarized David

Osso Bucco, served with

much love towards their bar and

concoction comes with banana- in-

and Saperstein about their

Balsamic-black garlic juice and

drinks as they do their kitchen

fused Asian rum, dark roast coffee

rebellious culinary creation,

goat cheese fondue.

and food. Just like the seasonal

simple syrup and lime juice.

the Rebel House.

theatlanticcurrent.com 23

24 theatlanticcurrent.com

Ourites f o t or v A lisa a F l Loc

R

H

e d i u G a

ppy

H OU

Jupiter

West Palm Beach Copper Blues Every Day from 3-7pm Discounted Drink and Food Menu

550A S Rosemary Ave. West Palm Beach, FL (561)404-4101

E.R. Bradley’s Every Day 4:30-6:30pm $5 Bar Bites, $6 Boat Drinks, $3 Coors Light, $5 House Wine

104 N Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 833-3520

Hullabaloo

Guanabanas

Every Day from 4-7pm

Every day from 3-6pm

50% off all drinks

Half off well liquor, house wine,

Thursday

& appetizers.

Reverse Happy Hour from 10pm-1am.

$3 Bottled Beer

50% off Tito’s drinks

$6 Signature Cocktails

517 N Clematis St.

Wednesday

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

All Bottled Beer $2 with live

(561)833-1033

music from 9-11pm

Saturday

Longboard’s

Live Music During Happy Hour

Every Day from 4-6pm

960 N Hwy A1A

50% off drinks; $6 Select

Jupiter, FL 33477

Appetizers; $1 Oysters

(561) 747-8878

519 Clematis St. West Palm Beach,

Square Grouper

FL 33401

Sunday-Thursday 9pm-close

(561)833-4660

$2 Beers and $5.50 House Cocktails

1111 Love St.

Want to get away?

Jupiter, FL 33477

Guanabanas is one

(561) 575-0252

of the best spots to stay local but feel like

Tequesta Brewing Company

you’re on vacation.

Tuesday-Friday from 3-6pm and Sunday from noon-8pm $1 off all beers

287 U.S. 1 Tequesta, FL 33469 Photo: Aaron Lurie

(561)745-5000 theatlanticcurrent.com 25

$2 off all beer and wine (bottles) ½ off Select Food Items every night

Boca Raton

Tuesday-Sunday

145 NE 4th Ave, Delray

13 American Table

Beach, FL 33483

Every Day: 5-7pm

(561) 808-7304

½ off all beer, wine, and liquor

451 E Palmetto Park Rd,

Hurricane Bar & Lounge

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Monday-Saturday from 1-7pm

(561) 409-2061

BOGO Well, Call, House Wine, and Basic Domestics

Biergarten

640 E Atlantic Ave.

Monday-Friday: 4-7pm and

Delray Beach, FL 33483

10pm-2am; Sunday: All Day

(561) 278-0282

$4 All Draft Pints; $5 Well; $6 House Wine

Pepe’s Hideaway

309 Via De Palmas #90

Monday-Saturday from 4-8pm

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Spin Happy Hour wheel to

(561)395-7462

determine your special

1045 E Atlantic Ave.

Dubliner

Delray Beach, FL 33483

Every day from 4-7pm

(561)276-3570

½ priced drinks and $5 Appetizers

435 Plaza Real, Along with their insane liquor

World of Beer

selection, Sweetwater Bar &

Monday-Friday from 3-7pm

Grill always has a great

$1 off drafts

selection of craft beer on tap.

101 N Clematis St. #100

Boca Raton, FL 33432 (561) 620-2540

Funky Biscuit Every Day from 5-8pm

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Sweetwater Bar & Grill

Saltwater Brewery

½ off Domestic Beer, House Wine,

(561)833-3375

Every Day 5-7pm

Monday – Thursday: Noon-

and Well Liquor and $5 Food Menu;

$5 Cocktails, $5Wine and

6pm; Friday: Noon-3pm

Free live entertainment 5-8pm on

$2 Off Everything

$3 Pours

Friday & Saturday

1507 S Federal Hwy.

1701 W Atlantic Ave.

Boynton Beach, FL 33435

Delray Beach, FL 33444

(561)509-9277

(561)865-5373

Boynton Beach/ Lantana Old Key Lime House Monday-Friday: 4-7pm ½ off All Drinks (excluding draft

Delray Beach

beer and premium wine)

Sandbar Monday – Friday from 4-7pm ½ off all draft beer, house wines,

300 E Ocean Ave.

3rd and 3rd

premium well, and finger foods

Lantana, FL 33462

Every Day 4:30-6:30

40 S Ocean Blvd.

(561)582-1889

2 for 1 on everything

Delray Beach, FL 33483

(excluding top shelf scotch)

303 SE Mizner Blvd.

Boca Raton, FL 33432 (561)395-2929

Gluttonous Goat Every Day: 4-7pm $4 Call, $6 Premium, $4 House Wine, and $3 PBR

99 SE Mizner Blvd Boca Raton, FL 561-923-9457

The Backyard

301 NE 3rd Ave. Delray

Monday-Friday from 11am-7pm

Beach, FL 33444

Tap Global Beer Collection

Kapow Noodle Bar

½ off domestics and imports, BOGO

(561) 303-1939

Monday-Friday: Open-7pm

½ Price drinks and $5,$6, and $7

house wine, and ½ off well liquor

½ off Select Drafts and Wine

Small Bites Menu

431 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432 (561) 347-7322

511 NE 4th St.

Beer Trade Co.

14813 Lyons Rd #100

Boynton Beach, FL 33435

Tuesday-Friday: 5-7pm

Delray Beach, FL 33446

(561)740-0399

and Saturday: 3-7pm

(561) 270-3839

26 theatlanticcurrent.com

Every day from 11am-7pm

D

t

By Natalya Jones

which is refreshing from the unusually highly priced meals typically found in West Palm.

e d i u G a

ppy

d ture Feaink Dr

R

Dimebag Darrell

has a meal price range of $10-30,

H

Hullabaloo’s Brett Hart & the

others. The gastronomical pub

One of its most popular cocktails, the Dimebag Darrell, contains a

HOU

slew of ingredients unique to the

signature cocktails, all being

standard cocktail. It is comprised

named after deceased rock stars.

of Tap 357 (blended Canadian rye whiskey that’s aged in maple

So is the Dimebag Darrell here to

syrup barrels), Cocchi Americano

stay or is it as seasonal as

vermouth, habanero bitters, a

Starbucks’s Pumpkin Spice Latte?

Serrano pepper, house made

“I like to change up the cocktail

sour and orange blossom honey

menu seasonally, but some of the

gastrique that Hart makes himself.

popular ones like Dimebag Darrell

ake Pinterest inspired recipes,

bles],” the mixologist explained.

Again, the man knows how to use

become more permanent fixtures,”

a few words of advice from

“They can add layers of density

his resources. The drink is named

Hart said. Thanks to the eclectic

friends, and some stimulation

and a complexity of flavors that

after the guitarist Dimebag Darrell

ingredients blended in with Hart’s

from Instagram filters. Mix it all

you don’t get from factory

of the metal band Pantera. Hart

suave style, it looks like this drink

together and what do you get?

flavored spirits.”

claims, “‘Cowboys From Hell’ was

isn’t going anywhere anytime

the inspiration for a riff on a

soon. Well, except down the

An attempt at a “new” cocktail.

However, there exists far and

Despite the intricate detail

whiskey sour with some spice &

esophagus and into the livers of

few that can create a cocktail

placed into his carefully

heat on it.” In a nutshell, it’s an

thirsty Hullabaloo attendees. As

unique that has never been

formulated cocktails, Hart’s

“intoxicating” tribute to the band.

Hart said, “Always drink the good

completed before, despite

preference for alcoholic

The same theme spans their other

stuff, you deserve it.”

various ingredients readily

beverages is quite simplistic. “I

available at our greedy finger-

don’t drink much hard liquor,” he

tips. Take, for instance, Brett

admitted. “I usually stick to wine

Hart. Hart is the head mixologist

or beer, but I like the Balvenie 17

at West Palm’s Hullabaloo and

yr. whisky over a big ice cube.”

has worked at the gastropub for a little more than a year. The

Hullabaloo is one of the many

“Mad Scientist,” according to his

great establishments under the

business card, takes full

Sub-Culture Group, a restaurant

advantage of the creative

company that also owns the

freedom and room to experi-

free-spirited Dada and traditional

ment that Hullabaloo grants.

Irish Dubliner, amongst many

When asked what his favorite ingredients to include in drinks are, it’s blatantly apparent that Hart knows how to use his resources. “I like using shrubs, Photo: Ben Hicks

gastriques & syrups that I make in the kitchen at Hullabaloo using different combinations of fresh ingredients [fruits, herbs, spices, and sometimes vegetatheatlanticcurrent.com 27

Lion & Eagle English Pub

The Wishing Well

Monday - Friday Noon-7pm

Monday-Friday: 3-7pm

2 for 1 Wine & Well and Discounted

2 for 1 Drinks

Craft Beers

$5 Appetizer Menu

2401 N Federal Hwy. Boca

111 SE Mizner Blvd,

Raton, FL 33431

Boca Raton, FL 33432

(561)447-7707

(561) 750-5208

Rebel House Every Day from 5-7pm

Deerfield Beach

$3 Draft Pilsner, $3 Bottled Beer of the Day. $4 House Red & White

2 Georges at the Cove

Wine, $4 Well, and $6 Premium

Monday-Friday: 4-7pm

297 E Palmetto Park Rd,

Daily Drink Specials

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Famous Cove Friday Happy Hour

(561) 353-5888

from 4-7pm Planters Punch 14oz for $3 and 32oz

The Duck Tavern

for $8 with additional floater for $1

Every Day 3-7pm

1754 SE 3rd Court,

Buy one get one on all draft,

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

bottles, well & premium drinks

(954) 421-9272

5901 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33487

American Rock Bar

(561) 998-8288

Every Day 4-8pm 3 for 1 well, domestic drafts, & house wine

Rebel House keeps a constant

4pm-midnight: 2 for 1 on everything

selection of unique cocktails

1600 E Hillsboro Blvd,

on hand, including the Puff

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

This Coco which has Coco

(954) 428-4539

Puff Infused Bulleit Bourbon, Coco Puff Infused Almond

Oceans 234

Milk, and Lime Syrup.

Monday-Saturday from 3-7pm ½ off call and well liquors, ½ off house wines, and $1 off domestic bottled beer

234 N Ocean Blvd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 (954) 428-2539

Rattlesnake Jakes Monday-Friday 3-6pm $2 Domestic Pints, $2.75 Domestic Bottles, and $4 Import Pints/Bottles

2060 NE 2nd St, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 (954) 421-4481

Photo: Ben Hicks

28 theatlanticcurrent.com

H

e d i u G a

ppy

R

d ure Feait k Dr n

13

HOU

different,” explains Aletto. When

became a mainstay in

asked about the number thirteen,

Boca Raton in the

Aletto claims the concept came

summer of 2013. Owner Alberto

from the thirteen stripes on the

Aletto knows how to bring

American flag. Salute!

patrons in with their New

K The icker

at 13 American Table

American Table

American cuisine, but the variety

Bartender Bob Higginbotham

of craft cocktails, craft beer, and

whipped up some excellent and

excellent wines will encourage

very interesting cocktails during

you and your friends to stay. Plus,

our recent visit. The Kicker stood

the team at 13 serves up a

out amongst the pack, a perfect

generous helping of exceptional

South Florida cocktail, but having

service, making your drinking and

the necessary “kick” to get the

eating experience even better.

party started. Bob started out the cocktail by muddling a fresh

Tucked away just west of the

jalapeño and orange segment. The

Palmetto bridge, 13 American

remaining ingredients include 4

Table has something for every-

Orange Vodka, ginger liqueur,

one, whether you’re stopping by

fresh lime juice, and agave, all

for their daily happy hour or

served on the rocks. The fresh

meeting your friends or family for

taste of the 4 Orange Vodka and

a great meal. The cozy environ-

lime juice made this concoction

ment puts out a comfortable

go down easy, but the muddled

vibe, and everything from the

jalapeno along with the ginger

wood accents down to the

liqueur made us pace ourselves.

wooden coasters makes you feel right at home. In addition, you will

Remember, happy hour is every

often find the owner directing

day from 5-7pm and 13 Ameri-

you to your table, something you

can Table is the perfect place to

won’t see every day in Boca

stop by on the way home from

Raton. “I wanted to bring the

the beach. Just make sure you

neighborhood something

brush the sand off your feet first.

Photo: Ben Hicks

Bartender Bob Higginbotham whipped up some excellent and very interesting cocktails during our recent visit. The Kicker stood out amongst the pack, a perfect South Florida cocktail, but having the necessary “kick” to get the party started.

30 theatlanticcurrent.com

Photo: Ben Hicks

s e n Tu H

APPY

F

H OUR

The Resolvers performing at The Funky Biscuit

Written By

Alex Rendon

inding a place to enjoy half-priced libations after work is an easy undertaking within

this spacious, vibrant

The Funky Biscuit

South Florida’s non- stop party-time confines. But what if you want to throw live

wateringhole aims to

Nestled in Boca Raton you

music into that mix? Surprisingly, the choices narrow substantially. Locales that offer

please many fancies.

will find our final entry in our

live music during happy hour times are slim pickens in our parts. To us, it does not seem

It’s a craft beer haven–

live-music- during- happy-

like such an unusual request, considering we can order Lychee Martinis at almost any dive

with over 60 delectable

hour quest, the Funky Biscuit;

in town. Why can’t we have live music supplied with our happy hour? Who doesn’t want

brews on tap, and a

this musician owned-and

to enjoy a killer band while sipping away on a smooth deeply discounted well drink and

gastro pub too–offering

-operated venue takes its

ease away the workday stressors? Nothing seems more logical in our book. We did a little

up scrumptious appetizers

live music offerings very

research for you dear drinker-and- live- music aficionados, and discovered that, in fact

such as mahi tostadas and

seriously. One can catch

there are a handful of places in Broward and Palm Beach County where live music bom-

beer braised chicken

touring acts regularly on

bast and happy hour merriment coexist. Below are three top shelf choices we discovered.

drumsticks. Happy hour

Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

comes seven days a week

with a Saturday slot coming

at this suds, grub and

soon. Their happy hour is a

musical utopia, from 3

seven day affair starting at 5

Guanabanas

happens every day at

This fetching tropical

Guanabanas, from 3 p.m.

Copper Blues Rock Pub

getaway in the northern-

to 6 p.m, and that includes

Opening its doors in May,

p.m. to 7 p.m., with $1

p.m. and ending at 8 p.m.

most part of Palm Beach

weekends too. Fifty percent

Copper Blues Rock Pub

beer shots available for

with specials including half

County offers true post

off drinks to be had by all the

and Kitchen is Downtown

sampling along with

off domestic beer, well liquor,

work escapism. Opened

flip-flopped masses, enjoyed

West Palm Beach’s

special food and drink

house wine, and a $5 food

by a pair of Jupiter surfers,

under wooden deck chairs

newest live music hotspot.

pricing. Look out for

menu. Located in Royal Palm

Guanabanas is set in lush,

and tiki huts. Guanabanas

Upon entry, the inviting

happy hour bands,

Place shopping center, a

open-air, waterfront settings.

also has their “Big Wednes-

beer garden and Copper

which perform on

stones throw from Mizner

With its laid-back modus

day” every week with $2

tap lines that descend

most Friday and Sunday

Park, it’s probably the last

operandi, sweeping Jupiter

bottled beers and live music

from the exposed ceiling

afternoons. Check their

place you would expect to

River views and signature

from 9pm-close. On

and land up against the

facebook page before

find a live music sanctuary

cocktails like the My Wave

Saturdays you can catch

brick-laden walls, straight

cruising by for the most

like this, but perhaps, that’s

Mojito, visiting this

happy hour tunes starting at

into the draughts, hint that

up to date times.

part of the lure.

establishment during happy

4p.m.

this place is much more 550A South Rosemary Ave West Palm Beach 561-404-4101 www.facebook.com/ copperblueswpb

303 SE Mizner Blvd Boca Raton 561-395-2929 www.funkybiscuit.com

than just the next lively

hour is akin to taking a little stay-cation everyday after your job. Happy hour

32 theatlanticcurrent.com

960 North Hwy A1A Jupiter 561-747-8878 www.guanabanas.com

music dive. Occupying the spot next to the Palm Beach Improv in Cityplace,

Kayla Pope Photo by Chelsea Erwin 38 theatlanticcurrent.com

By Dana Krangel

Music

Gravel Kings

Reign

Supreme South Florida’s kingdom of folk is being rocked

Photos By

ALEXIS LAWSON

There aren’t a lot of things that

Formed out of Fort Pierce, FL, the Gravel Kings

permeate cultures. Variables that for a brief

are going places, literally and metaphorically.

moment, equalize all groups while bringing

This four-piece indie folk act has hit a sweet

together friends and strangers. I know what

spot in the increasingly Americana-influenced

you are thinking and no, we aren’t talking

South Florida music scene. And while they

sandwiches. We are talking about music, the

have been strumming out sweet original jams

great equalizer. Music permeates cultures. It

for two years, these scruffy, flannelled fellows

brings people together. It changes overtime. It

haven’t always been bluegrass musicians.

is not between two pieces of bread, but it does

38 theatlanticcurrent.com

stay in your gut. And it’s exactly what brought

Banjo player Joey Johnson and Zack Jones on vo-

the Gravel Kings together.

cals and guitar have been writing music together

since middle school and have “gone through

With the first EP lacking sound effects and still

excited.” Johnson chimed in about how Decades

a lot of bands together,” says Jones. But those

getting a solid amount of spins, Gravel Kings

Records has provided them with a sense of

early incarnations didn’t involve banjos and

quickly decided to do something that most bands

comfort saying “We feel at home.”

dobros. Jones and Johnson were in a hardcore

wait for, or maybe only dream of. They wanted to

band, satisfying their need to create while fold-

tour. They made a point to travel around Florida

Gravel Kings plan on using Arrows and Maps as

ing into a scene that was readily established.

and sharing their music, and maybe a little some-

a jumping off point for the next phase of their

thing extra. When asked why they like the road,

evolving career. After the album comes out is

It was the sheer existence of music that brought

Jones says “Everyone in the band are like best

when the real fun begins. They want to release

them together. The great non-sandwich connec-

friends and we really try our best to budget our

a music video and continue on their vacation-

tion method had worked its magic once again.

tour more like a vacation. We like to try a new

inspired touring dates, with a potential north-

When the two reconnected more recently at

restaurant and venture out in the city throughout

east tour in the works.

Johnson’s wedding, they naturally started talking

the day. I think that’s our main moti-

music. But it was time for a change. This time

vation-- we love to travel. Being able

around, they opted for an indie/folk/pop sound

to play a show that night is the icing

that would take their songwriting to new heights.

on the cake.”

Jones says that he and Johnson “have always

Over the past year, Gravel Kings

had a love for good, catchy music,” and so

have been working on writing

that’s exactly what they set out to create with

and recording their upcoming full

Gravel Kings. They found themselves a drum-

length album Arrows and Maps,

mer and a bass player, and boom; you’ve got

slated for a late September re-

yourself a band. And a pretty good one at that.

lease. A year is a long time and they are open about how the pro-

Soon came a Kickstarter campaign, a self-titled

cess took longer than expected as

EP, a touring schedule, a record deal and a pretty

they hit a few bumps in the road.

sweet reputation for putting on a killer show. Af-

A health scare on Jones’ part and

ter a successful run of gigs and jams, these Flor-

the death of a close friend slowed

ida-grown boys are ready for what’s next. Signed to West Palm Beach label Decades Records and ready to release a full-length album, Gravel Kings have the tunes it takes to keep people listening and the right team at their side to support them along the way.

“Everyone in the band is best friends and we really try our best to budget our tour more like a vacation.

We like to try a new restaurant and venture out in the city throughout the day. …Being able to play a show that night is the icing on the cake.” down the progression and made everyone stop

Through ups and downs and discovery of

and think. In the end, that means more emotion

sounds, Gravel Kings have emerged as a folk

As for the massive jump to a folky sound, it’s no

was put into Arrows and Maps, and especially

force. They have South Florida’s ear and are

secret that the Gravel Kings aren’t alone in tak-

more heart.

looking towards the future. An incredible transition from hardcore beginnings, Gravel King’s folk

ing on a more string-based approach to music.

When asked why he thinks that down home

Signing on with Decades Records to release

sound still has a punk attitude and an electric

sound is seeing a resurgence, Jones says “I think

Arrows and Maps meant something to the

live performance. They are known as that folk

that the market is too saturated with electronic

band. “For us, it’s huge,” says Jones. “It was a big

band that can hang with the rockers, and that’s

music. Even most of your indie bands have a lot

accomplishment because when we knew we

no surprise considering their past musical lives.

of electronic noise, sound sampling and pedal

were working with a label that was going to try

boards. There are so many effects. I think maybe

their hardest to put [the record] out, we immedi-

A lot has happened to get to this point, and Jones

that’s why there are a lot of people picking up

ately pushed ourselves. We really have to work

knows just how special this new chapter is. “It

the acoustic guitar and the banjo and the man-

hard to make this record something because

didn’t happen right away,” says Jones. “We pro-

dolin right now. Maybe it’s time to take a step

now, it’s not just to make us proud, but to make

gressively noticed people are really into this music.

back. Music came from somewhere and it cer-

the people we are working with proud and ev-

It’s not just one of those bands that we did in the

tainly wasn’t a computer.”

eryone that enjoys listening to our music really

past.” And for that, we are thankful. theatlanticcurrent.com 39

By Dana Krangel

Album Reviews

Lavola

This Book Is My Cowardice West Palm Beach based Lavola is a force to be

perfected their brand of rock and the rest of

reckoned with. The abrasive band with a self

Florida and beyond is paying attention. The

described “orchestral chaos” sound makes

vocals will catch your attention, but the lyrics

hard music for the masses. Through a number

will make you stay for a while. On standout

of lineup changes, Lavola has still remained

track ‘Pearl & Rust’, Cires wails “I saw you die

one of the most relevant bands in Palm Beach

again in my sleep / It was the same mistake, as

County. Their first release since the 2011 EP

it seems / Construct the boundaries in my head

Leaving Paris, This Book Is My Cowardice is full

/ I saw you die again, like the rest.” The imagery

of raunchy riffs, violin cameos and welcome

is standard Lavola and this song, like the rest of

screams. Led by Julian Cires, Lavola has

the record, will stick with you.

Shorty The Giant

Self Titled EP

Cities like Memphis and Detroit are famous for their blues. So who had any idea such tasty

and guitar solos; a true resurgence of a

rock could be born in Coral Springs? Shorty The

sound forgotten all too much. The riffs

Giant is a bluesy trio with an injection of soul

on ‘Broken Shoes’ will give you chills, but

courtesy of lead singer Will Corman’s old-school

that’s only if you can get past the repeat-

vocals. Their sound is a welcome addition to

worthy opening track ‘Need You’. In only

a scene often saturated in banjos or acoustic

five songs, Shorty The Giant cement their

guitar and it’s that distinct difference that has

crisp sound and flare for electric guitar

given them a stage in South Florida. Shorty The

as a South Florida necessity.

KillBillies

Transplant Life The KillBillies are a South Florida bar staple.

on their new full length release, the KillBillies

Their fast-paced, knee slapping, gritty take

showcase their songwriting.

on folk music makes these guys a popular

We’re partial to lead singer Ben Child’s gleeful

bunch. It’s no secret that over the past year,

vocals on ‘Paper Aeroplane’ but banjo-heavy

the KillBillies have drastically improved. They

track ‘Fairweather Friends’ is storytelling and

were always a solid Americana trio, but this

thought provoking with lyrics like “She cries in

band has grown from just a bar act to one

capslock as her tears fall on the keys / Can’t

of the most respected string-based bands

stand the sight of him after 10 years / Well

in the area. Their live show slays it; foot

misery loves company and company loves

drums make for a crazy performance. But

alcohol / So they go to the bar for some beers.”

40 theatlanticcurrent.com

Giant’s new EP is a collection of fresh sounds

“I Like to say my sloppiness is my style.”

42 theatlanticcurrent.com



When looking at graphic designer and artist Eduardo Mendieta’s work, you may be struck with awe. As cliché as that could sound for an artist, it resonates true in this particular situation. Characteristics drawn on his human subjects are extremely detailed, with emotion gleaming in their eyes and expressions that convey multiple moods at once. His art is so lifelike, you expect the subjects to walk right out of the canvas. His shading is so in depth, it appears as if you’re wearing 3D glasses. But alas, you’re not wearing any glasses and no one is walking out of the painting. It’s just Mendieta’s talent.

Mendieta Artist profile

Eduardo Mendieta

s g n i r b s s e n aw to West Written By

Natalya Jones

R

h c a e B m l a P

Mendieta describes his art

drew as a kid but in my

Clemente Orozco, Diego

as having a “raw sketchy,

early teens, I got into

Rivera and David Alfaro

quality to it. I like to say my

graffiti,” he confessed.

Siqueiros, just to name a

sloppiness is my style,” he

“That’s what got me

few. Besides all sharing a

said. And like his art,

painting.” It makes sense

common culture in the

Mendieta himself has an

that Mendieta’s favorite

Hispanic world, paintings

unconventional, non-

artists consist of famous

from these artists as well as

traditional style. “I always

Mexican painters José

Mendieta himself all have theatlanticcurrent.com 43

Artist profile

Eduardo Mendieta lifelike qualities that include

created from three differ-

furrowed brows, inquiring

ent angles and “was

eyes, and the slight, turned

simple and raw and

down corner of mouths.

helped start my career

“They created art for the

in street art.”

people,” elaborated Mendieta. “[They were]

Yet, Mendieta had an even

original street artists.”

earlier start in the artist world. Before decorating

Besides being influenced

West Palm with his artwork,

by his role models in the

Mendieta’s career began

art world, Mendieta has a

after he graduated high

few other muses as well.

school when he first started

Inspired by his environ-

painting on canvas. He

“South Florida is an international destination. There’s a great mix of people here from all over the world. You can’t beat the weather—you can paint outdoors all year round.”

The Wall, Street Art event.

sponsor murals by allowing

Mendieta proves he can

us to paint their exterior

handle a wide diversity of

walls and help with funding.

range with these projects,

We will also be organizing

from West Palm’s

fundraisers and other

Northwood Village and

activities to get the

downtown stairwell to

public involved.”

painting for children at Roosevelt Elementary. Not

When asked why he

to mention, the Off The Wall,

thinks South Florida is an

Street Art event requires

art haven, the Union City,

ment, the people he

admits that he always had

be a great gig for the now

Mendieta to paint live. No

New Jersey native replied,

meets, the places and

an interest in graffiti, but

40 year old. In fact, it’s so

pressure, right? Well, maybe

“South Florida is an

things he sees every day, it

never thought it could be

great that Mendieta seems

just for funds for one of his

international destination.

appears as if Mendieta has

transformed into a career.

to have his plate full: as if

other projects. “As far as the

There’s a great mix of

another inspiration: his

Nevertheless, it appears to

doing his own art and being

Northwood Village Mural

people here from all

a graphic designer wasn’t

Project, the CRA has helped

over the world.”

enough, Mendieta is an

to start this project, but

artist and project manager

we’re going to need more

“There are a lot of

Medienta’s website at

for four different mural

funding to keep this mural

galleries, museums and

www.eduardomendieta.

projects. These include

project going and cover the

street art,” he continued,

murals at the Northwood

neighborhood with beautiful

“you can’t beat the

Village, Roosevelt

murals,” he explained.

weather–you can paint

Elementary School,

“Once we start painting in

outdoors all year round.”

Downtown West Palm

August, we will be looking

Of course, there’s no

Beach stairwell and the Off

for local businesses to

arguing with that logic.

daughter. This isn’t just drawn from a blank conclusion – his favorite piece was the first mural he painted on the side of Respectables in downtown West Palm Beach. A grayscale portrait of his young-

To check out more of his artwork, visit

com or his Facebook at www.facebook.com/ eduardo.mendieta.940.

est daughter when she

You can also follow him

was 4 years old, it was

on Instagram @em_c.

44 theatlanticcurrent.com

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Action Sports



The Rise of

Zion

Jupiter’s homegrown skateboarder talks progression, the health of the South Florida skate scene, and why he’ll stay true to his roots, regardless of the future

Groms 12 and under in

Wright

Georgia, a really cool indoor

Zion Wright is only 15, but with a name that means “monument” and “raised high” in ancient Hebrew, the kid has a lot to live up to. That namesake adds only a fraction of weight he feels on his shoulders, though. The rest? He adds it himself. He wants to do big things, he says, in and out of the skate arena. Become pro. Invent new tricks. Make a job for himself in the skate industry. Then, give back with the same passion. With his family as guidance, young Zion is well on the road to making such an opportunity for himself.

He’s competed in contests all over the U.S. since age 8, has been featured in several edits, and has patiently moved his way up the ranks. Even at such a young age, Zion is firm in his desire to come back to South Florida when his career will allow it. And when he does, there’s a good chance he’ll have a platform to impact hundreds of eager skaters in South Florida’s growing skate scene. To him, that will be much more important than any monument.

all of them. The next year,

progressive skate park, and ended up placing well.

Everyone there was so hyped for me. After that contest I wanted to go to I qualified first out of my division and placed 4th overall. I’ve been to contests in Minnesota, Jacksonville - where I won my first check, $50, which was pretty sweet. I was also voted a finalist in the ESPN Athlete of the Month later in February, and was even invited to the Camp Woodward Show that Fuel TV does. I got a little feature

Written By

Cash Lambert

Photos by

Nathan Hamler

 Let’s start with your

for fun until I was able to

at the end, and the next

background. How did

get my own the next year. I

year they called me and

your feet find their

was 5 years old when I

asked if I would be a

way to a deck?

went to my first skate park.

character on the show. I’ve

I have a sister and two

Every day I went, I’d learn

competed in Atlanta, Tampa

brothers, and one of

something new. Everyone

and California too. I’ve done

them got a skateboard for

there would hype me up.

two edits, called Florida

Christmas. I started using it

The skate park later had a

Daze and Florida Daze 2,

contest, and I decided to

and now I’m sponsored by

compete, but I didn’t do so

Nike SB, Organika, Thunder,

good, so I kept competing,

Spitfire, Endless Grind Wax,

and I won my first contest at age 8.

46 theatlanticcurrent.com

Ramp 48 and Duncan Strength and Conditioning.

 After that, you

 Throughout this

jumped into the

entire process, how

contest grind? Let’s

have you learned

here your resume.

to progress?

Yeah. I went to King of the

By watching. I’ll go to

demos and watch. I’ve put in so much time on the computer, watching guys like Manny Santiago and I’ve observed skating in California a lot.

 And what about for tricks?

I’ll visualize a trick in my head before I do it. If it’s difficult, I’ll watch someone do it first, then I’ll try and go for it. If I fall, I get back up and keep trying until I land it. If I’m doing something wrong, I’ll look at how I’m placing my feet. But it’s all about visualizing it. It gives me a little sneak peak on how to do it. You’ll never know how it’s going to turn out

“ ”

unless you go for it.

I want to keep reaching bigger and better goals. What skateboarders are doing now is only going to be repeated until someone comes along and does something different, creates new tricks.

 Personally, I’ve bled more during my skating days than I have my entire life – and I have the scars to prove it.

What about you?

Any broken bones thus far?

So far, my collarbone, wrist and femur. theatlanticcurrent.com 47

Action Sports

Zion Wright

to other locations

surfing, and I’ll put my

reaching bigger and better

because our environ-

surfing into my skating.

goals. The tricks that

ment didn’t give him

skateboarders are doing

everything he needed.

 Do you prefer

now are only going to keep

Yeah, you just have to work

free skating or

being repeated until

harder here for what you

competition?

someone comes along

get. In other places, you

Free skating prepares me

and does something

don’t have to work as hard

for the street and contests;

different, until someone

because there are more

it’s a good to have both. To

creates new tricks. I want

options. Here, you have to

be the best of the best, you

to be in the generation

push harder to get

have to have it all.

where I’m inventing new

something - it’s just a

tricks. I really think that will

different vibe. I think it’s an

 Let’s talk future.

happen soon. And I want

advantage. When I’m at

You’re only 15, but

to give back - where I came

contests I feel like I’m

what do you have

from people gave to me

ready to skate on a certain

in mind?

and helped me get to

 Talk about school.

level and know I can go all

I’m planning to move to

where I am today. I want to

Since you have a desire

out. Even if I’m not skating

California with my parents,

give back and help others

to go pro, does school

here, I surf. I’ll take my

where I can be with my

like when I was little. I

skating and put it in my

trainer. I want to keep

want to make an impact.

get in the way of that?

money in the skate scene in

How do you see it?

other cities, but you can do

I want to finish school

the sport here. If you have

obviously, but if my skating

parents backing you, you

schedule gets too hectic, if I

can do it. For sure.

become pro and don’t get to finish, I’ll definitely go back

 Does Florida present

and get a degree to have a

any beneficial chal-

backup. Even if I don’t get to

lenges in that regard?

skate pro, I still want to be a

The best parallel I can

part of skateboarding. I want

think of is Kelly Slater,

skateboarding to bless me

who grew up surfing in

with a future job, a job now and later.

 Since you’ve skated in so many places, what are your thoughts on the South Florida skating scene? Up to par? Does it need to grow?

It’s growing, because there’s

the not so great waves

a lot more places to skate

Florida offers, but has

today than there was in the

been the king of the

past. It’s just a matter of how

sport for decades. He

you do it. Sometimes you

attributes his success

have to take a different

to working harder in

approach. There’s more

Florida as opposed

48 theatlanticcurrent.com

“ ”

I’ll visualize a trick… If it’s difficult, I’ll watch someone do it… then I’ll try. If I fall, I get back up and keep trying until I land it.

by Tom Greene

Fishing Report

In

the September/October

coast of the Carolinas all

will appear in the billions

around 4-5:00 and go, or get

timeframe is a great time to

the way down the coast

along the coastline. Some

up early in the morning and

fish. The biggest thing we

to us, then up through the

days you’ll find these 10

hit your canals, your back

have is our annual migration

straits and into the gulf,

miles offshore, because

yards, and go out on the

of bait fish down the coast.

every single year. Right

they “got lost” we figure,

dock and cast a plug and

What triggers

here in our immediate area

but mostly they are close

pick up tarpon, jacks, and

this is the first

October 15 is when they

to shore, usually no more

snook—snook season will

cold fronts, cooler nights

really show up—they start

than ½ mile from shore

still be open in October.

and overall cooler weather,

in early September and go

and 90% of them stay

and the northwest winds

into October and are gone

within 200-400 yards from

You are also going to see

start to bring the bait down.

before November —we

shore. They fill the

the kingfish run, the cobia

We get pilchards, sardines,

have a 30 day window

intercoastal, fill the beach,

run, and the start of sailfish

mullet and all other types of

where the bait fish are thick.

then head down to Miami

season ---they will all be

bait. Over the last 25 years I

What this does is bring

and Biscayne Bay and they

turned on by this baitfish

have considered the annual

kingfish, spanish mackerel,

keep going around and

run. In our fishing world, Photo: Ben Hicks

South Florida

I have my choice of “Ifone time of the year to go fishing,

it is during the

migration of the bait fish.”

migration of the mullet

bluefish, snook, tarpon and

around in circles as they

it’s all about the bait and

run “the greatest show

jacks that will feed on all

head south. We try to go

this is also the start of the

on earth” all along our

this baitfish. The first bait

out and catch as much of

migration of the swordfish.

coast. Some can remember

that arrives will show up in

this bait as we can so we

Nighttime swordfishing is

as a kid, or even as an

the intercoastal; small finger

can freeze it and chum it

very good and it’s also

adult today standing on

mullet and small schools of

later—very inexpensive to

good during the day. A

the beach, the lifeguard

bait in the edge of the surf

do it this way.

good way to go is to put a

or newscaster saying stay

along the beach and then

out of the water because

you’ll start to see pilchards

If I have my choice of one

during the daytime. We’ll

of all the mullet bait and

and glass minnows in

time of the year to go

also start to catch the pink

stop by Custom Rod and

sharks. When you read

abundance— this brings in

fishing it is during the

swordfish, the finest eating

Reel in Lighthouse Point.

about a surfer getting

the spanish mackerel and

migration of the bait fish,

of all swordfish because of

1835 NE 25th St.,

bit, this is usually the

everything else. Then the

every single year. And

the migration of baitfish

Lighthouse Point

time of year it happens.

bigger mullet, the black

remember, in September

and the spawning of

Tom Greene and his excellent staff are available anytime to talk fishing. Call, email or

mullet will start to appear

and October we still have

shrimp in deep water—

You get more than a billion

and you can tell these by

long days and long nights

the swordfish bite is

mullet migrating from the

their black stripes, and they

so you get out after work,

great this time of year.

(954) 781-5600 anreels@bellsouth.net www.antiquereels.com

50 theatlanticcurrent.com

black mullet on the bottom

DD

Sponsored by:

To learn about sponsoring or hosting a release party email: info@theatlanticcurrent.com

速

Hosted by:

Photos: Nathan Hamler

Next Issue

Up next is the Holiday Edition of The Atlantic Current.

A great time for family, traveling, and spending some quality time outdoors.

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