Local Love

Snobby locals love to sip their haterade and talk out the side of their mouths about Tobacco Road. It’s only understandable that Miami’s oldest bar has gone in and out of vogue during almost a century of existence — hit the Road on an off night and you might walk away grumbling yourself. But when the Road is on fire, it’s unlike any other place in the city — packed to capacity with locals who love the 305 and are happy and proud to swill brewskis and support Miami’s musical talents. Thanks to tireless promoters Oski and Queen of the Scene, The little BIG Music and Art Festival will be one of those enchanted evenings.

More than 30 bands are expected to play on five stages, and the joint will be jumpin’ with vendors, live painting, and other displays of creativity — for example, a showing of nude paintings by OMG Mike from 105.9’s Paul and Young Ron Show. Um, yeah. The lineup is studded with local luminaries: The Five Nines, Avida, and January will play the patio; Nimencia and Echoes of Chaos will jam in the upstairs cabaret. At the main bar, Unreal Me, Riot Agents, and The Silent System will take over, while in the parking lot, Mess Anger, City of God, and Jahfe will rock till the car alarms go off. The noise begins at 6:30 p.m.; admission is 10 bucks. Visit www.queenofthescene.com for deetz, and RSVP on the Queen’s MySpace at www.myspace.com/SFL_QOTS to win prizes.
Fri., Aug. 8, 2008