When it comes to the South Florida music scene, Astari Nite is a name that pops up often and for good reason. The hardworking band of four consistently pleases crowds from Palm Beach to Miami-Dade and since its inception has developed quite the rep, even scoring a stage at this year’s Ultra Music Festival. This Saturday, the band kicks off the release of their new EP at The Stage in Miami and unveils four new tracks.
The latest Astari Nite EP continues to reflect the band’s already established style of mostly fast-paced new wave (Astrid may be the exception with a slightly slower, but just as melodic, intro with a pick up in the chorus.) Gesture of Submission, perhaps the catchiest and most post-punk sounding song on the EP, along with Saddest Satellite, probably best showcase the band’s influences- the two songs’ lyrics and vocals echoing that of New Order and The Cure. You might say nods or emulation to the Brit rockers may be obvious, but that would be paying Astari Nite a compliment. Only after you realize what a flawless job the band does fitting right into character do you come to appreciate their authenticity and the genuinely great job this band does.
Catch Astari Nite with The State Of, Saturday, May 28th at 10pm The Stage 170 NE 38th St Miami, FL
Breakfast is awesome. There’s really no other way to put it. There’s nothing like a huge well-rounded breakfast chased by a cup of diner coffee. Typically, I like to make massive breakfasts on the weekend with all of the things I like, the way I like them, since diner breakfasts are not always what you expect. The eggs might be too runny, the coffee too watered down, or you just can’t get the combo you want without spending more than ten dollars, which, if you ask me, is a little ridiculous. Read our take on three area diners and their strong points.
Lester’s- The Classic
250 W State Rd 84
Ft Lauderdale
Most Ft. Lauderdalians, especially those that drink, probably know this joint. It’s open 24 hours, and pretty much a staple, having been around for forty plus years. The staff is friendly and fast, the place is huge so nine times out of ten you won’t have to wait a long time for a table, and the extensive menu has all the items you’d expect from a diner. Lester’s got atmosphere, coffee, and attentive servers; all the things a classic diner should have yet oftentimes don’t, and, bonus, it’s clean and the food is fresh.
A scrambled veggie omelette with peppers and onions, hash browns and toast will set you back about $8. The pancakes are rich, fluffy, and filling, and run about $5 for two big ones with butter and syrup. A breakfast like this will easily keep you full for a good part of the day. Add coffee and conversation and you’re all set for a great day : )
Tip: Go here for breakfast foods or sandwiches, not dinner. Order the “salsa” at your own risk.
We don’t want to assume anything but we can only hope this doesn’t mean what we think it means: that Bluejay’s Cafe on Himmarshee might be closed for good. The restaurant which was suddenly and mysteriously packed up almost three weeks ago now has the card of a Ft Lauderdale business tax worker taped to the front doors. Bluejay’s opened last summer and quickly hit it off with their gourmet Southwestern dishes and popular breakfast burritos. It seemed to be the perfect addition to the area and appeared to do well, its outdoor seating area frequently full. Check out our review from last year, some mouthwatering breakfast photos here, and let’s cross our fingers that this tasty joint isn’t gone for good!
Over the last few years Radio-Active Records has bloomed into Fort Lauderdale’s darling indie record store, hosting entertainment in the form of various bands, DJs, and other nighttime events, while offering top customer service and musical knowledge. It’s no wonder they’ve been the recipients of Best Of awards and the subject of many blog posts here and other places. Radio-Active is more than just a fad or a place for trendy hipsters to hang though. Below we’ve got some reasons to visit even if you’re not buying vinyl:
1. They play uncommon and/or new tunes you might’ve otherwise never heard. The staff is even happy to hook you up with some music info- whether it’s some rare psychobilly or the new Radiohead. 2. Album art gets much less face time these days- check out Rolling Stones’ Their Satanic Majesties Request or Culture Club’s Waking Up With The House On Fire then go in and browse others firsthand. 3. They carry Uncut, Spin, Wire, Under The Radar, and a few more of the best music mags. 4. You can find out about upcoming community events by either talking with staff there or checking out the plethora of flyers that get dropped off there. 5. They sell Iron Forge Press prints from a variety of local shows. 6. Even if you don’t own any vinyls, you can listen to them on one of the tables there. 7. They keep a pretty impressive collection of local CDs and demos- FTLC favorites Rebel included. 8. If cassettes are your thing they have those too! (Mostly newer artists) 9. You can pick up some black and yellow (stickers, that is). 10. Catch a show! Jacuzzi Boys frequents the place and were last there on Record Store Day ’11 along with Blank Dogs, Merchandise, and Axe and the Oak.
Radio-Active Records is located at 1930 E Sunrise Blvd # B in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Phone number (954) 762-9488
When it comes to the South Florida music scene, Astari Nite is a name that pops up often and for good reason. The hardworking band of four consistently pleases crowds from Palm Beach to Miami-Dade and since its inception has developed quite the rep, even scoring a stage at this year’s Ultra Music Festival. This Saturday, the band kicks off the release of their new EP at The Stage in Miami and unveils four new tracks. 
