Summer Jam 2
June 24, 2006
New World Brewery
Words: Steven Hobbs
Photos: Michael Spadoni

Summer Jam 2 began as I squeezed into the back of a Toyota Previa with Auto! Automatic!! at 2:30 p.m. on a humid, Florida summer day. Drummer Alex Fedele and I kept a constant vigil over guitar cases and merch boxes that had the tendency to slide and spill as bassist and field commander Nate Murray took turns too fast.  Only once pulling onto I-275 did a guitar case find the back of our heads.

Filing out of the van into the parking lot adjacent to the New World Brewery at 3:30 PM I realized, with some alarm, that it would be over five hours before sunset and over 10 hours before the event’s conclusion.  To pass the time, the band and I kicked around a soccer ball and made World Cup predictions in between performances.

As everyone in town knows by now, the New World Brewery is the best venue in Tampa to see live music.  The intimate patio setting breaks down the distance between the performers and the crowd, prompting bands to interact more with their audience. The bartenders and staff are some of the kindest people in the area. Not only are they great hosts, but they also are avid and genuine supporters of local music.

The lineup for the evening was a mix of indie rock bands, hip-hop artists and DJs.  Jack Spatafora and Joe D’acunto from Aestheticized Presents and Deacon from Tastemakers always put together great, eclectic shows.  The Tampa music scene has benefited greatly from their involvement and hard work over the years.  Summer Jam 2 was another testimony to that.

Dry County from Tampa kicked things off first. Despite the early slot and small crowd, the band performed a solid set.

As Orlando-based History took the stage around 6:30, more people began to file in.  The five-piece band filled the New World patio with heavy, yet catchy songs.  Their sound is unique and difficult to label, but a listener would most likely hear the diverse influences of Weezer, Jawbox, Minor Threat and Rush. Former My Hotel Year drummer Patrick O’Neal absolutely destroyed his kit (he uses a kick drum as an extra floor tom) keeping rhythm with bassist Kenzie Pause as the synthesizers and distorted guitar crafted the dynamic progressions and melodies.  During their two years together, History has received rave reviews from the press in Orlando. Jason Ferguson, writer for Orlando Weekly states: “History is one of this city’s best bands.” It was apparent after their set that such praise was well deserved.
       
As the sun finally descended and the evening unfolded, the event evolved into something beautiful.  The foosball tables were buzzing with bands and customers laughing, shouting and enjoying each other’s company. It felt like a close community of artists and friends.  It felt like family. It felt like people were truly excited about what was happening in the Tampa music scene.  It felt like everyone was taking ownership and pride in their local artists.  It felt like those not in attendance were missing out on something special.  Everything felt sincere, exciting and fresh.  All of the bands applauded and supported one another’s sets.  The bands, the audience, the promoters were there simply to have a great time and enjoy musicians playing at the top of their game. The audience gave each performer the attention and recognition they deserved, and in turn, each band gave an inspired performance.

Around 9, the temperature finally cooled down as Morningbell started their set.  Summoning the spirits of The Apples in Stereo, The Olivia Tremor Control, and every artist ever signed to Elephant 6, the Gainesville psych-rock band immediately captured everyone’s attention. With Christmas lights wrapped around everything from guitar amps to sport coats, the quartet played with a unique, communal chemistry that resonated strongly with listeners.  The band combined their quirky stage antics (bassist Eric Atria’s extended stutter step moves were unforgettable) with well-crafted, well-performed songs.  It was obvious from their smiles and dances that they were excited to play for such an appreciative audience.  By far the highlight of their set was the excellent cover of “Tomorrow Never Knows” by the Beatles. 

If someone had told me that a band attempted a Beatles cover as a closing song, the obvious response would be to find the group and beat them to death with their instruments.  However, Morningbell pulled it off creatively without a hint of pretense.  At the song’s conclusion, each member pounded the rhythm on a floor tom, creating a psychedelic, indie rock drum circle.  The crowd roared after the well-timed crescendo to end their set.  The steady flow of people to its merch table proved that Morningbell might have found a second home in Tampa.

Lakeland’s Mousefire followed with their guitar riff-heavy tunes.  Each song was catchy and concise.  Admittedly, I was somewhat under whelmed with the band the first time I saw them at New World a few months earlier.  However, again due in part to the atmosphere of the evening, the band turned in a strong performance that impressed everyone.

Next on the bill was the talented and admired hip-hop group, the Villanz.  The Tampa-based duo delivered skillful rhymes and flows that drew a large, enthusiastic crowd out to the patio.  Their set was both anthemic and engaging. MCs Di-Vine and Main showcased their talented lyricism by rhyming about the typical hip-hop subject matter, as well as touching on personal, real and relevant themes. 

Tampa’s own Auto! Automatic!! took the stage around midnight donning Reax magazine T-shirts.  Drawing in closely from the front and the sides, the audience huddled around the trio like an offensive line waiting to receive instructions from their quarterback.  It may seem odd, especially since there is no singer, but it felt like the band was preaching more than playing, converting more and more people after each song. Brian Larson’s finger-tap work on the guitar never ceases to amaze and wow onlookers. I’ve seen the band perform over a dozen times, but never have I seen them play with such energy and passion.  They clearly stole the show.

Jacksonville’s hip-hop foursome the AB’s was a perfect choice to close such a perfect evening. They picked right up on the communal vibe and had everyone moving and shaking.

Driving home in the Previa, everyone agreed that there was something exciting and special about the event. Over the past few months, it really seems like the Tampa music scene has grown and gained the attention it deserves.  An event like Summer Jam 2 is a good reminder that there are talented, diverse bands in the area, and local promoters who know how to put together excellent events and shows.  Sure it was hot. Sure it was long. But it was clearly worth it.  Nate Murray summed it up best when he said, “Man, those 14 hours went by fast.”