Summer Jam 3
Words: Julie Martin
Photos: Michael Spadoni

Appeared:
June 23, 2007
Crowbar, Ybor City
and
New World Brewery, Ybor City

To walk with the sun in hand and kissed brown by its rays is the Floridian way. In inauguration of the season, local promoters have collaborated to unite venues and amass talents inviting us all to attend the event known as the Summer Jam. This year Crowbar and New World Brewery played host to the third annual festivity.

The experience began with wristbands at Crowbar in the late afternoon; however, the live acts would not begin until 7. Leaving behind a lonely venue, a gaggle of early birds flocked to the NWB for the first time, but most certainly not the last. Sensational dance tracks by DJ Maynard greeted newcomers at the gates. Once inside, the lazy cool of blowing fans was coupled with free BBQ and 3 beer specials. This proved to be an ideal starting point.

The musical selection and main attraction were laid out in an aesthetically correct gradient with big sounds to cap the beginning and end of the night. At NWB, the showcase included the Hip Hop groups of Rocwell and Black Reign. The show progressed throughout the night with interjections from indie and experimental bands, Mumpsy, Red Room Cinema, and D’Visitors. Meanwhile, Crowbar’s line-up held the psychedelic rock sounds of Roppongi’s Ace, the Southern sweetness of The Sugar Oaks, and the delectable pop of both The Dark Romantics and Voxtrot. The space between live acts at both venues was occupied by the tunes of various DJs including Sandman, Kayess, and the gentlemen that bring the Funk and vinyl to Soul Night.

In addition to the aural and oral confections of the evening, the eyes were given fare on which to feast on by way of live murals from Noah Deledda at NWB, as well as Jay Giroux at Crowbar. Bathed in condensation from the frequent five-block trek between venues in an attempt to catch all of the bands, the raucous occasion of inebriated merriment continued late into the night.