PULSE / Local Music Spotlight
Best Large LIVE Music Venue: Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Prkwy - Estero, FL -
www.germainarena.com Apart from the obvious – big name concerts – Germain Area supports local musicians. One of my favorite events to attend is the annual “Home Grown Music Festival.” Last year’s competitive event, hosted by Germain Arena, showcased 17 unsigned local bands playing every- thing from rock and reggae to heavy metal.
Best Small LIVE Music Venue: Jack’s Seafood Bar & Grill 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd - Naples, FL -
www.jacksbaitshack.com Jack’s offers LIVE local music acts on more nights every week than any other small venue in the area. The bands are consistently good at this local hangout, and they have my favorite ale on tap. Check out the menu too and tell ‘em Moony sent ya.
Best Outdoor Venue: Cambier Park 735 8th Street South - Naples, FL Surrounded by a trendy upscale shopping and dining district in the heart of downtown Naples, Cambier Park hosts a variety of local acts in their band shell on a regular basis.
BEST OF Local Music
written by: Moony Mann I’m always excited to contribute to the Awards
issue of Pulse Magazine SWFL. I’ve been writing about the local LIVE music scene for a few years now, and am also a local performing musician playing about 400 times each year in the region. So, while everyone has a right to their own opinion, please consider my qualifications when it comes to reviewing local artists and the venues that support them; it’s the music itself that’s subjective. Admittedly, I spend most of my time in Collier, South Lee and South Hendry counties, so if I’m missing an amazing artist, band or venue, please don’t hesitate to let me know. There is always next year for awards, not to mention next issue! I could go on and on about the criteria considered while mak- ing my selections for the “best of” this year, but I only have one page so I’ll just get right to it.
28 | Pulse Magazine SWFL
Best Music Store: Guitar Center 4440 Fowler Street - Fort Myers, FL -
www.guitarcenter.com In this case, bigger is better. Don’t get me wrong, I spread the wealth and shop at the small locally owned “Mom and Pop” music stores as well. But, it’s hard to dismiss the on-hand inventory carried by this store.
Best Open Mic Night: Fred’s Food, Fun & Spirits 2700 Immokalee Road - Naples, FL -
www.fredsnaples.com If you are a budding rock star or comedian, there is ample opportu- nity to show off your skills at Fred’s. From “Acoustic & Arts Nite” every Monday, Omar Baker every Tuesday, Open Mic Night every Wednes- day to regular appearances by Little Eddie & The Fat Fingers, there is always something musical going on at Fred’s
Best Up & Coming Band: The Wholetones
www.wholetonesmusic.com The Wholetones play all over Southwest Florida making it hard to miss this talented group!
Best Soloist / Instrument: Oleg Timuta (violin)
www.olegtimuta.com Based in Bonita Springs, Oleg Timuta is master class.
Best Bar Band: DVS Band
www.dvsband.com Based in Cape Coral /Fort Myers; love these guys and never get tired of watching Bethanne.
Best One-Man-Band: Nate Augustus
www.facebook.com/nateaugustus Straight from Devils Garden, Florida, Nate Augustus sings, plays the drums, guitar and harmonica… all at once! And he pulls it off surpris- ingly well. The bottom line? Nate rocks! Go see him play!
Best Male Vocalist: Omar Baker
www.ctohighvoltage.com Omar Baker is the singer for the popular variety group, The High Voltage Band, based in Collier County. In the past, you’ve probably seen him singing solo at the Naples Beach Hotel, Noodles Italian Café, Fred’s Food, Fun & Spirits, Latitude Restaurant & Piano Bar, or at one of the many other venues that book him regularly.
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