Sheila Witkin Revisited

Sheila Witkin was the type of fly on the wall that never got swatted. Her contributions to South Florida's music scene in the late 1970s by way of promotion and artist development was a critical component of what gave this region an identity when it came to indie rock. And people loved her for it. Unfortunately, Witkin passed away in April 2006, but a throng of folks who knew her best are flying in from around the world (we're not kidding) to be part of a kick-ass tribute concert in her honor. Bartenders, promoters, and rock groups living in various cities who knew Witkin are headed back to South Florida — strictly for this benefit concert. Put simply, this show is a chance to engage in the dirty seeds of Florida punk rock or new wave or whatever you want to call it. Tons of bands like the Cichlids, who burst onto the scene in the late '70s, were affiliated with Witkin and were responsible for putting the basement state on the noisy map of new music. After garnering rave reviews and establishing a reputation for sexually charged live shows, the Cichlids released one record and promptly broke up. This weekend, they return for their first show in more than 20 years and are joined by roots-punk pioneer Charlie Pickett, the Kids, and quite a few others. Unless you like your punk and rock separated to far sides of the plate, you should find yourself at this early-afternoon get-together.

Charlie Pickett, the Kids, Z-Cars, Critical Mass, the Cichlids, Slyder, and Tight Squeeze perform Sunday, January 28, at 4 p.m. at Club Cinema (3251 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach) Tickets cost $25 to $50. Visit www.thecichlids.com.