Sam Friend Returns to the Vagabond this Friday, Bougie's on Monday

Currently based in Seattle, prodigal Miami troubadour Sam Friend returns to the Vagabond this Friday for a little soul-soothing in his hometown. The UM School of Music grad eschews the tropical-funk-fusion or synth-driven weirdness of so many of his local peers for a more straightforward, rollicking approach. In the jangly...

By Arielle Castillo

December 24, 2008

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Currently based in Seattle, prodigal Miami troubadour Sam Friend returns to the Vagabond this Friday for a little soul-soothing in his hometown. The UM School of Music grad eschews the tropical-funk-fusion or synth-driven weirdness of so many of his local peers for a more straightforward, rollicking approach. In the jangly piano there's a tinge of Old West piano saloons, and in the moody brass and woodwind lines, shades of Burt Bacharach.

Friend's croon is smooth enough to appeal to fans of coffeehouse-type singer-songwriters, but his wordplay and song structure are unexpected enough to keep a club audience wide awake. In fact, with his feel-good, rootsy vibe, Friend would be a natural for the outdoor festival circuit. (Perhaps he should enter New Times' Battle of the Bands for a chance to play Langerado!)

Friend takes the stage of the Vagabond's bohemian outdoor patio this

Friday, and then plays the similarly chilled-out Bougainvillea's on

Monday. Click here to visit his Myspace page and listen to some of his songs.

Friday,

December 26, the Vagabond, 30 NE 14th St., Miami. Doors open at 10 p.m.

Admission is free before midnight, $5 after. Ages 21+ with ID.

305-379-0508, www.thevagabondmiami.com.

Monday,

December 29, Bougainvillea's Old Florida Tavern, 7221 SW 58th Ave.,

South Miami. Doors open at 9 p.m., admission is free. Ages 21+ with ID.

305-669-8577, www.bougiesbar.com.

(Photo via Sam Friend's Myspace page.)

-- Arielle Castillo

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