But the feel good story doesnt stop there. This years Palm Beach International Film Festival saw the debut of A Rock and a Hard Place: Another Night at the Agora, a documentary and concert film that finally told the complete tale of the once-vibrant scene. Through archived footage, in-depth interviews, and scenes from last years show, the film made one thing perfectly clear: These were amazingly gifted acts, and the fact that they were brushed under the carpet when the scene died out in the mid 80s is almost criminal.
The good news is the music wont go unheard anymore. The Second Annual Sheila Witkin Memorial Concert is coming back to Club Cinema (3251 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach), and unlike last years daylong show, this reunion of the classic, South Florida rock scene will be a two-day blowout. The gig kicks off tonight at 7 p.m. with Blank Tape, Charlie Pickett, Slyder, Tight Squeeze, the Kids, and the Romantics; Saturday night will continue the celebration with Mad as Birds and the Reactions (two bands that missed the first show, the former being composed of members of the Cichlids), as well as Z-Cars, Critical Mass, and another dose of the Kids.
Bringing together such an amazing lineup of local talent seems an almost impossible task, now that so many of the integral members of these groups have moved on from South Florida. But as much as this means to the local community, it means much more to the bands themselves. Like last year, so many people are coming together on a moment's notice, some who haven't talked in years, says Martin Chaddock, one of the events organizers. And it all stemmed from a conversation between Bruce (Witkin) and me. It's amazing to see how far its come.
And dont think this concert is the shows last hurrah Witkin and Chaddock plan on continuing the series, but with a bit of a twist. What I would love to eventually do is bring in new, young local bands every year and really build up the scene. Witkin says. And to do it in my moms name really means a lot.
For now, tickets to this weekends show cost $32.50, or $52.50 for a two-day pass, available at www.ticketmaster.com. If youve got some catchin up to do on the rest of the story, check out Another Night at the Agora, screening all weekend at Cinema Paradiso (503 SE Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale). For showtimes visit www.fliff.com.
Fri., Aug. 29, 7 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 30, 7 p.m., 2008