Not all local jam bands are created equal. Some seem to run laps between the Funky Buddha Lounge & Brewery and the Funky Biscuit, which is solid. We need them — they make the scene what it is. But some local jam bands break through and travel the country delivering their slice of South Florida style to every corner of the U.S. No one does it better than Fort Lauderdale's the Heavy Pets, jamming their way through your most dancetastic live music outings. Whether it's a New Year's show, full-on festi, or random run-in, the Pets always make their way back home and into your hearts, no matter how far they tour. Your friend may have watched the Heavy Pets slay it in the middle of a sweaty mob at Bonnaroo, but you get to see them up-close and personal on a breezy Saturday night at Guanabanas. What makes the Pets extra special? They have side projects aplenty, cutting up the lineup to share the love so there's constantly music coming from the guys. This divide-and-conquer technique shows that the true passion of the band is to get music out in the open and to create with one another. Fact is, when the Heavy Pets, Fat Mannequin, Lather Up!, or the Sugar Dicks announce a show, the community comes out. And the community is everything when it comes to jam.