While seemingly the whole highbrow world descends on Miami Beach tonight for the official opening of Art Basel, across the causeway, the Vagabond kicks off the artsy extravaganza with a locals-centric fiesta. Okay, so Miami New Times is an official sponsor of the event, but it’s never a bad time to shout out some Miami live music favorites. On the club’s leafy, bohemian patio, the evening will kick off on the chilled-out side. The left-field folk duo Raffa and Rainer will rock – softly – followed by the twee, ukulele-laced “shake-a-billy” of the adorable Rachel Goodrich. Rounding things up with be the unpredictable troubadour Jesse Jackson – will he play as a one-man band? With a full backing ensemble, complete with obscure wind instruments? That’ll probably depend on Jackson’s mood that afternoon.
Moving inside, things should further heat up. Taking the inside stage first are fast-risers Art Official, a live hip-hop act who keep their grooves so tight and on point, they scores in the finals of a Lollapalooza-sponsored contest this past summer to take the festival’s stage. (Maybe next year!). The stars of the evening hardly need an introduction – anyone with a pulse has caught the Spam Allstars at least five times, and anyone with a pulse will respond. And since this week is (supposedly) about visual art, there’ll be some of that too – painting by pop muralist LEBO, and the finest in lowbrow by Francesco LoCastro. Miami, pat yourself on the back.
The Homegrown event takes place Wednesday, December 3 at the Vagabond, 30 NE 14th St., Miami. Raffa and Rainer, Rachel Goodrich, Jesse Jackson, ArtOfficial, and the Spam Allstars perform; LEBO and Francesco LoCastro exhibit their art. Doors open at 10 p.m.; admission is $10. Ages 21+ with ID. Call 305-379-0508; visit www.thevagabondmiami.com.
