Come December, megaclubs on South Beach and party spots in downtown Miami vibrate with the sounds of international DJs while every hovel in town is pounding with the sounds of bands from all over the world just itching for their one moment in the Art Basel spotlight.
But Miami's also got a legit local music scene that is more than worthy of your eyes and ears. So get out and check out our swampy and tropical musicians.
Trust us, they've earned their time on the #ABMB stage.
See also: Art Basel Miami Beach 2014 Bar Guide
Audio Junkie's Fourth Annual Art Basel Distraction!
8 p.m. to 2 a.m., December 5 to December 7, at Suite 206, 164 NW 20 St., Miami. No cover. Visit Facebook event page.
Just to offer some context, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth played and then chilled the fuck out at this incredible underground party two years ago. The Art Basel Distraction is put together by Audio Junkie brothers Eddy and Greg Alvarez, who have made significant documentaries about musicians on the South Florida scene. They also play in their own band, the Jellyfish Brothers, and throw plenty of well-curated showcases.
Each Basel week, the Alvarezes turn their large studio apartment, housed in a sort of warehouse complex on the outskirts of Wynwood, into the city's most avant-garde musical bastion, drawing in the weirdest and coolest crowd. This year is co-sponsored by PureHoney Magazine and TuffGnarl.com.
For the 2014 edition, they've invited visual artists, as well as photogs Walter Wlodarczyk, Monica Uszerowicz, and plenty of others. Meanwhile, the sonic lineup is a best of the tri-county area. There will be noise made by jazz great Kenny Millions, bands that know how to play instruments, and even a few DJs -- but don't expect any uhntz-uhntz. This is strictly for fans of rock and experimental who are ready for a ridiculous night on the town.
See also: Thurston Moore, Rat Bastard, and Kenny Millions Play Art Basel House Show (Video)
Gummdrops, Tropicult, and PureHoney's Art Basel Live & Local
8 p.m., December 3, at Electric Pickle, 2826 N. Miami Ave., Miami. No cover before 10 p.m., $5 after. Visit the Facebook event page.
Sweet, local party-thrower Gummdrops, culture blog Tropicult, and PureHoney present a solid indie-rock lineup of local acts at the Electric Pickle, right in Wynwood. Oh, and yes, there will be two-for-one drinks.
Catch dreamy trio Tremends, the funk of Hunters of the Alps, folky Bluejay, ethereal New Wave dance beats by the Moon Caravan, female-fronted garage-pop by Palette Town, and the harder rock of The Grey 8s.
