Returning to their Homestead roots, show promoters Florida Rock Stars rang in 2014 with their fourth annual South Dade Food & Rock Festival. On Feb. 1, the weather cooperated at Homestead’s Harris Field Pavilion, the crowds cheered and the bands hit the stage.
We South Floridians don’t know how good we have it listening to live music outdoors all winter long. With six hours of continuous rock and roll, Florida Rock Stars made this show hard to beat. Besides quality food and music, with each event, Florida Rock Stars supports a charitable cause. This time around, it was Relay For Life Homestead.
“Florida Rock Stars allowed us to raffle off a $600 electric guitar from Music Depot,” said event chair Teri Weinstein. “Each and every dollar goes towards our cause. This year our signature event is on May 10 at Homestead Hospital and will be filled with fun, hope and dedicated people.”
First to the stage was Homestead’s own Jade Sanders, who has written over 70 songs and is quite popular on YouTube. She wowed the crowd with her unplugged, folksy guitar as she ripped a 45-minute set of covers and originals, including Journey’s “Lights.” Amazingly, Jade is not quite 15 and plays like a pro. She clearly has a future.
As dusk set in, Main Highway took over. For 13 years, they’ve traveled across South Florida covering great rock tunes. Among others, they played a blistering version of Bush’s Machinehead and a great fluteless version of “Aqualung” by Jethro Tull.
Next, Head First took over. They put on a spirited double-length set. Headed by a new lead singer, Janae Deleon, who also happens to be Miss Miami 2013, Head First also has Mickey Filippucci on guitar. He is one of the principals behind Florida Rock Stars.
Besides the music, food is always part of each Florida Rock Stars festival. With seafood, BBQ and everything in between, there were lots of great choices. Drinks also poured at the cash bar in the back of the venue.
The headliner of the show was Colbert. Formed five years ago, Colbert is one of the premier cover bands in all of South Florida. They energized an already pumped crowd. Like I said folks, nothing like winter in Miami for a rock and roll fan!
SHOP MANGOWOOD ’TIL YOU DROP
If you weren’t out on Feb. 22, you missed the Mangowood Garage Sales. Every year nearly 75 homes participate in a neighborhood clear-your-garage event that brings out bargains, fun, friends and a little silliness.
“It’s a nice way to share the day with your neighbors and there are some great bargains out there,” said community leader Stanley Kowlessar as he drove through the neighborhood.
“There are many people throughout the year who ask when the sale is,” said board member Pam Tabor. “It’s something we all look forward to doing.”
People not only get to clean out their homes, but support causes, too. David Greenwell is a Stingrays softball parent. His house hosts wares from four player’s homes. Each year they raise thousands of dollars to support the team’s extensive travel schedule. Around the corner, Coral Reef Senior High students Gabrielle Bogert, Michael Gordon, Samantha Morales, Hallie Brody and Bianca Torres dressed up for fun and to attract customers. They were raising money for the International Baccalaureate program at their school.
“There is nothing else like this in all of Dade County,” said garage sale expert Judy Jones. “You can find absolutely everything here. This is an event not to be missed.”
HAL’S HOMEOWNER HELP
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Hal Feldman is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advance Realty. Contact him with story ideas or real estate questions at www.MiamiHal.com.
