Dear recent Orlando transplant:

Ok, so you just moved to Orlando from New York / Philly / Chicago / San Francisco / et al. You feel lost, uprooted, misplaced -- you're starting to think Orlando might suck. Eager to find some nightlife in this town, you go to Lattitudes on Church Street, Slingapour's on Wall Street and that mega-club on Orange Avenue owned by one of those Backstreet Boys (Orlando's finest celebrities). Maybe you even think International Drive, Citywalk or Downtown Disney is where everyone hangs out in this town. Now you really think Orlando sucks.

Well, you're wrong. There is more to this city than theme park "nightlife" and crappy clubs with guys wearing shiny shirts, but you have to know where to look. Instead of complaining about how lame Orlando is compared to your city of origin, why not get out there and support your new scene -- it's a lot better than you think! After all, you moved here for a reason, right? (I'm guessing to escape the cold weather.) So you can do one of two things: either 1) move back to the city you think is sooooo much more awesome or 2) quit bitchin', check the events below and DON'T SLEEP on the shit that is happening!

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Don't Mess With Texas



Tonight -- fresh from the state that gave us the South By Southwest Festival, the Debbie Does Dallas series, the worst president in U.S. history and two of the best moments in Pee Wee's Big Adventure ("The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas!" and "There's no basement in the Alamo!") -- are two bands for your listening pleasure!



Fans of indie rock should head to The Social tonight to see Dallas-based band, The New Frontiers. According to Metromix Orlando, "their debut full-length album The Mending, offer[s] their take on a quieter, more introspective brand of indie rock."

Meh. To me, they sound like every other weepy indie band out there -- acoustic guitars, generic sad singing and slow tempos (even on "upbeat" songs). I think I'm just getting too old and happy with my life to appreciate this kind of music. Plus their name reminds me of an awesome Journey song -- to which they can't even hold a candle.



If you're looking for something with a little more energy, check out punk band Teenage Cool Kids, who hail from Denton, Texas. In true punk rock style, they'll be playing at a venue that I have never heard of: Conway House (1318 S. Conway Road). I can only assume it's a house in the Conway area that is very anti-establishment and anti-neighbors. Should be a fun time! Find out more info about their summer tour on their blog.

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