Tag Archives: indie

The Bishop Arts District combines an indie flair with a cultural spirit

The Bishop Arts District is located in Oak Cliff, the neighborhood south of town trying to overcome its historically bad rep for being a “bad part of town.” Luckily, a little bit of gentrification has gone a long way without sucking the character out of Oak Cliff and the Bishop Arts District serves as the thriving central cohesion for this part of town. The Bishop Arts District is hands down the best area to find indie boutiques with one of a kind, hand made garments and the like. Picture a brick and mortar version of Etsy. A good collection of small, local restaurants add to this area’s charm as well as the Kessler Theater (a music venue) and the Texas Theater (an old movie theater playing flicks once again) make the Bishop Arts District one heck of a shopping destination.

Club Dada: where cool music happens

Deep Ellum’s Club Dada is one of the best venue’s in Dallas to catch an indie show. They are one of the few music venues that has (mostly) held the fort down during Deep Ellum’s transitional period. They have a pretty good selection of beers on tap that’s always served with cool music and a cool atmosphere. It’s safe to say the folks at Club Dada are cool people. This is a great place to check out some of DFW’s best local talent or even an occasional poetry slam or old movie projected onto the wall. They also have an awesomely large patio with a stage.

2. Miami Int’l Film Festival March 5-14

Picture 20If you’re getting the box office blues after an incredible December month, head over to the Miami International Film Festival, or MIFF as its known. The ten-day festival features 115 world-class short and feature films from 45 countries, including 5 world premieres, 22 North American premieres and 14 U.S. premieres.

And with any premiere comes a great premiere party. To kick the festival off, the MIFF always opens with a fashionable Opening Night Celebration and ends on March 13th with an Awards Night Wrap Party.

Burlesque Theater Meets Indie Rock at Johnny Brenda’s

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Johnny Brenda’s is a three-in-one combo that’s as cool as its location in up-and-coming Fishtown. The space resembles something of an elegant, historic theater meets burlesque club that showcases some of the coolest indie bands in Philly and the US.

One of the few small venues equipped with a balcony, Johnny Brenda’s offers a performance space that’s unique from anything offered in Philadelphia. A world-class sound system send the music of Tokyo Police Club and Thurston Moore from Sonic Youth through the club with perfect quality (both of which played at Johnny Brenda’s before they made it big).

Should hunger strike half way through a show, there’s an eclectic menu made from fresh ingredients from local farmers and an attentive wait staff to the rescue. Keeping with the local theme, Johnny Brenda’s has an impressive selection of high-quality draft beer from local Philly brewers.

Silver Lake Sets a New Standard for LA Cool

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This is definitely not the Hollywood Hills that you’re used to seeing. Known as “The Williamsburg of the West,” Silver Lake has been home to many famous musicians, artists and hipster elite a la Katy Perry, Beck and Tom Waits, much like its BrooklynPicture 18 counterpart. As upscale as it is quaint, Silver Lake is the place to go for off-the-beaten-path boutique vintage shops and amazing multi-ethnic cuisine. With a thriving indie music scene, and many up and coming artists, Silver Lake puts the hip into hipster.

Silver Lake is also home to some of California’s most impressive modern homes (like Kiefer Sutherland’s bachelor pad) and sprawling picturesque landscapes and city views that only the Hills and the Silver Lake Reservoir can provide. Silver Lake is an awesome locale for someone who is eager to experience the “real” LA, the LA most people didn’t even know existed. Hey, if it’s good enough for Agent Jack Bauer, then it’s good enough for everyone.