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Pola Bunster

Pola Bunster

Pola is the editor of Culture Crusaders, which is the official media platform powered by Prism Creative Group. 

News (2)

Miami’s Yamit & The Vinyl Blvd are our new jazz obsession

Miami’s Yamit & The Vinyl Blvd are our new jazz obsession

Nostalgia comes through in certain genres more than others. We often hear it in jazz, blues and folk—which have all managed to maintain some of that magic from the past while staying alive in this fast-paced modern world. Artists like Miami’s Yamit & The Vinyl Blvd are just such a band: an ensemble that somehow feels both old and new at once. Born in Israel, Yamit Lemoine, the band’s vocalist, began her training in voice and classical violin at the age of five. She was raised in Toronto, where she developed her love for jazz, soul and blues and has since played in places like Canada, the Caribbean and even back at her home country of Israel. Now, though, she and her band call Miami home. And they’re just about to celebrate the release of their first album, Yamit & The Vinyl Blvd: Ain’t No Misbehavin’ on May 3. In case you haven’t had a chance to see them live yet, you can keep up with their local performances on their website, vinylblvd.com, where they post about upcoming gigs at venues like the Faena, the Setai, Sherwood’s Bistro and Soya & Pomodoro. Their performances see a mix of jazz favorites and standards combined with refreshing takes on the genre that captivates those who don’t consider themselves huge fans of jazz. On April 23rd, Yamit & The Vinyl Blvd will be gracing the brand new jazz night series at Wynwood’s coffee lounge Selina Brawlers, playing tracks from their new album. And we strongly recommend you be there to witness this awesome local group.   Want more?

Meet the local Haitian artist playing cool folk tunes

Meet the local Haitian artist playing cool folk tunes

Music—and all outlets of artistic expression—serve as reservoirs, slowly filling up as they collect the stories of our past. For local singer-songwriter Inez Barlatier, there is no barrier between where her story stops and the music begins. A Haitian-American born local, Barlatier’s music blends her family’s cultures with the melting pot of influences her hometown of Miami offers. At any given moment, you can hear the distinct traditional sounds of Caribbean rhythms blended with the passionate lyricism of artists like Tracy Chapman, one of Barlatier’s greatest inspirations. Her voice is from where that unique sound emanates, bringing to life the fusion of faraway lands like Africa, Brazil and even Cuba. It’s another instrument altogether, as Barlatier bares her soul with each note she sings. This form of self-expression, rare in Miami, is paired with familiar Caribbean beats. Local organizations have taken notice, too. In 2017, the Knight Foundation awarded her a $10,000 grant to help fund her first EP, MOUN|MOON, which premiered at the Miami Light Project just this month. Armed with not much more than a guitar, Inez Barlatier continues to light up Miami stages with her singular folk-meets-island style. To see where she’ll pop up next, check out the singer’s website, inezbarlatier.com, for information on upcoming shows.    Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.