There is no end to the changes and new beginnings that occurred in 2017. This last year has been a particularly intense one, fueled by impulse and intuition. Some of the months felt likes weeks and some weeks like months. And so the excitement continues!

Big thanks to all of our contributors, readers, and followers for the love and support. Here’s to Miami! To another wonderful year in art, culture and magic!

The Most Popular Tropicult Posts of 2017

1. DARE YOURSELF

Dare Yourself

It’s the oldest instrument ever. (40,000 years plus) It’s been written about by the Sumerians and Confucius, in The Bible and The Epic of Gilgamesh. It’s played by ancient Greek myths (Pan), Indian gods (Krishna) and British rockstars (Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson). And it may well be the cognitive link between Neandertals and modern humans.

2. A DAY WITH AARON JACKSON

A Day with Aaron Jackson

Founded in the late thirties on the inland of Miami, at a height of ten feet above the sea level is Model City, more commonly known as Liberty City. Aaron Jackson has grown up in the heart of Miami that is often misrepresented and overshadowed by the glitz and glam of the surrounding areas that teem with tourists.

3. THE INFINITE CHANNEL: RED LIGHT MOTEL

The Infinite Channel: Red Light Motel

Red Light Motel’s debut album The Tropical Funk begins with a daunting, ethereal-like narration — echoes of sound are followed nervous quivers. “If it’s all just a dream/if it’s all just a dream/don’t wake me up till dawn,” are the first lyrics from what vocalist/guitarist and Rio De Janeiro native Yuri Dos Santos describes as the story of a concept character named Charlie; a culmination of Red Light Motel’s members, their experiences and the telling of Dos Santos’ serendipitous dream that formed the vision of the band, where he envisioned a trio in a small nightclub of the same name.

4. INTERVIEWING DAMSON

Interviewing Damson

Story. Not rumor. Not innuendo. Not gossip. Not chatter. But story. story upon which myths are made and fables are created. A story fit for an oracle. Deep, dark, dreamy narratives, handed down by sages, through the ages.

5. DADEMONIC ISSUE 1 – THE GOOD NEWS

DADEMONIC ISSUE 1

Welcome to Dademonic, where we idolize the creepy and share the spooky. Each month we feature a local writer’s twisted tale to get you through your Frightday work hustle. This month we bring you, Antonio Sosa, with “The Good News”, a dark prose on sweet revenge. Now bite in and get your first taste of Dademonic. Let’s get witchy baby…

6. READABLE NOISE: YOKO SATA KOTHARI

Readable Noise: Yoko Sata Kothari

There is a reason there is silence in art museums.

The whispered, hushed tones of meaning that come from patrons as you walk past your favorite painting, be it a Renaissance portrait, or modern abstract sculptures. The same reason the overhead air conditioning is so prevalent, the echoes of high-heels and boat shoes across the most likely, wooden flooring.It’s because, like a church of your choosing, or even a tranquil environment if you don’t believe in religion, is sacred.

7. HIGH TIDE: THE TREMENDSTAKE THE ANDERSON

High Tide: The Tremends Take The Anderson

Tonight, The Tremends will have their debut performance at The Anderson’s weekly High Tide party. The self-proclaimed “Pink Punk” trio uses Miami’s natural beauty as their sweeping authority in the essence of their songs.

8. LOCAL AND VOCAL: MEL BRYANT

Local and Vocal: Mel Bryant

The times they are a changin’. And so is the stage for conscious music and creativity. Local musician Mel Bryant is emblematic of this reality. Singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Bryant’s musical trilogy reminds listeners what a good sonic recipe sounds like. For starters, it packs a powerful punch.

9. THE NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE SANCTUARY

The Neighborhood Coffee Sanctuary

Coffee first. Hustle later.

And for those of us living in West Miami, that first order of business just got tastier and closer to home. Nestled in a bustling mini-plaza on 8th Street is the newest addition to the coffee community – White Rose Coffee.

10. BEHIND THE LENS: HOPE & REALITY

Behind the Lens: Hope & Reality

Two photographers intertwine their creative forces to visualize the vulnerability of life, and the inevitable coming of death. Tony Chirinos and Baker come together to show their projects “Requiescat in Pace” and “God Boxes” together to create a visual narrative that illustrates spiritualism and the possible afterlife.