Mojo Dragonfly: A Rare Breed

We’ve been in Pasco County, just north of Tampa, for almost a year now. I’m embarrassed to say how little I have explored the local color. Our home is beautiful and my schedule is demanding. I don’t get out much.
This past weekend our community held a band bash; three local bands, beers and BBQ on a Saturday afternoon. There was a time in my life that would have been an average Saturday. Now, it’s something special.

All three bands were wonderful. The one I want to talk about is Mojo Dragonfly.

Mojo Dragonfly has an amazingly line-up. They are two women, three men and more instruments than you can count, including mandolin and flute. They sing five-part harmony. The lead female vocalist, Carolynn Street, has enough rock cred in her voice to carry leads that are traditionally sung by men and make it work, without having to sound overmuch like a Wilson sister.

I’d heard the name of the band a few times in the past year. Many people have said “You’ve got to see Mojo Dragonfly; you’ll really like them.” I didn’t pay attention, because most people don’t really get what makes me like a band.

They opened with some classic rock numbers from the 1970s; Styx and Led Zeppelin.  Then Michelle Basch pulled out her flute and launched into some Marshall Tucker. This got me thinking. They’re playing seventies rock and they have a flautist. Could it be? Is it possible that they might do some Jethro Tull? Anyone who knows me knows that my love for Jethro Tull rivals my love even for the Grateful Dead.

Just as I was thinking this, they launched into a very respectable “Thick as a Brick” that segued into an absolutely rockin’ “Living in the Past.” I was in heaven!

Mojo Dragonfly can’t be pigeonholed as simply an efficient classic rock band with two hot chicks and a bunch of fun instruments. Their rendition of Imagine Dragon’s “Radioactive” was stellar. At one point three band members were playing the drums, laying down beats worthy of Imagine Dragons’ fresh drum style.
That Mojo Dragonfly so competently moved from 1970s prog rock to cutting edge pop impressed me. I think it confused some of the old rockers in the audience. I appreciate a band that can find the best music of each decade, and play it with some depth.

After Imagine Dragons they played another of my favorites from another decade, Prince.

Mojo Dragonfly separates itself from the yawnfest of standard regional cover acts in a number of ways. They’re not a “chick band,” but they leave no doubt that women rock. Each member is uniquely talented and charismatic, although they function together flawlessly. Each band member plays a number of instruments, so the talents of each individual are showcased in a way that is visually interesting. Their combined vocal talent is epic. And, they manage to walk the line between respectful cover and creative interpretation of some of the best music of five decades.
Pasco County is lucky to have such a rare breed of band playing regular live shows. Like them on Facebook, and get to a show!

Awesome Breakfast in Tampa!

I love going out for breakfast, but I don’t really like eggs, or most standard American breakfast food.

Thank goodness we found Brunchie’s!

Conveniently located on Dale Mabry in Carrollwood, Brunchie’s serves breakfast and lunch. Their extensive menu is a delight to read, but it might take some time to make a choice!

Brunchie’s has plenty of healthy options that include some vegan and gluten-free fare. They also have some unusual dishes for culinary adventurers, like “duck bacon.”  Brunchie’s offers all sorts of eggs benedict dishes and pancake and waffle dishes for those who want a treat. I appreciate niceties like real maple syrup, and an assortment of teas - Brunchies has all that and more.

This restaurant gets busy, especially on a Sunday morning. Get there early, or be prepared to wait. Since there is no place like Brunchie’s anywhere, it is probably worth the wait.

Discovering the West Coast of Florida

I didn’t want to leave South Florida. I love the tropical weather, I love my friends and clients, and I love being in such an international and diverse culture.

I am returning to South Florida at least once a month to see my friends and clients and enjoy the tropics.

But the West Coast of Florida is actually showing a lot of promise.

There are fewer billboards, and more trees. Prices for many things are lower. In many cases people are friendlier.

Automobile insurance is cheaper – presumably because my chance of hitting a Bentley or a Ferrari is somewhat less.

I haven’t been to the ocean yet, but I hear it is lovely. I can’t imagine it is better than the beaches in Miami, but we’ll see.

We have plenty of flora and fauna here on the West Coast. I have seen a red-wing blackbird, an alligator and a grove of banana trees.

We have culture here too. I have already visited the Dali museum.

We have fewer palms, but lots of tall trees, unlike what you find in South Florida.

We are also a few degrees cooler, which, for me, is not a plus.

I will enjoy exploring a new part of Florida. I’m already feeling at home here.

But don’t worry, South Florida, I’ll be back. Often.