Welcome to Luna Star Cafe!

Help us start off the week with our Wednesday Song Swap + Meet ‘n Greets! Join the circle with a tune, doodle, or chat with us at the bar about how your day is going! Bring your axe, horn, drum, whatever! Very laid back – a great way to meet some of the Café’s favorite performers & regulars in a supportive and comfortable environment! Novices & pros are welcome to come on down & join. Try out new material or just participate in some sing-alongs. 

7:30pm – Cover Charge $10 per person

Voilá! Live in Concert. Parisian Classics – Timeless Chanson – Jazz Standards

Debbie Spring on Viola, Luke Williams- on Guitar + Vocals and Rusty Heck on double bass

Jazz is an art form that embraces a wide variety of musical styles performed on a wide variety of musical instruments that are less common in other genres. There have been a number of great jazz violinists, but there haven’t been too many jazz viola players, especially ones like DEBBIE SPRING who plays a five string viola. Spring’s playing is heartfelt and technically flawless, and her songs are inflected with Latin, Brazilian, straight ahead jazz, pop, and classical music, reflecting the cultural diversity of South Florida where she lives. She released her second album, TOCAMOS, in 2023 to rave reviews. Music Man blog said, “Technically flawless… her songs are very lyrical and accessible to the listener. Her tones on the viola produce a beautiful, warm and mellow sound.” When Spring was just five years old, her mother saw how much she loved music and began her on piano lessons. Although she was in her junior high school orchestra, she had become disaffected with the piano and started trying out other instruments. She immediately fell in love with the viola and had the opportunity to study with several renowned viola teachers. Although she pursued her musical education at the University of Miami, studying classical music, she had discovered jazz and fell in love with Jean Luc Ponty’s playing when she heard his early, acoustic jazz violin albums. The University of Miami has a world class jazz department, and her department head allowed her to take a jazz improvisation class in her senior year. After graduating, she set out on a career playing jazz with different groups in the South Florida region. She performed with the group Ira Sullivan Strings Attached for 10 years. They recorded an eponymous album in 1983, garnering Spring positive reviews. Spring went back to the University for a master’s degree and began writing music. She performed with her own group for a while and produced a Latin jazz fusion album, “Ocean Drive,” in 1990. Adept at numerous styles, she became one of the busiest viola players in the country. She played pop music, toured with a popular country group called The Mavericks, performed classical concerts with The Florida Grand Opera and the Santa Fe Opera, among others, and backed the famous Miami Sound Machine with Gloria Estafan. One of her favorite gigs was touring with Shakira, dubbed the Queen of Latin Music. Spring relates, “I loved playing with Shakira. Although I’ve played in all these styles, I found the formats very restricting. I’m a jazz musician at heart, and Shakira didn’t lay down what I was supposed to play. She let me improvise, and I had some of the most fun trading riffs with Shakira on stage.”

8:00pm – $10 COVER CHARGE PER PERSON 

Matthew Sabatella and the Rambling String Band present…

250 Years of American History in Song

With vocals, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bass fiddle, and a wealth of historic American songs, Matthew Sabatella and the Rambling String Band tell the story of the United States. This special multimedia show includes music and images from Colonial America, the Revolution, Westward Expansion, the Abolitionist Movement, the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, the Women’s Rights Movement, the World Wars, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement, and more.

Matthew Sabatella and the Rambling String Band connect people with music that is woven into the fabric of the United States. Carrying on the tradition of old-time, pre-bluegrass string bands and songsters, they raise the roof with traditional folk songs, fiddle tunes, old-time country, bluegrass, Appalachian music, ragtime, blues, spirituals, railroad and cowboy songs, work songs, sea shanties, reels, breakdowns, ballads, and more.

Raised on a variety of rock and pop music forms from the second half of the twentieth century, the band members followed the influences of their musical heroes back in time to unearth a treasure trove of American roots music. They perform and record these songs with respect for their essence and place in history while imbuing them with a vitality and intensity that betrays their rock and roll upbringing.

Matthew Sabatella and the Rambling String Band features Matthew on vocals, guitar, banjo, and mountain dulcimer; Jack Stamates on fiddle; Chris DeAngelis on bass fiddle and vocals; and Sean Edelson on mandolin, guitar, and vocals.

Matthew Sabatella and the Rambling String Band

SUNDOWN SOUND – 7:30PM – $10 COVER CHARGE

Sundown Sound creates eclectic, heartfelt music channeling diverse influences of acoustic rock, jazz, blues, Americana, and progressive alternative music.  Thought-provoking, socially-conscious lyrics explore themes of spirituality, love, and beauty.  Sundown Sound at root is a feeling, one that creates a bond with their audience.   Hailing from South Florida, the band is comprised of songwriters Mike Matthews and Daniel Wolpin on vocals and guitar, Colin Fequa on bass, and Manuel Pila on percussion. Sundown Sound is on a mission to prove that homemade music is still viable and vital.

Hard-core lovers of music from every decade, Honey Horizon features Lana Yvonne Pearson on lead vocals, & Kevin Christopher Reid on guitar. The duo performs a mix of covers and original songs in genres ranging from classic rock to pop and beyond. Hailing from South Florida, their music project formed unofficially when they met in 2014, and they’ve been jamming together ever since. Lana & Kevin are excited to bring their collaboration straight to you from their living room and onto the Luna Star stage in what will be their debut performance.

Help us start off the week with our Wednesday Song Swap + Meet ‘n Greets! Join the circle with a tune, doodle, or chat with us at the bar about how your day is going! Bring your axe, horn, drum, whatever! Very laid back – a great way to meet some of the Café’s favorite performers & regulars in a supportive and comfortable environment! Novices & pros are welcome to come on down & join. Try out new material or just participate in some sing-alongs. 

Timothy LaRoque is a young singer-songwriter from Hollywood, Florida (born and raised). Being raised on the classics (The Beatles, Paul Simon, Cat Stevens are some of his favorites) yet growing up in an evolving world with a wide range of taste, he’s come up in the South Florida scene as a leader, specifically in his groups The Summit and (more recently) The Def Cats. Having played all over Florida and surrounding states, he always brings an undeniable, spiritual energy to his live performances.

Eric King is a singer-songwriter from Miami, FL who has toured locally and nationally for the past 19 years in various bands and acts. From progressive rock, to indie pop, electronica, and folk, Eric has explored many facets of music to create an eclectic sound that can be experienced at his live performances. Eric King is now also the co-owner of this precious cafe! Come on out to support!

Always a good time to be had with Amy Arlo’s Almost Blue! Come listen and maybe even dance along with us! Acoustic, Funk + Soul, all sure to sweeten your evening! Start the early evening off with a free jazz show across the street at MOCA- the Museum of Contemporary Art, then head on over to see Almost Blue with us!

8:00pm – NO COVER, DONATIONS ENCOURAGED

Jazz at MOCA details here -> https://www.mocanomi.org/events

Black Janet returns to the Luna Star Cafe for a special Sunday show! George Zhen opens the night! 7:00pm | $10 Cover

Black Janet: A Reunion and Legacy

Following a stellar reunion performance at the Dan Hosker Music Continuum that was well-received by the audience, the members of Black Janet decided to keep the momentum going. Despite not having played together since the mid-1990s, the chemistry among the bandmates appeared stronger than ever, reigniting their passion for making music together.

The South Florida Scene in the 1990s

During the 1990s, South Florida emerged as a thriving hub for musical talent, with many local acts poised to break onto the national stage. This era saw bands such as the Mavericks, Marilyn Manson, the Goods, Nuclear Valdez, Natural Causes, Vesper Sparrow, and Mary Karlzen attracting the attention of major labels eager to discover promising homegrown artists. Among these was Black Janet, a group that stood out for their unique sound and artistry.

Black Janet’s Distinctive Style

Black Janet was regarded as one of the most adventurous bands in the South Florida scene, — Manson and his early aggregate, the Spooky Kids, notwithstanding. Their music was earnest, edgy, and brooding.  The band’s melodic style was reminiscent of bands as diverse as Roxy Music, The Cult, It’s A Beautiful Day and Echo and the Bunnymen, with vocals compared to David Bowie, Jim Morrison, Peter Murphy, Bryan Ferry, Patti Smith and P.J. Harvey.

Debut Album and Recognition

The band’s exceptional debut full-length album, Love Thirsty, earned Black Janet numerous accolades, including a prestigious Jammy award. This recognition solidified their reputation as a standout act within the local music community.

“They were the biggest band in Broward,” recalls Rich Ulloa, head of Miami-based Y&T Records, home to budding hometown acts like the Mavericks, Mary Karlzen, and Amanda Green. “I saw one of their final shows, and it was one of the most compelling live performances I’d ever seen.”

Band Lineup

The members of Black Janet include Amy Baxter on vocals, Frank Binger on drums, Rose Garguilo handling both lead and rhythm guitar, Dave Thompson on bass, Jim Wurster providing vocals and guitar, and George Zhen on keyboards.

Help us start off the week with our Wednesday Song Swap + Meet ‘n Greets! Join the circle with a tune, doodle, or chat with us at the bar about how your day is going! Bring your axe, horn, drum, whatever! Very laid back – a great way to meet some of the Café’s favorite performers & regulars in a supportive and comfortable environment! Novices & pros are welcome to come on down & join. Try out new material or just participate in some sing-alongs. 

Enjoy an evening of jazz with Amy Arlo and her band!

8:00pm – $10 COVER CHARGE | $8 FOR FOLK CLUB MEMBERS | Click here to Join the Folk Club!

A spectacle to truly behold, Bruno Esposito, known to the nocturnal bar dwellers simply as “Lonewolf” delivers on his name and then some. A one man force armed with a drum on each foot, a harmonica framed to his face, and a multitude of instruments taking turns upon his hands, he channels the souls of all the buried blues ghosts, making them jump up out of their graves and dance upon their bones. His guttural croons tell tales of a time he’s never seen, but ring loud and familiar, as if he’s been there before. Unexpected, Swamp-bred and completely unfiltered Americana. ~Ricardo Guerre

Help us start off the week with our Wednesday Song Swap + Meet ‘n Greets! Join the circle with a tune, doodle, or chat with us at the bar about how your day is going! Bring your axe, horn, drum, whatever! Very laid back – a great way to meet some of the Café’s favorite performers & regulars in a supportive and comfortable environment! Novices & pros are welcome to come on down & join. Try out new material or just participate in some sing-alongs. 

8:00pm | $10 COVER

Gaêlica, a three-person Celtic, folk, and world music band has a 20-year history. First formed in Venezuela, the band performs Celtic music with Venezuelan and Latin influences. (Or Latin music with Celtic and folk influences.) Now based in South Florida, Gaêlica’s members are Daniela Padrón on fiddle and vocals; Gabriel Figueira on bagpipes, woodwinds, percussion, and vocals; and Rubén Gutiérrez on guitar, percussion, and vocals. Gaêlica has released five studio albums and has been nominated for a Latin Grammy in the Best Folk Album category. The group has performed in the United States, Latin America, and Europe. They perform original music and successfully re-imagine traditional tunes to blend Celtic and Latin folk into a surprising new sound.

7:30p – $10 COVER per person (goes entirely to band)

Watch this from start to finish! -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEpkUUs4XSE

Join us for a special Sunday show with two of our favorites, Joel Zoss + Sarah McCulloch! 6:00PM | $15 Cover

Joel Zoss has enjoyed a worldwide reputation as a songwriter and guitarist since Bonnie Raitt recorded his “Too Long at the Fair” and “I Gave My Love a Candle.” Featuring his own million-selling compositions and folk and blues classics by American masters such as Elizabeth Cotten, Lead Belly, and Big Bill Broonzy, Zoss’s unique fingerpicking style and moving vocals have entertained audiences from blues clubs and concert halls to the Philadelphia Folk Festival. From 2007-2009 he opened shows for B.B. King and Etta James in theaters across the country. He has performed and recorded with many highly regarded artists including  David Bromberg, Taj Mahal, James Taylor, Paul Butterfield, and Howlin’ Wolf. 

Help us start off the week with our Wednesday Song Swap + Meet ‘n Greets! Join the circle with a tune, doodle, or chat with us at the bar about how your day is going! Bring your axe, horn, drum, whatever! Very laid back – a great way to meet some of the Café’s favorite performers & regulars in a supportive and comfortable environment! Novices & pros are welcome to come on down & join. Try out new material or just participate in some sing-alongs. 

Dave Daniels is a seasoned singer-songwriter from Miami, FL. He has toured the Southeast US on and off for 20 years, and has recently performed for audiences at large festivals like BeachLife Ranch Fest and The South Florida Folk & Acoustic Festival. As the host of weekly Volume.com “Songwriter Rounds” livestreams, Daniels amplifies the songwriting  community at large by showcasing and fostering emerging global talent. He also works with beginner songwriters with Miami Dade County Public Schools. His recent albums (Can’t Play Nice and All In Good Time, 2023) demonstrate Daniels’ refined artistry and lyrical resonance, shaped by American roots music and eclectic modern influences. Recently, Daniels’ new album, meditation on Florida, The Cost of Living, has gained attention in local and regional press.

Ivy Stump is an upcoming songwriter from South Florida whose songs are as endearing as they are quirky and lighthearted at times. He reminds you of an Everglades version of Kurt Vile. And that’s a very good thing. It’s the kind of music you’d want to listen to while you’re driving back from the Florida Keys and meditate – somewhere between a wild adventure off the grid, and coming back to reality of city life.

Izzy Izquierdo is a young jazz singer born and raised in Miami, Florida. She’s been singing for as long as she can remember and is now studying at the Florida International University School of Music. Izzy brings a fresh energy to her performances while keeping that warm, classic jazz sound alive. Whether she’s singing with a big band or in a small, cozy setting, her love for the music always shines through. We are so excited to welcome her back to the Luna Star Cafe stage!

JOHN CAMACHO

JOHN IS RETURNING TO THE LUNA STAR STAGE FOR A SPECIAL NIGHT WITH FRIENDS!
A fixture on the South Florida music and poetry scene for years, John Camacho brings his friends together at one of the best venues to hear music anywhere, The Luna Star Cafe. His resume as poet and musician is considerable. Beginning with local heroes The Goods–the band he formed and co-fronted with his brother, Jim–through early 00s idiosyncratic human juke box cult faves, Mongo, to his current Christian band, Messiah Has Come, John has been writing and performing (with high-energy virtuosity), poetic and powerful pop rock songs with sometimes poignant, sometimes comical lyrics for the better part of two decades. He’s an award-winning poet whose work is published in literary magazines throughout the U.S. and Europe. Don’t miss this very special night!

Help us start off the week with our Wednesday Song Swap + Meet ‘n Greets! Join the circle with a tune, doodle, or chat with us at the bar about how your day is going! Bring your axe, horn, drum, whatever! Very laid back – a great way to meet some of the Café’s favorite performers & regulars in a supportive and comfortable environment! Novices & pros are welcome to come on down & join. Try out new material or just participate in some sing-alongs. 

8PM | $10 COVER

Always a good time to be had with Amy Arlo’s Almost Blue! Come listen and maybe even dance along with us! Acoustic, Funk + Soul, all sure to sweeten your evening! Start the early evening off with a free jazz show across the street at MOCA- the Museum of Contemporary Art, then head on over to see Almost Blue with us!

8:00pm – NO COVER, DONATIONS ENCOURAGED

Jazz at MOCA details here -> https://www.mocanomi.org/events

Help us start off the week with our Wednesday Song Swap + Meet ‘n Greets! Join the circle with a tune, doodle, or chat with us at the bar about how your day is going! Bring your axe, horn, drum, whatever! Very laid back – a great way to meet some of the Café’s favorite performers & regulars in a supportive and comfortable environment! Novices & pros are welcome to come on down & join. Try out new material or just participate in some sing-alongs. 

Alejandro Meola is an independent Argentinean-American singer, songwriter and guitarist based in the NYC area since 2013. With a style rooted in Rock, Blues, Folk he was included on NPR’s World Cafe Best New Latinx playlist and has performed across the US, Europe and Latin America in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Paris, Barcelona, Mexico and Buenos Aires. We are excited to welcome him to the Luna Star Cafe for his first performance with us!

8:00 PM | $10 COVER