Bring your axe. Very laid back – a great way to meet some of the Café’s performers & regulars in a very low-pressure environment. Novices & pros are welcome to come on down & join the jam. Try out new material or just participate in some sing-alongs.

Velvet Sun is an ongoing project by singer/guitarist/drummer Scott Weinkle. Inspired by the Brian Eno and Phil Manzanara project Quiet Sun, the songs are a hybrid of crunch guitars, pop hooks, sonic distortion and celestial atmospheres.

Weinkle’s new 4 song EP Empire continues the journey first travelled on the 2001 release Dreamhome. Never far from his roots in psychedelia, British invasion and New York noise, Weinkle, who wrote and performed much of Empire, downshifts from the incessant power of rock holding it in reserve, and then unleashing it to knock the cobwebs from our somnambulist trance..

A live version of Velvet Sun was formed after an invitation to the 1999 Independent Music Festival based on the release of Dreamhome. Weinkle was joined on that CD by drummer Tony Mann, bassist Dennis Ambrose and guitarist Kelsey Warren. For Empire, contributors were Eric Gould on keyboards and Marcel Salas on bass.

“Wait is a great song with a fantastic groove; it drives on a robust beat, some gorgeously underplayed vocals from Scott Weinkle and one of those riffs that seem to be doing nothing and yet add everything at the same time. Wrap this in sensational synthy sonics that give it a smooth edge and sophisticated sheen, and you have it all. It is fair to say that Velvet Sun knows precisely what they are doing.”

“Velvet Sun paints a dreamlike rebellion with new EP Empire” – Earmilk

“Wait features jangly guitars atop a contagious rhythm. The feel of the song is quixotic, while the flow presents aspects of dream-pop allied with SoCal folk-rock. The roll and sway of the layered harmonics are wonderfully mesmerizing.” – Ink 19

“A dark and delectably moody rock success from Velvet Sun, Empire immerses with a gripping post-punk pulse and array of melodic guitar/synth interplay.” – Obscure Sound

“Velvet Sun’s Empire highlights their ability to merge beauty with intensity, further solidifying their distinct place in indie rock.” – Tunes Around

empire Reviews

GRANT LIVINGSTON
Einstein and Gypsy Rose on a road trip,a guy who is way serious about eating pie, a French-speaking cat in a graveyard, armadillos, barnacles, an unleashed dog -you’ll meet them all (and more) in the songs of South Florida singer/songwriter Grant Livingston.

Bring your axe. Very laid back – a great way to meet some of the Café’s performers & regulars in a very low-pressure environment. Novices & pros are welcome to come on down & join the jam. Try out new material or just participate in some sing-alongs.

ROBERT ROSS

Robert’s 2004 CD “What Are We Fighting For?” was released on Fountainbleu Records. The 4 song CD was a mix of original gospel, blues, folk and rock tunes that examined democracy, nationalism, freedom, security, corporate greed, and war. The politically charged lyrics were a bit of a departure for Ross who is primarily known for blues.

In March of 2002, Fountainbleu Records released “Sleight of Hand” which showcased the best material from two previous Ross recordings. The CD was re-mastered by Dennis Ferrante (Elvis, Aerosmith, John Lennon). Guitar World called “Sleight of Hand an excellent new CD.” Blues societies and radio stations in dozens of cities around the country loved it too.

JOEL ZOSS

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Bring your axe. Very laid back – a great way to meet some of the Café’s performers & regulars in a very low-pressure environment. Novices & pros are welcome to come on down & join the jam. Try out new material or just participate in some sing-alongs.

DANIEL GALLUP

Daniel Gallup is a singer-songwriter born and raised in Hollywood, Fl. A genre blending artist, Daniel, sings and plays guitar, bass, and piano. Back in high school, he released a full length album and EP. A recent UF graduate, he’s so excited to be back home performing in South Florida promoting his newest EP, “Unbridled and True” released last December. Daniel can’t wait to share his original music at Luna Star Cafe! To find out more about the artist, go to https://danielgallup.com/

BOB LIND 

Since his 1966 mega-hit “Elusive Butterfly” helped revolutionize American music, Bob’s artistry has continued to improve and evolve. Today, 50-plus years into his impressive career, his songs have been covered by more than 200 quality artists. He’s writing and singing better than ever. And he’s playing his fantastic music all over the United States and Europe.

“Come and see why this engaging poet / guitarist / philosopher / singer / wise-ass has endured in the sometimes-cruel and always-fickle music business for [five decades]. But be prepared to feel emotions you may not have let yourself feel in a while – feelings that may scare you a little. His songs hit the heart like a wrecking ball!”