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!

From 2005-2007, the Literary Salon at Luna Star Café was a home for poets, storytellers, and musicians to share words, music, and a good beer on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Join us as we mark this milestone anniversary with an evening of readings, live music led by Laura McDermott Matheric and John Camacho, and the
“where are they now” joy of reconnecting with old friends who helped make this gathering a South Florida tradition.

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

ADE PEEVER

We at Luna Star Cafe are SO PROUD to welcome Ade back to the stage! You don’t want to miss it!

Ade Peever is a fingerstyle acoustic guitarist, singer and songwriter from the UK. A background in bucolic British folk runs parallel with a rocker streak nurtured by occasional reunions with Leeds’ loud r’n’b four-piece the Original Gravity Band. SoFlo-based since the 80’s, he’s alternated between folk (The Hautboys were residents at Linda Lou’s Cactus Cantina on SoBe in the 90s) and rock (Slide Area, another rock quartet, was named after a Ry Cooder album). In 2006 he released Green Man Said, an album of originals, featuring 28 players and a live-at-Leeds version of Bill Morrissey’s ballad “Robert Johnson.” Since 2007 he’s been singing with local Irish folk band Celtic Bridge. A rare acoustic set will highlight the story-element of the folk tradition.

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

The Wire Jays are a five piece contemporary Newgrass band that prioritizes creative songwriting, musicianship, and fun in their music.They aim to bring Bluegrass into the 21st century, taking risks and creating new sounds with the classic string-band instruments associated with the genre. Currently based in South Florida, The Wire Jays began playing together at the Frost School of Music, where they honed their sound and perfected their songs. The Wire Jays are dedicated musicians who just happen to be best friends. They wish to spread their love of Newgrass music throughout Florida and beyond.

Find out more here! https://www.thewirejays.com/

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 Mixed Bag band. Jazz Jam second set!

8 PM | No Cover – Donations encouraged

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 for the artists

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

Ryan Rachal is a Memphis-born singer-songwriter and guitarist whose musical journey spans multiple cities and genres. Raised in Nashville and currently based in Memphis, TN, Rachal blends his Southern roots with diverse musical influences to create a unique sound. His music often reflects a fusion of indie, folk, and Americana styles, resonating with audiences across various settings.

Rachal has performed at numerous venues, including Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co., Sofar Sounds events, country clubs, and Churchill’s Pub. His performances are characterized by intimate settings that allow for a deep connection with his audience. Beyond traditional venues, he also hosts intimate concerts through platforms like Airbnb, offering personalized musical experiences. His active presence on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube provides fans with regular updates, live performances, and glimpses into his creative process. (canvasrebel.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!”

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. 

Saeed Tabibi is a Miami-born and bred artist blending Cuban and Persian roots into soulful, genre-defying music filled with positive vibrations that celebrate the beauty of life.

Join us for a fun evening of music, laughs and other shenanigans as we welcome back The Brothers King! Tonight we will also be celebrating Eric’s birthday! Luna Star Cafe would not be possible today without Eric, so come show him some love!!

Scott and Eric King, AKA The Brothers King, grew up on the mean streets of North Miami, the shadow of I-95 and the Golden Glades Interchange looming nearby. As youngsters, when not fighting relentlessly, they found common ground listening to the smooth, calming sounds of Megadeth, Metallica, and a whole array of hair-metal bands. It wasn’t until the mid-90s, when they started to realize there was something to all those folk records their dad owned. After playing together in numerous alternative bands that didn’t quite pan out, they decided that they would begin performing as a duo. At a Brothers King show, you’ll be regaled with songs about lizard mating rituals, incineration, demon storytellers, grandmothers with secret tattoos, occasional serious stuff, bellyflops, and much more. They blend their decades of eclectic musical tastes to create songs that often genre-hop, but are always rooted in their love of telling stories.

Heads up! Our weekly song swap will begin an hour earlier this week, running from 6:00pm to 7:45pm. Song swap attendees are welcome to stick around for the event starting shortly after at 8:00pm, hosted by the NSAI – Nashville Songwriters Association International!

The NSAI Chapter Challenge Song Contest is happening worldwide in April and May! Our local NSAI South Florida Chapter is holding our contest in-person at Luna Star Cafe in North Miami on Wednesday May 27th. 

 

This year we’ve decided to combine our event with Luna Star’s Song Swap, where songwriters are encouraged to join the song circle and play songs live.

The Song Swap will start early, scheduled at 6 PM. This will be followed by our Chapter Challenge song contest, which will begin at 8 pm.

The contest rules should be read by all interested NSAI members wishing to submit a song and attend the in-person meeting on May 27th. Digital recordings of songs will be previously submitted – no live performances of contest songs will be permitted. 

More details to come….

Reach out to the team at Luna Star if you’d like to play a few tunes by Bob Dylan or other influential folk artists of the 1960’s! This can include but is not limited to Dylan, Fred Neil, Baez, Von Ronk, Havens, Buckley, Hardin, Dalton, etc…

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 – DONATIONS ENCOURAGED

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

OtherEndoftheRoad returns to Luna Star Cafe for a special evening with friends.

Paul Michael Zisholtz a guitarist, singer and songwriter who has performed internationally in countries such as: Israel and France. His performances in the US include: LA, New York, New Jersey and Florida.

He has headlined locally at THE RIVER OF GRASS, LUNA STAR, HAROLD’S CAFÉ, GIGI’S MUSIC CAFÉ, NATIVE FLORIDIAN TAP AND MUSIC HALL and YOUR BIG PICTURE CAFE. Paul is appearing on the Michael Stock Folk and Acoustic FM radio show.

Paul was a part of the 1960’s folk revival in NYC and has played at many of the folk clubs in Greenwich Village. Paul has performed at Kossuth Hall and at Carnegie Recital Hall in NYC.

His newest CD named “PARIS MOON” was released early in April by Sweetwood Records. He plays original songs as well as acoustic blues. He can be heard on ITunes, Sound Cloud, E-bay and CD Baby.

He will be accompanied by the wonderful musicians Mike Palecki on harmonica, Heidi Jamila on violin and Mike Desztich on mandolin. These talented musicians are well known in their own right.

OPEN JAMS ARE MOVING TO WEDNESDAYS EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 2025! 7:00pm

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 the jam. Try out new material or just participate in some sing-alongs. 

Enjoy an evening of jazz with Amy Arlo and her Mixed Bag band. Jazz Jam second set!

8 PM | No Cover – Donations encouraged

ADE PEEVER

We at Luna Star Cafe are SO PROUD to welcome Ade back to the stage! You don’t want to miss it!

Ade Peever is a fingerstyle acoustic guitarist, singer and songwriter from the UK. A background in bucolic British folk runs parallel with a rocker streak nurtured by occasional reunions with Leeds’ loud r’n’b four-piece the Original Gravity Band. SoFlo-based since the 80’s, he’s alternated between folk (The Hautboys were residents at Linda Lou’s Cactus Cantina on SoBe in the 90s) and rock (Slide Area, another rock quartet, was named after a Ry Cooder album). In 2006 he released Green Man Said, an album of originals, featuring 28 players and a live-at-Leeds version of Bill Morrissey’s ballad “Robert Johnson.” Since 2007 he’s been singing with local Irish folk band Celtic Bridge. A rare acoustic set will highlight the story-element of the folk tradition.

OPEN JAMS ARE MOVING TO WEDNESDAYS EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 2025! 7:00pm

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 the jam. Try out new material or just participate in some sing-alongs. 

JAMIE GRANGER

Jamie Granger is a singer-songwriter from South Florida. He was raised on the island of Montserrat and worked for a time on a cattle ranch in Montana.  A lyrical journey through museums, roadside motels, and the dreams of lost cowboys.

Black Janet returns to the Luna Star Cafe!

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.

OPEN JAMS ARE MOVING TO WEDNESDAYS EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 2025! 7:00pm

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 the jam. Try out new material or just participate in some sing-alongs. 

7:30p – $5 COVER per person

Based in Miami, jazzman Mo Morgen is best known for his tenor saxophone playing, but is also a vocalist. Morgen isn’t an aggressive or forceful type of singer; he doesn’t belt or scream and his vocals tend to be relaxed and subtle. The improviser hasn’t always lived in Miami; in fact, he spent most of his life in the New York area. Morgen was born Mike Morgenstern in Brooklyn, NY, on February 26, 1939, and, at 12, moved to Long Island, where he remained until returning to Brooklyn in 1972. From 1975-1984, Morgen operated a New York loft called the Jazzmania Society, and it was during his years in New York that he played with improvisers who ranged from pianist Hilton Ruiz to trumpeters Claudio Roditi, and Ted Curson. After moving to Miami in 1993, Morgen opened a club called the MoJazz Café where he led the house band and played alongside such locals as multi-hornman Ira Sullivan (originally from Chicago), trumpeter Melton Mustafa, flugelhornist Pete Minger, and drummer Duffy Jackson. In 2000, Morgen recorded a vocal-oriented CD titled Singin’ Saxy and released it on his own MoJazzmania label. Although Singin’ Saxy has its share of tenor solos and includes two instrumentals — “You and the Night and the Music” and a reggae-influenced version of “In a Sentimental Mood” — it is a jazz vocal album first and foremost. – allmusic.com

SLIM GLASSES

Slim Glasses is a Miami-based band formed in September 2015 by Patricio Acevedo, Erik Anderson, Jose Ballon, and Christopher Myers. The band incorporates elements from its members’ diverse musical backgrounds – including pop, rock, folk, jazz, and classical music – and places a special emphasis on tight and engaging vocal harmonies. Above all, Slim Glasses aims to share a love for music with every crowd that they perform for.

THE DEF CATS

The Def Cats are a trio consisting of Justin Godbolt (drums), Timothy LaRoque (vocals/guitar), and Mario Lemus (vocals/bass).

Having become friends with Oly through “Let’s Sang” karaoke nights at Gramps in Wynwood over the years, Timothy LaRoque was approached in April 2021 about a new weekly event they were hosting, “Rock ‘N Roll Sundays,” finally bringing live music back after a long pause amidst the pandemic. Wanting to start fresh after a year of not playing live, he assembled his ideal “dream band”, creating a supergroup amongst the scene. A musical favorite in Miami for their energetic, heartfelt performances, the Def Cats have performed all over the 305 (FTX Arena, Key Biscayne Yacht Club, SpacePark, etc) and will be performing at the Hollywood ArtsPark this December 9th.