Miami Shoot

Advertise with MiamiShoot.com

October 10, 2024
September 12, 2024
September 4, 2024
August 14, 2024
August 14, 2024
July 20, 2024
June 15, 2024
May 2, 2024
March 28, 2024
March 12, 2024
February 23, 2024
February 19, 2024
January 16, 2024
Menu

Culture

Arts, Culture, MSM Online

My Miami – Sarah Raskey

/

  Interviewed by Nadja Atwal In a world full of overhyped and underdelivering artists, Sarah Raskey stands out with a rare combination of jaw-dropping creative skills, academic accomplishments, commercial success, praise by critics, plus – last but not least – remarkable grace and beauty combined with an adorable personality. She is a visionary artist, a licensed clinical professional psychotherapist, certified art therapist and a former graduate art therapy/psychology professor at both the school of the Art Institute of Chicago and DePaul University. You find her art at her own Sarah Raskey Fine Art Gallery in West Loop, Chicago where she exhibits her work exclusively. Sarah is also the co-founder/owner of Open Avenue Therapy, a Chicago-based private psychotherapy practice since 2008. She has exhibited nationally and internationally since 2000 and had created a prolific volume of work in both residential and commercial settings. Some of her notable works: She has several pieces at the Kimpton Hotel Allegro in Chicago which includes an 8’ x 6’ three-dimensional self portrait adorned with vintage jewelry, as well as 90’ of custom carpeting. Within the last years she has also created an illuminated 16’ x11’ custom art wall for MB Steak restaurant located in the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. Miami has a special place in her life: Sarah is the resident artist at Loews Miami Beach Hotel where she has designed and created a number of pieces including a 36’ curved and illuminated sculpture wall encrusted with natural crystals, custom carpeting throughout all of the hallway corridors and textile headboard walls in all of the 750+ guest rooms. If you can’t see it in person, at least follow her on Instagram and expect your eyes to open wide and your heart to skip a beat… Obviously we could not wait to learn about Sarah’s take on Miami… When in Miami you may catch me at… Definitely checking out a variety of new places that may have popped up in town since my last stay; but also revisiting my absolute favorites – Loews Miami Beach Hotel and Wynwood Walls are a must for me. And while I hate to…I have to give a stock tourist answer as well :I always try to carve out adequate beach time. There is no denying how brutal Chicago winters can be and Miami sun is the perfect antidote. The biggest misconception about Miami is… I think the biggest misconception about Miami is that its “best” offering is its postcard worthy beaches. I have found that there is so much more that Miami has offer. I love all of Miami’s art deco eye candy and iconic structures. It isn’t hard to peek around and find that this city has so many layers and is quite saturated with hidden gems and lots of soul. The last restaurant I enjoyed in Miami was… Byblos! Being a vegetarian it is a favorite of mine. It is this gorgeous Eastern Mediterranean restaurant with delicious vegetarian options, ambient atmosphere and these days even a swanky late night lounge. What surprised me about Miami was… Initially I found myself surprised by how art-centric the city is and how much it embraces the value of art and artists. Miami plays host to some of the most renown art happenings in the world including Art Basel and is home to a diverse and rich art culture such as the ever-evolving Wynwood Art District and Little Havana. Best reason to return to Miami aside from the weather? I am drawn to Miami’s colorful and full spectrum of nightlife and happenings and Miami’s overall “come as you are” vibe which makes it easy to just dive in and become immersed in the fabric of the community and culture. One of my very favorite things to do while visiting Miami is to listen to the spectrum of live music it has to offer and indulge in the electrifying vocals. Miami is brimming with unique spots to catch great live performances and some of my favorite spots showcase flamenco dancers. Its a specific kind of vibrance and one worth seeking out. First time I became really curious about Miami was… I came to visit Miami for the first time when I was 20 years old. Ironically, I stayed at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, and I will never forget just how special it all felt. I couldn’t put my finger on it then. But years later, I see exactly why Miami felt so special and why it will always have a place in my heart not only for my artwork but for my experiences. What happens in Miami stays in Miami…and our magazine. Any secret or funny moment you ‘d like to share about you and this city? I’ve had no shortage of epic or comedic moments in Miami, and I should probably only say that much! But what I can say, is that in my experience, what happens in Miami actually does not stay in Miami! I have serendipitously met some of the most incredible people in Miami over the years who I would consider dear friends still to this day. So while the details of our adventures may stay in Miami, the friendships have followed me home and I am grateful for that.    

Culture, Music

Zen The Band Joins Forces with MTV & Rock Kulture

/

Photographed by Pierce Marratto MSM goes one on one with Juliette Cam, lead singer for Zen The Band MSM: Tell us a little about the history of your band. How did you get started? JC: We are actually very lucky as a band because we kind of just fell into place. My brother, Daniel (guitar) and I moved with our family to Biscayne Park in 1998. We then met the family of brothers Addison (drums) and Alex Smith (guitar) and also the family of Robert Bare (bass). We all grew up together and in 2005 is when Alex approached the rest of the guys about playing in a band. They agreed and that’s when Alex asked me to sing. Alex wrote the first song we that recorded and played called “fairytales” and that is how we got started practicing. MSM: Who are some of your music influences? JC: Some of our influences would be Radiohead, Chilli Peppers, Coldplay, Blind Melon, The Cranberrys, No Doubt, Metric, Pink Floyd, there are just so many influences that have inspired us to create our own sound. MSM: Do you plan to perform a mix of originals and covers for  the MTV and ROCK KULTURE event? Can you tell us a little more about this event? JC: For the Rock Kulture show, we plan to only play our originals. The MTV Staying Alive Foundation and Rock Kulture brought ZEN together with 7 other bands and 2 DJs to raise awareness and funds for HIV & AIDS prevention. The event takes place on Saturday September 21st in South Beach. It is an honor for us because it is also a ZEN reuninion show. We took a two year break as a band because we all had our own things going on, but thanks to this show ZEN is back in action. MSM: Does the band have any pre-performance rituals? What do you do to get ready for a big show? JC: Before most of our shows we get together in the garage at the Smiths house warm up, and go through the set. We also do a lot of goofing around to lighten the mood as it’s important to remember it’s for the enjoyment of the music and the amazing satisfaction we all get from playing. Once on stage we usually also huddle and say a little prayer to the universe to keep us tight. MSM: Describe the recording process.  JC: Our recording process has been different for our two cds. The first cd, was recorded at Dungeon studios where all five of us stayed all day for a couple weeks listening to each other record our parts. In order to get the right timing and sound we had to play all together so its a lot of repetition. Once the instrumentals are recorded I then lay my tracks last. The second cd, “By my Side”, we recorded in our own studio in the Garage. We had to work a lot harder to set up, edit, produce, ect. It was fun to record in the comfort of our own band “home” as we didn’t have a time frame and the pressures of studio expenses. MSM: Who had the final say on the group name? How do you feel the name coincides with your music style and overall performance style? JC: Alex originally had the idea for the name ZEN when he asked us to play together. As far as our sound goes we all write our own parts as we go, so it really is a blend of all our own artistic expression. In a way, our ‘ZEN’ is the ability to bring together 5 minds and create a union through music. The feeling of satisfaction the music gives us is something that comes from within all of us. Our ZEN look is pretty laid back, hippy, nothing too flashy or in your face, no shoes – Haha. The guys all had long hair at one point but I think it has shortened as we have grown up a bit. I wouldn’t say our music is something you would meditate to, its more like easy listening, a chill sound with a little bit of rocking out. MSM: What are some of the biggest gigs you’ve played so far? JC: We have played at so many venues in Miami but one our favorite places to play would be Churchills. We have played there the most and it feels like home. We also enjoyed playing at different colleges like Miami Dade, Broward College, New College in Sarasota, and Nova Southeastern. I’d have to say this show with MTV has to be the biggest so far, we are stoked to be part of the production team and cause. I feel like we have also matured as a band and are better musicians at this point so it will be our best show yet. MSM: Tell us your favorite things about Miami! JC: Our favorite things in Miami… hmm lets see, well of course there’s the beaches!! The diversity and blend of so many cultures makes it so awesome. Being open to different people and exposed to different lifestyles broadens the perspective. The art scene is another aspect of Miami we love as we are all artistic in the band and have much appreciation for it. Get your tickets Now to Rock Kulture! Saturday September 21st 2013 www.rockkulture.com

Scroll to Top