Hidden Highlands

Welcome to Highlands County, FL. To the outside world it is a destination for northerners to escape the winter months or for race fanatics to come enjoy Race Week or The 12 Hours of Sebring. Ask some locals what there is to do and they’ll point you to the same ol’ spots which can all be found right off Highway 27 for the most part. Did you know there are some hidden gems located right under the noses of those who live and work here? Whole groups of creatives who range in ages and interests who do their best to bring in a different kind of culture. If you’re looking for music sure you can hit up the hot spots and catch the same local bands or DJs play the latest top 40 hits anywhere off 27 but what about something different, unique? Just this month alone several acts will be visiting the area. Each one with their own distinct background and accomplishments. At the moment there’s only one venue brave enough to venture into this world and that venue is Sheila’s Corner Pub and LiquorStore.

    

Possessed in Naples

Last Saturday night, Dec. 19th, Possessed by Paul James, Soda Gardocki, Lone Wolf OMB and Swamp Rats were set to play at Mereday's Brasserie in Bayfront. For those who didn't get the memo in time the show at Mereday's was moved at minute to El Rincon right next to Freedom Fine Cigars. We went by the venue that the show was suppose to be at early and saw a quaint little sign made of wood and other seemingly related items glued tight to the wood while Mereday's doors were locked and not a single light on inside. So we ventured on down to El Rincons.

It would seem the crowd that was anticipated for the night had diminished but there were still people there who were dedicated to their plans to catch this event. We spoke to a couple people who had helped set this up and they said Mereday's had shut it's doors due to technical difficulties. Odd for a venue to close down for such an event where several people were excited and expected to come out. Makes us wonder how the owner of Mereday's is going to revive the old English Pub as mentioned in the Naples Daily News. But the must go on.

It started a little later than expected. All the acts were within see sight expect for Lone Wolf OMB. We heard he decided to hang back in Miami because of the change in venues and wanting to make sure Possessed by Paul James and Soda were taken care of so we don't hold that against him. People slowly trickled in but the crowed was still disappointing.

The music started off, around 10pm, with a short set from Swamp Rats. The songs were well put together and sounded great. We felt as though the act was lacking some where but couldn't quite put our finger on it. The crowd was tough and unforgiving. Hardly any well deserved applause without coaxing. After about six or seven songs it was on to the next act.

About 10:30pm Soda Gardocki started setting up. Soda started off soft but soon hit it hard and without mercy. By now everybody who was going to show up had done so and Soda slapped everyone in the face with some of his heavy hitters. The crowd loosened up and began to show their appreciation for the music. At about 11:30 Soda played his last song and began to tear down. This is when we noticed Possessed by Paul James running around talking to a few key people who either helped set the show up or ran the fine Mexican establishment that supported the show that night. There was something about to happen.

We noticed that Possessed by Paul James began to set up outside on the patio of the restaurant. No PA is sight. Cars zoomed by with out a clue as to what they were passing. Possessed by Paul James played acoustically or unplugged just feet away from the hustle of East 41. He too played a short but meaningful set as the crowd gathered around him that chilly Florida night eager to catch every note. He even played a new song written about where he grew up, South West Florida. Just before he played his last song, local swampabilly musician, Gator Nate made a point to show up to support this event. He had played Pelican Larry's that night and for him of all people to be able to make it even for the last song shows that not one single person had a good reason not to come out. Regardless, Possessed by Paul James finished the night out strong and began to mingle with the crowd.

At the end of his set Possessed by Paul James began a discussion about issues concerning children with special needs and the school system with a couple of guys one being from Swamp Rats. The other man in the discussion is a behavioral analyst who drove all the way from Orlando to catch this show. Just goes to show you how influential both his music and his cause is.

Either way you look at it the show was a success and extremely eye opening. Some mysteries like the venue change will probably go unanswered. The thing to remember is there are people here who are trying to bring other, touring acts and break up the mundane. These people work hard to set these shows up and with little to no help from others. These events are for everyone and everyone should support our community by attending these events. Being able to do something different that caters to subcultures isn't an everyday occurrence here in Naples. Take advantage of them when they come up.