Miami's best band? duh, ArtOfficial!

The Miami New Times is launching its annual "Best of Miami" survey and needs your votes! This local tradition highlights the best of the best in the city and I personally always look forward to it. From new eateries to local music venues to the best boutiques and the best new bands, the "Best of Miami" always brings us Miami's hidden treasures.

In particular, this year, I think you should vote for ArtOfficial in the best band category. Here's my shameless, yet totally derserving plug:

• Have you ever been to one of their shows and seen people NOT dancing? Yea, that never happens...they always know how to bring it and personally, I always leave a show one hot mess...which is what you want from a good night out. Plus, they have their own "Dancing Queen" front and center at every show.


• There's no perfect way to describe their sound because they're just 'Too Nasty'....seriously, think about the sickest rapper you know from the golden era of hip-hop, jamming with a classic jazz band....luckily you don't have to think about it, because it exists. ArtOfficial is basically a match made in heaven...and anything that comes heaven must be good.


• Their sax guy, Keith, will likely spontaneously combust on stage one day...it doesn't get any cooler than that.


• They won't ban you from their shows if you act a fool and sing into their mics while they're trying to record live...they'll just turn them off and welcome back you back with open arms.


• The just won a Grammy! Well, almost...more like the Grammy Florida showcase, which is still the coolest thing and one step closer. They also made it as finalists to play at Lollapalooza. They've released an album in Japan. They were part of the line-up to re-open South Beach's iconic Clevelander Hotel. They have multiple weekly shows at some of Miami's best venues. Yet, despite all their success and the number of good things that continue to happen for them...they're still just a bunch of guys passionate about what they do and make sure they work hard to do it...and that's why it works.

So, basically, they simply just rock! It's hard to find genuine goodness like this in Miami, even if you tried. Trust me on this. So go on and vote now!!

Photo: Photography by Kar Gar