Music: PAX is Miami’s Newest, Coolest Music and Arts Venue

By John Zur

PAX, short for Performing Arts Exchange, opened its doors in April as a haven for music aficionados and those appreciating the local arts scene. If you haven’t much regard for local music, it’s probably because you haven’t been exposed to some of the truly talented artists that PAX owner Roxanne Scalia is making a point to seek out and provide a stage for at this acoustically-sound, sustainable venue.

Inspired by a profound love of music and art, Scalia spent months working with her two hands – and a host of devoted supporters including her sister, friends, and bands – to help create the space that she proudly refers to as a “Bohemian artist refuge.” Furnished with chairs and tables saved from the demolition of The Wallflower Gallery, a once vibrant venue for local artists in downtown Miami, PAX takes up the torch as Miami’s milieu for independent thinkers. From painting to hanging wallpaper and drapery, Scalia’s inspiration for PAX thrived on the gift she aimed to bring to her community.

PAX showcases artists ranging from serious up-and-comers to established acts such as Rose Max, Afro Kumbe, and Conjunto Progreso. On Saturday, September 3^rd, PAX will proudly welcome renowned Latin alternative figure Sergent Garcia for his first show in Miami. With a fusion of Latin, reggae, and hip-hop, Sergent Garcia brings over twenty-five years of world-tour performances.

“It’s a great contribution to the Miami music scene,” says Sofy Encanto of Elastic Bond, an alternative/ Latin/ electronica band performing the first Friday of every month. “We love PAX – one of our favorite venues… the acoustics are very warm. We love that as a band.” Scalia’s love of acoustics – “I’m an acoustics freak,” she says – prompted her to install the speakers and carefully outfit the environment that used to be a distribution center for the Miami Herald.

German Currea, who handles the technical production of PAX, brings twenty-three years of experience to the venue that he describes as “a special place” with “great vibe and good feel.” Currea’s Signature Production Services employ a simple approach to production, helping set the mood for what Currea calls a “very relaxed audience.” Whether it’s a Friday or a Wednesday, a jazz ensemble or Latin, Currea says PAX “always has a welcome feel.”

“I’m very impressed with how much effort it took to make it a technical venue,” says Andrew Yeomanson of local heavyweights Spam Allstars, explaining that the hanging of drapes and tedious soundproofing contributes to his love of the location. He called PAX “the perfect size for most local bands,” and that it can easily accommodate a good crowd inside and out. “It’s far from the congestion of Brickell,” said Yeomanson.

Located in the thick of Miami’s “Tent City,” that formed following the Mariel boatlift, PAX is a centrally located meeting place. Its position, drawing on historic and symbolic purpose, is a crossroads for Miami’s demographics. That middle ground prompts PAX to have something for everyone, from the beverage selections at the concession stand to the musical acts performing four nights per week. No dress code attracts those in jeans and semi-formalwear, mixing cultures and communities, with “prices for broke artists such as myself,” jokes Scalia.

Amin De Jesus, of local Latin fusion/ funk/ jam band Suenalo, has known Scalia since PAX’s inception. Having played in several local venues, De Jesus expresses a strong connection to the 140-seat space, saying, “It’s definitely one of my favorite venues in the city.” De Jesus says he “fell in love with the story” of PAX, being “most impressed with the fact that she (Scalia) has done it all herself… Roxanne is trying to make it more than a venue with a packed house.”

“You have to feel the space,” urges Scalia, with humility. Her goal is to provide a laid back atmosphere. With a full concession stand and a consciousness to leave the smallest possible ecological footprint, PAX offers the unique blend of entertainment with the assurance that they are doing their part for the environment. As such, she is still on the hunt for the perfect coffee bean; one that matches PAX’s sustainable goals and organic, free trade ideology.

In addition to PAX’s stage welcoming musical acts, the performing arts center is open to film and theater, with the play The Bessie Smith Story, based on the real life story of “the most important woman in jazz history,” coming September 24^th.  In addition, PAX aims to support local filmmakers and visual artists with exhibitions.

Scalia explained that the demographics “don’t work the same in Miami as in New York or L.A.,” saying that it was difficult to open the venue, but courage has kept her going. Yeomanson would agree, calling PAX’s efforts “heroic.” Having been a mainstay of the local music scene for the last ten years, Yeomanson and the Spam Allstars have played one show at PAX with a date in September a possibility as they look forward to October and November.

“We need to get the public used to having music. We cease to be human without need to be exposed art and creative thinking.” Referring to the aforementioned cities, Scalia suggested Miami needs to have more free concerts and “try to get art out there.” Having a “love/ hate” relationship with Miami, Scalia says it’s the city’s diversity – in culture and in nature – that makes it so beautiful. She wishes people would come out and appreciate that beauty, urging them to go out and support the arts in the community. She believes that there are “important places getting aware” and delivering live music, giving her endorsement for venues such as The Stage, Bardot, Transit Lounge, and Blue Piano.

“I believe in what we do. I believe in giving this to my community,” says Scalia. “It’s not about profit. It’s about being sustainable, exposing the arts.” Strong conviction is what Scalia uses to sell PAX to Miami. “Our musicians are fantastic! They’re ours. Readily accessible to us.”

Tickets for performances are available online and at the door. They range in price from free to about $25 per ticket.

More for information, and a calendar of upcoming events, you may visit www.paxmiami.com. PAX is located at 337 S.W 8 St., Miami, FL 33130. They can be reached at (305) 640-5847 or paxmiami@gmail.com.

Category: ARTS, LOCAL LEVELS, MUSIC