Nil Lara’s quiet residency in Miami
Over the months since I first posted about Cuban-American musician Nil Lara, I’ve gotten a steady stream of comments from folks who remember his music, liked him a lot, and wonder what happened to him. Well, for several months now he’s been quietly playing a monthly show at the Transit Lounge in Miami around the first week of each month for those so inclined.
I wrote about him, “Lara is soulful and passionate and sings like his heart is burning. Add in heavy doses of warm & layered Latin percussion, traditional Cuban and Venezuelan string instruments, and his soaring chants and vocals (in a combination of Spanish and English) – and I was hooked.”
I Will Be Free – Nil Lara
(I still absolutely love this song, put it on mix tapes gratuitously)
(I still absolutely love this song, put it on mix tapes gratuitously)
Check him out, my Floridian friends:
NIL LARA
TRANSIT LOUNGE
THURSDAY JUNE 7 2007
THURSDAY JUNE 7 2007
Name: Heather Browne
bailemos heather…
This is one of those songs/artists that rhythm addicts look for in the summer…and lyrics too! Thank you.
_____________________
“come dance, cause my hand waits for your lead”~The Damwells
debs — June 3, 2007 @ 8:30 am
Generally, Latin music has worn out its welcome in my life (I feel like my parents: “It all sounds the same!”), but Nil Lara definitely sounds like something different.
If I get a chance next weekend, I’ll check out the show.
thanks!
aikin — June 3, 2007 @ 6:15 pm
I’m so glad this guy pulled out of his tailspin of depression. He is the King of Local Miami Music.
B — June 4, 2007 @ 8:23 am
I’ve been switching between “I Will Be Free” and “Vida Mas Simple” on mix tapes for over ten years now and I nearly danced out of my pants when I heard his music being used on a Scrubs episode. Please keep us posted if he comes out with anything new!
norabarnacle — June 5, 2007 @ 6:03 pm
WOW! Awesome – His CD is one of the best over the last 10 years – just love it. “My First Child” is my mix tape tune – just love that tune.
Anonymous — June 7, 2007 @ 10:25 am
Show was great last night. I caught the last set which was half acoustic and then he called up ‘his backup band’ (Birdman on Bass and his old drummer from the 90′s, don’t remember his name) and they raised the energy to Steven Talkhouse levels. Dude hasn’t lost it and is now sporting quite the Fidel beard. This was the place to be if you wanted to Rock in Miami like it was 1996. All of the oldtime Miami crew was there and I couldn’t believe some were still alive. Thanks for the heads up.
B — June 8, 2007 @ 8:18 am
I saw Nil in Chicago 10 years ago opening for Big Head Todd. It was one of the finest performances I’ve seen of any sort. I wish everyone had access to him, as his talent and lyrical passion are unmatched in anything I’ve come across since. I don’t live within a reasonable distance, or I’d love to see him. To those able to see him, make sure he knows he’s appreciated.
Jake — June 12, 2007 @ 4:05 pm
I saw Nil and his band sometime in 1997 or 8 at the Miami Hardrock Cafe. Before the show I introduced myself and Nil introduced me to his family. I knew instantly he was a man of class.
The show was mind boggling. Virtually the entire audience sang along. It will go down in my memory as one of the greatest musical experiences of my life, and that says a lot!
Thank you Nil, and remember, it isn’t only Miami that loves you, but it is anyone who has ever heard your music. Come to Chicago and I’ll introduce you to my family!
Peace,
Ron
RGubbins — June 16, 2007 @ 6:04 pm
Don’t forget San Francisco — we’d be so very happy if Nil would come out our way!!!!
Anonymous — July 8, 2007 @ 8:05 pm
I’ve heard 3 songs, read 2 “bios” and I am totally wanting to see him perform live. Hooked. See you at a show next time he’s in Chicago. That would be worth a drive from Dekalb, unless he’d rather play there.
Rock on Nil…
QuantumBios — September 16, 2007 @ 1:21 am
NIL LARA IN NEW YORK CITY
@ THE BITTER END
147 bleecker street
greenwich village . new york . usa
SAT. NOV. 17 2007 @ 8 pm
MON. NOV. 19 2007 @ 7:30 pm
THANK YOU.
nil lara — September 28, 2007 @ 8:48 pm
First saw Nil with “KRU” at Fire & Ice in the early 80′s (Was blown away)…Then saw him blossom in the late eighties/early ninties with his shows at Stevens Talkhouse and Rose (Was always blown away)…Was thrilled when he was singed for his major label debut and I still listen to his CD’s in the car on road trips….And nice to see
that he is still around (I moved away from South Florida several years ago); One of the greatest musical artists that South Florida has produced over the past 30 years….God Bless Him
Anonymous — October 1, 2007 @ 2:50 pm
i saw nil in burlington vermont in 1995 or ’96. he opened for someone famous – maybe it was the dave matthews band; my memory fails me. anyway, when he sang “fighting for my love” it was truly a revelation. i also love fuego for its simplicity. i hope to see him play again.
izme — November 17, 2007 @ 8:58 pm
I am hoping that Nil Lara will be in New York in 2008. Can you let me know his Tour Dates? I really miss his music.
Anonymous — February 10, 2008 @ 6:59 pm
nil lara unplugged
nillara.blogspot.com
http://www.nillaraa.us
THURSDAY MAY 1 2008
@ TRANSIT LOUNGE . MIAMI
MONDAY APRIL 19 2008
@ THE BITTER END . NYC
Anonymous — April 26, 2008 @ 10:45 pm
Nil had 2nd CD out in 2007, I believe; but after taking with the best record store out here in Austin recently (Waterloo), seems it was pulled or never really officially released??? They had tried to stock it twice; not even available now? Anyone know the scoop? His first is one of my favorites. 9/18/08 Cluster Chuck
Anonymous — September 18, 2008 @ 10:21 pm