Mixtape Crushes Deerfield Beach's Fourth of July With Scorching Covers of Sledgehammer And More

By Joanie Cox Henry

Picture this—the gentle crashing of Atlantic waves providing a natural rhythm section, and a cover band so tight they could make Tina Turner herself do a double-take. Welcome to Mixtape's Fourth of July performance at Deerfield Beach. This wasn't just another municipal gig—it was a party in paradise.

Frontwoman Lindsay Giova commanded the stage with the kind of charisma that makes you forget you're watching covers, not originals. Her voice soared effortlessly from the ethereal heights of "Send Me An Angel" to the sultry growl of Olivia Newton-John's "Physical," proving that versatility isn't just a buzzword—it's an art form.

But Giova's vocals were just one instrument in a perfectly calibrated machine. Guitarists Steve Kaminer and Mike Elmore delivered a clinic in complementary playing, their six-string dialogue reaching its zenith during an inspired mashup that seamlessly wove Bon Jovi's "Living On A Prayer" into Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child of Mine." The transition was so smooth, you'd think Axl and Jon had planned it themselves back in '87.

Bassist Fernando Santomaggio is continually injecting his own brand of funkified musical offerings into each Mixtape tune. His groove-heavy interpretation of Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" transformed the art-rock classic into something entirely fresh. His bass lines didn't just support the song—they became the song's heartbeat.

And behind the kit, drummer Paco Camara wasn't just keeping time—he was sculpting it. Camara's intuitive feel for dynamics elevates every song into a genuine reinterpretation.

The setting couldn't have been more cinematic. As the sun hung low over the Atlantic, families spread across the sand found themselves drawn into an impromptu dance party. The ocean breeze carried the music up and down the coastline, creating an organic amphitheater vibe where Mother Nature herself seemed to be nodding along in approval.

The band saved their biggest surprises for last. Tina Turner's "Simply The Best" became a communal sing-along, while "Proud Mary" transformed into a full-blown beach party anthem, and Giova capped off the evening in signature style with a perfectly executed headstand.

While the drones in place of fireworks show left many of us wanting more this year, Mixtape is an explosive reminder that sometimes the best fireworks are the ones that happen between the notes!