MixTape FM Delivered an '80s Power Set at The South Florida Fair That Put The Fun In Funnel Cake

By Joanie Cox Henry

The Wheel Deal: MixTapeFM rewound the clock and fast-forwarded the fun at the South Florida Fair on Jan. 25.

The South Florida Fair got a serious shot of hairspray and synthesizers yesterday when MixTape FM took the stage, transforming the dusty fairgrounds into a time machine set to the eighties and what a ride it was.

MixTape FM's fierce, fiery front woman Lindsay Giova was "reddy" to rock in a gorgeous glittery crimson ensemble and a blinged out microphone to match.

Her vocals on "Flashdance (What a Feeling)" elevated the crowd to the top spot on the ferris wheel. Giova's got that rare combination of technical chops and uninhibited stage presence, the kind that makes you forget you're watching a cover band and remember why eighties music is just so satisfying. Her rendition of "You're the One That I Want" proved she's equally adept at the playful sass required for Grease, while "Let's Get Physical" showcased pipes and workout moves that Olivia Newton-John herself would've nodded approvingly at. And what's a carnival without a little more Grease?

Bassist Fernando Santomaggio understood the assignment and floored it—giving the hot-rod anthem exactly the high-octane throttle it deserved. One of my favorite things about seeing live shows is how no two are ever realy the same. In this version, Santomaggio and the rest of the honorary T-Birds in MixTape FM playfully altered the lyrics to "Greased Lindsay" during the opening notes of the song and it was as tasty as the fried Twinkies.

His take on Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" delivered a groove so potent it could've been prescription-strength with side effects such as uncontrollable dancing and spontaneous joy. By "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)," Fernando Santomaggio aka the Funkmaster transmuted five strings into pure kinetic possibility.

Mike Elmore and Steve Kaminer's dual guitar attack provided the necessary crunch on "Sweet Child O Mine," with their decades of experience evident in every perfectly executed riff. Once you know the power of the crunch, there's no going back. Kaminer also does a dazzling job on keys in this band. Elmore's "Blister In The Sun" is always hits like a shot of pure adrenaline—all jagged energy and infectious abandon, impossible not to move to.

From behind the kit, Paco Camara laid down grooves with unwavering momentum and killer cool good vibes. His drum work on Duran Duran's "Rio" coupled with Santomaggio's bass lines make it easy to see why MixTape FM's shows are always high voltage. Every show is pure, unadulterated musical euphoria from start to finish. This band is having fun making music together and that is felt in every note as it graciously drifts out to its curious crowds.

South Florida's got plenty of cover bands. But they've only got one MixTape FM.

And I can't wait to hit rewind and see this band again!

Check them out at mixtapebig80sradio.com.

Here are some videos from the show: