MixTape FM Honors Tim Curry and Dolly Parton in a Night of Musical Magic At Sharkey's
By Joanie Cox Henry
MixTape FM is a band full of surprises! This band is never afraid to take creative risks and shake up its setlists. MixTape FM’s Sept. 10 show at Sharkey’s in Coral Springs delivered a joyous celebration of enduring hits while paying heartfelt tribute to two irreplaceable icons: Tim Curry and Dolly Parton, who remarkably both died on Aug. 25, 2026. Each was 80 years old, and both left indelible marks on popular culture that will never be replaced.
The evening’s most poignant surprise came when the band stepped into the wonderfully strange world of the 1975 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show for “Time Warp.” Fernando Santomaggio shined alongside Lindsay Giova, recreating the theatrical electricity that made the original unforgettable. Santomaggio sounded uncannily like the original version, channeling Riff Raff's unmistakable cadence and deliciously dramatic delivery taking the audience on a journey through time and space without allowing the interpretation to become mere imitation. This was mighty and authentic and even more impressive to learn Fernando Santomaggio has only ever seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show once! Insert mind blown emoji here. And to quote the song itself, "It's astounding!"
Giova was equally magnetic, matching her bandmate’s intensity with powerhouse vocals and the kind of uninhibited stage presence the number demands. Together, they made “Time Warp” feel exuberant which was a fitting salute to an artist who taught generations of fans to embrace individuality, theatricality and glorious weirdness.
MixTape FM also honored Parton with a moving rendition of “Jolene,” one of popular music’s greatest examples of storytelling. Its plea brims with vulnerability, admiration and fear, and through Giova’s angelic voice, those emotions took on added gravitas. Her heartfelt interpretation acknowledged Parton’s extraordinary ability to make deeply personal experiences feel universal. Hearing the country classic so soon after losing its legendary creator brought an undeniable emotional weight to the room.
Still, grief never overwhelmed the occasion. Instead, the musicians celebrated Curry and Parton in the most meaningful way possible, by keeping the audience singing, dancing and connected through the remarkable legacies they left behind.
That momentum continued with Duran Duran’s “Rio,” which gave Santomaggio another opportunity to demonstrate why he is such a compelling bassist and magnetic entertainer. John Taylor’s famously fast, fluid and deceptively demanding bass line functions almost like a lead instrument, and Santomaggio attacked it with remarkable precision, confidence and flair. He did not simply reproduce the notes; he harnessed the composition’s restless drive and intricate groove, anchoring his fellow players while propelling everything forward at the exhilarating speed of a Ferrari F40.
Fernando Santomaggio later stepped into the spotlight for Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer,” handling lead vocals with swagger, soul and playful showmanship. His commanding interpretation embodied the track’s irresistible funk-rock spirit while allowing his own personality to shine. Balancing a muscular low-end rhythm with animated phrasing, he turned the ’80s favorite into one of the show’s most entertaining showcases reminding everyone why earned the moniker "The Funkmaster" and demonstrating the Funk is a living creature.
The chemistry between Mike Elmore and Giova came beautifully into focus during “Leather and Lace.” Their voices complemented each other perfectly, preserving the tenderness of the Stevie Nicks and Don Henley duet while making the moment distinctly their own. MixTape FM's lead guitar star Elmore brought warmth and sincerity, while Giova offered delicacy and strength in equal measure.
Giova also teased some of her original lyrics within a cover of Bryan Adams’ “Run to You.” A gifted songwriter, she possesses an artistic identity that extends far beyond interpreting other people’s material. South Florida Concert News hopes to see this stylish songbird spread her wings by debuting more of her self-penned work soon.
Santomaggio also brought joy and heart to the celebration by dedicating Hot Chocolate’s “You Sexy Thing” to Sharkey’s owner Rich Kushner, earning an enthusiastic response from the crowd. He and Giova then delivered another magical movie moment with “Greased Lightnin’” from Grease. Summoning his inner John Travolta, Santomaggio captured the swagger, playful attitude and unmistakable vocal character of the original so convincingly that it felt as though Danny Zuko himself had cruised into Sharkey’s. Fernando Santomaggio hasn't really dabbled in acting but he certainly has the talent and charisma to explore such terrain.
MixTape's keyboardist and guitarist Steve Kaminer commanded attention during “Beat It.” Tackling a selection associated with one of rock’s most recognizable guitar solos is no small assignment, but Kaminer rose to the challenge with style. His playing brought heat, technical skill and rock ’n’ roll attitude, creating an electrifying instrumental highlight.
Behind it all, drummer Paco Camara served as the engine powering this musical time machine. Whether laying down a tight groove, punctuating a chorus or adding force to the group’s biggest crescendos, Camara played with fierceness and finesse. His intuitive timing provided a sturdy foundation while giving every arrangement room to breathe.
The occasion felt even more special thanks to Jonny Wynns, a 17-year-old pop/rock guitarist and singer who opened the festivities and returned between MixTape FM’s sets. His renditions of “Purple Rain” and “Wonderwall” added another layer of nostalgia, inviting the crowd to join in on melodies woven into our collective memory. Giova even hopped onstage with Wynns to contribute impromptu harmonies to offer a cool take on Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control.”
By celebrating Curry’s fearless theatrical spirit and Parton’s incomparable songwriting heart, MixTape FM reminded us that legends never truly leave us. Their music keeps us singing, dancing and forever ready to say, “Let’s do the Time Warp again.” And again. Especially if it's with MixTape FM.
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