Ringling Underground:
A series of one night only events combining live music and experiential artworks in the Courtyard.
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The Ringling and SRQ Arts Presenters Presents :

Hank & Cupcakes ( NYC/ Tel Aviv)

Hank & Cupcakes are Aliens of Extraordinary Ability… At least according to the US immigration services. Hailing from Tel Aviv to New York City in late 08’, the duo, consisting of powerhouse vocalist/drummer Cupcakes and bassist extraordinaire Hank were quickly dubbed a “must see” live act on the local scene. Attracting praise from MTV and New York Post, the buzzworthy band were signed to BMG with whom they released their 2012 ‘Aint No Love’ EP. When faced with the choice of creative compromise vs. artistic freedom, Hank & Cupcakes chose the latter, walking away from the deal to self release their debut LP ‘Naked’ in 2013, followed by ‘Cash 4 Gold’ in 2014. The two are known for their explosive live performance which has finally met it’s match in the form of the band’s forthcoming record, Cheap Thrill.

The Jackettes ( Saint Petersburg, Florida)
They are not so much a band as they are an attempt to give form to the passion felt for the music that we have come to know and love in our human existence. Like a child trying on their father’s too-big suit and tie or a group of toddlers shoulder-stacked under a baggy trench coat– we are youthfully attempting to carry the glimmering torch of our musical ancestors. This is an effort to give the world her next “classic sound.” We love it all: from the tender ballads of the Great American Songbook, to the unpredictable antics of a swinging 70’s r&b diva mythical and real….and we feel a strong obligation and connection to those of the yester-world to make music with those same characteristics. A sound that transcends being accepted and understood. We are humans struggling under the weight of living and dying. We are made by a great creator trying to be as creative. So it goes. The music we create embodies the out of touch, out of sync, misunderstood hysterical breakdown of simply living- to unite us.

Spark Notes (SRQ, Fl)
In a performing arts high school in Sarasota, FL, a french class assignment led to a one-off performance of Louise Attaque’s ‘J’t’ emméne au vent’ by Gene Hodsdon and Alfonso Murillo, later to become the founding members of the Spark Notes…

Eventually college, women and life drew them in separate directions, but music brought them back together several years later. Struggling to find their sound, the diverse population of the Tampa Bay Area eventually inspired their musical direction; they decided their sound would have a mass appeal to a wide variety of audiences.

From the driving punk rhythms of ‘Undone’ to the simple acoustic strums of ‘Florida Keys’, Spark Notes’ music is a nod in the direction of their influences; soft songs and loud tunes with a modern rock foundation.

Their 2nd independent EP release entitled ‘Focus’ is currently in the works AND is slated to be released in Spring 2017. Stay tuned…

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Art in the Courtyard at Ringling Underground:
Ringling Underground event and artist liaison Sarah Viviana Valdez presents: TBA

Ringling Underground is always free for college students with a valid college ID. It is an extension of the Art After 5 program held on Thursdays after 5 p.m. After hours discounted admission is $15 for adults; $5 for children 6-17, children 5 and under and Museum Members are free.

Cash bar provided by Modern Events at The Ringling.

Taco and quesadilla station compliments of Poppo’s Taqueria!

Ringling Underground is a rain or shine event.
Share your Underground experiences on social media using the hashtag: #RinglingUnderground