Those of us who were privileged to be present during that time can appreciate the frustration of not being able to
know the history of our musical roots here in Miami. No books or Google searches can produce any information on
this period , a time when we were defining ourselves musically.
We had embraced soul music and rock as the " listeners", but we wanted to make our own music, a style that would
reflect our ethnicity and our ability to adapt. Groups like Earth,Wind and Fire and Santana would influence us ,and
we would take those styles and fuse them together. Musical groups formed in our High Schools when friends from
Band class got together to jam in their parent's garage or " Florida Room" The " OPEN HOUSE " was born out of
necessity,we needed a place to show off , our clothes ,our shoes , our " Muelas". We needed to show America we
could take all it offered and make it our own. According to Legendary radio personality Maria Cristina Ruiz of Super Q
" The pioneers of the Open Houses, were the late Eddy Martinez, and Francisco Calvo. They were strong
promoters at the time plus, Martin Roque and the late Ray Aviles who came down from New York and partnered with
Eddy Martinez. They used to have dances , TRES ORQUESTAS POR EL PRECIO DE UNO! " was their tag line .It
is unclear where the term " Open House " originated, but it meant "all where invited " and we ALL went.
We know the names Heaven ,Mantrap,OUI,Mint, Unit 3 ,Antiques, Coke,Rapid Transit,Unit 3,Pearly Queen, Adam's
Apple,Clockwork, World of Matter ,Ecstacy, Queen's kids,Warlock, Heroes of Cranberry Farms,Shufflin'Kind,
Trap,The Warlocks,Wildwind, Majesty, and those who were destined to stay just jamming together in their parent's
spare bedroom. These were our superstars with a twist, they sat next to us in Math class. They had grown up with us,
we could hear them practicing from our backyard, but most of all , they were our own. Latin teenagers mostly from
Cuba arriving in the US in the early and mid sixties,still Cuban at heart ,faced with the reality that they would never
return to their birthplace , but with the desire to make our mark and be noticed as contributors to this great land.
Although I must give credit where credit is due, a few local Gringos did pave the way and they are also recognized on
this page.
know the history of our musical roots here in Miami. No books or Google searches can produce any information on
this period , a time when we were defining ourselves musically.
We had embraced soul music and rock as the " listeners", but we wanted to make our own music, a style that would
reflect our ethnicity and our ability to adapt. Groups like Earth,Wind and Fire and Santana would influence us ,and
we would take those styles and fuse them together. Musical groups formed in our High Schools when friends from
Band class got together to jam in their parent's garage or " Florida Room" The " OPEN HOUSE " was born out of
necessity,we needed a place to show off , our clothes ,our shoes , our " Muelas". We needed to show America we
could take all it offered and make it our own. According to Legendary radio personality Maria Cristina Ruiz of Super Q
" The pioneers of the Open Houses, were the late Eddy Martinez, and Francisco Calvo. They were strong
promoters at the time plus, Martin Roque and the late Ray Aviles who came down from New York and partnered with
Eddy Martinez. They used to have dances , TRES ORQUESTAS POR EL PRECIO DE UNO! " was their tag line .It
is unclear where the term " Open House " originated, but it meant "all where invited " and we ALL went.
We know the names Heaven ,Mantrap,OUI,Mint, Unit 3 ,Antiques, Coke,Rapid Transit,Unit 3,Pearly Queen, Adam's
Apple,Clockwork, World of Matter ,Ecstacy, Queen's kids,Warlock, Heroes of Cranberry Farms,Shufflin'Kind,
Trap,The Warlocks,Wildwind, Majesty, and those who were destined to stay just jamming together in their parent's
spare bedroom. These were our superstars with a twist, they sat next to us in Math class. They had grown up with us,
we could hear them practicing from our backyard, but most of all , they were our own. Latin teenagers mostly from
Cuba arriving in the US in the early and mid sixties,still Cuban at heart ,faced with the reality that they would never
return to their birthplace , but with the desire to make our mark and be noticed as contributors to this great land.
Although I must give credit where credit is due, a few local Gringos did pave the way and they are also recognized on
this page.
other High Schools in Miami. Who in Miami didn't skip school once to attend a Mantrap or Heaven concert in the Miami
High auditorium? Where else could they come up with something so official sounding as National "Skip ' day? The word
got out somehow and we all showed up at the South Beach Pier. We would also show up at Club de las Americas,
Salon Sofia,Electrician's Hall. Our Lady of Lebanon, Polish American , and anywhere we knew the guys would be at. Of
course we need to mention Carlos Oliva y los Sobrinos del Juez ,Willy Chirino , Hansel y Raul and the Miami Sound
Machine all talented artists that defined the " Miami Sound " to the mainstream . It was these groups that bridged the
generational gaps that existed between us and our parents , musically , if only for a brief moment in time.
When Disco exploded on to the scene it made these "Open House " groups shine even more. Groups began adding
local female vocalists ,that would solidify their male fan base . Their playlists were as fresh as the newest Bo Crane
Disco report .The faceless songs we heard hundreds of times a week on the radio now had a group of young men to
interpret the feelings of that particular song. The Cuban Dick Clark of course was WRHC's Enrique de la Maza who
hosted the popular AM radio show " El Show de Rikki Tikki " on a local level de La Maza was a key figure in the
promotion of the Open House scene early on, later by Leo Vela,Maria Cristina Ruiz, Mike "in The Night ' Triay, Albertico
Rodriguez, David Verjano and all of the Super Q team.
This page is an attempt to record some of that history ,through recollections of those of us who were there in some
capacity either as DJ,musicians,or the audience that supported it all. Any comments ,pictures or information are always
welcome. E MAIL US HERE
High auditorium? Where else could they come up with something so official sounding as National "Skip ' day? The word
got out somehow and we all showed up at the South Beach Pier. We would also show up at Club de las Americas,
Salon Sofia,Electrician's Hall. Our Lady of Lebanon, Polish American , and anywhere we knew the guys would be at. Of
course we need to mention Carlos Oliva y los Sobrinos del Juez ,Willy Chirino , Hansel y Raul and the Miami Sound
Machine all talented artists that defined the " Miami Sound " to the mainstream . It was these groups that bridged the
generational gaps that existed between us and our parents , musically , if only for a brief moment in time.
When Disco exploded on to the scene it made these "Open House " groups shine even more. Groups began adding
local female vocalists ,that would solidify their male fan base . Their playlists were as fresh as the newest Bo Crane
Disco report .The faceless songs we heard hundreds of times a week on the radio now had a group of young men to
interpret the feelings of that particular song. The Cuban Dick Clark of course was WRHC's Enrique de la Maza who
hosted the popular AM radio show " El Show de Rikki Tikki " on a local level de La Maza was a key figure in the
promotion of the Open House scene early on, later by Leo Vela,Maria Cristina Ruiz, Mike "in The Night ' Triay, Albertico
Rodriguez, David Verjano and all of the Super Q team.
This page is an attempt to record some of that history ,through recollections of those of us who were there in some
capacity either as DJ,musicians,or the audience that supported it all. Any comments ,pictures or information are always
welcome. E MAIL US HERE
Open House
Dedicated to the preservation of Lost memories
| A Very Special Thanks to Nelson Correa Whose valuable information has allowed me to construct this page. |
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST AND RECIEVE EXCLUSIVE INVITATIONS AND INFORMATION REGARDING FUTURE EVENTS
| target an audience from age 45 to 59 mainly Hispanic ( Cuban ) in the South Florida Area |
| CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON TO FIND OUT MORE INFO |
| All your favorite Music ,Interviews with members of Open house bands, Club Mixes and your host Mike in the Night from Apple Martini's famous Saturday Night Fever. When you want and absolutely FREE. Listen now to your favorite songs from the 70s by clicking the " Listen Here" button. A BRAND NEW PROGRAM EVERY WEEK !!! |
Open House Radio
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| Contact Us at 305 223 37123 FOR MORE INFORMATION |
| These Events are not just concerts,or dances ,they are much more than that. They are the "fingerprints" we leave behind for others to know " We were Here" We created a scene,only 90 miles from a country that wanted to oppress us,and came to one that allowed us the freedom to express ourselves in every way possible. Music was the way a few of us chose to communicate our feelings. We were not influenced by one particular thing,we were influenced by everything,because it was all new. Saturday May 14,2011 was a cross section of who we are,it defined us as a community. Young and Old sitting and of course Dancing ( because you couldn't help it) side by side. Walking in to the Fire Tower in Doral ,you were greeted with 2 Stages ,a sight not seen here in Miami since the end of the Open House Era in the early 80s. The Mantrap stage ,with it's unmistakable black Logo Banner,could have easily been mistaken for any of today's modern rock bands. Having the honor to be the official DJ for these events,I welcomed the crowd as they walked in with the sounds of the 70s.... Barry White,Al green,Marvin Gaye,The Stylistics,the mood was set. The magic was beginning to happen. READ THE REST HERE |
When Nelson Correa of Mantrap brought back the Open
House about 2 years ago. we were all excited. I began
contacting everyone I could from that time to construct this
website as a place where we could all come and share
memories as well as a place to reignite the Open House
music scene here in Miami. I called everyone and offered
this site as a home to all the fans and musicians of that era.
That invitation is still valid and will always be.
Peter Fernandez of Coke and the Antiques also held an
event on November 25. We were happy that this event was
taking place , testament to the popularity of this genre.
in the future we invite all bands and artists to submit any
promotional materials and dates so that we may utilize this
website to it fullest potential. We recieve a respectable
25,000 vists a week on Miami Bands of the 70s and over
40,000 on Open House Radio.
We will have more info on Peter's event later.
Contact Us Here
House about 2 years ago. we were all excited. I began
contacting everyone I could from that time to construct this
website as a place where we could all come and share
memories as well as a place to reignite the Open House
music scene here in Miami. I called everyone and offered
this site as a home to all the fans and musicians of that era.
That invitation is still valid and will always be.
Peter Fernandez of Coke and the Antiques also held an
event on November 25. We were happy that this event was
taking place , testament to the popularity of this genre.
in the future we invite all bands and artists to submit any
promotional materials and dates so that we may utilize this
website to it fullest potential. We recieve a respectable
25,000 vists a week on Miami Bands of the 70s and over
40,000 on Open House Radio.
We will have more info on Peter's event later.
Contact Us Here
| Visit our friends over at MusicMiami.org by Clicking on their picture for more Miami Bands of the 70s Events |
Charlie Rodriguez has been responsible for some of the biggest and most successful
freestyle and Disco concerts in Miami. He is a man with a single Goal ....to keep the Music that
defined the Miami nightclub scene alive. It was only a matter of time before he would bring that
excitement into a nightclub setting. Mango Martini was born, it was never intended to compete
with any other clubs ,but to offer a unique product in a different location. A real Nightclub in the
heart of Miami Lakes. An alternative, not a replacement for The Club at Rennaissance who is well
established in the Miami area and enjoys a very successful Disco themed night . Mango Martini
would offer a Saturday Night of Disco and old school Salsa, Mike in the Night ,France Joli,Tka,
Radio Station Clasica 92 all the elements were in place. It was a risk for any nightclub owner who
would normally target the young Hip Hop ,Reggeaton crowd of South Florida who could deliver the
bodies through the door. The doors opened, and the crowds showed up.....Classic Disco flowed
from the speakers and dancers once again spun around the dancefloor like it was still 1979. The
cash register was ringing but not as much as impatient Club owners would want. So a decision was
made , and not by Charlie who poured his heart and soul into the place,but by owners looking at
the bottom line. Hip Hop prevailed.
So this brings up a few questions. It was never about who was better , of course there was some
level of competition but the product offered was of equal caliber in both locations. The big question
is ........are there just not enough of us Disco Era Cuban Americans to sustain 2 nightclubs?.Is the
desire to go out just not there? Is this nightclub scene limited to the recently divorced? Why can't
couples who grew up going out continue to have a few places that they can call "home". I hear the
complaints all the time from people in their late 40s and early 50s in Dade and Broward who " have
no where to go" We are going to lose this era ,we have the oppurtunity to preserve this period in
time NOW!! Salsa nightclubs are just about extinct. We should be able to coexist with Hip Hop and
Reggeaton as a viable and attractive product to nightclub owners . Send Me Your Comments HERE
freestyle and Disco concerts in Miami. He is a man with a single Goal ....to keep the Music that
defined the Miami nightclub scene alive. It was only a matter of time before he would bring that
excitement into a nightclub setting. Mango Martini was born, it was never intended to compete
with any other clubs ,but to offer a unique product in a different location. A real Nightclub in the
heart of Miami Lakes. An alternative, not a replacement for The Club at Rennaissance who is well
established in the Miami area and enjoys a very successful Disco themed night . Mango Martini
would offer a Saturday Night of Disco and old school Salsa, Mike in the Night ,France Joli,Tka,
Radio Station Clasica 92 all the elements were in place. It was a risk for any nightclub owner who
would normally target the young Hip Hop ,Reggeaton crowd of South Florida who could deliver the
bodies through the door. The doors opened, and the crowds showed up.....Classic Disco flowed
from the speakers and dancers once again spun around the dancefloor like it was still 1979. The
cash register was ringing but not as much as impatient Club owners would want. So a decision was
made , and not by Charlie who poured his heart and soul into the place,but by owners looking at
the bottom line. Hip Hop prevailed.
So this brings up a few questions. It was never about who was better , of course there was some
level of competition but the product offered was of equal caliber in both locations. The big question
is ........are there just not enough of us Disco Era Cuban Americans to sustain 2 nightclubs?.Is the
desire to go out just not there? Is this nightclub scene limited to the recently divorced? Why can't
couples who grew up going out continue to have a few places that they can call "home". I hear the
complaints all the time from people in their late 40s and early 50s in Dade and Broward who " have
no where to go" We are going to lose this era ,we have the oppurtunity to preserve this period in
time NOW!! Salsa nightclubs are just about extinct. We should be able to coexist with Hip Hop and
Reggeaton as a viable and attractive product to nightclub owners . Send Me Your Comments HERE
| ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT OPEN HOUSE? Click HERE |