That journey of discovery; when you find something and make it yours.

My First Time - A Collection of First Punk Show Stories, Edited by Chris Duncan

"There’s something about beginnings, something magical and romantic and completely ridiculous. There is something dangerous as well. As humans, how often do we discover something that completely changes our lives? How often can we pinpoint the exact moment when you know, down deep in your guts, that things can never ever be the same again?
I think youthful idealism is beautiful. The urgency and power that a group of humans with the same beliefs and ideas can harness is intoxicating and infectious. I think that’s what does it; that unified/unifying urgency is what makes people invest their lives and take ownership of a scene, sub-culture, or identity, even though eventually they may drift from the community they helped construct. The ability to participate and build, rather than just plainly observe and accept without question, is what’s key. It’s about being in a place so intimate that just showing up makes you an integral part of the whole. Knowing that without you, it couldn’t be the same. Knowing you are connected to a community. " - Introduction into a collectin of first punk show stories


I think these two paragraphs fit perfectly in this blog and with our ideals as compassionate journey seekers. When reading this, I felt like someone had finally figured out how to put these feelings into words; what this music, these people, these experiences we've gone through have left us feeling. It reminded me of the unity involved in the scene...even when it was being disrupted by fear of diversity. In the end, it all came together...even when it didn't. Some just get it, and some spend the rest of their lives tuning into their radio.


Most of these narratives take place between 1984 and 1987 and document that pre-internet time of discovery; “all earned by living”.


Today's interest is mainly sparked through what you can track down via-internet. The photos you see make you sweat with anticipation for that moment when the music pumps its way into your blood and you feel more alive than ever before. The stories you read, make you regret the fact that you were born a little too late and inspire you to create some sort of satisfaction for yourself. Now this is where you decide to revolutionize your life. Have a house show and write a short story on it. Tuck it inside a box and pull it out when you're 30. Throw a pot-luck and invite all the hungry individuals in your neighborhood. Inspire someone...let someone inspire you.


My first show was right here in the Dirt City's beachside area. I was roughly 13 years old and I had no idea that such a lifestyle even existed. Who knew that kids, KIDS, could hold so much power. I walked down those steps in that old church we'd visit every Wednesday night for kicks and free food, only to be amazed by the lack of light, flood of faces I have never seen before, and a noise that rattled my spine. I was astonished at the sight of what became my first punk show. There were booths set up displaying music on cassette tapes and vinyl, tattooed skin that carried suspenders...there were grown men "dancing" in a huge circle along with younger boys and girls of all varieties. It was the most cultured experience of my life at the time. Over shoulders I could see my brother's 11inch mohawk and all I wanted was to be standing by his side. I got lost in a shuffle of nothing I knew and I loved every moment of it. As out-of-place as I felt, I didn't care enough to leave. The music was pulling me in and I knew at that moment I'd never ask for it to let me go. This was where I wanted to be.

The Supervillians in New Smyrna TOMORROW NIGHT!!!

This Saturday, March 22nd

21 & up 10pm $5

Beachside Tavern in New Smyrna

So there's this thing about Ska that makes every person in the room want to move their feet and completely forget that someone's watching and waiting to mock them. The vibe that is sent out is immeasurable to anything else in the music industry. It's the moment where the brass playing hits your heart hard and you can't stop smiling because you know that what matter's today probably won't matter tomorrow; But this feeling will last forever if you let it. It's contageous my friends. Come be a part of it. Plus, the guys are pretty rad. There's always a chance for life-changing conversation, great photo opportunities, and an endless supply of naughty jokes. Sorry Kiddies, you will have to wait your turn. This one's for the big boys.

Classic Interview with Comedian Mike Dobbins

"You're thinking of all-you-can-eat Krystal criss-cross, chili cheese fry and an Ex-Lax. Now that's rewarding and exhilarating. For real though, the stage makes my personal life wack by making it possible to get high off of audience's laughter, which is exhilarating until I crash and start gnawing on lawn furniture which is still rewarding, though funky for my tooth."
~Mike Dobbins ~www.mikedobbinscomedy.com

Mike Dobbins grew up in Daytona but left to persue his comedy act in NYC. The last I saw of him he was singing Karaoke in the beachside Checkers Bar back in '02. He also went through a stage where he liked to hurt himself.... randomly running into street poles, garbage cans, and people who liked to throw punches at him....maybe he still does. Anyway, anybody that knows about breaking into a scene, especially somewhere like NYC or LA, knows it is all about getting that one big break, and getting kicked on the ground multiple times to see if you can come back growling or in this case laughing (depends on the industry). I really can't imagine being in the limelight, with a room full of strangers, staring as your armpitts get sweaty, and face flushes red. So, I've decided to check in with Dobbins to see what he is up to, and either inspire or discourage some of you young class acts.

MM: How long ago did you leave Daytona Beach?

Mike Dobbins: Going on 5 years.

MM: How did you come to move to NYC? Did you have family or friends you could stay with?

MD: My cousin said I could stay in his room so I stayed in my cousin's room for one month (much respect). Then moved in with a Jamaican family for the last 4 plus years.

MM: Describe life as a comedian?

MD: Rollercoaster ride with hangover. But more beer's in the fridge.

MM: How long did it take before you got a foot in the door?

MD: The length of time it took to get my foot out of my ass and windex it with some paper towels so it could be presentable for the inside of the DO'.

MM: Are you booked a lot now?

MD: Not so much since I stopped breathing strange fumes to get hype and tackle security guards through a convenient store window. My record's clean!!

MM: Do you crack on Floridians?

MD: Floridians are usually safe because they don't play and they will whoop my ass if I talk too much stuff.

MM: Being on stage must be very rewarding, is each time as exhilarating as the last?

MD: Your thinking of all-you-can-eat Krystal criss cross chili cheese fry and an ex-lax. Now that's rewarding and exhilarating. For real though, the stage makes my personal life wack by making it possible to get high off of audience's laughter which is exhilarating until I crash and start gnawing on lawn furniture which is still rewarding though funky for my tooth.

MM: How much does the crowd affect your performance?

MD: Depends on if they are naked drenched in WD-40 with a lighter or have machetes, jenco cargo bell bottoms and red bulls.

MM: What is your ultimate goal? Where would you like to see your career go?

MD: It's probably too late for it to go where it was supposed to because I highly doubt that I am ever going to ollie 50 steps in front of the supreme court on video and get sponsored by the Dept. of Justice now that I am quasi-fogey. So it's probably just going to be do some Shoney's commercials and then get on Punk'd 2015.

MM: Has there been a highlight in your career so far?

MD: Getting an article in a Time Out NY mag.

MM: Who would make you happiest to see in the crowd on night?

MD: Someone I knew from back in the day that I used to cut up with.

MM: Where do you get your inspiration?

MD: Humanity's disfunction, especially my own.

MM: At what point in your life, or what was the pivotal moment that you decided…hey, I’m good at this, I’m going to try and make a living out of making people laugh?

MD: Before I turned 26. It was a superstitious thang. A lot of people throughout life said that I was funny, but they never said that I was good at pole-vaulting tugboats barge to barge. So I did the comedy thang.

MM: Was there any training or school involved?

MD: Yeah! Elementary school, Jr. High School, High School, Comunity College, plenty of training with the wack jobs up in them mfers!!!!

MM: How nervous were you…your first show in NYC?

MD: Not as nervous as my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd time in Tyson's Corner, VA at Wise Acres.
Being nervous at first is no joke. I for real thought I was going to have a heart attack.

MM: Where is your local spot?

MD: Lately it's been spots around Lower East Side and Brooklyn.

MM: Do you do shows when you come back to FLA, or do you prefer to just max and relax?

MD: Did a rad show in Deland with a very cool dude named Jeremy Mix. He swooned the crowd with his tunes and then I went on and acted the fool. Friends were there and that made the aftershow a maxin' and relaxin' experience.

MM: When you are out with your comedian buddies, is it none stop laughing? Does everyone around start laughing with you?

MD: No, it's non-stop grilling me about what I'm doing and if it is worth it to hang out with me to help them move up in the industry. I cannot help them move up because I'm too artistically funny and scary for most of the industry. At least that's what my manager tells me. Maybe it's time for a new manager. Archie.....you're fired you scum!!! Put down the Field and Stream and Busch Ice 40 and put on your "Mike Dobbins Comedy Career Maker Helmet" and help make my mf'n career! and maybe I'll hire you back!!!!!!!!!!!!

MM: Would you say comedians have a certain presence or personality, or are they all different?

MD: Well, we are all born with a different asshole. Some people shave theirs, some don't. It's the same thing with comedians except they don't wipe theirs. That's why they are irritable and smug. They have gone through a hell of a lot especially the Real ones who've had their toes eaten off by midget pit bulls. So, much respect to my toe-less home dawgs.

MM: What’s the hardest part about an act, besides making people laugh?

MD: Wanting to buy American Apparel clothing and not having any money because I am too artistically funny while I am performing for free and killing the crowd in museums.

MM: Who is the last guy you would want to follow (perform after) on stage?

MD: That's the shit other comedians usually say about my azzzzzzz.

MM: Where can people check you out?

MD: www.mikedobbinscomedy.com, myspace, facebook, imdb

MM: If you never went to NY, what would you be doing now?

MD: Detox tank in Palatka. Collard Green farming in Samsula. Barnhill eating in Orange City.

MM: Are you ever moving back?

MD: There ain't no Barnhill in NYC!!! So hell yeah!!

MM: Anything else?

MD: I appreciate being a part of this interview. You are cool and there are a lot of cool people in Daytona that I know and have known. Lots of good memories. Skating First Union beachside in early 90's (For those who don't know, you don't know how rad that shit was), Laughs off of the stage beachside and mainland have been more appreciated than on. Daytona's in my soul.

Artist, Dawn Gray, shares the joys, scaries, and costs of serving in Nicaragua -plus her upcoming Art Show in Cocoa (3/8/08) you don't want to miss!!

"Your time. I learned this the last few months I was there. The project, the teaching, the gifts…they fade, but a heartfelt memory, your one on one time- it's going to last in that child's life forever." - Dawn Gray


(click here to go to her site)

MM: Talk a little bit about Nicaragua, and what exactly you do there?

Dawn Gray:
Starting Reddawn Designs in 2003, and watching how God blessed me with the ability to sell my art and live full time as a professional artist, was what started the dream and vision that eventually lead to my work in Nicaragua. I realized how fortunate I was at the age of 23 to use my talents to live and bring others joy. It all started after seeing my friends’, Noah Snyder and Kim Digg, surf pictures and lifestyle shots of Nicaragua. Although they were on a surf trip...they experienced so much more. Third world territory brought these children, the huts, and the horses to life in my mind, as these photos looped circles in my head until I finally knew...I knew I needed to go.
At first thought, I was called to go to the orphanages and teach art, but the doors opened up to go work down in La Chureca, a city dump where many people live and work. After spending a 7 week period in Nicaragua, the desire to go back right away after landing (in the US), lead other doors to open.
I got rid of my studio, "Red Dawn Designs"; sold my clothes, wetsuits, and hosted art shows, yard sales, and fundraisers to start my work abroad. At this same time, God was putting a vision in my friend Brent McCoy's heart to use art and talents to reach the kids in the USA and overseas, in which he then started I.A.M. (International Art Missions www.iamissions.com). To kick off the first part of the International part, we started Nicaragua art missions.
I took off in July 2007, with six surfboards for the kids, cargos of art supplies, and a suitcase of clothes. I arrived at Popoyo Surf Lodge, where JJ and Kim Yemma took me in as their own and housed me as a full time missionary and friend. I am still there and owe them so so much. Thanks for making this all possible! You can visit their site at www.surfnicaragua.com for more info (especially if you want to book the best surf trip of your life).
I am back in Fla. for three months, trying to work to pay my way to live and teach there for the rest of the year for free…..It's hard at times to live on this kind of faith, but God is always faithful...till' the very end. I’m heading back on April 7th ,and you can check out weekly updates on:
www.nicaraguaartmissions.blogspot.com and www.myspace.com/reddawndesigns

MM: You are an awesome example of someone who has used their passions and talents for the good of humanity. When did you start painting? Who got you into it?

Dawn: I started painting at the age of two or three I guess...always getting my hands into stuff...I even painted mom's wall's with brownie mix...ha.
My Mom always inspired me to be creative; my high school teacher, Mr. Jeffress, was a big influence on my painting; my Grandfather too, he is an unbelievable painter.

MM: Talk a little about your inspirations and influences in life….what has shaped you?

Dawn: I am inspired by things that are FREE ...uncontrolled. I think that is why I love horses and surfing so much; they are unpredictable and so FREE. So is following Christ, he inspires me everyday. What has shaped me is making mistakes. Without errors and corrections, you will always walk a straight line on your own…curves are so much prettier, and you can always appreciate the outcome of a perfect circle.

MM: What was it like growing up in the Outer banks?

A: Well, I have lived there only since I was 19, but six years spent there was the best experience of my life. The many friends and surf experiences, the best coffee (Front Porch Cafe), best everything…dang...I miss that place. Honestly, that is the place that I found myself…figured out a lot on those sandy dunes.

MM: Describe your living situation, and a typical day in Nicaragua.

Dawn: I live in a cozy lil' apartment set up in Popoyo Surf Lodge, given to me to use by JJ and Kim. It is great! I mean I still have huge scorpions and lizards that hang out in my bed sometimes, but hey, it's Nicaragua. I have my horse Ezekiel, Ezekiel con Fuego, that is. His whole name meaning Ezekiel with Fire, and he is pretty high strung. I also have a cat named Sammy, he was kind of an accident into the family…You'll have to ask JJ about that one..ha.
Typical day...Ok..I wake up and try to read my bible every AM...I put on my mp3 player and run on the beach for an hour..I scout out the waves and if I have time, go surfing for an hour. I then come back and chug some really dark, amazingly strong Nica coffee, and head out to either do art classes in town, paint a mural somewhere with kids, teach surfing lessons, teach English, or some other adventure...Then I wind back down around 4pm. Usually I have time to ride my horse on the beach, visit the local families, go out with Kim, spend time with the local girls, or go surfing again. Honestly, each day holds many different adventures. I have a set class schedule, but in between, I am all over...ha..Gosh...I really miss it.

MM: Any scary stories?

Dawn: Ha ha, yeah…to some people. Ok. Here’s a quick few. I almost drowned once at Popoyo; got held under on a double over head day under 10 waves...I gave up on the 10th under water and never thought I was going to see anyone ever again. I told everyone Good- bye underwater..and washed up onshore a few min later....that day was scary...
Another time, I veered off the well-beaten path on my horse to find my own way into town, and in the middle of nowhere got stopped by three men with Big Guns. They acted all tough, and because I laugh when I am nervous, I threw them off guard by saying, " Hola ", and with a smile tried to talk to them. They then learned that I was teaching one of their daughters art in town, and showed me favor and let me pass. God knows what could of happened! But I had favor that day.
I also got stung by a four inch scorpion. It stayed in my jeans one night for a good hour, and in the middle of dinner I jumped up in front of my friends and yelled...a few words I shouldn't of...and started dropping my pants; then looked around, saw guys in the room, and bolted in the bathroom screaming, laughing, and crying at the same time. It was quite hilarious now that I think about it, but it really hurt and was kind of scary to see the size of that thing crawl out of my pants..ha.. Gosh, I have lots more, but you can go to the website to read the past blogs…they are all there.

MM: Have you made a lot of friends?

Dawn: I almost tear up thinking about that question. Yes, I miss them so much.

MM: Do you travel around, or stay in one local place?

Dawn: I would say I travel around our towns a lot, but not really venture out of an hour radius. It's not too safe alone. I do go out with Kim to Granada and when Brad Corrigan comes to La Chureca with love light and melody (www.lovelightandmelody.org); I go help out in Managua.

MM: Who was your connection in Nicaragua?

Dawn: JJ and Kim Yemma
Craig Watson
Billy Diggs
Noah Snyder
Jesse Hines
Kim Diggs and her whole family
Danny Cruden
Brad Corrigan

MM: When did you know you wanted to do missions in Nicaragua?

Dawn: When I saw the photos of the kids’ faces. It was like overnight. I said, “Ok...Im going to Nicaragua.”

MM: How long did it take you to make this a realization?

Dawn: Almost a year, but I am still working hard at keeping it a reality. If you know of any grants or better ways let me know..ha..

MM: How hard was it to get things organized in a foreign country?

Dawn: Ha ha..Hard..your on Nica time when your there. Being a time stickler, I gave up that fast. It's so slow paced there.

MM: What has been biggest hurdle for pursuing this passion?
What advice do you have for people when it comes to following their heart?

Dawn: Biggest hurdle honestly would be finances; living on faith and trying to sell paintings, and working in a restaurant dealing with health issues, car issues, etc., when your stateside really starts to add up...and damper your faith. But, my advice is to just make every day a new day. This quote is awesome Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. In everything you do put God first and he will obey and crown your efforts with success." Always, always, always follow your hearts desires, they are there for a reason!

MM: Did you initially go alone, or was this a collaborative vision?

A: I went alone..people thought I was nuts..ha..maybe!

MM: How important have others been in making this a reality?

Dawn: Huge...Huge...I have so many people to thank...it's countless for the art supplies, to donations, to prayers,Gosh..writing this alone makes me really understand how blessed I am to know so many amazing people.

MM: What is the most important thing you can give a child over there?

Dawn: Your time. I learned this the last few months I was there. The project, the teaching, the gifts…they fade, but a heartfelt memory, your one on one time- it's going to last in that child's life forever.

MM: What has God done in Nicaragua, and what doors have opened as a result?

Dawn: Well, many lives have been touched by people, especially JJ and his family's help. Brad Corrigan, man he is unreal and has blessed a lot of families. Families have homes, have shoes, have food, have electricity, have eyeglasses, medications, and most importantly have GOD's love in their heart through so many people's obedience to help and lend a hand...it's unreal. Many doors are opening...I wish you could see how many would open to invite you in for some pan y cafe if you came to visit.

MM: How can people find out more or help out with your mission and art works?

Dawn: I have the Nicaragua Art Missions site -www.nicaraguaartmissions.blogspot.com- set up. There is a list of supplies needed, and funding to transport the supplies and help me teach there...word of mouth spreading the word on the streets helps...I am looking for a bigger doors to open… possibly grants. I stay so busy focused on the artwork, the projects for the kids, working, that I have a hard time figuring out these sort of important things.

MM: How has your faith grown as a result of this? Or, describe a specific situation that really strengthened your faith?
Have you changed? How?

Dawn: Man..God really stretched my faith big time in the beginning, and now actually I am going through some testing again…it's like a seasonal thing. When you find a comfort zone for too long you know something is wrong; you need to always be stretching and growing stronger. I admit, right now I wish it was easier and it's sometimes frustrating, but I know without a shadow of doubt, he will provide. I think I am changing...everyday. I think this year, it is growing into the fact I feel somewhat an age of a new decade…the big 26 is coming up and I am feeling a desire to fulfill other parts of my heart all the while working in Nicaragua.....but in this I know I must lay it all down before God, before I can see what is up ahead; it's a waiting game....it's like Twister...Have you ever played that game as a kid? See how far you can stretch around until you fall...or win. I believe in winning, so maybe I should do some pilates to stay limber...ha.

MM: Has your art changed? How?

Dawn: Yes, actually it has matured a little…still not satisfied though…I think when I am 40 I might appreciate some of my own work..ha. I think it also has changed around this time when I am trying to cater to a market that will buy it, and I have to whip out a painting just to make money to go back to Nica...I kind of hate to do this but the minute I finish, I start a RedDawn piece that brings the joy all back.

MM: Do you have a different view on humanity, or this life in general?

Dawn: Humanity..hmm, we all mess up and as long as we can admit it and drop our pride to lend a hand not discriminating, race, religion, cultures, politics, favoritism....we will go somewhere...it's a hard task...try it daily.

MM: What keeps you going each day?

Dawn: God...really strong coffee, working out, bright happy faces, salt water, and knowing that somehow I am fulfilling a part of my destiny. Holding on to that vision of my own lil' family and house and garden with my horses in Nica' always helps too...ha...yunno..best friends help too...Kim Yemma..thank you.

MM: What is the best thing about what you do?

Dawn: Giving GOD all the Glory

MM: Do you find yourself happier, or content in Nicaragua?

Dawn: Yes, happier…Yes, more content....Yes, I am learning to cope being back here in the States...and I appreciate all we have here, but my heart yearns to be back; I have battled a lil' bit of sadness here..it's my stretching time I guess..ha.

MM: How has your initial vision grown?

Dawn: I think as soon as the timing is fit...there will be some big and new adventures ahead for IAM and movement in Nicaragua. Yes, the vision is growing everyday…it grows in the hearts of everyone of the lil' kids of Nicaragua I work with. They are all lil' seedlings and will soon be planted and the fields will produce...wait...you will see.

Art and Music Fest- Bank and Blues 3/15

The Dirt City crew will have a booth here. Though, we will be at Stone Edge's GE Jam all day first.....visit sk8dirtcity-under Stone Edge Sk8park

Turning Point Youth Collective

Upcoming meeting:

Rain or Shine
Sunday March 2 3pm
City Island Library- Children's Auditorium


Curious about...
"What is "Turning Point Youth Collective?"

*Presentation and QA Session
*Current Events- status and planning
*Cookies + Juice


Everyone welcome!