By Nick McGregor

Last year, the Harvest of Hope Fest was blessed by radical Canadian punk rockers Propagandhi. That activist tradition will continue this year with Pittsburgh quartet Anti-Flag, who proudly fly the anti-corporate, pro-equality flag and combine outspoken opinions with blistering speed-punk chops.

Lead singer Justin Sane spoke with Drift from Newark Liberty International Airport about growing up Irish, dealing with major labels, and keeping up the band’s strident criticism of the government. (more…)

By Shannon McGregor

Unlike a lot of art, which I don’t pretend to understand, Ty Williams’ creations have just enough nautical whimsy to inspire a smile. Hell, even a grin. Images of sea folk and sea creatures are weighted with found photos, text and the odd naked lady. A consummate conversationalist, his projects run the gamut from a store in Japan to a children’s book sea odyssey. Drift spoke with Ty as he was en route from the Oldest to Maine to speak at a Montessori school. (more…)

By Nick McGregor

Black Sheep’s 1991 classic “The Choice Is Yours” is a timeless entry in the hip-hop songbook, boasting the unforgettable chorus “You can get with this/Or you can get that/But you should get with this/Cuz this is where it’s at!” Unlike so many other rap groups from that era that fell by the wayside, Black Sheep is still going strong, with lead MC Andres “Dres” Titus carrying the name into the 21st century. Drift chatted with Dres in advance of his performance at the upcoming Harvest of Hope Fest home about hip-hop’s improved business outlook, his new album From The Black Pool Of Genius, and two of Jacksonville’s brightest upcoming stars. (more…)

Every month, the Drift staff will answer your questions about life. No subject is taboo: work sex, love, burritos, music, movies, etiquette, whatever. You ask, we will answer.

Have a question? E-mail us at editor@surfthedrift.com.

Dear Drift,
Help us settle a debate: Who would you rather be? Superman or Batman?
–Jack (more…)

By Shannon McGregor

Portugal. The Man aimed high from the get go, choosing an enigmatic name calling to mind David Bowie’s idea of “bigger than life fame.” Or at least that’s what Wikipedia says. Truth be told, its declarative nomenclature slides off your radar once you listen to the music. These Wasilla, Alaska natives don’t say, “You betcha!” but they do fuse a solid indie sensibility with more varied influences from soul, rock, blues and hip-hop. Drift spoke with bassist Zach Carothers ahead of their Harvest of Hope Fest appearance. (more…)

Oh yes. It’s that time again. Harvest of Hope is returning to St. Augustine and we’re ready. Are YOU?

Well, if you read this month’s issue you certainly will be. It’s full of interviews from four bands that will be attending, plus a look at why the festival is happening in the first place: helping some less fortunate migrant workers.

It’s good, clean, dirty fun. Just how we like it.

Also this month:
* Artist Ty Williams and his unconventional route to success
* Digging deeper into the Hands Across the Sand event
* Dear Drift: I want to hump a mannequin
* Haitian art at Absolute Americana

Apparently, this month’s cover is already causing a stir around town. When we considered doing a story on the lives of a few members of the gay community, we wondered if it was even worth covering. Isn’t it kind of old news and not a big deal? Aren’t we all just people who don’t need to be identified by our romantic preferences? We thought we’d find out anyway and interviewed a few folks about their experiences here in the oldest city.

Also this month:
* Artist Jim Collins explores the themes of nature and industry
* The debate over beach driving
* Drift answers questions and gives advice to readers
* Valentine’s day playlists for lovers and haters
* A review of the Molting

Looking out from the second-floor Davis Shores workspace of local artist Jim Collins, the waterways of Salt Run and the St. Augustine Inlet loom large. True to the area’s name, a salty breeze blows incessantly, seagulls squabble on the way to and from meals, and the airhorn affixed to the Bridge Of Lions sounds ominously in the distance. It’s the perfect environment for Collins to pursue his dichotomous art: marine creatures — mostly fish, turtles, and waterbirds in various states of graphic decay — depicted on manmade materials like drywall and scrap wood. Collins invited Drift into his studio to talk industrial art, endeavors in Georgia, and the ocean’s inspiration. (more…)