Letter From The Editor

The next couple of weeks are big ones for local music.

It’s been a long time coming for reggae band JookBox City, but next month, they’re releasing their debut album, Kill ‘Em With Love. As the band told me, they’d been wanting to get this album out for at least the last two years. Following some delays, the trio opted to take matters into their own hands — and their own studio. The result is a DIY effort, from recording to production to music videos. (As a side note, their amazing album cover art happens to have been designed by Metro creative supervisor James Nakamura.) JookBox City celebrates the release with a party on Feb. 6 at Hawaiian Brian’s.

And indie acoustic duo Foreseeable Futures also has released their debut album, Stories, for which they also will host a release party at Hawaiian Brian’s — theirs is Jan. 29. Our music columnist Roger Bong had a chance to chat with them about Stories, the local music scene, and how the fact that they’re dating impacts their songwriting.

Meanwhile, we had photographer Missy Romero look into new downtown hotspot Bar Leather Apron. It’s co-owned by Justin Park, formerly of The Manifest, and Tom Park (no relation) of shoe store Leather Soul. It’s been highly anticipated for months and now is finally open. Much of that buzz, I think, is a testament to Justin’s skill as a cocktail creator — he’s received national and global accolades. Get the lowdown on one of Bar Leather Apron’s drinks.