Meet Uncle Scotchy | Musician, Storyteller, Performer, Playwright, Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Uncle Scotchy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Uncle, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I don’t think I ever really chose to pursue an artistic career.
It’s been the only thing that have ever worked out for me in a way that has kept my interest or attention.
I’ve tried tons of things in my life. Believe me, I wish something more stable fit my vibe.
Things would have been easier, I’m sure.
But the creative path, in various forms, has been the path life seems to have lead me.

I shouldn’t consider it something that would never allow me to me comfortable financially.
Some people do very well pursuing creative careers that they are good at.
But that’s just not why I continue devoting myself to the things that I do.
If I happen to make a prosperous living one day from my creative endeavors, and they allow me to be comfortable as well as to be in a position where I can help others, that would be ideal.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been fortunate to be able to sustain myself via creative endeavors for about two decades now.
Now that I am in my 50’s, people marvel when they learn that about me.
I think the common view is that if I haven’t kind of “made it” financially via my work by now, I should have started a family or something.
The way I see it, I have been training my whole life for this time in my life.
I’ve done so much with music via my band “Juke” or “Uncle Scotchy.”
I’ve put on tons of live music events with local and national acts.
My immersive one man show “Blues Opera” play was life changing to myself and others.
That lead to my first sort-of book called, “Book of Scotchy”, which is actually a collection of lyrics, stories behind the lyrics, and art for each song.
All that has gotten me to this point.

Now, my focus is on writing a full-length, autobiographically based novel, called “Uncle Scotchy & the Time Thief”.
Once done, that book will be adapted to a larger version of “The Blues Opera”, designed for large theatre consumption.
The new Blues Opera will play in Miami, and then tour the country.

I finally have a crystal clear plan for my life and I’m also enjoying the arduous process.

I stopped drinking alcohol 15 months ago, at this point.
The “Uncle Scotchy” brand, however, is not contingent on my consumption.
As a modern day Blues man, I earned that title a long time ago.
Uncle Scotchy is being one’s self, no matter what.
It’s being true to yourself and the people who matter to you the most, even if they are no longer alive.

Staying open and following the creative flow has made the hardships and uncertainties that I live with worth while.
I wouldn’t change it for all the money in Miami.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s a funny question because Miami really can be experienced and consumed in a variety of ways.
It all depends on what you are looking for.
For the full spectrum, perhaps start them off in The Grove. It’s a nice blend of the old Miami with the new.
Perhaps grab some lunch at Berries on the way out of the Grove as we head west towards Little Havana.
There, we could walk around a bit. Grab a cafecito & croqueta or two.
That night we could hit Lagniappe and see a great band.
it doesn’t matter which night, because Lagniappe has live music seven nights a week.

The next day we could do the whole South Beach day thing.
Obviously, that’s an experience in itself. Pizza is the smart call for a bite out there as far as cheap and easy to come by.
If they want to get touristy, maybe Monty’s for some overpriced, low quality seafood and/or appy’s.
The shitty cover bands there match the food as well.
But it definitely checks the touristy boxes if that’s what you’re going for.

Wynwood obviously has to be checked out, despite it being overrun as a tourist trap for mural, photo opps.
I’ll def need some Panther coffee for that afternoon.

Once my “best friend” gets tired of the obvious choices, a trip to places like Little Haiti would be cool.
There’s a new event space opening called Lakou that looks amazing featuring Haitian food, drinks, and entertainment.

For a quiet beach day, Bill Bragg State Park on Key Biscayne would be chill.

A run down to the Keys, at least Key Largo, would be in order at some point.
Depending on the time of year, stopping at Knauss Berry Farms would be a nice treat on the way up or down for some fresh cinnamon rolls and a strawberry milkshake.

After that, it would all depend on mood and/or how much money this best friend of mine wanted to spend down here in beautiful Miami.
There’s something for everyone.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Ben at Bar Nancy.
He’s the owner and he runs the place.
He literally built the bar by hand with his brother and father.
Ben’s dedication to his establishment is absolute and he should be recognized as a Miami business owner and provider of a space for creatives.

Website: https://www.unclescotchy.com

Instagram: @therealunclescotchy

Image Credits
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