A Ride Through "Real Florida`s"

Transcription

A Ride Through "Real Florida`s"
IN THE FLORIDA KEYS AND KEY WEST 2008
Y
You are now part of an intriguing string of tropical islands
that has stirred the imagination of artists and writers
throghout our history. We welcome you to this island
enchantment.
Mayor Charles "Sonny" McCoy
Table
of
Contents
“Florida Keys State Parks”.. . 3-5
“All the Isles’ a Stage” . . . . . 6-8
Calendar of Events. . . . . . . 9-15
“Ft. Zach Sculpture” Che Stine
fla-keys.com ~ 1-800-FLA-KEYS
About the Cover
Lauren P. McAloon,
a longtime resident
of Key West often
uses history as
the inspiration for
her site-specific
installations.
The civil war era
cannons in this
section of Fort
Zachary Taylor fired
cannonballs that could
travel a distance up
to three miles and
were aimed to fly
just above the water
like skipping stones,
to hit the vulnerable
waterlines of targeted
ships.
This fascinating
information inspired “Skipping Waves” installed for Sculpture
Key West, 2005; at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in
Key West.
Photo by Eliza Proctor.
“Key West Light” Peter Vey
©2008 Monroe County Commission. All Rights Reserved.
Florida Keys & Key West CULTURE 2008
Event listings are for use as a guide in contacting event coordinators and receiving information on event dates, times and
locations. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but verification of information should be made when planning
to attend these events. Dates, times and locations are subject to change. Neither the Monroe County Commission, Monroe
County Tourist Development Council, nor their agency may be held liable for incorrect information, errors or omissions.
From left to right: Sandy Mezinis: “Crossing Duval”, Terri Brentnall: “View from a Window”, Deb La Fogg-Docherty:
“Hattie’s Release”, Susan Kay Holler: “Study of Venus”, Nicholas Bergery: “Everglades”
Keys
Parks
Florida
State
A ride through “Real Florida’s” lesser-known gems
By Cricket Demarais
When Henry Flagler built the
Overseas Railway through the Florida
Keys in the early 1910’s, he made
the archipelagic chain of islands
accessible. Though the 1935 Labor
Day hurricane laid claim to the rails
and embankments that brought both
goods and people to and from the
mainland, this formidable stretch
along the sea was later converted into
a road now known as U.S. Highway
1.
Almost 100 years later, this rugged
route is a well-worn and enjoyable
ride giving way to a kaleidoscope
of colors and textures synonymous
with the tropics. The views along the
126 miles that bisect the Gulf and
the Atlantic seas can hypnotize even
the most curious of travelers, pulling
a car forward into unstoppable
momentum.
Doing so, however, will be to your
detriment, for along the historic
“Key West extension” are a series of
award-winning state parks (including
Florida Keys & Key West CULTURE 2008
This channeling machine was in use as
America’s first two-time winner!)
early as World War I, quarrying slabs of
that reveal a tropical terrain of
keystone for northern architecture.
wooded hammock, coral reefs and
indigenous critters that best reflect
are but a few of the fabled plants
the “Real Florida.” With just a
and animals that call the Florida
little time and attention, the one
Keys home. From just north of Key
road in and the same road out easily
Largo to the bottom of the road
becomes a causeway for those who
in Key West, these and thousands
long to enter into an era long since
of other species can be spotted
gone by.
amid the parks whose mission is to
“The parks provide a place for
provide recreation while preserving,
people to experience their heritage
interpreting and restoring natural and
that’s otherwise been lost,” says
cultural resources. Within each of the
Curry Hammock ranger Steve Dimse.
parks comes a diversity as varied as
“We are all a part of nature and so
the travelers that pass through them.
many of us rarely get to experience
“They’re all different, and that’s
that.”
what makes it interesting,” says Kim
“If you came to experience the
Chase, Park Programs Development
way the land and the sea relate to
Specialist. “Each park has been
each other, this is the way to do it,”
identified and placed under the
he adds. “This is the way the Florida
management of the parks service,
Keys used to be.”
whether it’s because of a natural,
Gumbo limbo, lignum vitae, silver
cultural, or historic feature. They’re
palm; miniature Key deer, American
all somewhat unique and that’s why
crocodiles, roseate spoonbills—these
they’re being preserved for future
generations.”
The old and the new: This channeling machine quarried slabs of keystone
as early as World War I. Workers would use steel wedges to pry them
“Bahia Honda and Ft. Zach are
loose—not an easy task considering each weighed many tons. Set against
some of the most highly visited parks
the modern Alison Fahrer Education Center, it is a fine reminder of how
in Florida as well as the national park
far technology has come.
system,” adds Chase.
With Bahia Honda State Park’s
(between mile markers 36 & 37,
305.872.2353) extensive whitesand beaches and stunning views
from Flagler’s railroad remains, it’s
a recreational treasure for visitors
and residents alike. Fort Zachary
Taylor State Park (past mile
marker 0 at the end of Southard
Street, 305.292.6713) has a beach
and concessions for those with an
R&R mind-set, and for those with a
penchant for Civil War stories— a
historic fort that once served as
protection from seaside attacks. Add
to that John Pennekamp Coral Reef
State Park (mile marker 102.5,
305.872.3210), the first underwater
state park in the country and now a
National Marine Sanctuary, and the
fact that all three parks offer special
programs and guided tours, you’ve
got every reason to make them one
of your travel destinations.
And yet, while most people—
including last year’s 1,831,746
visitors to the Florida Keys State
Park system— know about these
aforementioned heavy-hitters, “not
as many people are as aware of
the lesser known jewels of the real
Florida,” says Chase. Driving slow
down the road, why not take the
time to discover some of them for
yourself? Here’s an inkling of what
you’ll find as you make your way
southward:
Mile Marker 106: Dagny Johnson
Key Largo Hammock Botanical State
Park
“There’s some of the best hiking
in the Keys in this rarely visited
gem,” says Dimse of the park and
its nine miles of trail. “It’s such an
isolated place. Minutes and you’re in,
and then it’s like a jungle of sorts.”
Whether you prefer to follow a ranger
with a guided tour or apply for a
backcountry pass, these 2,400 acres of
mangrove wetlands and West Indian
hammocks will give you glimpse
into the remote lifestyle of original
homesteaders and a way to witness
the abundance of botany typical of
Florida Keys ecology. 305.451.1202
Mile Marker 67.5: Long Key State
Park
“Cayo Vivora” (Rattlesnake Key) is
what the Spaniards called it, given its
jaws-agape snake-like shape. Once
an important depot along the Florida
East Coast Railroad and a mecca for
the world’s best saltwater anglers
via the Long Key Fishing Club before
the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, these
965 acres still contain a multitude
of recreational options amid historic
natural beauty. Camp along the
crystal-clear Atlantic in one of its 60
some-odd spaces, hike one of three
trails or canoe through the shallow,
mangrove-lined lagoons home to an
abundance of marine-life and wading
birds. 305.664.4815
Mile Marker 56.2: Curry
Hammock State Park
Though Curry Hammock State Park
offers pristine comfort with its fullfacility campground located along the
oceanfront, the emphasis here is on
preservation.
“Most of our visitors are here to
enjoy the wild rather than to take a
tour or sit on the beach. It’s more of
an environmental focus,” says Dimse.
“I always love it when people pay
Florida Keys & Key West CULTURE 2008
Upon entering the popular Bahia Honda State Park, this roadsign suggests
some of the many activities and options one has while visiting. No wonder it's
so well loved.
Sunset Trail at Windley Key is the
perfect way to investigate the native
species typical of the Keys: gumbo
limbo, catsclaw & buttonwood are
just a few you'll find on this 1/3 mile
hike.
the admission fee, go into the park
for a half hour and come back to the
ranger station and say, ‘well, where
are the hammocks?’”
Not to say this isn’t a place to relax
or retreat; indeed it is. With only 33
acres developed within one thousand
plus acres of land, the wildlife is
intact and the options to witness
them in their solitude abundant. And
there are many ways in which to do
so: Flats fish for snook or snapper.
Kayak over sprawling sea grass beds
into remote mangrove hammocks.
Hike, windsurf, or kiteboard. Relish
in the raptors that travel through
this park system on their migratory
routes. Or wait until night falls,
when Dimse offers an evening sky
program, complete with slideshow
and telescope. Additional rangerled activities are also available in
this park open 365 days a year.
305.289.2690
Mile Marker 85: Windley Key
Fossil Reef Geological State Park
This former quarry supplied
thousands of tons of fill for the
railroad and bridge approaches
Built between 1905 and 1912, Henry Flagler ran his Florida East Coast Railway
through Bahia Honda to reach Key West. The bridge now serves as a reminder
of his dream, which was wiped out by the great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935.
For the aquatic at heart wishing to
glimpse into history, this underwater
state park provides visitors access
to a Spanish shipwreck’s remains.
The submerged San Pedro is a 287ton, Dutch-built ship that sank after
a 1733 hurricane when it departed
Havana for Spain. In only 18 feet
of water, the site is perfect for
snorkelers and divers equipped with
their own boat. Though salvaged in
the sixties, the site is enhanced with
replica cannons, an anchor, and an
Kayaking - Just one of the many ways to explore the marine ecology found
among our many parks.
Florida Keys & Key West CULTURE 2008
as well as polished keystone (a
decorative building stone) for
architecture on the mainland. Now
a geological treasure, the clean
cuts of the quarry machine reveal
the perfectly preserved fossilized
specimens of ancient coral animals
and allows geologists the ability to
compare them to the living corals
of today. Five trails with hammock
canopies will intrigue botanists,
hikers and shade-seekers alike, where
over 40 varieties of trees whose
fruits, nuts and berries keep the
balance for endangered animals and
migratory birds. 305.664.2540
Indian Key Historic State Park
Looking out across the water at this
small 10 acres of island, one would
hardly guess that this park was of
former historic significance. Indian
middens, pirate plundering, a shady
wrecker with a penchant for politics
and a doctor with a love of botany
have left their indelible mark upon
this small key that was once the seat
of Dade County. Tour boat service
(Robbie’s Marina, 305.664.9814.)
and ranger-guided tours are available,
but be forewarned, there are no
restrooms or picnic facilities on the
island. 305.644.2540
San Pedro Underwater
Archaeological State Park
informative plaque. Five mooring
buoys make it easy for visitors to find
and tie up to, encouraging protection
from anchor drag and damage to
new coral growth and marine life.
Located approximately 1.25 nautical
miles south from Indian Key at GPS
coordinates: 24 degrees 51.802’N 80
degrees 40.795’W. 305.664.2540.
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State
Park
Step back into a simpler time amid
the shade of trees since felled for
development. Mastics, strangler figs,
poisonwood, pigeon plum and of
course, the slow-growing lignumvitae,
are all part of a 280 acre virgin
tropical forest now protected and
preserved.
“It is probably the best preserved
island ecosystem in the Keys,” says
Dimse of Lignumvitae Key Botanical
State Park. “Preserved long before
preservation was even on people’s
minds.”
Discover how island people lived
when windmills provided power,
cisterns stored fresh water and
the surrounding sea gave them
just about everything they needed.
305.644.2540
Visit the Florida Keys as they used
to be; make these state parks one of
your stopping points and explore the
natural bounty of what our islands
offer. For more information, visit
www.floridastateparks.org.
All the
Isles
a
Stage
By Judi Bradford
Throughout their history, the Keys
have welcomed many celebrities
to its cozy hometown villages. In
response, a plentitude of performing
venues have sprung up fueled by
the visiting glitterati and talented
performing arts folks who choose the
Keys for their home.
Key West (Mile Marker 0) has had
an active performing arts scene since
its inception in the early 1800s.
Cuban poet and philosopher Jose
Marti visited the Keys frequently, and
the popular Duval Street restaurant
and nightspot La Te Da was originally
known as “La Terraza de Marti” in his
honor.
Historically, national and
international performance troupes
traveling between New Orleans,
Havana and South America included
Key West on their tours. The famous
Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova
performed at the richly appointed
San Carlos Opera House.
Celebrating the 1912 inauguration
of the “Railroad that Went to Sea,”
the city of Key West staged three
days of festivities.
Balls, receptions, a Cuban circus,
a Spanish opera and a carnival
expressed the joie de vivre of the
islanders. Seven warships rested in
the harbor and dignitaries from the
US and South America welcomed
Flagler and his train.
Hemingway came here to pick up
a Ford in the 1930s and ended up
owning a house in old town where
he wrote To Have and Have Not. His
escapades are well documented and
Florida Keys & Key West CULTURE 2008
The elegantly exotic La Te Da restaurant, bar and guest house evolved from its
former incarnation as La Terraza de Marti, where Cuban poet and writer Jose
Marti spoke in support of Cuba’s independence from Spain in the 19th century.
All volunteer Keys Community
Concert Band performing at the new
Amphiteatre in Founders Park, Key Largo
until not too long ago there were
still locals around who told tales of
fishing with the great writer or boxing
with him at Blue Heaven, then a bar,
boxing ring, brothel and gamecock
center, but now a popular eatery.
Tennessee Williams came along
later. The largest theatre in Key West
is named for him.
The Tennessee Williams Theatre
suffered damage in the 2005
hurricane season. It reopens this
season after extensive renovations
and upgrades.
In true theatrical spirit, however,
even while the theatre was
undergoing repairs, events were held
in its spacious lobby. The upcoming
year at Tennessee Williams Theatre
includes performances by local
groups like the Pops, Island Opera
and Key West Symphony as well as
national groups.
In the 20th century fin de siècle
renaissance, the Green
Street Theatre team of
actors, who hit town in
the mid 1970s, evolved
into the Red Barn as we
know it today, taking over
the carriage house at the
Key West Women’s Club,
which had been the first
venue for the Key West
Players, now Waterfront
Theatre; and had briefly
been a puppet theatre.
Now it is a thriving stage
complex, with rehearsal
rooms, a café bar and
patio – and separate
bathrooms for the cast
The expansion of Red Barn Theatre that includes rehearsal space, backstage
areas, box office and dressing rooms. The project won the Chamber of
Commerce Beautification Award and a Star for Excellence by the Historic
Florida Keys Foundation.
At the top of the keys, Ron Levy,
The South Florida Center for the
the first mayor of Islamorada, and
Arts is a dynamic cultural force
an entrepreneurial craftsman who
headed up by Brownie Ballard and
makes tandoor ovens, launched the
Linda Lloyd. Started at Cauley Square
new million-dollar TIB Amphitheater
in Homestead, it was wiped out in
in Founders Park in Islamorada (MM
Hurricane Andrew and re-founded in
84) last November. The futuristic
the upper keys.
and fully equipped outdoor covered
It encompasses Arts for Youth,
performance center looks like a cross
the Upper Keys Concert Series and
between a suspension bridge and
numerous multi-cultural events from
a giant hammock, with a stage 42
feet wide and 30 feet deep.
The inaugural event was a
free concert featuring marches
All volunteer Keys Community
Concert Band performing at the new
of American composer John
Amphiteater in Founders Park, Islamorada
Philip Sousa performed by
Keith Brion and his New Sousa
Band.
The all-volunteer Keys
Community Concert Band
is scheduled to perform six
free performances at the
Amphitheater after 14 years in
other venues. A seventh is in
Key Largo Community Park. Florida Keys & Key West CULTURE 2008
and the audience (For a number of
years you might have found one of
the players in line with you for the
single unisex bathroom). Along the
way, they tapped into the cultural
riches the community has to offer,
working with Richard Wilbur,
former poet Laureate of the US, Shel
Silverstein and Philip Burton, as well
as Tennessee Williams.
At 67 seasons, the Waterfront
Players lay claim to the title “longestcontinuing operating theatre in the
State of Florida.” Their playhouse,
an 1880s ice warehouse, is in the
process of renovations, too, with
plans for an expanded lobby, a
concession stand and additional
bathrooms, including a handicapped
bathroom.
The newest venue in the
southernmost city is the Studios of
Key West. The “artists community”
has converted the old National Guard
Armory building to a space for
studios for local artists, workshops,
seminars and other events for and
about the arts.
The new director, Eric Holowacz,
brings expertise and a bundle of
energy to the project, spewing
collaborative ideas like ocean spray
on a speedboat wake.
Many poets and writers called the
keys their hideaway. The Heritage
House Museum in Key West keeps
the “Robert Frost cottage” much as it
was when the poet stayed there and
hosts the Robert Frost Poetry Festival
every spring.
Irving Berlin wrote the enchanting
song “See You in C. U. B. A.” after
traveling through the keys to the
steamship that took him to Havana in
the 1920s.
Composers Leonard Bernstein and
Jerry Herman were the core of a
Broadway connection that escaped
the crowds to kick back in the keys
during the 1970s and 80s.
And of course Key West is the
original “Margaritaville” that Jimmy
Buffet made famous. His early songs
chronicled a “woman going crazy on
Caroline Street” and other locals that
long time residents still remember.
Florida Keys & Key West CULTURE 2008
Red Barn Theatre under a shady Poinciana tree.
folk to opera, including a Season Gala
Event which has hosted The Platters,
Maynard Ferguson and Arlo Guthrie
over the years.
This year LaBoheme is scheduled
for Coral Shores Performing Arts
Center and the Arvel Bird and One
Nation Native American Band, as well
as Artie Shaw and The Swing Sisters.
Jazz, Polish piano, Celtic arts and a
Beatles theme concert appear on the
schedule.
The Key Largo Baptist Church
produces a Christmas Pageant that is
quickly becoming a tradition in the
upper keys.
The free pageant at the Coral
Shores Performing Arts Center
at the Coral Shores High School
(MM90) in Islamorada is performed
by the church choir, including the
children’s voices and begins with
secular favorites like Let It Snow
before segueing into the nativity story
according to Cindy Vetter, Music
Director and wife of the pastor.
The Coral Shores Performing Arts
Center was the venue of choice when
Arlo Guthrie and the Guthrie Family
Legacy Tour came to the Keys in
February 2007.
Midway down the string of Keys
and right on the Overseas Highway,
is the Marathon Community Theater
(MM 50). This energetic troupe of
players recently acquired their own
building after years of scrounging
venues from here and there.
Now they can offer their space to
groups looking for a place to perform.
This has made it easy for creative
groups to span the Keys. Island
Opera Theater took their popular
Divas 3! show to the Marathon
Theater last November, in addition to
Key West, and the Lower Keys; and
the Florida Keys Community College
Chorale will travel to Marathon this
year, as well as Green Turtle Cay in
the Bahamas.
The Marathon Theater starts their
new season with California Suite this
November.
Island Opera began in the Lower
Keys and has become a vibrant part
of life there, offering a wide range of
vocal presentations and drawing on
the remarkable lode of superlative
voices among the residents.
The Lower Keys (MM 30s) are
also home to the Underwater Music
Festival each July. Local dentist, Fred
Troxel together with radio personality
Bill Becker launched – or rather
submerged -- the festival 23 years
ago.
Over 100 boats gather at Looe Key
and an estimated 500 snorkelers
and divers splash into
the water to view the
underwater art exhibit and
see the musicians perform
on the sea bottom. The
audio portion of the show
is broadcast underwater via
special speakers suspended
beneath boats.
Throughout the Keys,
there are collaborations and
overlaps that enhance the
performing community.
These mutual benefits are
fostered by the Florida
Keys Council of the Arts,
an active local arts agency
that supports a variety of
programs including the
quarterly Performing Arts
Network meeting, an opportunity for
those who care about the performing
arts to get together for an exchange
of ideas and inspiration.
“Arts are a renewable resource for
the county,” says Executive Director
Daniel Wharton, “I'm looking for
ways of crossing boundaries.”
Armory entrance: The entrance to
the two-year old Studios of Key West
in the old Key West National Guard
Armory Building in Old Town.
Calendar of Cultural
EVENTS
In The Keys
Festivals &
Fundraisers
November 28 - December 2
Pirates in Paradise Festival 2007.
Celebrating Key West's rich and colorful
maritime heritage. piratesinparadise.com.
December 9 Winterfest 2007
“Art & Music in a Natural Key.” 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce,
MM 31 Overseas Hwy., Big Pine Key.
872-2411.
December 10 – 29
Marathon Garden Club presents 11th
Annual Christmas Exhibit. Opening gala
December 8. 6 - 9 p.m. Marathon Garden
Club, 5270 Overseas Hwy., Marathon.
743-4971. keysy.com/mgc.
December 14
Lighted Boat Parade. 8 p.m. Key West Bright
and Harbor, Key West. 296-7182.
December 15 – 16
Florida Keys Art Guild Outdoor Art
Festival. Lorelei Restaurant Field, MM 81
Overseas Hwy., Islamorada. 664-3571.
December 28 – 30
Florida Keys Art Guild Outdoor Art
Festival. Bayview Park, Corner of Truman
and Eisenhower, Key West. 664-3571.
December 31
New Year’s Eve Celebrations. Fireworks.
Watch the Conch Shell, The Drag Queen or
the Pirate Wench Drop. Duval Street and also
Key West Bight. Keywestchamber.org.
January
Florida Keys Commercial Fisherman present 3rd Annual Seafood Festival. 11 a.m .9 p.m. Bayview Park, Corner of Truman and
Eisenhower, Key West. 619-0039.
Anne McKee Artist's Fund Auction. Over
100 artists exhibit and sell their work to raise
money for this artist fund. 6:30 p.m. East
Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.,
Key West. 295-8383.
January 19
January 20 – April 19
Sculpture Key West. Contemporary outdoor
sculpture in two historic locations. West
Martello exhibition opens January 20. Fort
Zachary Taylor exhibition opens February
24. West Martello Tower and Fort Zachary
Taylor State Park, Key West. 295-3800.
sculpturekeywest.com.
3rd Annual Bahamian Cultural Festival.
Crane Point Museums & Nature Center, 5550
Overseas Hwy, Marathon. 743-3900.
January 26
Key West Art & Historical Society present
Fourth Annual Fur Ball. 7 -10 p.m. Fort
East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt
Blvd., Key West. 294-4857. kwahs.com.
January 26 – 27
Key West Art Center presents 23rd Annual
Key West Craft Show. 10 a.m. -m
5 p.m.
Whitehead & Caroline Streets, Key West.
294-1241. keywestartcenter.com
February 2 – 3 Florida Keys
Art Guild Outdoor Art Festival. Lorelei
Restaurant Field, MM 81 Overseas Hwy.,
Islamorada. 664-3571.
February 7 – 10
Friends of Fort Taylor present Civil War
Days 2008. Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park,
entrance at Southard & Thomas Streets,
Key West. 292-6850.
February 9 – 10
Pigeon Key Art Festival. Juried outdoor art
show. Music, food, art raffle. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Marathon Community Park, MM 49 Overseas
Hwy., Marathon. 289-9555.
February 16 - 17
Florida Keys Art Guild Outdoor Art Festival.
Waldorf Plaza, MM 100 Overseas Hwy., Key
Largo. 664-3571.
February 23 – 24
Key West Art Center presents 43rd Annual
Old Island Days Art Festival. A juried fineart show with exhibitors from across USA
and Canada. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Whitehead
and Caroline Streets, Key West. 294-1241.
keywestartcenter.com.
February 23–24
Upper Keys Rotary Nautical Flea Market/
Purple Isles Art Guild Big Tent Gallery.
Founders Park, MM 87, bayside, Plantation
Key. 853-1685.
Marathon
Community
Theatre
2007 - 2008 Season
California Suite
The Smell of the Kill
Me and My Girl
Cactus Flower
Nov. 2007 - May 2008
5101 Overseas Hwy
M.M. 49.5 * Marathon
next to the cinema
Box Office
305-743-0994
“Southside of Bahia Honda”
by Christine Black
February 28
“An Evening of Noel Coward.” Music by
Bobby Nesbitt. A benefit for the friends of
the Key West Library. 8 p.m. Tropic Cinema,
416 Eaton St., Key West. TropicCinema.com.
March 1 – 2 Florida Keys Art Guild Outdoor
Art Festival. City Events Field, Marathon.
664-3571.
March 7 – 9
January 27
Key West Orchid Society's annual judged
show and sale. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. West Martello Tower, Atlantic Blvd. at Higgs Beach,
Key West. 745-1469.
14th Annual Master Chef’s Classic to benefit MARC House. 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Pier House,
1 Duval St., Key West For more information
294-9526, ext. 16.
Florida Keys Art Guild Outdoor Art Festival.
Lorelei Restaurant Field, MM 81 Overseas
Hwy., Islamorada. 664-3571.
March 8 – 9
Florida Keys & Key West CULTURE 2008
Art Under the Oaks. Fine Art and Original
Crafts. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., San Pedro Church
gardens, MM 89.5 Bayside, Plantation Key.
853-0651 or 664-5574.
January 25 - 27
March 15
“Hot Havana Nights” Twilight Party.
7 -11 p.m. Key West Tropical Forest &
Garden, 5210 College Rd., Key West.
296-1504. keywestbotanicalgarden.org.
March 22 - 23
Florida Keys Art Guild Outdoor Art Festival.
Robbie’s Marina, MM 77.5 Overseas Hwy.,
Lower Matecumbe. 664-3571.
April 9 – 13
14th Annual Robert Frost Poetry Festival.
Heritage House Museum, 410 Caroline St.,
and other venues around Key West. 2963573. robertfrostpoetryfestival.com.
April 12 – 13
Florida Keys Art Guild Outdoor Art Festival.
Waldorf Plaza, MM 100 Overseas Hwy., Key
Largo. 664-3571.
April 13
“East Martello Art” by Che Stine
Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce presents “7th Annual Jazz & Art Festival.” Waterfront jazz concert and juried art show. 1 6 p.m. Dolphin Marina, MM 28.5, Little Torch
Key. 872-2411. lowerkeyschamber.com.
April 19
Key West Garden Club's Spring Plant Sale.
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. West Martello Tower, Atlantic Blvd. at Higgs Beach, Key West. 294-3362.
7th Annual
Lower Keys
Jazz & Blues
Festival
Old Island Restoration Foundation presents
48th Annual House and Garden Tours. Holiday tour of five private homes and gardens
in Key West. 4 - 8 p.m. 294-9501. oirf.org.
Opens January 2008
“The Tempest - Hurricanes that Tormented
Spanish Shipping, 1550-1750.” Exhibition,
lectures, special events. Mel Fisher Maritime
Museum, 200 Greene St., Key West.
294-2633. melfisher.org.
Opens January 2008
Key West Art and Historical Society
presents “Tourists & Townies.” Colorful
sculptures by Rita MacNelly and Beezy
Bogan. Custom House, 281 Front Street,
Key West. 295-6616. kwahs.org.
January 18 - 19
Old Island Restoration Foundation presents 48th Annual House and Garden Tours.
View five private homes and gardens in Key
West. 4 - 8 p.m. 294-9501. oirf.org.
January 19
February 15 - 16
June 7 - 15
PrideFest Key West. A week of special
events. 292-3223. pridefestkeywest.
com. June (dates TBA) Key West Summer
Goombay Festival. 896-5514.
July 12
Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce presents
24th Annual Underwater Music Festival.
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Looe Key Reef Resort National Marine Sanctuary. MM 27, Ramrod
Key. 872-2411. lowerkeyschamber.com.
Museums and More
Now through January
Florida Keys & Key West CULTURE 2008
December 28 - 29
The 13th Annual Taste of Key West
benefiting AIDS Help, Inc. 6 - 9 p.m. Free
admission; food and wine tastes $3 - $6
each. Truman Waterfront, End of Southard
St., Key West. 296-6196.
Tropical Fruit Fiesta. Fruit tree sales, expert
speakers, vendors, fruit displays, children's
activities and more. 292-4501.
10
Key West InnKeepers Association presents
A Lighted Historic Inn Tour. Nighttime tour
of six historic inns. 5 - 8 p.m. Key West. 800492-1911. keywestinns.com.
April 21
June (dates TBA)
“Cocotier” by Peter Vey
November 30 – December 1 &
December 7 - 8
“From Sea to Shining Sea: 200 Years of
Charting America's Coasts.” Poster exhibit
courtesy of NOAA and the Smithsonian
Institution. Open daily. Museums and Nature
Center of Crane Point, 5550 Overseas Hwy.
743-3900. cranepoint.net.
December 2
South Florida Center for the Arts Concert
Series presents 12th Annual Historic
Holiday Candlewalk. Stroll historic Tavernier
singing Christmas music by candlelight.
6 p.m. Tavernier Hotel, MM 91 oceanside,
Tavernier. sfca-arts.org.
December 12
Lecture on Elizabeth Bishop in Key West.
Made possible by a grant from the Florida
Humanities Council. 7 p.m. The Studios of
Key West. Armory Building, 600 White St.,
Key West. 296-0458. tskw.org.
Key West Art and Historical Society
presents an artist lecture with sculptor
J. Seward Johnson. Custom House, 281
Front St., Key West. 295-6616. kwahs.org.
Old Island Restoration Foundation presents
48th Annual House and Garden Tours. Tour
of five private homes and gardens in Key
West. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 294-9501. oirf.org.
February 21 – April
Key West Art and Historical Society
presents original Work by John James
Audubon. Traveling exhibit from the
National Audubon Society of original handcolored etchings from the artist's portfolio.
Open daily. Custom House, 281 Front Street,
Key West. 295-6616. kwahs.org.
February 22 - 24
Key West Art & Historical Society 4th Annual Key West Antiques Show and Sale.
Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West. 295-6616. kwahs.com.
February 23 - 24
GardenFest Key West Plant Sale. Key West
Botanical Garden, 5210 College Rd., Stock Island. 296-1504. keywestbotanicalgarden.org.
March 1
Marathon Garden Club’s 32nd Annual
House & Garden Tour. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Marathon Garden Club, 5270 Overseas
Hwy., Marathon. Call 743-4971 for more
information.
March 8
Old Island Restoration Foundation presents
46th Annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest.
Free to watch or compete. 1:30 p.m. Key
West. 294-9501. oirf.org.
March 14 - 15
Old Island Restoration Foundation presents
48th Annual House and Garden Tours. tour
of five private homes and gardens in Key
West. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 294-9501. oirf.org.
March 23 - 24
December 7 - 8
Key West Garden Club Annual Key West
Gardens Tour. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. West
Martello Tower, Atlantic Blvd. at Higgs Beach,
Key West. 294-3210.
Florida Keys Community College - Keys
Chorale Holiday Concert. MAGNIFICAT by
John Rutter. Tennessee Williams Theatre,
5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520.
keystix.com.
Key West Art and Historical Society presents “In Their Own Words: The Ghosts of
East Martello.” Open daily. Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key
West. 295-6616. kwahs.org.
Friday, May 16
International Museum Day. Custom House,
Lighthouse and Fort East Martello museums
will offer half price admissions, guided tours
and children's activities. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Call Key West Art & Historical Society at
295-6616 for more info.
May 16 - 17
Harry S. Truman Legacy Symposium.
“Truman and American Immigration
Policies.” Little White House Museum and
other venues in Key West. 294-9911.
trumansymposium.com.
Museums and More Ongoing
October - May
December 2
Music
Old Stone Methodist Church presents
Handel’s Messiah. 24th annual community
concert. Rehearsal 2-5 p.m. Performance
8 p.m., Corner of Eaton & Simonton Streets,
Key West. 294-0404.
December 7
Phantom of the Opera 1924 silent movie
with Lon Chaney. Featuring pipe organ
accompaniment by George Krejci. 8 p.m.
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 108 Ocean Dr.,
Tavernier. 852-0621.
“Bobby in the Lobby Cabaret.” 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Grand Foyer. 5901 College
Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
December 14
Ninth Annual “Pride Follies.” Tennessee
Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key
West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
December 15
Keys Community Concert Band presents
holiday concert. Bring blankets, lawnchairs.
Free. 4 p.m. Key Largo Community Park,
MM 99.6 Oceanside, Key Largo. 853-7294.
keyscommunityconcertband.org.
December 16
Key West Pops Holiday Cheer à la
Hollywood Palace. 8 p.m., Tennessee
Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key
West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
uninterrupted broadcast by
T-shirts available at the
Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce
MM 31 Oceanside, Big Pine Key
1-800-872-3722
lowerkeyschamber.com
“Bahia Joy” by Priscilla Coote
December 16
7th Annual Christmas Concert. 6 p.m.
Marathon Community Theatre, MM 49.5
Overseas Hwy., Marathon. 743-0994. marathontheatre.org.
December 22
Keys Community Concert Band presents
holiday concert. Bring blankets, lawnchairs.
4 p.m. TIB Amphitheater, Founders Park,
MM 87 Bayside, Plantation Key. 853-7294.
keyscommunityconcertband.org.
December 23
Performance at St. Paul's presents Annual
St. Paul's Christmas Concert. 4 p.m. St.
Paul's Episcopal Church, 401 Duval St., Key
West. 296-4761.
December 28
Clinton and Daniel Curtis in Concert.
8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
January 6
Paradise Big Band concert “A Tribute to
Broadway.” Conductor Joe Dallas. 8 p.m.
Glynn Archer Performing Arts Center, KWHS,
2100 Flagler Avenue, Key West. 296-1520.
keystix.com.
“Key West Lighthouse”
by Sandy Mezinis
January 11 – 12
Key West Symphony. Works by Villa-Lobos,
Rodrigo, Prokofiev, Barber and Mussorgsky. 8
p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Road, Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
January 12
South Florida Center for the Arts Concert
Series presents Artie Shaw and the Swing
Sisters. 8 p.m. Coral Shores Performing Arts
Center, 89901 Old Hwy. (MM 89), Tavernier.
sfca-arts.org.
January 13
36th Season Impromptu Concerts presents
Philadelphia Brass Quartet. 4 p.m. St. Paul's
Episcopal Church, 401 Duval St., Key West.
January 14
Middle Keys Concert Association presents
Philadelphia Brass Quartet. 7:30 p.m.
San Pablo Church, 122nd St., Marathon.
743-4687.
Florida Keys & Key West CULTURE 2008
Readings, lectures and slide presentations
by visiting artists and writers, as well as
writing and visual arts workshops taught
by award-winning instructors. The Studios
of Key West, 600 White Street, Key West.
For more info: 296-0458; tskw.org.
Cultural Tours led by artist and activist
Nancy Forrester. Participants are invited
to linger in the garden to write, paint,
meet other artists. By appointment. Nancy
Forrester's Secret Garden, 1 Free School
Lane, 500 block of Simonton, Key West.
294-0015. nfsgarden.com.
Historical Preservation Society of the
Upper Keys. Meets 2nd Monday of the
month. Lectures and presentations about
Keys history. 7 p.m. Key Largo Library,
Tradewinds Shopping Plaza, MM 101.4, Key
Largo. 852-1620. keyshistory.org.
Key West Maritime Historical Society.
Preservation of the maritime heritage of the
Florida Keys. Monthly lectures, field trips,
exhibits, publications and special events.
Nov-May. Award-winning FLORIDA KEYS
SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL published quarterly. 292-7903.
Florida Keys History of Diving Museum.
Exhibits, tours, lectures and events.
82990 Overseas Hwy. (MM 83), Islamorada.
664-9737. divingmuseum.com.
December 12
Photo by Bill Keogh/Monroe County TDC
May – December
11
January 20
February 17
36th Season Impromptu Concerts presents
Jupiter String Quartet. 4 p.m. St. Paul's
Episcopal Church, 401 Duval St., Key West.
Bobby In The Lobby Cabarets. 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Grand Foyer. 5901 College
Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
Key West Pops "Guys and Dolls" in concert.
8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
Middle Keys Concert Association presents
presents Ji Yong, pianist. 7:30 p.m. San
Pablo Church, 122nd St., Marathon.
743-4687.
January 20
January 21
Middle Keys Concert Association presents
The Jupiter String Quartet. 7:30 p.m. San
Pablo Church, 122nd St., Marathon.
743-4687.
January 26
Keys Community Concert Band outdoor
concert; bring blankets, lawnchairs. Free.
4 p.m. TIB Amphitheater, Founders Park,
MM 87 Bayside, Plantation Key. 853-7294.
keyscommunityconcertband.org.
January 27
“Ft. Jefferson - Aerial View”
by Terri Brentnall
2007-2008 MASTER CONCERT SERIES
January 11 and 12, 2008
featuring Monica Abrego, soprano
February 1 and 2, 2008
featuring Jeffrey Biegel, piano
April 4 and 5, 2008
featuring Andreas Klein, piano
For information on all our concerts and
events visit www.keywestsymphony.com
or call 305-292-1774
“Sunset from Ft. Zachary”
by Caren Ragan
Florida Keys & Key West CULTURE 2008
South Florida Center for the Arts Concert
Series presents New Orleans and Dixieland
Jazz classics. 8 p.m. Coral Shores Performing Arts Center, 89901 Old Hwy. (MM 89),
Tavernier. sfca-arts.org.
February 29
Pipe organ concert with special guest artist
Charles Stanley. 8 p.m. Immanuel Lutheran
Church, 108 Ocean Dr., Tavernier. 852-0621.
March 1
Key West Pops presents A Broadway
Dance Concert. 8 p.m., Tennessee Williams
Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 2961520. keystix.com.
South Florida Center for the Arts Concert
Series presents Arvel Bird and One Nation.
Native American music. 8 p.m. Coral Shores
Performing Arts Center, 89901 Old Hwy.
(MM 89), Tavernier. sfca-arts.org.
36th Season Impromptu Concerts presents
Camerata Bariloche String Orchestra.
4 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901
College Rd., Key West.
February 1 – 2
Key West Symphony. Works by Copland,
Bernstein, Leibermann, Tchaikovsky. 8 p.m.
Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College
Road, Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
February 8
March 2
March 3
Middle Keys Concert Association presents
Camerata Bariloche String Orchestra.
7:30 p.m. San Pablo Church, 122nd St.,
Marathon. 743-4687.
March 8
February 10
South Florida Center for the Arts Concert
Series presents Stanislaw Drzewiecki,
pianist. 8 p.m. Coral Shores Performing Arts
Center, 89901 Old Hwy. (MM 89), Tavernier.
sfca-arts.org.
36th Season Impromptu Concerts presents
Puccini’s “La Boheme.” Concert staging of
the Puccini masterpiece. 4 p.m. Tennessee
Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd.,
Key West.
March 9
36th Season Impromptu Concerts presents
Stanislaus Drzewiecki, pianist. 4 p.m. St.
Paul's Episcopal Church, 401 Duval St.,
Key West.
Middle Keys Concert Association presents
“A Night at the Opera.” 7:30 p.m. San Pablo
Church, 122nd St., Marathon. 743-4687.
Middle Keys Concert Association presents
Stanislaw Drzewiecki, pianist. 7:30 p.m.
San Pablo Church, 122nd St., Marathon.
743-4687.
Lynda Carter in concert. 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key
West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
February 11
February 12
South Florida Center for the Arts Concert
Series presents Puccini's “La Boheme.”
Concert staging of the Puccini masterpiece.
8 p.m. Coral Shores Performing Arts Center,
89901 Old Hwy. (MM 89), Tavernier.
sfca-arts.org.
12
February 26
Island Opera Theatre presents Dean Walters and Friends. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520.
keystix.com.
January 29
Celebrating our 10th Anniversary
February 18
February 16
Keys Community Concert Band presents
outdoor concert; bring blankets, lawnchairs.4 p.m. TIB Amphitheater, Founders
Park MM 87, Bayside, Plantation Key. 8537294. keyscommunityconcertband.org.
February 16
South Florida Center for the Arts Concert
Series presents Yesterday: A Tribute to the
Beatles. 8 p.m. Coral Shores Performing Arts
Center, 89901 Old Hwy. (MM 89), Tavernier.
sfca-arts.org.
February 17
36th Season Impromptu Concerts presents
Ji Yong, pianist. 4 p.m. St. Paul's Episcopal
Church, 401 Duval St., Key West.
March 10
March 13 - 16
Island Opera Theatre presents OperaFest
featuring Keys Chorale. Tennessee Williams
Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 2961520. keystix.com.
March 14 - 15
South Florida Center for the Arts Concert
Series presents St. Patrick's Day Irish Festival. Key Largo Civic Club, 209 Bay Drive (MM
99 Overseas Hwy.), Key Largo. sfca-arts.org
March 16
Performance at St. Paul's presents Music
of Holy Week. 4 p.m. St. Paul's Episcopal
Church, 401 Duval St., Key West. 296-4761.
March 18
The Temptations in Concert. 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd.,
Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
March 27
Ann Hampton Callaway Caberet Evening.
8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
March 29
January 5
Keys Community Concert Band presents
outdoor concert; bring blankets, lawnchairs.
4 p.m. TIB Amphitheater, Founders Park
MM 87, Bayside, Plantation Key. 853-7294.
keyscommunityconcertband.org.
TWT “Encore Series” presents An Evening
with Joel Grey. 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams
Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 2961520. keystix.com.
March 30
Bobby In The Lobby Cabarets. 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Grand Foyer. 5901 College
Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
January 10 - February 2
SMELL OF THE KILL by Michele Lowe.
8 p.m. Marathon Community Theatre,
MM 49.5 Overseas Hwy., Marathon.
743-0994. marathontheater.org.
April 1 – 2
January 14 - January 15
Key West Symphony presents “Boogie
Woogie Bugler Boy.” Outdoor concert; bring
blankets, lawnchairs. Fort Zachary Taylor
State Park, Entrance at Thomas and Southard
Streets. Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
January 22 - February 9
April 4 – 5
Key West Symphony. Works by Mozart,
Beethoven, Saint-Saens. 8 p.m. Tennessee
Williams Theatre, 5901 College Road, Key
West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
April 6 – 7
Ella Fitzgerald Tribute. 8 p.m. Tennessee
Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key
West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
April 26
Florida Keys Community College - Keys
Chorale. Concert Under the Stars. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key
West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
April 26
Keys Community Concert Band presents
outdoor concert; bring blankets, lawnchairs.4 p.m. TIB Amphitheater, Founders
Park MM 87, Bayside, Plantation Key.
853-7294. keyscommunityconcertband.org.
April 30 – May 4
13th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival.
Hog’s Breath Saloon and other locations in
Key West. 296-4222.
keywestsongwritersfestival.com.
June 16 - July 12
Key West Symphony presents Opera
Seminar and Solfest. 16 concerts throughout
June and July from Key West to Marathon.
keywestsymphony.com. Music-Ongoing
Organ/piano recitals featuring Joe Lowe and
Auwinna Weed. Free. M-F, Noon-1 p.m. St.
Paul’s Episcopal Church, 401 Duval St., Key
West. 296-5142.
Theatre
Now - December 8
December 18 - January 26
BARK. Music and Lyrics by David Troy Francis. 8 p.m. Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St.,
Key West. 296-9911. redbarntheatre.org.
December 18 - January 12
THE BEST MAN by Gore Vidal. 8 p.m.
Waterfront Playhouse, Mallory Square Tift’s Lane, Key West. 294-5015.
waterfrontplayhouse.com.
December 29
Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna in "If
Ever…." 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre,
5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520.
keystix.com.
TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE by Jeffrey
Hatcher and Mitch Albom. 8 p.m. Waterfront
Playhouse, Mallory Square - Tift's Lane, Key
West. 294-5015. waterfrontplayhouse.com.
January 24
TWT “Encore Series” presents “Defying
Gravity.” Music of Stephen Schwartz. 8 p.m.
Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College
Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
VAGINA MONOLOGUES by Eve Ensler.
8 p.m. Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St.,
Key West. 296-9911. redbarntheatre.org.
February - Dates TBA
The Key Players present the musical, THE
TAFFETA’S. Lions Club, MM 99 Overseas
Hwy. (behind TIB Bank), Key Largo. Call
853-2685 for dates/times. thekeyplayers.org.
May 8 - May 24
CACTUS FLOWER by Abe Burrows. 8 p.m.
Marathon Community Theatre, MM 49.5
Overseas Hwy., Marathon. 743-0994. marathontheater.org.
Tuesdays in May
The Key West Players present New Plays
in May. Staged readings of original plays.
Waterfront Playhouse, Mallory Square - Tift's
Lane, Key West. 294-5015 waterfrontplayhouse.com.
May 13 - June 7
NAKED BOYS SINGING. 8 p.m., Waterfront
Playhouse, Mallory Square - Tift's Lane, Key
West. 294-5015. waterfrontplayhouse.com.
Dance
November 23 - December 2
The Nutcracker Key West. A full production
of the classic holiday ballet. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West.
296-9982. keystix.com.
April 3 - 5; April 10 - 13
The Key West Players present Genesha
Dance Theatre. “Opening the Way."
Waterfront Playhouse, Mallory Square
- Tift's Lane, Key West. 294-5015.
waterfrontplayhouse.com.
February 5
TWT “Encore Series” presents I LOVE A
PIANO. An Irving Berlin musical review. 8
p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
February 2 - March 1
SHEL SHOCKED by Shel Silverstein. 8 p.m.
Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St., Key West.
296-9911. redbarntheatre.org.
February 12
The Spencers - Theatre of Illusion. 8 p.m.
Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College
Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
February 19 – 20
TRAILER PARK; THE MUSICAL. 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd.,
Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
February 26 - March 22
REEFER MADNESS, THE MUSICAL by Dan
Studney and Kevin Murphy.
8 p.m. Waterfront Playhouse, Mallory
Square - Tift's Lane, Key West. 294-5015.
waterfrontplayhouse.com.
March 6 - April 5
ME AND MY GIRL by Noel Gay. 8 p.m.
Marathon Community Theatre, MM 49.5
Overseas Hwy., Marathon. 743-0994. marathontheater.org.
March 11 - April 5
SYLVIA by A.R. Gurney. 8 p.m. Red Barn
Theatre, 319 Duval St., Key West. 296-9911.
redbarntheatre.org.
April 11
TWT “Encore Series” presents Neil Berg's
100 YEARS OF BROADWAY. 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key
West. 296-1520. keystix.com.
April 15 - May 10
Call 305-295-4369 for a copy of the
Gallery Guide or you can download
at www.fla-keys.com/culture
Florida Keys & Key West CULTURE 2008
CALIFORNIA SUITE by Neil Simon. 8 p.m.
Marathon Community Theatre, MM 49.5
Overseas Hwy., Marathon. 743-0994. marathontheater.org.
DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN. A Broadway
comedy. 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre,
5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520.
keystix.com.
MAVIS AND THE THREE BEARS. Lyrics and
book by Blake Hunter, music by Franko Richmond. 8 p.m. Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval
St., Key West. 296-9911. redbarntheatre.org.
13
Visual
May 4
The CoffeeMill Dance Studio DanceWorks
VI. New choreography performed by faculty,
students and visiting artists. 4 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key
West. 296-9982. coffeemilldance.com.
Dance-Ongoing
“Old Bahia Honda Bridge”
by Fran Decker
The Dance Factory. Variety of dance
classes for children and adults. The Dance
Factory, 906 Kennedy Dr., Key West. Call
296-5015 for schedule.
CoffeeMill Dance & Yoga Studio. Classes &
workshops in dance, music and more. CoffeeMill Studio, 916 Pohalski Lane, Key West.
coffeemillculturalcentre.com. 296-9982.
Joyce Bennett School of Dance &
Performing Arts. Classes in dance, music
and more. 1300 Almay St., Key Largo.
852-5395.
Dance Social on third Saturday with with
Lucy and Leon. Ballroom, Latin, Swing/Balboa, Hustle, Country Western, and more. 8 11 p.m. Paradise Fitness, 1706 Roosevelt
Blvd., Key West. 296-6348. For more dance
offerings see keywestdance.wordpress.com.
Ballroom and Latin dance party open
house on first Friday. Free. 8 - 10 p.m.,
Theo & Ganine's Dance Center, 11450 Overseas Hwy., Suite 203 Marathon. 743-0660.
Line Dance Instruction. Wednesday;
7-8 p.m. beginners, 8-9 p.m. intermediate.
On Fridays; 2-3 p.m. beginners. 3-4 p.m.
intermediate. Big Pine Key Senior Center.
Key Deer Blvd. 745.2383
Literature
January 10 - 20
“Tropic of Cancer” by Sandy Mezinis
Florida Keys & Key West CULTURE 2008
� The �
RED BARN THEATRE
14
BIG
THINGS
in a Small Space
In our 28th year, The Red Barn Theatre,
Key West’s critically acclaimed, intimate,
professional theatre offers the best in live
shows 5 - 7 nights a week, December to
June. Located at 319 Duval Street (rear)
in historic Old Key West. For info on our
2007-08 season call 305-296-9911.
26th Annual Key West Literary Seminar:
“New Voices: Where Have We Been; Where
Are We Going?” San Carlos Institute, 516
Duval St. Key West. 888-293-9291 (toll free)
to register. KeyWestLiterarySeminar.org.
Latitude 25. Writing group meets last
Wednesday. 7 - 9:30 p.m., Key Largo Library,
Tradewinds Shopping Center, MM 101.4, Key
Largo. Steve Gibbs 664-2266.
Key West Writers Guild. Meets 2nd & 4th
Saturdays. All newcomers welcome. 10 a.m. –
noon, Kelly's Caribbean Bar, 301 Whitehead
St., Key West. 296-3646.
Key West Poetry Guild. Meets first Sunday.
Open to all interested in poetry. 8 - 10 p.m.
Sippin’ Internet Café, 424 Eaton St., Key
West. For more info contact Onett Johnson
293-0555. sippinkeywest.com.
The Lunch Bunch. Meets third Monday. October through May. Noon. Hooked on Books,
MM 82.6 Oceanside, Islamorada. 517-2602.
Friends of the Library Lecture Series. Monday evenings during winter season. 6 p.m.
Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St., Key West.
Call 292-3595 for complete schedule.
The Writer's Den. Group critique session
meets Tuesdays. For writers at all levels,
in all genres. 7 - 9 p.m. Blue Mojito Bar &
Cafe at the Hyatt, 601 Front St., Key West.
Contact Vicki Weeks at [email protected]
for details.
Now - January 7
“Key West in Black and White”
photographs by Tom Corcoran. Open daily.
Custom House, 281 Front St., Key West.
295-6616. kwahs.org.
January 10 - February 2
Bougainvillea House & Artists in Paradise
Galleries present 6th Annual Winter Show,
“The Essence of Art.” View before curtain
and during intermission during MCT's production of "The Smell of the Kill.” Marathon
Community Theatre,MM 49.5 oceanside,
Marathon. 743-0994. marathontheater.org.
January 15 - April 15
Centennial Faces, a photographic exhibit
from the Museum of Florida History. Crane
Point Museums & Nature Center, 5550
Overseas Hwy, Marathon. 743-3900.
cranepoint.net.
“The Icons.” Exhibition of sculpture by
J. Seward Johnson, Jr. Custom House, 281
Front St., Key West. 295-6616. kwahs.org.
January 20
Sculpture Key West Opening. West Martello
Tower, White St. at Atlantic Blvd., Key West.
295-3800. sculpturekeywest.com.
February 15
Mannequins in Paradise Auction. Decorated
mannequins created by Keys artists on
display and auction. 6 - 9 p.m. Artists In
Paradise Gallery, Big Pine Shopping Plaza,
MM 30, Big Pine Key. 872-1828.
February 15
Purple Isles Art Guild presents “Birds in
Nature.” Art among the gardens. Francis
Tracy Garden Center, Key Largo. 852-7494.
February 24
Sculpture Key West opening reception at
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. 3 - 6 p.m.
Enter at Thomas and Southard Streets., Key
West. 295-3800. sculpturekeywest.com.
February 29 - May 25
“The Essence of Place” - New Photos of Old
Town Key West. C.J. Groth. 9:30 a.m. - 11
p.m. daily. Guild Hall Gallery, 614 Duval St.,
Key West. 394-4128. keywestphotos.com.
March 1
“Chairs for Charity.” Painted and decorated chairs by the gallery's artists. Artist
reception 5 - 7:30 p.m. The Artists Gallery
at DeClue's Fine Art Printing and Framing,
Tavernier Towne Shopping Center, MM 91.3,
Tavernier. 852-4840.
March – May
Captain Outrageous Retrospective. Works
from public and private collections of this
popular folk artist. Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West.
295-6616. kwahs.org.
March 6 - April 6
“Florida Keys Watercolor Society's 26
Annual Judged Exhibition.” View before
curtain and during intermission during MCT's
production of "Me and My Girl." Marathon
Community Theatre, MM 49.5 oceanside,
Marathon. 743-0994. marathontheater.org.
March 15
Pete Rosin Art Scholarship Auction. 6-9
p.m. Artists In Paradise Gallery, Big Pine
Shopping Plaza, MM 30, Big Pine Key.
872-1828.
April 7 - April 11
Pinhole Photography. A collaboration with
Florida Keys Community College students.
Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West. 295-6616. kwahs.org.
June 4 – September
“End of the Rainbow - Craig Biondi's Key
West.” In celebration of One Human Family, a retrospective of the Key West artist.
Custom House, 281 Front St., Key West. 2956616. kwahs.org.
Visual-Ongoing
Film
Java Studios – Media and Community
Development. Presenting media that
matters for the community: arts, political,
economic & cultural impact. Various
venues in Key West. 394-3804.
[email protected].
Tropic Cinema in the heart of Old Town
Key West. Presenting the best in first-run
art, independent, and alternative cinema
every day. Now with three fully equipped
theaters showing in both 35mm and high
definition digital. 416 Eaton St. 295-9493.
TropicCinema.com.
Discover our amazingly talented
island community!
• Our feature production each spring
Calendar listings by the Florida Keys Council
of the Arts.
• “On the Road” shows through out
the Keys
For more information about additional arts
events, meetings, rehearsals, classes, workshops and children’s activities, or to obtain
a guide to the Keys’ art galleries, visit www.
keysarts.com
Note: Information is subject to change. Area
code is 305 unless otherwise noted.
“Blue Throat Macaws”
by Cynthia Kulp
Island Opera
Theatre
• Opera Insights before Metropolitan
Opera broadcasts at Tropic Cinema
• Special galas, recitals and events
• American Composers Symposium
Visit www.islandopera.com or call
305-294-0404 for the latest info
on our 2007-08 season
We Sing In All Keys!
“Long Key” by Peter Vey
Florida Keys & Key West CULTURE 2008
Florida Keys Council of the Arts: Art in
Public Buildings. Ongoing exhibit of Keys
artists at Gato Cigar Factory, KW International Airport, Lower Keys Medical Center,
Marathon Airport. keysarts.com. 295-4369.
“Night on White” Gallery Walk. Special
exhibitions and receptions on third Thursday
of the month. 6 - 9 p.m. Includes Harrison
Gallery, Wave Gallery, The Studios of Key
West, White Street Deli & Café, White Street
Healing Arts Center and more. White Street
Art District, Key West. Call 295-4369 for
Gallery Guide.
Paradise Quilt Guild meets third
Thursdays. 7 p.m. Senior Citizens Center,
Key Deer Blvd., Big Pine Key. 872-0075.
Reception and exhibition featuring a
different local artist on the last Friday of
each month. 5 - 7 p.m. Key Largo Art Gallery,
Plaza 103, MM 103 - Bayside, Key Largo.
451-0052.
First Saturday at The Artists Gallery.
DeClue’s Fine Art Printing and Framing,
Tavernier Towne Shopping Center, MM 91.
3, Tavernier. 852-4840.
John David Hawver Gallery. Changing
exhibitions and event series, during the
winter season. Call for schedule and details.
The Rain Barrel, 86700 Overseas Hwy,
Islamorada. 852-9958. johndavidhawver.com.
Key West Art Center. Meeting followed by
artist's demonstration on second Thursday
of the month. Open to the public. Free. 1
p.m., Key West Art Center, 301 Front Street,
Key West. 294-1241.
Purple Isles Art Guild. "Paint Out" every
Wednesday. Newcomers welcome.
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Various "plein air"
locations in Upper Keys. Member meeting
2nd Wednesday of the month Nov – April at
the Key Largo Library. 852-7494.
“Art on the Porch.” Special exhibitions on
2nd Saturday of each month. 10 a.m.6 p.m., Bougainvillea House Gallery, MM
53.5 bayside, Marathon. 743-0808.
Key West Plein Air Painters meet
Wednesdays. A different site each week;
bring own materials. Free. 9:30 a.m. – noon,
849-1581.
Big Pine Key Galleries and Gift Shops Walk
on Winn Dixie. First Friday of each month.
7 - 9 p.m., Winn Dixie Plaza, Big Pine Key.
923-1783.
The Studios of Key West presents an
ever-changing series of indoor and outdoor
exhibitions of local art and culture. The
Sculpture Garden and the Museum Gallery
at the Historic Armory building, 600 White
Street, Key West. Free admission. 296.0458.
tskw.org.
A Feast for the Eyes, The Palette and the
Spirit. Cuisine by Jose Palomino, Paintings
by John David Hawver. Changing exhibitions & monthly “Meet the Artist” evenings.
Spanish Gardens Café & Gallery, Galleria of
Islamorada, 80925 Overseas Hwy. 664-3999.
15
HERE, OILS AND WATER MIX QUITE NICELY.
Whether you’re an accomplished artist or simply a patron thereof, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in The Florida Keys.
In fact, from countless galleries to endless subject matter, The Florida Keys is a fine art unto itself.
fla-keys.com ~ 1-800-FLA-KEYS