Key West Theater has undergone a dramatic transformation to become a cultural hub for the southernmost island’s arts and music community — putting Key West on the radar of world-class musicians, comedians, artists and entertainers. Among the big names it has lured to perform are Bret Michaels, David Crosby, Joan Osborne and Jefferson Starship.
Key West may be the perfect springtime destination for its fabulous weather, beaches, great food and watersports. It’s also a cultural powerhouse with a vibrant and flourishing arts community. And although notable cultural happenings take place almost every week, this year we’ve set the bar even higher with an enticing lineup of springtime events.
One of the Florida Keys’ greatest assets is a lively community of visual artists. You’ll find high-quality artwork in galleries, public buildings, art fairs, outdoor markets and exhibitions from Key Largo to Key West. And this winter and spring, four extraordinary shows celebrate creations by artists ranging from Keys talents to those born in neighboring Cuba.
Key West is located just 90 miles from Cuba, and the two locales have a cultural connection that dates back almost 190 years, when early cigar makers found new homes in the island city. So it's no surprise that Cuban artistry, heritage sites, cuisine and even coffee enliven and enhance today's Key West.
Marathon may be the midpoint of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, but it’s certainly not “middle of the road” when it comes to special events. Upcoming celebrations blend sun, smiles and a heaping helping of creativity in the Keys’ balmy “winter” climate. Among the best are the Florida Keys Celtic Festival and the Pigeon Key Art Festival.
More than two dozen international teams will converge on Key West for adrenaline-charged sports competition Jan. 22-29, during the 28th annual Kelly McGillis Classic International Women’s & Girls’ Flag Football Championship. The Classic also features a Women’s Speaker Series focusing on female empowerment, parties and games, and acting workshops and performances guided by the famed actress herself.
Larry Blackburn is a prominent Florida Keys photographer, a fervent supporter of the Keys' "One Human Family" community and a constant presence at special events and fundraisers. Plus he will reign all year as the king of Key West's Fantasy Fest celebration after earning his crown by raising money for a local nonprofit. "Meet" Larry, whose heart is as notable as his height, by reading on.
Discover the seafaring heritage and vibrant coral reef environment of the Florida Keys, blended with a sizeable helping of heartfelt holiday spirit, during performances of the lovely and unforgettable “Nutcracker Key West.” The unique subtropical version of the classic “Nutcracker” ballet is being performed Dec. 7-16 — flavored with characters and sets that celebrate Key West’s colorful history, culture, traditions and even free-roaming roosters.
Super-talented female impersonator Christopher Peterson brings to life dozens of celebrity icons for Key West audiences — including Joan Rivers, Bette Midler, Lucille Ball and Marilyn Monroe. Christopher developed and stars in his one-man show, EYECONS, at the island's famed La Te Da Cabaret.
Coffee Butler is a Key West treasure. The 90-year-old musician recently released an album with vocalist Cliff Sawyer, backed by a cast of stellar Key West musicians -- a collaboration that has been called a Key West version of the phenomenal Buena Vista Social Club. In words and photographs, guest blogger Ralph De Palma chronicles the story of the album's release.