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.
Intriguing artistry can be seen along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway that traverses the length of the island chain — including, thanks to two Key West philanthropists, the large-scale pieces that make up the new Florida Keys Sculpture Trail. The 81-mile trail stretches along the highway from Islamorada to Key West, where the distinctive sculptures can be easily discovered and admired by art lovers.
A Florida Keys vacation is relaxing. Renewing. Fun. Filled with unexpected happenings, new discoveries, and fresh experiences that make lifelong memories. But it should NOT include grilling fish in a bathtub.
They’re everywhere: Key West history books, Conch cookbooks, descriptions of Cayo Hueso and life among its inhabitants. The island has been romanticized, glorified, insulted and libeled in print (sometimes all in the same piece of prose!). The author of the first book about Key West could never have known what a precedent he was setting.
Artists, authors, playwrights and poets have been lured to Key West and seized upon its one-of-a-kind environment of creativity, natural beauty and sometimes eccentric qualities — making it the muse for some of their most acclaimed career accomplishments.
Key West launches its annual Pride celebration with a June 2 theatrical performance aptly named “Pride Follies.” The production’s format is similar to an old-fashioned vaudeville-type show, presenting a wide array of skilled local talents to delight audiences.
From celebrations of resident artists’ and writers’ legacies to an art festival that recalls the Florida Keys' fascinating railroad history, "only-in-the-Keys" cultural events spotlight the island chain's heritage as a haven for creative spirits — and draw huge numbers of visitors every year.
Entertaining guests in Key West is a breeze with limitless opportunities to raise the “fun-o-meter” sky-high. One of the top “go-to” places is La Te Da, renowned for its excellent food, decadent libations and lively array of entertainment options.
Old Road Gallery, owned by artists Dwayne and Cindy King, is a working studio and gallery that overflows with handcrafted pieces of pottery, bronze and copper. It’s also an outdoor sculpture garden. And each day visitors, invited to take a tour, stroll through winding trails and learn about artistic techniques and styles.
"West Side Story" composer Leonard Bernstein also had a "Key West-side story" -- a connection with the island that most people never knew about. It will be revealed in “Remembering Lenny” and other offerings that explore the American musical legend’s work and the ways the island city influenced it. And it's all part of a national celebration commemorating the 100th anniversary of Bernstein’s 1918 birth.