"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.
Key West lies just 90 miles from Cuba, and the two islands share a cultural connection that dates back more than 180 years. On March 7, a unique event will commemorate the Cuban heritage that enlivens and enhances the island city — and it includes the unveiling of what is believed to be the world’s largest cigar sculpture.
Decades before zombies and "The Walking Dead" became pop culture phenomena, a macabre, beyond-the-grave Key West love story mesmerized people around the world. Now, beginning on Valentine's Day, the true tale of one man's death-defying obsession comes to life for theater audiences in “Undying Love: A Key West Musical.”
With a unique history as the home of world-renowned authors, and a natural beauty that has inspired generations of artists, the Florida Keys feature cultural offerings that can’t be found anywhere else. And that means you can find a wide range of “only in the Keys” experiences along the island chain this winter and spring — so start exploring!
Mario Sanchez depicted the Key West of his youth, and its often eccentric inhabitants, with intricate detail and affectionate humor. The late Mario was called the greatest Cuban-American folk artist of the 20th century, and he was recently inducted into the Smithsonian American Art Museum -- the first Key West artist to earn this honor.
Do you love Stock Island? You should, because the island that lies next to Key West has a lot going for it — a cutting-edge cultural and culinary scene, seafaring heritage, contemporary waterfront lifestyle and cheerfully offbeat charm. And that’s what you can experience during the 2017 I Love Stock Island Festival.
Michael Marrero, executive director of the popular Key West Theater, is an award-winning playwright, photographer and filmmaker whose drama “Locura” was recently part of a historic Cuban-American theatrical exchange -- one of the first such exchanges between the two countries in half a century.
Key West frequently celebrates its historic Cuban connection with events that showcase our cultural ties to the nearby island nation. One such event will be the inaugural LGBT Art & Culture REvolution, set for Sept. 7-13. Key West attendees can enjoy everything from cigar, rum distillery and art gallery tours to Cuban music events and a special Cuba Libre brunch.
As the first widely-renowned author to make Key West his home, Ernest Hemingway inspired generations of writers and readers to follow in his footsteps and explore the island’s innate creativity. His legacy and love for Key West are celebrated each July during Hemingway Days.
Upper Keys artist BJ Royster is renowned for painting transcendent underwater marine life scenes that exude a sense of calm and vivid peace. Realistic and inviting, her images encourage viewers to "dive in" and discover the Keys' ocean realm for themselves.