Music and events that happen in Key West as observed by Chris Rehm. "What Happens in Key West Stays in Key West" Wrong! Everyone wants to know what's happening in Key West!
I recall visiting Key West and when the American Eagle turbo props flew over, I would joke to my friends “Oh! That’s the plane from Lisbon”, a joking reference to the movie “Casablanca” where it was the quest of all in Casablanca to be on that plane. Of course, in Casablanca everyone wanted to be on the plane leaving, where in Key West, everyone wants to be on the plane arriving! That joke hasn’t worn out and I use it to this day, since I moved here. Oh sure, we can all arrive on a jet, but coming into a tropical island with the historic significance of Key West, it’s just so much more romantic to fly in on a prop plane! From Miami International Airport, the flight is just under an hour and the flight over the Keys is astronomically beautiful. I dare anyone to try counting the islands!
Regretfully however, American Eagle will no longer be flying their ATR 72 prop jets into Key West as of April 5th 2012 and have terminated their leases on them. This is a sad day both in aviation, as well as Key West. From now on, the basic connecting shuttle flights from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale will be conventional, commercial small jets.
The Chalk’s Airlines used to fly their seaplanes in from Miami’s Watson Island, on Biscayne Bay as well as also to the Bahamas, however that stopped when the company ceased operations a few years ago. It was a regretful point in history when the Gruman Mallard and Albatrosses of Chalk’s ceased their seaplane activity. Seaplanes would be a fantastic endeavor for a Key West shuttle airline, especially now with the economy on the upswing. Key West is having it’s strongest showing of visitors in years, btw!
Key West currently has a tour seaplane which goes to Ft. Jefferson, in the Dry Tortugas. I have yet to go on this tour, however it certainly looks like a lot of fun!
For information on the flights check out: http://keywestseaplanecharters.com/index.htm
There is an adequate market for air service throughout the Caribbean for a seaplane airline. Obviously we’re not talking about an economy flight, however the market is certainly there. This year Key West is having it's strongest year of tourists and visitors in years. In addition, Antilles Seaplanes, based in North Carolina, are now building brand new, completely updated versions of the Gruman G-21 Goose in turbo prop form, which they call The Antilles G-21 Super Goose. The basic overall design is identical to the original Gruman aircraft, albeit with modifications made over the years and state of the art aeronautics, and also the aforementioned turbo props which replace the radial piston engines. It covers all the bases as well. This is not a restored, or refurbished aircraft. What we're looking at is a classic design, yet at the same time a brand new aircraft which seats ten. This is clearly the ideal aircraft for the endeavor!
Of course Key West would also be the perfect place to base such an air service out of. With the rich history of the G-21 itself, basing it in a historic city only makes sense, especially with perfect access to the Caribbean. Again, speaking of history, let’s not forget that Pan Am started off in Key West with seaplane service to Havana. Their original building is on the corner of Whitehead and Caroline St. and today is Kelly’s Caribbean Restaurant and Brewery. And who knows? Maybe in the not too distant future air service for all can be resumed to Cuba?
For information on the Antilles G21 Super Goose, stop by their website:
http://www.antillesseaplanes.com/
All Photos of the Antilles G21 Super Goose curtisy of Antilles Seaplanes
Beautiful Artwork of the seaplane landing in Key West by David Harrison Wright
Be sure to check out his sight! http://davidharrisonwright.com/
Key West Chris' music is available for download at iTunes,CD Baby,CD Universe, Rhapsody, Beachfront Radio, and for physical copy at Green World Gallery, The Cork and Stogie, and Key West Bait and Tackle
^Listen to the demo of “Titusville!”* while you read the blog!^ *BMI, McClure and Trowbridge Publishing, Nashville…. Acoustic and electric Guitars: Chris Rehm, vocals: Chris Rehm/Bass and Drums: Nick Jason. One day I’ll cut a proper version!
OPEN MICS/OPEN JAMS A preface: Open Mics and Open Jams are two names for the same thing. The first one I attended was called an Open Mic, so for simplicities sake, I’ll use that term henceforth in the blog, though either is common and accepted.
Open Mics are one of the best ways to play music, have fun, and meet like-minded people. You don’t have to be a musician to go either. I recall back in 1995, I met my friend Charlie Rathburn, who was playing at a place in Miami called “Chubby’s Bar B Que”, right across the street from The Falls. It was a spur of the moment, and impulsive move. My cousin Joe”Joco/Jombo/”Connolly suggested we forsake our usual weekly spot and try something new, “Chubby’s”. Charlie was playing there and sat down next to us at the bar for his break. After finding out I was a guitar player, he suggested I come to the open mic they had there on Tuesday nights by saying “Look, I don’t know how good you are, but I can promise you this: There will be people better than you and people worse than you. Nobody’s judging you, we’re all just having a good time”. Charlie was right too! I’ll be eternally grateful to him for that too. I ended up addicted to it and also ended up as lead guitarist in owner Glen Strong’s house band “The Chubby’s Bar B. Qued Band”… without doubt, one of the most insane, off the wall country bands that ever existed! A few weeks after that, I was invited to play in Deny Rowand’s fabulous band, “Outa D’ Blues”, which worked out fantastic, as the two bands played on different nights! I wouldn’t have been in those bands, or gotten back into music if it wasn’t for Charlie convincing me to go to that open mic. Additionally, because of going to that open mic, I also got back into songwriting and completed my first song in years, “Titusville”, which begot me a publishing deal in Nashville. BTW, the most famous open mic is in Nashville, at a little place called “The Bluebird Café”. A LOT of Country artists were discovered there.
From that point on, I searched out open mics. I’ve gained lifelong friends for which I’m eternally blessed. Half the people were musicians and the other half people who loved music. Every open mic is different too. I attended two in Tampa, yeas back. One was in a quiet, little coffee house, where everyone sat on couches to listen and play soft acoustic. The other was in a bar called The Corsair. It had a lingerie show beforehand and had a fantastic blues band that backed up whoever was on stage for the open mic.
When I first came to Key West four years ago, naturally I searched the Open Mics out. Having found a few that died out pretty quickly, I heard about one just starting up at Harpoon Harry’s on Monday nights. It was run by Easy Ed and was a great time… and still is, though Easy Ed stepped aside maybe nine months ago. Harpoon Harry’s is on Caroline Street, across from the Waterfront Markey/Brewery. The food is suicide at night. Completely unhealthy stuff.. (Breakfast and lunch are great though!!!).. to the point that one performer actually wrote a hysterical song “They’re Trying To Kill Me Down At Harpoon Harry’s Bar”. On top of that, their TV’s always have on Fox with commentators like Bill O’Reilly. Imagine the political mindset of A) Key West and B) Songwriters and musicians… and they have Bill O’Reilly on??? Go figure? They’d be much better running cartoons! Seriously. Their saving grace however, is that they have a good staff and the open mic is fantastic, plus they have a full bar. In the first two years, they had someone new stop by and play every week. Some were traveling through, others just stopping by to play. Sometimes people will sit in with the players, other times they won’t. The musicians and staff create a great atmosphere and it’s always a great time. This open mic has a signup list and starts at 7 and goes to 10 every Monday evening.
Local performers Larry Baeder and Dora Gholson started their open mic on the rooftop bar of The Rum Barrel, on Front Street about a year ago. Theirs is the type where, for the most part, players have various musicians sit in on their set. You might go one night and have a bass player, keyboards, and a trumpet and the following week you might have a sax player. Larry’s always there to help out on guitar as well … and Larry’s been around the country for thirty years playing with everyone! The Rum Barrel has great food and a full bar as well. Larry and Dora kick it off at 7 and it goes until about 11, sometimes later. Great times on the rooftop of the Rum Barrel Thursday nights! No sign up list, just touch base with Larry. He’s really good at knowing who’s there and getting people up.
“Popeye” Dan Cunard just started an open Jam at Bobalu’s, on Southard St., right next to The Green Parrot. Thus far they’ve only had two, but it’s been a great success in the early going. Popeye’s is on Tuesday’s and starts at 7 and goes until 11. Check with Popeye when you get there so you can play. Great time, great atmosphere.
Like anything in the music/bar business, when the first gig is played, the time clock starts ticking. Sooner or later it ends. Some end sooner than later. I recall one that was on here, the guy who ran it didn’t have a signup sheet, couldn’t keep track of who came in, and if his friends came in, he’d scoot them in in front of everyone else who were waiting.. and buying drinks and meals waiting to play. He couldn’t figure out why people were getting upset. Nice guy and a great player, just organizing an open mic really isn’t his forte. That fell by the wayside. Someone mentioned that there is another starting at Grunts, just off Whithead on Caroline St. Haven’t heard much more about it yet however.
There used to be an open mic at Sippin’, a coffee shop on Eaton St, just west of Duval on Sunday nights. It was acoustic based and also had poetry reading. It’s been a while since I was there, so I’m not certain if it’s still up.
BEACHFRONT RADIO’S “YEA MON CRUISE 2012” I was fortunate enough to be involved in the Beachfront Radio’s Yea Mon Cruise 2012, when it made Key West it’s port of call! The cruise ship rolled into Key West from Ft. Lauderdale at 8am and my gig was at Artist Koz’ Green World Gallery at 712 Duval, for the kick off! What a great time! Artist Koz, quite often has musical artists play at his gallery and I’ve been fortunate enough to have played there before! This was a bit different, as it was a morning gig and cruise that Beachfront Radio had rolled into its first stop, Key West, Monday morning. A good amount of folks from the cruise headed to Green World Gallery, right off the ship! We had a great time at Green World Gallery. I played for over an hour then was relieved by Gary Phillips, then after that by Jimmy Jr. Hal, and Mark of Jimmy and the Parrots, who were the host band on the cruise. After that, everyone headed up to Smokin’ Tuna, where Jimmy and the Parrots (This time including Jimmy Sr.) took the stage. They also had Howard Livingston on the bill as well… towards the end I was up with all of them singing Jimmy Buffett songs, as well as Marshall Tucker’s “Can’t You See?”. A great time was had by all and a big thanks to Artist Koz, and his wife Pam Campbell of Green World Gallery, Captain Cali and Jeff Allen, of Beachfront Radio, Jimmy and the Parrots, Howard and Cindy Livingston, and Charlie Bauer of Smokin’ Tuna.
^listen to Misty Loggins singing Island Blue while you read the blog!^
ILL HEALTH, HELICOPTER RIDE, KEYS OFF KEY WEST, THE BAR CARD, AND A SONG TAKING OFF!
Hey everyone! Been away from the blog for February, so I apologize! I had a fun helicopter ride to Miami and a day and a half stay at the hospital. Regretfully, they didn’t stay to fly me home, but my friend George Ardito drove me from Miami Beach to the Caribbean Club in Key Largo, where my friend Cindi Hogan picked me up and drove me to her and her husband Rick’s place in Cudjoe Key. I spent the rest of the weekend there with the two of them and a pack of dogs, which now also compromised of Cajun and Tooloulou, whom Cindi took care of while I was away. Big thank you to them for that and also to my friend Nina Locardi, who drove up from Key Large (100 miles) to rescue them and bring them to Cindi and Rick’s.
It was a good opportunity to get out of Key West and see some of the other Keys. A funny thing about the keys is that if you’re only five miles from Mile Zero, on Stock Island, or 107 miles up at Gilbert’s Resort in Key Largo, if you’re going “into town”, you’re going to Key West. Mind you, there are towns in the Keys, such as, Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Sugarloaf… ex., However, while there are these towns which are indeed incorporated towns, none have a “town”, per say. Yes, they have a stretch of commerce along Overseas Highway, but no real downtown areas. Key West is the downtown of the Keys. Having said that, getting off of Key West and getting to some of the other Keys, is a true pleasure. For Conch Republic residents, Key West is the hustle and bustle. Get out of Key West and it’s the true definition of the term “Laid Back”. In Key West, everybody’s doing something. Going to the Southernmost Point, Bar Hopping, taking a Conch Train or a Trolley tour, sightseeing.. ex.
On the other Keys it’s just … quiet, peaceful, and tranquil. When Cindi stopped at the Caribbean Club to pick me up, I had been there for a few hours. Just hanging out I got to see the flock of wild parrots, Conyers I believe them to be, that stop by late in the afternoon. I gazed out at the dock, where generations of docks ago, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Becall became friendly while filming the movie “Key Largo”. The dock sits in Blackwater Sound, where you will see the most outstanding sunsets.
Waking up the next morning in Cudjoe was a different world from Key West. There was not a sound around. The dock was peaceful and the water of Cudjoe Bay was tranquil. I couldn’t help but admire life off of Key West in the Keys. The thought of organizing a bus tour of the Keys came back into my brain. It’s one I’ve had before. A tour that would take a group of folks up the Keys from Key Largo to Key West, stopping at maybe two or three stops along the way, for an overnight stay, live music, good food, and a great time. It seriously would be worth it!
Michelle Dougan and Larry Poff stopped by Cindi and Rick’s on Saturday evening and Rick had a bonfire party! A fantastic dinner was cooked by Rick and Michelle cut my hair… which was way overdue. Later, I fell asleep and Cindi dressed me up in scallop shell bra, a silly cowboy hat and a shamrock on my crotch..and took a picture.. naturally! Who wouldn’t? HA HA HA!
On the music front, I’m thrilled to announce that my single “Island Blue”, sung by the marvelous Misty Loggins, hit #1 for the week last week at Island Dreamz, up in NewYork!!!! What a thrill! Thanks to all of the listeners there and Big Ed!
http://radiojimmydreamz.com/
Additionally, the song is getting lots of air time with Trop Rock 1290 up in the Florida Panhandle. A Big thanks to them and Steven Youngblood.
http://www.troprock1290.com/TROPROCK%20HOME.html
Island Time Radio, up in northern Ohio has likewise had it on their play list.. Thanks to Dennis King (DK) and Amo Bennet!
Radio Gruenstadt, in Gruenstadt, Germany is also it! :-O
And finally, Beachfront Radio has also been airing it as well! Being as the song will be on the next CD of mine, “All the Best from Key West” and that’s a bit off time wise, we’re making the song available on Beachfront’s music hut shortly. It will be originally either as a single at $.99 or together with “Shanghai’d and Marooned in Key West (Things Could Be Worse)”. Thanks Jeff and Captain Cali!
http://beachfrontradio.com/home.cfm
By the way, that's Misty on the cover shot for the blog, up top!
Life is good and getting better!
KEY WEST BAR CARD Anyone traveling to Key West specifically should really look into the Key West Bar Card and the Key West Restaurant Card. The Bar card cost is $20 and will give you buy one drink get the second one free at a rate of one use per hour. With that in mind, the card will pay for itself in the first day at the rate people in Key West drink! There are eleven bars that participate in the program: Schooner Wharf, Blue Mojito@ Hyatt Resort, 801 Bourbon Bar, The Bottlecap and Groove Lounge, The Stoned Crab, JDL’s Big Ten Pub, Pearl’s Patio, The Rooftop Café, Aqua, Sweet Tea’s, and McConnell’s. This is good for the card holder only, so if you are traveling with friends, they have to likewise get their own card. The Key West Bar Card runs from January 1st 2012 to December 31st, 2012.
KEY WEST RESTAURANT CARD The Key West Restaurant Card works along a similar idea, however the execution is a bit different on both ends. The Restaurant Card will give you 10% off your meal and will set you back $10, which covers you from January 1st, 2012 to December 31st, 2012. Participating Restaurants are: Hogfish Bar & Grill, Santiago’s Bodega, The Roof Top Café, Mangia Mangia, Harbourview Café at the Pierhouse, Camille’s, JDL’s Big Ten Pub, The Creperie, Flaming Bouy Filet Co., The Stoned Crab, Bobalu’s, D.J.’s Clam Shack, and Croisants de France.
The Website below will tell you the many places the cards can be obtained.
< listen to “Liveaboard” while you read the blog! >
Living in The Conch Republic
How many times have I crossed the imaginary line driving down U.S.1 passing The Last Chance Saloon in Florida City and hence, entering the Conch Republic? Likewise, taking the left there and heading the Card Sound Road route? Either way, at that point going straight on US1 or going left onto Card Sound Rd., you’ve entered the Conch Republic. Having lived about fifteen miles north of there for so many years, I can attest, as will anyone else who’s done the same thing, when you cross that line, things take a noticeable change. Suddenly a weight comes off your shoulders and you find yourself exhaling. The grind is over and you have arrived in The Conch Republic. The Conch Republic is a country unto itself, make no mistake about it. From the very first settlers here to today, you’ll hear people throughout the Keys say “Oh, I have to go up to Florida”. It’s not necessarily Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Naples, Ft. Meyers, Punta Gorda, Palm Beach,… ex. They say they have to go to Florida because in their minds, the Keys are NOT Florida. The Keys are “The Keys” or “The Conch Republic” . The Keys are a completely different state of mind and a completely different state of being. How many times have I mentioned to someone visiting “You know? This isn’t the U.S.”? And how many times have I seen their eyes light up and a big smile cross their face and their reply is “You’re Right!” in complete enlightenment? I’ll tell you, every time! Another anecdote I’ll say to people regarding my move from Florida to the Conch Republic capitol is “You know, I only moved one hundred and thirty eight miles, but it might as well have been one hundred and thirty eight thousand miles”. That’s no exaggeration whatsoever.
The beauty of the Keys is that, on the one hand, you’re in an entirely different country, yet you’re still within the United States. Down here in the Keys, we’re very proud of the United States military personnel stationed here, and we have all branches of the service. The Navy and the Coast Guard have the highest presence, however the Army’s Green Berets train here, as well and every branch of the service are represented at NAS Station in the Truman annex.
A funny thing about the Conch Republic is that those who leave, be it going back home from vacation, or having moved from here and relocated someplace else… up in the United States ;-) they all want to return. It’s a different state of mind. As I said, I only lived fifteen miles from the boarder and it was a beautiful area, bear in mind, but it was a world of difference. Cross that line at the Last Chance Saloon.. and it’s “WOW!!!” The weight’s gone off your shoulders. The Conch Republic stretches from The Last Chance Saloon about 200 miles to The Dry Tortugas. All but the first eighteen miles are islands, the Atlantic Ocean, and The Gulf of Mexico/Florida Bay and the Florida Straits.
In a strange, quirky, albeit remote way we could be kind of like Monaco and France? Monaco is its own country, however if attacked it is considered part of France. I think it could only behoove the U.S. to have the Conch Republic in some ways a sovereign state, yet at the same time still attached to the U.S. as it currently is. In areas such as foreign relations go, it might be a good, optional card to have up Washington D.C.’s sleeve. Besides, maybe we could get the $1B dollars in aid we never got at the end of the insurrection :-)
No Todo, this isn’t Florida, or the United States. Welcome to the Conch Republic!
KEY WEST GASTROMINY – Jamaican Jerk Chicken/What is, What Isn't
Two of my absolute favorite bar/restaurants in Key West are Schooner Wharf and The Hogfish, which is actually on Stock Island.. but still 33040. Both of these establishments sit dockside, Schooner Wharf in Key West Bight and the Hogfish at Safe Harbor Marina. Both have good menus and the Hogfish gets the nod for the better cuisine by about a point. The fish comes right off the boats, right there. It’s always a pleasure going to either, both having an atmosphere that is tough to equal. The funny thing about both of these good restaurants is, as good as they are, neither of them have the slightest clue whatsoever on how to make Jamaican Jerk Chicken! Both have it on their menu; however I’m not really sure what they serve, not that it’s bad tasting, but it’s not jerk chicken!
To begin with, the absolute most important ingredient in Jerk is the Scotch Bonnet pepper, which is a sister pepper to the Habanero, albeit with a more aromatic flavor and similar heat rating. No trace whatsoever can be found in their Jerk. Second, Jerk is a paste made with the Scotch Bonnets, onions, allspice, garlic, pepper, salt, thyme, herbs, and pimiento. What they have is some kind of a liquid that, although it doesn’t taste bad, it has nothing whatsoever to do with Jerk seasoning. Both restaurants jerk taste similar to one another and it’s my guess that some restaurant supply company is selling them this stuff and blowing smoke up their tails with the hum that ”This is Jerk seasoning”. It’s not even close.
So, while I strongly suggest going to both of these superb establishments, if you’re contemplating the Jerk Chicken, avoid it. The rest of their menus are superb for a dockside bar/restaurant, and both have a great staff as well.
Who does make a real Jerk Chicken in Key West? Well, Blue Heaven has for years! Theirs tends to be a bit milder than I would prefer myself, however they’re not looking to have some inexperienced customer burst into flames, then follow it up with farting like a flame thrower at the table. On a scale of one to ten, I’d put it as an eight. Although on the mild side, it does have a very nice flavor.
Bobalu’s, next to the Green Parrot on Southard St., has what has to be the best Jerk Chicken in town. Not fire breathing dragon hot, but zippy and a great flavor. They serve theirs as a sandwich. Fantastic! On the scale of one to ten, it’s a nine. You can’t go wrong with their jerk!
If I ever should open a restaurant in town, my jerk will be a ten. I’m not taking any prisoners. Fresh, homemade Jerk, with a fabulous flavor, and hot as hell. Yah Mon!
Scott Kirby
Stopped by Smokin’ Tuna yesterday afternoon and caught Scott Kirby doing a set there. What a pleasure. Scott is an amazing acoustic guitar player, on top of being a fantastic singer and songwriter as well. Scott has been based in Key West since 1988 and has six albums out, the latest being “Row Me Home”, which was produced by Russ Kunkel. If you’re into great, laid back acoustic based music with a sailor’s perspective, Scott’s music is something that you’ll happily grow old with. What’s not to like? For more info on Scott, check out his site and his tour dates to find out when he’s in your neck of the woods.
Life on My Terms by Key West Chris Rehm < listen to “Life On My Terms” while you enjoy the Blog! This song has never been released at this point. I wrote it for my cousin Joe “JoCo”or “Jombo” Connolly when he passed a few years back. It’s an up beat song ‘cause that’s how Joe was! That’s him at the very end of the song too!>
Dog Friendly Bars
It’s funny, in a strange sort of way and has happened more than once. European visitors will stop me when I’m walking my dogs and express astonishment that dogs are not allowed in restaurants in Key West. “Everywhere you go in Europe, you’ll find dogs with their families in restaurants. Why not here?”
Welcome to the United States way of life: Lawsuits. The most recent being about a year and a half ago at Turtle Kraals, where a woman tripped over a dog and sued the establishment for $18,000.00. For the next six months no establishments allowed dogs in. After that it was decreed that dogs could be allowed in open air restaurants, as well as any bar that doesn’t serve food. This would be at the option of the bar or restaurant’s management. For instance, The Green Parrot is a bar that does not serve food, however because of a dog fight in there several years ago; the management does not allow dogs.
I also run into people who left their dogs at home and stop me for their doggie fix when they see my Whippets, Cajun and Tooloulou. Tourists do tell me that a lot of the B&Bs as well as hotels are dog friendly. I rely on them for this info as I don’t stay in them and have very little contact with them as a result.
Restaurants and bars, are not so much, regretfully. Following are some of the bars and restaurants that do allow dogs. However, what I’ve done here, was get the real experts on the subject, rather than use my own judgment, when rating the various dog friendly establishments. Therefor I’ve set up a panel of experts to assist me with the Blog this week. I’m certain no one will mind if I call out for a bit of help on this one.
SCHOONER WHARF: Schooner Wharf is a bar and outside restaurant that has a large reputation on allowing canines, to the point that it’s on many of their t-shirts! Key West legend Michael McCloud often plays with his dog, Cinderella, sitting righ on stage, in his guitar case! When the lawsuit had every bar including Schooner Wharf closed to dogs, Mike had his dog registered as a service dog. That took care of everything as far as Cinderella went! Covered seating and outside seating. Live music all day long starting at noon.
Cajun and Tooloulou Rating: 10
BLUE HEAVEN: Blue Heaven also allows dogs. I’ll often go there at night and have a beer under the water tower bar, having walked there from home with Cajun and Tooloulou. They love hanging out in the sand there. Outside seating and live musicmost of the time.
Cajun and Tooloulou rating: 8
MCCONNELL’s: McConnell’s Irish bar at 900 Duval has both an inside and outside patio. Owner Jerry McConnell loves dogs and beams from ear to ear when he sees one. Great staff and atmosphere! Perhaps the finest pint of Guinness in Key West is drawn here as well.
Cajun and Tooloulou rating: 10
TATOOS & SCARS: Tattoo & Scars bar is on Greene St. just a few doors down from Sloppy Joe’s. It’s owned by Cowboy Bill. I was in there a couple of times with the hounds. Inside seating.
Cajun and Tooloulou Rating: 8
SMOKIN TUNA: Smokin Tuna may be a bit hidden on Charles Street, directly across from Irish Kevin’s, but it’s a great stop for dogs. Like Blue Heaven, the floor is sand. Great live music too. Outside seating.
Cajun and Tooloulou Rating: 9
THE PORCH: The porch has been open a year and a half and is very dog friendly. Here is a beautiful setting in the Porter Mansion (circa 1842 or so) and an extremely wide selection of craft beers and a great, knowledgeable staff. Inside and outside seating.
Cajun and Tooloulou Rating: 10
THE CORK AND STOGIE: The Cork and Stogie is not a bar or a restaurant, however it does contain a beer and wine bar within. Very dog friendly Mom and Pop establishment with Dave and Leslie. The Cork and Stogie always has a great atmosphere and always a friendly crowd. Inside and outside seating, dogs welcome outside.
Cajun and Tooloulou Rating: 10
KEY WEST BAIT AND TACKLE: Key West Bait and Tackle also is not a bar or restaurant, per say, however it does have a bar in it that serves beer and wine. Inside and outside seating and salt of the earth, as you expect from a bait and tackle shop. Dogs welcome outside. The dogs love it and often in the season you’ll find artist Durf burning his craft. Dogs welcome for outside seating.
Cajun and Tooloulou Rating: 10
CAPTAIN TONY’S SALOON: A true Key West classic, Captain Tony’s is a bit of a split decision on dogs as they are permitted in until 7pm. However, after seven, no dogs. Inside seating and live music. Because of the 7pm rule…
Cajun and Tooloulou Rating: 7 (what else could it be?)
LOUIE’S BACK YARD: Louie’s Back Yard’s Afterdeck allows dogs until five pm. Additionally, it’s located directly next to Dog Beach. With an early curfew on the canines, my pooches were inclined to give the cut off time as their rating, as they did with Captain Tony’s. However, with the location right next to Dog Beach and a marvelous view to boot, the rating was charged up a couple of notches!
Cajun & Tooloulou rating: 7
THE RUM BAR: Perhaps the smallest indoor bar on the list, located in the base of the Speakeasy Hotel on the 1000 block of Duval, the Speakeasy is in a historic building. With a warm and cozy inside, with a fresh air outside porch overlooking Duval St. , as the name suggests there is an uncountable amount of Rums from around the Caribbean to be had, as well as beer and wine.
Cajun and Tooloulou Rating: 8
KRAWL OFF DUVAL: Krawl Off Duval is just that. Located just a couple of doors east of Duval on Southard, Krawl Off Duval is Key West’s second Craft Beer Bar. A great selection of beer from around the world, with an emphasis on draft. Inside seating with outside porch seating both upstairs and down on street level.
Cajun and Tooloulou Rating: 9
GEIGER KEY: Off of Key West there is Geiger Key Marina. If you don’t know where it is, I’m not going to ruin the secret! Fabulous setting on the water, this is the back country Keys and dogs are welcome! A Tiki bar right on the water. Quiet, peaceful, really laid back atmosphere. Music on weekend evenings.
Cajun and Tooloulou Rating: 10
HOGFISH BAR & GRILL: The Hogfish again is off the beaten path, this time on Stock Island, right on the marina. There used to be a sign there that said “No Dogs”, however I’ve seen dogs there plenty of times, so perhaps its tongue in cheek? To be honest, I’ve never been there with Cajun and Tooloulou, so I must rate it myself. Rating: 10
B.O.’s Fishwagon: What can one say about B.O’s? To call it a shack, may be kind. But it’s real Key West and they allow dogs in there as well, as it’s open air with a corrugated roof, it’s an outdoor restaurant. Like the Hogfish and Geiger Key, they have several deliveries a day, direct from the docks, not a Sysco truck from Miami, by way of Panama, Ecuador, Guatemala, Chile… ex. It comes straight out of local waters. Friday night is the best time to go as Bong Hits for Geezers will be playing (Barry Cuda, Richard Crooks, and a rotating list of guest musicians including Kenny Fradley and Chief Billy Two Beers. If you don’t have fun at B.O.’s, get yourself a spade, dig a hole, and jump in, ‘cause you’re dead!
Cajun and Tooloulou Rating: 10
Special thanks to Cajun and Tooloulou for helping out!!! They’ve wandered all over Key West with me for since they arrived in my life over three years ago and are very, very well known all around town. They truly are experts on bars and often help guide my way home! Bottom line is, there are a fair amount of places where you can bring your dog to. Something to consider if you're thinking of visiting and bringing your pooch!
One of the fun things about writing a blog is viewing the stats! I get viewers of course from the U.S., but also Canada, the U.K., Russia, the Ukraine, China, India, and Brazil on a regular basis! Isn’t the internet amazing? Welcome to all! The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the second busiest week in Key West, after Fantasy Fest. This year was no exception! Key West was packed! My friend Buscuit Miller was in town playing at Schooner Wharf for New Year’s. We went sailing with Captain Larry Poff and had a fantastic time! I was at Schooner Wharf for New Years as well and Buscuit and the band rocked the house!
After I left Schooner I stopped by McConnell’s at 900 Duval on my way home. Deb Hudson and the Groove Daddies were kicking it out, on this evening with Bubba Low Notes on bass, filling in for Din Allen.
Jeff Allen and Carol Ewald, owners of http://beachfrontradio.com/home.cfm were back in town for a busman’s holiday, of sorts combining both business and pleasure. Beachfront Radio is the largest TropRock station in the world. They bought me dinner for my birthday on January 3! Thanks guys! Had a great time with them as well at McConnell’s, Captain Tony’s, and the Rum Barrel a couple of days later. Lots of fun! Hurry back guys!
On January 6th I stopped by The Green Parrot and caught the band “Donna The Buffalo”, for the first time. A lot of unfamiliar faces in the crowd and I realized that, like the Grateful Dead, these fans followed the entire tour! Fantastic! If I had to classify the fans, I’d put them in the same category as fans of the ‘Dead as well. It was a great time and that band was really good quality and a lot of fun, as were the fans! Throughout the gig I’d see people singing along with the band on their original reportois. A lot of the songs were organ (B3) based, so that was a real cool twist. I highly recommend catching one of their gigs if they come to your town! Thanks! Hope you enjoyed this week’s Blog! See you next week!
CONCH ROCK What exactly is “Conch Rock” anyway? Simply put, Conch Rock is any music that is written and created in the Conch Republic. The next obvious question is “Where exactly is the Conch Republic?”. Well, geographically the Conch Republic starts in the Dry Tortugas, about seventy miles west of Key West and runs east, through the Marquesas Keys, then on through Key West and up through the archipelago of the Florida Keys, including all the key islands in the Florida Bay, then up U.S. 1 through Key Largo, up the eighteen mile stretch, to the Last Chance Saloon in Florida City. Additionally the keys north of Key Largo; Old Rhoades Key, Elliot Key, Sands Key, and Boca Chita Key are in the Conch Republic as well. Any music, by any artist, created within these geographic boundaries, is Conch Rock.
Conch Rock and Trop Rock are, more often than not, one and the same and share the same roots. Conch Rock however, has a much broader definition, as it is any music produced in the Keys, or written about the Keys. Which came first, Trop Rock or Conch Rock? It’s almost akin to asking the chicken or the egg question. Many people credit Jimmy Buffett as the father of Trop Rock, adapting many of his Caribbean influences and blending them with American Rock, Country, and Blues. Of course he was living in Key West when he first started doing so, was he playing Trop Rock, Conch Rock, or both? As previously mentioned, Conch Rock is a bit more flexible in its requirements. Below is an example of a song which is Conch Rock, but not Trop Rock. Enjoy “MILE ZERO”
Here in Key West there is an almost compulsive draw to be creative and in particular, original. We’ve had our share of well-known writers and performers over the years that need no introductions. There is some kind of energy here, which words can’t really describe. Maybe it emulates from the coral below us? Maybe it’s from our longitude and latitude, coordinated with a gravitational pull from the sun in relation to our proximity to the Bermuda Triangle? I’ll let soothsayers, scientists, geologists, and Santaria priests figure that one out, as I’m too busy taking advantage of it myself. Today we also have the creative vibe going. One example of many is a local performing artist, and all around good guy Bo Fodor, has been very active on both the video and music front, as of late. Over the last few months Bo has had two websites he’s introduced to the world from Key West . The first was Key West Coconut Telegraph Television, which is an internet television station running twenty four hours a day. It offers local coverage, as well as some fun, rare reporting from our sister city, ninety miles south of our southernmost point, Havana.
Bo has also more recently started an internet radio station, Key West Original Music Radio, which features exactly that! In addition, Bo has made slide videos for all of the music featured! I can’t imagine how long that took to do! Oh my gosh!! Great job Bo! If anyone wants to hear the sound of the Keys, this is where you can tune in 24 hours a day.
I of course also feel the inspiration that emulates from this coral island as well and it suits my style perfectly. I’m someone who thrives on innovation! Blazing one’s own path is encouraged here. That shows up on my current CD “Shanghai’d and Marooned in Key West (things could be worse)” where we have ten songs and eleven different overall genres, all of which are Conch Rock and eight of the ten also wear the Trop Rock hat as well. Additionally, every song was inspired from the energy of this island.
With the website we’ve made some major innovative inroads as well! With the coming of digital downloads, both artwork and information have fallen by the wayside. While this is a big shame in so many ways, anyone who thinks digital downloads are going to go away, have their heads buried in the sand. What we’ve done, is set up all the information on the website in the music section! Each song has its own page, for instance. On each song’s individual page we have:
A) The Lyrics B) The story behind the song C) All of the personnel playing on the song. D) Artwork from both local as well as international artists.
In some cases we also have a music track to go along with it. In addition, we have three unreleased tracks available for listening along with a story to go along with them as well. Thus far, we’re the only artist doing all of this. Some may have some things. I know Jimmy Buffett has the lyrics on his site, for Instance, however there is no information other than that. I’ve talked to a producer/publisher in Nashville about what we’re doing down here and he was quite excited about it. I have the impression that in time, we’ll see more artists doing similar things with their music on their websites.
Of course here on the Blog we’re also infected with the creative vibe/energy/inspiration that oozes out of the rock we live on called Key West. In addition to the Key West news from the source, we also add pictures and/or a collage, as well as a music clip… not forgetting a video, every now and then! Thank God for The Conch Republic’s creative inspiration!
J. Harold Lowry of course is also drawing inspiration from the Conch Republic archipelago for his book "Key Lime Floats". A book that will surely bring a smile to your day! Available in either paperback or via download via Kindle!
http://www.jharoldlowry.com/key_lime_floats.htm
It's a plethora of inspiration down in the entire Conch Republic!
This last week Country Singer/Songwriter/Actress and all around great person Misty Loggins was in town. Misty texted me shortly prior to let me know she’d be here and I texted her back saying “Hey! Want to cut a song with me?” She said “Sure!”. Fantastic!... only one problem. I didn’t have a song for her to sing. Hummm… off to work! So I wrote a song, “Island Blue” for her to sing. This is the first song for my next album “All The Best From Key West”, which is how I always sign off on letters and e-mails. Misty nailed it! Plus, in addition, again, it’s exploring new ground. At the moment we have Misty, Richard Crooks on drums, and myself on guitar, so the canvas is progressing well, but we still have a ways to go and more instruments to add. Dan Simpson is again at the helm on the board. I’ll have more info on this one when we finish it, hopefully in a couple of weeks.
Key West, Conch Republic, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands
Music is, of course me, both writing and playing, however I also love to write... working on a book "Bar Stories", and of course I love my two Whippets, Cajun and Tooloulou! Riding my bike is a cherished ritual, and I will never take for granted the town I live in and love dearly with all of my heart, Key West.
