I N T H E F L O R I D A K E Y S A N D K E Y W E S T 2 0 0 8

Flor

ida

Key

s &

Key

Wes

t CU

LTU

RE

200

8

2

©2008 Monroe County Commission. All Rights Reserved.

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.

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

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”

fla-keys.com ~ 1-800-FLA-KEYS

About the Cover

“Ft. Zach Sculpture” Che Stine

“Key West Light” Peter Vey

“Florida Keys State Parks”. . 3-5

“All the Isles’ a Stage” . . . . 6-8

Calendar of Events . . . . . . 9-15

ContentsTableof

YYou 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

information inspired “Skipping Waves” installed for Sculpture Key West, 2005; at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West.

Photo by Eliza Proctor.

You are now part of an intriguing string of tropical islands that has stirred the imagination of artists and writers throughout our history. We welcome you to this island enchantment.

Mayor Charles “Sonny” McCoy

Florida Keys &

Key W

est CU

LTUR

E 200

8

�

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

are but a few of the fabled plants and animals that call the Florida Keys home. From just north of Key Largo to the bottom of the road in Key West, these and thousands of other species can be spotted amid the parks whose mission is to provide recreation while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural and cultural resources. Within each of the parks comes a diversity as varied as the travelers that pass through them.

“They’re all different, and that’s what makes it interesting,” says Kim Chase, Park Programs Development Specialist. “Each park has been identified and placed under the management of the parks service, whether it’s because of a natural, cultural, or historic feature. They’re all somewhat unique and that’s why they’re being preserved for future generations.”

“Bahia Honda and Ft. Zach are some of the most highly visited parks in Florida as well as the national park system,” adds Chase.

With Bahia Honda State Park’s (between mile markers 36 & 37, 305.872.2353) extensive white-sand 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

America’s first two-time winner!) that reveal a tropical terrain of wooded hammock, coral reefs and indigenous critters that best reflect the “Real Florida.” With just a little time and attention, the one road in and the same road out easily becomes a causeway for those who long to enter into an era long since gone by.

“The parks provide a place for people to experience their heritage that’s otherwise been lost,” says Curry Hammock ranger Steve Dimse. “We are all a part of nature and so many of us rarely get to experience that.”

“If you came to experience the way the land and the sea relate to each other, this is the way to do it,” he adds. “This is the way the Florida Keys used to be.”

Gumbo limbo, lignum vitae, silver palm; miniature Key deer, American crocodiles, roseate spoonbills—these

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 loose—not an easy task considering each weighed many tons. Set against the modern Alison Fahrer Education Center, it is a fine reminder of how far technology has come.

This channeling machine was in use as early as World War I, quarrying slabs of keystone for northern architecture.

By Cricket Demarais

A ride through “Real Florida’s” lesser-known gems

StateParksKeysFlorida

Flor

ida

Key

s &

Key

Wes

t CU

LTU

RE

200

8

�

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 ranger-led 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

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 full-facility 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

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

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.

Florida Keys &

Key W

est CU

LTUR

E 200

8

�

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.

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 287-ton, 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

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 ParkLooking 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

Kayaking - Just one of the many ways to explore the marine ecology found among our many parks.

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.

Flor

ida

Key

s &

Key

Wes

t CU

LTU

RE

200

8

�

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

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

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,

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.

By Judi Bradford

StageIsles

aAll the

All volunteer Keys Community Concert Band performing at the new Amphiteatre in Founders Park, Key Largo

Florida Keys &

Key W

est CU

LTUR

E 200

8

�

The South Florida Center for the Arts is a dynamic cultural force headed up by Brownie Ballard and Linda Lloyd. Started at Cauley Square in Homestead, it was wiped out in Hurricane Andrew and re-founded in the upper keys.

It encompasses Arts for Youth, the Upper Keys Concert Series and numerous multi-cultural events from

At the top of the keys, Ron Levy, the first mayor of Islamorada, and an entrepreneurial craftsman who makes tandoor ovens, launched the new million-dollar TIB Amphitheater in Founders Park in Islamorada (MM 84) last November. The futuristic and fully equipped outdoor covered performance center looks like a cross between a suspension bridge and a giant hammock, with a stage 42 feet wide and 30 feet deep. The inaugural event was a free concert featuring marches of American composer John 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.

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 “longest-continuing 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.

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.

All volunteer Keys Community Concert Band performing at the new

Amphiteater in Founders Park, Islamorada

Flor

ida

Key

s &

Key

Wes

t CU

LTU

RE

200

8

8

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.”

(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

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

Red Barn Theatre under a shady Poinciana tree.

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.

Florida Keys &

Key W

est CU

LTUR

E 200

8

�

m

Marathon Community Theatre

2007 - 2008 Season

California Suite The Smell of the Kill

Me and My GirlCactus Flower

Nov. 2007 - May 2008

5101 Overseas Hwy M.M. 49.5 * Marathon next to the cinema

Box Office 305-743-0994

Festivals & Fundraisers

November 28 - December 2Pirates 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 – 29Marathon 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 14Lighted Boat Parade. 8 p.m. Key West Bright and Harbor, Key West. 296-7182.December 15 – 16Florida Keys Art Guild Outdoor Art Festival. Lorelei Restaurant Field, MM 81 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada. 664-3571.December 28 – 30Florida Keys Art Guild Outdoor Art Festival. Bayview Park, Corner of Truman and Eisenhower, Key West. 664-3571.December 31New 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.JanuaryFlorida Keys Commercial Fisherman pres-ent 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 19Art 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 20 – April 19Sculpture 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.January 2714th Annual Master Chef’s Classic to bene-fit MARC House. 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Pier House, 1 Duval St., Key West For more information 294-9526, ext. 16.

January 25 - 273rd Annual Bahamian Cultural Festival. Crane Point Museums & Nature Center, 5550 Overseas Hwy, Marathon. 743-3900. January 26Key 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 – 27Key West Art Center presents 23rd Annual Key West Craft Show. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Whitehead & Caroline Streets, Key West. 294-1241. keywestartcenter.comFebruary 2 – 3 Florida KeysArt Guild Outdoor Art Festival. Lorelei Restaurant Field, MM 81 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada. 664-3571.February 7 – 10Friends of Fort Taylor present Civil War Days 2008. Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park, entrance at Southard & Thomas Streets, Key West. 292-6850.February 9 – 10Pigeon 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 - 17Florida Keys Art Guild Outdoor Art Festival. Waldorf Plaza, MM 100 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo. 664-3571.February 23 – 24Key West Art Center presents 43rd Annual Old Island Days Art Festival. A juried fine-art 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 23–24Upper Keys Rotary Nautical Flea Market/ Purple Isles Art Guild Big Tent Gallery. Founders Park, MM 87, bayside, Plantation Key. 853-1685.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 – 9Key West Orchid Society's annual judged show and sale. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. West Mar-tello Tower, Atlantic Blvd. at Higgs Beach, Key West. 745-1469.March 8 – 9Florida Keys Art Guild Outdoor Art Festival. Lorelei Restaurant Field, MM 81 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada. 664-3571.

“Southside of Bahia Honda” by Christine Black

Calendar of Cultural

In The KeysEVENTS

Flor

ida

Key

s &

Key

Wes

t CU

LTU

RE

200

8

10

7th Annual7th AnnualLower Keys

Jazz & BluesFestival

Lower KeysJazz & Blues

Festival

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 - 23Florida Keys Art Guild Outdoor Art Festival. Robbie’s Marina, MM 77.5 Overseas Hwy., Lower Matecumbe. 664-3571.April 9 – 1314th Annual Robert Frost Poetry Festival. Heritage House Museum, 410 Caroline St., and other venues around Key West. 296-3573. robertfrostpoetryfestival.com.April 12 – 13Florida Keys Art Guild Outdoor Art Festival. Waldorf Plaza, MM 100 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo. 664-3571.April 13Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce pres-ents “7th Annual Jazz & Art Festival.” Wa-terfront jazz concert and juried art show. 1 - 6 p.m. Dolphin Marina, MM 28.5, Little Torch Key. 872-2411. lowerkeyschamber.com.April 19Key West Garden Club's Spring Plant Sale. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. West Martello Tower, Atlan-tic Blvd. at Higgs Beach, Key West. 294-3362.April 21The 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.June 7 - 15PrideFest Key West. A week of special events. 292-3223. pridefestkeywest.com. June (dates TBA) Key West Summer Goombay Festival. 896-5514.June (dates TBA)Tropical Fruit Fiesta. Fruit tree sales, expert speakers, vendors, fruit displays, children's activities and more. 292-4501.July 12Lower 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 MoreNow through January“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 2South 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 12Lecture 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.

November 30 – December 1 & December 7 - 8Key West InnKeepers Association presents A Lighted Historic Inn Tour. Nighttime tour of six historic inns. 5 - 8 p.m. Key West. 800-492-1911. keywestinns.com.December 28 - 29Old Island Restoration Foundation presents 48th Annual House and Garden Tours. Holi-day 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 - 19Old Island Restoration Foundation pres-ents 48th Annual House and Garden Tours. View five private homes and gardens in Key West. 4 - 8 p.m. 294-9501. oirf.org.January 19Key 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.February 15 - 16Old 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 – AprilKey West Art and Historical Society presents original Work by John James Audubon. Traveling exhibit from the National Audubon Society of original hand-colored etchings from the artist's portfolio. Open daily. Custom House, 281 Front Street, Key West. 295-6616. kwahs.org.February 22 - 24Key West Art & Historical Society 4th An-nual Key West Antiques Show and Sale. Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roos-evelt Blvd., Key West. 295-6616. kwahs.com.February 23 - 24GardenFest Key West Plant Sale. Key West Botanical Garden, 5210 College Rd., Stock Is-land. 296-1504. keywestbotanicalgarden.org.March 1Marathon 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 8Old 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 - 15Old 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.

“East Martello Art” by Che Stine

“Cocotier” by Peter Vey

Florida Keys &

Key W

est CU

LTUR

E 200

8

11

T-shirts available at theLower Keys Chamber of Commerce

MM 31 Oceanside, Big Pine Key1-800-872-3722

lowerkeyschamber.com

T-shirts available at theLower Keys Chamber of Commerce

MM 31 Oceanside, Big Pine Key1-800-872-3722

lowerkeyschamber.com

uninterrupted broadcast by uninterrupted broadcast by

Phot

o by

Bill

Keo

gh/M

onro

e Co

unty

TD

C

March 23 - 24Key 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.May – DecemberKey West Art and Historical Society pres-ents “In Their Own Words: The Ghosts of East Martello.” Open daily. Fort East Mar-tello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West. 295-6616. kwahs.org.Friday, May 16International 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 - 17Harry 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 OngoingOctober - MayReadings, 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 quar-terly. 292-7903.Florida Keys History of Diving Museum. Exhibits, tours, lectures and events. 82990 Overseas Hwy. (MM 83), Islamorada. 664-9737. divingmuseum.com.

MusicDecember 2Old 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 7Phantom 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.

December 7 - 8Florida Keys Community College - Keys Chorale Holiday Concert. MAGNIFICAT by John Rutter. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.December 12“Bobby in the Lobby Cabaret.” 8 p.m. Ten-nessee Williams Grand Foyer. 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.December 14Ninth Annual “Pride Follies.” Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.December 15Keys 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 16Key West Pops Holiday Cheer à la Hollywood Palace. 8 p.m., Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.December 167th Annual Christmas Concert. 6 p.m. Marathon Community Theatre, MM 49.5 Overseas Hwy., Marathon. 743-0994. mara-thontheatre.org.December 22Keys 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 23Performance 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 Col-lege Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.January 6Paradise 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.January 11 – 12Key West Symphony. Works by Villa-Lobos, Rodrigo, Prokofiev, Barber and Mussorgsky. 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 Col-lege Road, Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.January 12South 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 1336th Season Impromptu Concerts presents Philadelphia Brass Quartet. 4 p.m. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 401 Duval St., Key West.January 14Middle Keys Concert Association presents Philadelphia Brass Quartet. 7:30 p.m. San Pablo Church, 122nd St., Marathon. 743-4687.

“Key West Lighthouse” by Sandy Mezinis

“Bahia Joy” by Priscilla Coote

Flor

ida

Key

s &

Key

Wes

t CU

LTU

RE

200

8

12

Celebrating our 10th Anniversary2007-2008 MASTER CONCERT SERIES

January 11 and 12, 2008featuring Monica Abrego, soprano

February 1 and 2, 2008featuring Jeffrey Biegel, piano

April 4 and 5, 2008featuring Andreas Klein, piano

For information on all our concerts andevents visit www.keywestsymphony.com

or call 305-292-1774

January 2036th Season Impromptu Concerts presents Jupiter String Quartet. 4 p.m. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 401 Duval St., Key West.January 20Key West Pops "Guys and Dolls" in concert. 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 Col-lege Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.January 21Middle Keys Concert Association presents The Jupiter String Quartet. 7:30 p.m. San Pablo Church, 122nd St., Marathon. 743-4687.January 26Keys 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 27Island Opera Theatre presents Dean Wal-ters and Friends. Tennessee Williams The-atre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.January 29South 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.February 1 – 2Key West Symphony. Works by Copland, Bernstein, Leibermann, Tchaikovsky. 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Road, Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.February 8Lynda Carter in concert. 8 p.m. Tennes-see Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.February 1036th 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.February 11Middle Keys Concert Association presents “A Night at the Opera.” 7:30 p.m. San Pablo Church, 122nd St., Marathon. 743-4687.February 12South 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.February 16Keys Community Concert Band presents outdoor concert; bring blankets, lawn-chairs.4 p.m. TIB Amphitheater, Founders Park MM 87, Bayside, Plantation Key. 853-7294. keyscommunityconcertband.org. February 16South 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 1736th Season Impromptu Concerts presents Ji Yong, pianist. 4 p.m. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 401 Duval St., Key West.

February 17Bobby In The Lobby Cabarets. 8 p.m. Ten-nessee Williams Grand Foyer. 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.February 18Middle Keys Concert Association presents presents Ji Yong, pianist. 7:30 p.m. San Pablo Church, 122nd St., Marathon. 743-4687.February 26South Florida Center for the Arts Concert Series presents New Orleans and Dixieland Jazz classics. 8 p.m. Coral Shores Perform-ing Arts Center, 89901 Old Hwy. (MM 89), Tavernier. sfca-arts.org.February 29Pipe organ concert with special guest artist Charles Stanley. 8 p.m. Immanuel Lutheran Church, 108 Ocean Dr., Tavernier. 852-0621.March 1Key West Pops presents A Broadway Dance Concert. 8 p.m., Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.March 236th Season Impromptu Concerts presents Camerata Bariloche String Orchestra. 4 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West.March 3Middle Keys Concert Association presents Camerata Bariloche String Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. San Pablo Church, 122nd St., Marathon. 743-4687.March 8South 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.March 936th Season Impromptu Concerts presents Stanislaus Drzewiecki, pianist. 4 p.m. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 401 Duval St., Key West.March 10Middle Keys Concert Association presents Stanislaw Drzewiecki, pianist. 7:30 p.m. San Pablo Church, 122nd St., Marathon. 743-4687.March 13 - 16Island Opera Theatre presents OperaFest featuring Keys Chorale. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.March 14 - 15South Florida Center for the Arts Concert Series presents St. Patrick's Day Irish Festi-val. Key Largo Civic Club, 209 Bay Drive (MM 99 Overseas Hwy.), Key Largo. sfca-arts.orgMarch 16Performance 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 18The Temptations in Concert. 8 p.m. Ten-nessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.March 27Ann Hampton Callaway Caberet Evening. 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 Col-lege Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.

“Ft. Jefferson - Aerial View” by Terri Brentnall

“Sunset from Ft. Zachary” by Caren Ragan

Florida Keys &

Key W

est CU

LTUR

E 200

8

1�

March 29Keys 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.March 30Bobby In The Lobby Cabarets. 8 p.m. Ten-nessee Williams Grand Foyer. 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.April 1 – 2Key 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.April 4 – 5Key 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 – 7Ella Fitzgerald Tribute. 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.April 26Florida Keys Community College - Keys Chorale. Concert Under the Stars. Tennes-see Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.April 26Keys Community Concert Band presents outdoor concert; bring blankets, lawn-chairs.4 p.m. TIB Amphitheater, Founders Park MM 87, Bayside, Plantation Key. 853-7294. keyscommunityconcertband.org.April 30 – May 413th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival. Hog’s Breath Saloon and other locations in Key West. 296-4222. keywestsongwritersfestival.com.June 16 - July 12Key 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.

TheatreNow - December 8CALIFORNIA SUITE by Neil Simon. 8 p.m. Marathon Community Theatre, MM 49.5 Overseas Hwy., Marathon. 743-0994. mara-thontheater.org.December 18 - January 26BARK. Music and Lyrics by David Troy Fran-cis. 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 29Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna in "If Ever…." 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.

January 5TWT “Encore Series” presents An Evening with Joel Grey. 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.January 10 - February 2SMELL OF THE KILL by Michele Lowe. 8 p.m. Marathon Community Theatre, MM 49.5 Overseas Hwy., Marathon. 743-0994. marathontheater.org.January 14 - January 15DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN. A Broadway comedy. 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.January 22 - February 9TUESDAYS 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 TBAThe 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. February 5TWT “Encore Series” presents I LOVE A PIANO. An Irving Berlin musical review. 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 Col-lege Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com. February 2 - March 1SHEL SHOCKED by Shel Silverstein. 8 p.m. Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St., Key West. 296-9911. redbarntheatre.org.February 12The Spencers - Theatre of Illusion. 8 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com. February 19 – 20TRAILER PARK; THE MUSICAL. 8 p.m. Ten-nessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com. February 26 - March 22REEFER 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 5ME AND MY GIRL by Noel Gay. 8 p.m. Marathon Community Theatre, MM 49.5 Overseas Hwy., Marathon. 743-0994. mara-thontheater.org.March 11 - April 5SYLVIA by A.R. Gurney. 8 p.m. Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St., Key West. 296-9911. redbarntheatre.org.April 11TWT “Encore Series” presents Neil Berg's 100 YEARS OF BROADWAY. 8 p.m. Tennes-see Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-1520. keystix.com.April 15 - May 10

MAVIS AND THE THREE BEARS. Lyrics and book by Blake Hunter, music by Franko Rich-mond. 8 p.m. Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St., Key West. 296-9911. redbarntheatre.org.May 8 - May 24CACTUS FLOWER by Abe Burrows. 8 p.m. Marathon Community Theatre, MM 49.5 Overseas Hwy., Marathon. 743-0994. mara-thontheater.org.Tuesdays in MayThe Key West Players present New Plays in May. Staged readings of original plays. Waterfront Playhouse, Mallory Square - Tift's Lane, Key West. 294-5015 waterfrontplay-house.com.May 13 - June 7NAKED BOYS SINGING. 8 p.m., Waterfront Playhouse, Mallory Square - Tift's Lane, Key West. 294-5015. waterfrontplayhouse.com.

DanceNovember 23 - December 2The Nutcracker Key West. A full production of the classic holiday ballet. Tennessee Wil-liams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-9982. keystix.com.April 3 - 5; April 10 - 13The Key West Players present Genesha Dance Theatre. “Opening the Way." Waterfront Playhouse, Mallory Square - Tift's Lane, Key West. 294-5015. waterfrontplayhouse.com.

Call 305-295-4369 for a copy of the Gallery Guide or you can download

at www.fla-keys.com/culture

Flor

ida

Key

s &

Key

Wes

t CU

LTU

RE

200

8

1�

BIGTHINGSin a Small Space

In our 28th year, The Red Barn Theatre,Key West’s critically acclaimed, intimate,professional theatre offers the best in liveshows 5-7 nights a week, December toJune. Located at 319 Duval Street (rear)in historic Old Key West. For info on our2007-08 season call 305-296-9911.

� The�REDBARN THEATRE

VisualNow - 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 2Bougainvillea House & Artists in Paradise Galleries present 6th Annual Winter Show, “The Essence of Art.” View before curtain and during intermission during MCT's pro-duction of "The Smell of the Kill.” Marathon Community Theatre,MM 49.5 oceanside, Marathon. 743-0994. marathontheater.org. January 15 - April 15Centennial 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 20Sculpture Key West Opening. West Martello Tower, White St. at Atlantic Blvd., Key West. 295-3800. sculpturekeywest.com.February 15Mannequins 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 15Purple Isles Art Guild presents “Birds in Nature.” Art among the gardens. Francis Tracy Garden Center, Key Largo. 852-7494.February 24Sculpture 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 deco-rated 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 – MayCaptain Outrageous Retrospective. Works from public and private collections of this popular folk artist. Fort East Martello Mu-seum, 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.

May 4The CoffeeMill Dance Studio DanceWorks VI. New choreography performed by faculty, students and visiting artists. 4 p.m. Tennes-see Williams Theatre, 5901 College Rd., Key West. 296-9982. coffeemilldance.com.

Dance-OngoingThe 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. Cof-feeMill 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/Bal-boa, 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 Over-seas 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

LiteratureJanuary 10 - 2026th 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. Oc-tober through May. Noon. Hooked on Books, MM 82.6 Oceanside, Islamorada. 517-2602. Friends of the Library Lecture Series. Mon-day 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 divervicki@aol.com for details.

“Old Bahia Honda Bridge” by Fran Decker

“Tropic of Cancer” by Sandy Mezinis

Florida Keys &

Key W

est CU

LTUR

E 200

8

1�

Island OperaTheatre

Discover our amazingly talentedisland community!

• Our feature production each spring

• “On the Road” shows through outthe Keys

• Opera Insights before MetropolitanOpera broadcasts at Tropic Cinema

• Special galas, recitals and events

• American Composers Symposium

Visit www.islandopera.com or call305-294-0404 for the latest info

on our 2007-08 season

We Sing In All Keys!

March 15Pete 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 11Pinhole Photography. A collaboration with Florida Keys Community College students. Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roos-evelt Blvd., Key West. 295-6616. kwahs.org.June 4 – September“End of the Rainbow - Craig Biondi's Key West.” In celebration of One Human Fam-ily, a retrospective of the Key West artist. Custom House, 281 Front St., Key West. 295-6616. kwahs.org.

Visual-OngoingFlorida Keys Council of the Arts: Art in Public Buildings. Ongoing exhibit of Keys artists at Gato Cigar Factory, KW Interna-tional 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 exhibi-tions & monthly “Meet the Artist” evenings. Spanish Gardens Café & Gallery, Galleria of Islamorada, 80925 Overseas Hwy. 664-3999.

FilmJava Studios – Media and Community Development. Presenting media that matters for the community: arts, political, economic & cultural impact. Various venues in Key West. 394-3804. michael@javastudios.org.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.

Calendar listings by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts.

For more information about additional arts events, meetings, rehearsals, classes, work-shops 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.

“Long Key” by Peter Vey

“Blue Throat Macaws” by Cynthia Kulp

fla-keys.com ~ 1-800-FLA-KEYS

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.

HERE, OILS AND WATER MIX QUITE NICELY.

MCTCU-2046 Culture 2008 Back Cover LO2

MCTCU-2046 Culture '08 Back Cover LO2 11/5/07 2:08 PM Page 1