A FANTASY FESTIVAL

OCTOBER 26th thru OCTOBER 31st, 2011, in KEY WEST with LYNDA

DEAR READERS……Gosh, it is good to be back HOME in Key West. We unpacked the car on Monday night, and headed for Square One, hoping to see Michael Stewart on his birthday…He wasn’t there, but PattiCakes was and that is always a treat! Had a delish meal and then stopped at Lateda…so good to see Fizz, Mark Watson, Kurt Shwaery, Scott Hoard, Karl and Stacy Stahl, and of course, Jason…..

SURREY WESTRUPP IS THE NEW FANTASY FEST QUEEN! We are thrilled for Surrey and for Duchess Liz……and Congrats also to King DAVID TAYLOR of the Cypress House, and Duke, Sunshine (whom we love) and Duke-ette, Rebecca Schilling too! You all shine!!!!!

WILL STEPHENS IS HOSPITALIZED…….That wonderful, dear man, Will Stephens, father of our good friend, Richard Stephens, is in the Lower Keys Medical Center with pneumonia. He is in Room 314. Prayers and loving thoughts are requested. Cards can be sent to Will at 1424 Von Phister St., Key West, FL 33040. His e-mail address is wjts1913@aol.com.

FANTASY FEST GOINGS ON TONIGHT OCT. 26th…..4:30 pm, Pet Masquerade at Casa Marina…..7:00 PM…Red Neck Party at the Lazy Gecko on lower Duval…9 PM….Dungeon of Dark Secrets at 801 Bourbon St….also at 9 PM at Fogarty’s…It’s THE RED PARTY…..and at The Dueling Piano Bar, it’s Mad Hatter’s Party….

MARC PUMPKIN PATCH RETURNS ….. Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes will be on sale at the MARC Store at 1401 Seminary St. from 11 am until 9 pm every day until Oct. 31st. Make sure you buy your Fall Punkins at the MARC Store Pump

FANTASY FEST EVENTS ON OCT. 27…..Noon, Halos & Horns & Wet T-Shirt Contest at Dante’s, 951 Caroline St…8 PM…Pretenders In Paradise at the Pier House….costume completion…..9:30 PM, at Sloppy Joe’s…annual Toga Party,,,,10 pm at Green Parrot…The Monster’s Ball……10 pm at Mangoes…Pajamas & Lingerie Party…Hugh Hefner & Marilyn Monroe Look Alike contest!

ALL WELCOME TO SING….Singers are still needed (especially tenors!) for the 7 pm Sun., Nov. 13, “A German Requiem” sung in English. It will be held at St. Paul’s Church. Rehearsal for this Saturday, Oct. 29, is moved to Unity Church at Virginia and Watson because of Fantasy Fest Parking.. Rehearsal for Sat. Nov. 5 & 12 are back at St. Paul’s at 10 AM. This concert, by Johannes Brahms, is under the direction of the wonderful EMILY BOYD LOWE….

MICHAEL POPOVICE IS ASKING FOR YOUR HELP……..My dear friend, Michael Popovice, is asking for a Big, BIG favor! Two months ago, Michael’s father, was diagnosed with stage # 4 Lung Cancer….after much though he has opted to not pursue chemo treatments. Michael is asking you, to join him in a CARD SHOWER. He asks that you send cards to his father, filled with greetings, hellos, upbeat positive, loving, kind and caring messages to help him get through this very difficult time and the challenging months he is facing. Please send your cards and messages to JAMES D. POPVICE, 203 Center Street, Pen Argyl, PA 18072. Readers, you have come through in the past by sending cards to my sister-in-law Nancy, and they have helped lift her spirits tremendously. You do not have to actually know a person to wish them well. We are ALL, One Human FAMILY, and, in this very simple way, you are reaching out and living that Message. Michael thanks you with all his heart…and trust me, it is a BIG heart.

KEY WEST COMEDIANS SHINE…..Congrats to RON MARANIAN and DAN SCHWAB, who are finalists in Florida’s Funniest Comedian contest at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL This contest is tonight and they will join other finalists from various areas to compete to win the title of Florida’s Funniest Comedian! We wish Ron and Dan great good luck! I don’t know Dan, but Ron is hilarious!!!!!!

LATEDA SCHEDULE THIS WEEK………10/26 & 27, it’s Christopher Peterson and his faboo EYECONS Show…direct from Las Vegas!!!! Call 296-6706 for tix….He packs em in…you know why? Because he is absolutely fabulous, dah-ling!!!! On 10/28, it’s Michael Thomas in the By George Bar….10/29, at 8 pm, it’s the Parade Party with DJ, JUNIOR!!!!….10/20….The Tea Dance Theme is THE FAT LADY SINGS when you officially know Fantasy Fest is over! 4 PM!!!!

CHRISTOPHER PETERSON IS BA-ACK AT THE DA…..The ALWAYS phenomenal, Christopher Peterson has come back to Key West after wowing them in Vegas! His famous Eyecons Show begins on Oct. 26 and 27 at 9 pm in the Crystal Room at Lateda, 1125 Duval St. Call 305-296-6706 for tickets ….!!!!! We all love Christopher and we welcome him and James back HOME to KW!

SKIPPER & ROB DISTACI AT SALUTE….OCT. 28….From 5 to 7 PM, come and hear the jazzy & soulful sounds of “The Jersey Boyz”….Join the Ocean fun at Salute….at Higgs Beach….Call 292-1117 for info or reservations!

OCTOBER 28TH FANTASY FEST EVENTS…..9 am to Noon…Hair of the Dog Leather & Lace Party at Hog’s Breath…wear leather or lace….Noon to 10 pm…Fantasy Fest Street Fair….1 pm…Tea Dance in the street at 801 Bourbon Bar….4 to 6:00 PM…Southernmost Sirens, Sea Nymphs & Sailor’s Costume contest at Southernmost Beach 508 south St…..5 pm…..Masquerade march thru Old Town…begins at KW Cemetery on Frances St. Free to participate….the best of em!!!…9 pm…Annual Living Art Airbrush Expo at Sunset Pier at Ocean Key House…..9 PM…Pirate Bash at the Rum Barrel….10 PM….Pimp & Ho party at Red Fish Blue Fish….

ART GONE WILD GALLERY PRESENTS…OCT. 29….Theme of this exhibit is A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE…..10 am to 6 pm…..Private Collector’s Reception at 6:30 PM…..Featuring fabulous new works by Lisa Wilson, Danny Reece, Chad Awalt, and D. Arthur Wilson. 619 Duval St.

FANTASY FEST EVENTS FOR OCT. 29…..Noon to 10:30 PM….Street Promenade……2 pm…Epidermal Arts & Torso Tapestries at the Green Parrot….7 PM….Capt. Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade……

OCTOBER DINING DEALS….Camille’s….buy 1, get 1 meal free, 1202 Simonton St.……Café Sole….50% off regular menu and selected wines….Local ID required….1029 Southard St. 294-0230

SCHOONER WHARF THIS WEEK………10/26 at 7 PM…That Hippie Band….10/27, 28,30, at Noon, it’s Michael McCloud…10/31 at Noon, it’s Raven Cooper & Bubba…..10/27, 28 & 29 at 7 pm…Entrain…..10/28 at5 pm, it’s Raven Cooper….10/29 at 5 pm, it’s Toko Irie….10/30 at 6:30 PM, it’s The Doerfels….10/31 at 7 pm, it’s The Real Malloys!!!! Every night from 9 pm until 1 am, it’s the Magic of Frank everhart!!!!

PRAYERS ARE IN ORDER…..for VICKI MCMURRAY, age 94, beloved Mother of Joe McMurray, who recently passed away at 9 am on Oct. 21st, after a difficult illness. The Wake will be held on Monday, Oct. 24, at The Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home at 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island, IL from 4 to 7 PM (http://www.wheelanpressly.com). The Funeral will be held on Tues., Oct. 25, at 9:30 AM at Holy Family Parish in Peoria. IL (http://www.peoriaholyfamily.com). You can send cards of sympathy to Joe McMurray and Eric Cole at 1601 Patricia St., Key West, FL 33040. Joe and Eric are beloved members of our Key West Family and our hearts ache for their great loss. Please remember them with your love, thoughts, prayers, and condolence messages. Thank you all!

JT THOMPSON NEWS……Keep JT in your thoughts and prayers, too. He is having 5 procedures done on Monday, Oct. 31 at 7 am…..should take 6 hours, and will be in the LKMC for 6 days…..Please send him well wishes….His e-mail address is jt@designkw.com. Thanks!!!!

MARTINI MONDAY AT VIRGILIO’S, OCT. 31…….You will have a bewitching time as “Yola’s Bathwater” takes the stage at 9:30 PM…..The band consists of Zack Seemiller, Larry Baeder, Bubba Lownotes, and Skippo the Great!!!!! And, by the way, it’s “That” YOLA…who will be working the front bar on Halloween night!!!!!! And we do love her!!!!

NOV. 4-16 AT FRANGIPANI GALLERY…..Come and see the Wildlife Photography exhibit by Paul Michael Carmichael…reception from 6 to 9 PM….part of the Upper Duval First Fri. Stroll….1102A Duval St.

CHRIS THOMAS BAND AT VIRGILIO’S ON NOV. 4…… Come at 9 pm for some great 60’s 70’s and 80’s dance music, with Chris Thomas, Skipper Kripitz and Bubba Lownotes…..FUN!.

PIER HOUSE SCHEDULE….10/28 & 29….Larry Smith at the piano at 7 PM…..10/30…The Sunday Showcase singer is Susan Butler…at 9 PM…..Oct. 31….Jazz Jam at 9 PM……

AT THE BOTTLECAP ON NOV. 4…….from 5 to 8 PM….benefits Hospice/VNA…fun for a great cause!!!!

AQUA IDOL WATERFRONT COMING UP…..On November 8th, a new Aqua Idol will begin…All tips for contestants will go to benefit THE WATERFRONT PLAYHOUSE…..Presently we are seeking contestants who would like to help The Waterfront out, compete for great prizes, and prestige, and have a wonderful time besides. If you would like to compete, please contact me, Lynda Frechette, by e-mailing me at kwlynda@bellsouth.net or by calling me ASAP at 305-393-6273. Thank you so much.

AQUATIC FROLIC….Yep…That’s the theme of this year’s Fantasy Fest, with gobs of amazing activities, parties, and events from Oct. 21 until Oct. 30….Call 296-1817 for info or check the website at www.keywestfantasyfest.com for complete schedule!!!!

SHIRREL RHOADES….Esteemed movie reviewer, Shirrel Rhoades listed his top 10 movies made for children that traumatized them…..all good picks….but may I add “The Yearling” and “Snow White?” What do you think? Even ET was a tad frightening in several places!

VENUS CHARTERS….1/2 off for LOCALS only till the end of Oct….4 hr. fishing, snorkeling, dolphin watching & sunsets or combo charters for up to 4 guests…normally $450…NOW only $225. ALL Welcome! Reservations and local ID required…call Captains Karen & Debra at 305-304-1181.

LIBBY YORK IN THE NETHERLANDS….On Nov. 13th, jazz singer, Libby York will be performing in Den Haag, Netherlands….if you are there, check it out!

REQUEST FROM KW CONTEMPORARY DANCE CO…….Headed by founder, Kyla Piscopink, this great asset to Key West, has begun an online fundraising campaign. Thru Kickstarter.com they are hoping to raise some needed funds. If you can help, please go to the following link….. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1752167432/key-west-contemporary-dance-company-presents-1969. Feel free to pass this link to anyone who might be able to help. Thank you!

STUDIOS OF KEY WEST OFFERS ADVANCE REGISTRATION….If you are interested in registering early for the wonderful workshops and classes that will be offered this coming season, call 305-296-0458. Note that there will be a reception during Walk on White on Sept. 15th. Check out all the great galleries on White St.

KEY WEST BURLESQUE at the WATERFRONT…Just want to Congratulate Marky Pierson and the bedazzling Key West Burlesque Troupe on 3 SOLD OUT marvelous performances at the Waterfront Playhouse!

AT THE GARDENS HOTEL OCT. EVERY SUNDAY…..Come to JAZZ IN THE GARDENS at 526 Angela St….every Sunday from 5 to 8 PM…..This Sunday, Oct 30, it’s Lenore Troia and Friends!!!!!! Great time….wonderful jazz music…..super Wine Bar…amazing people….and hosted by the always glamorous, KATE MIANO!!!!!

FIONA MOLLOY AT STUDIOS ON MARCH 17TH……I am really excited with the great news that the wonderful internationally known singer, Fiona Molloy, will be performing at The Studios on March 17th….an authentic Irish Evening just for you! Congrats to The Studios on scheduling this truly marvelous talent! I’ll be wearin’ the green that night!

FOLLIES IN NYC….. Just want to let you know that Broadway Star, Terri White opened in FOLLIES on Broadway Aug. 7th The show, recently seen at The Kennedy Center in DC, and now on Broadway, began in preview at The Marquis Theatre on Sunday, Aug. 7th. The official Opening night is Sept. 12th. Terri stars with Bernadette Peters, Elaine Paige, Ronald Raines, and a fabulous cast of stars! The show is slated to run through the Christmas holidays! You do not want to miss this show. Terri SHINES! By the way…..On Nov. 3, Terri and Donna will be celebrating their 3rd year anniversary…..THIS one commemorates the day they met at The KEYS Piano Bar…..when sparks flew and they “Knew.” Congrats you two!!!!!

BOTTLECAP HAPPY HOUR EVERY FRIDAY…..From 5 to 8 pm, every Friday….all tips going for a great cause of the day! Thanks to Carolyn and Carmelo for their great good will!

KW COMEDY SHOWCASE ITALIAN STYLE….NOV. 12….. This event will be at the Hog’s Breath upstairs at 7:30 PM….(doors open at 7)…Sponsored by the Sons & Daughters of Italy….Enjoy 7 super comics…and home made Italian food and desserts for only $20… Raffles, Prizes, …Cash Bar. Tix available at Hot Cuts, 3255 Flagler Ave., Lady Nails at 2720 N. Roosevelt, or at the Door. You can call 942-9748 also for will-call. The comics are Tom Snyders, Sean MacGuire, Postal Wendy, Dawn Shugart, Dan Schaub, and Evan Calhoun, with Emcee, Chad Newman….all proceeds go to Sons & Daughters KW Scholarship Fund.

WOMANKIND INVITES TEENS TO JOIN BOARD….. Teens can earn community service hours by joining WomanKind’s new Teen Advisory Board. The group will serve as a liaison between staff at the women’s health care center and adolescents in an effort to expand, improve and publicize services. Members will help choose topics of interest for an upcoming support group for girls. If interested, e-mail Chelsea Bristol at cnbristo@unca.edu… or call WomanKind at 305-294-4004, or check out Facebook at Womankind, Inc.

PRAYER CHAIN…… Please continue to keep the following in your thoughts and prayers…… Richard Stephens…..James, Popovice….Nancy Stevens…..JT Thompson……Vicki McMurray and the entire McMurray family…..Gordy Michael….Marion DePiero, Roberta’s lovely mother…..Mary Anne McGiven…..Brent Ramer…Edna Beres…..Jessie Gallagher and her family….Richard Crooks…..Neil Call….Don Stout……Bill Larkin..….Carol Schenk….Stephen Elliott….Claire Carroll…. Jennifer O’Lear….AJ Woods…Bill Mansfield….Dick Jones…Nancy Robinson…Sally Lewis….Patrick Richards… Virgil Williams…..Alan Ferguson….Lenore Troia’s dear Mother……three very dear special friends who choose to remain anonymous….Remember, there are all kinds of reasons why people need prayers, not just health related. Prayer changes things!!!! Let me know if anyone should be added to this list…a family member or a friend going through tough times. We really are all in this thing called ‘Life” together.

WATERFRONT TICKETS CAN NOW BE BOUGHT FOR UPCOMING SEASON….. You can be ahead of everyone by going online to www.waterfrontplayhouse.org to order your season tickets for the 2011-12 Season…..the BEST Professional Theater in Florida!!!!! And it is a FAB season, it is it is!!! Also, check out all the various other things happening with the Waterfront Playhouse! The Waterfront has a brilliant line up of shows this season….you will NOT want to miss a single one! They are AUGUST:OSAGE COUNTY, DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE, THE 25TH PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, HOME EXCHANGE….plus special shows by THE KW CONTEMPORARY DANCE CO., DENIS HYLAND, and CARMEN RODRIGUEZ…..plus IT TAKES TWO-AN EVENING OF DUETS, featuring Key West Fave singers on Nov. 18 & 19….This is the season opener….. ( You MUST check out the fabulous NEW Website, above…..)

JOSEPH LOWE CONCERT AT ST. PAUL’S EVERY WEEKDAY…..Mon.-Fri. Joe Lowe presents his FREE piano and organ concert from Mon. thru Fri. from noon to 1 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Duval & Eaton St. Auwina Weed is with him on Thursday.

RED BARN PRESENTS…..Tix are now on sale for Red Barn’s great new season! Call the Barn at 296-9911 or visit the website at www.redbarntheatre.com/tickets for info and or tix!! The shows are Forbidden Broadway, Red, God of Carnage, Match, and Short Attention Span Theatre!!!! We can’t wait to see each and every one!!!!!

AT AQUA NIGHTCLUB THIS WEEK….. The dynamite Aquanettes Perform at 9 every night and an extra 11 pm show on Fri. & Sat. You do not want to miss the super entertainment at Aqua Lounge!!!!!! (Please note that Aqua Idol for The Waterfront Playhouse begins on November 8th, 2011!!!!! Mark your calendars….it will be terrific!!!)

TAVERN ‘N TOWN THIS WEEK….…… There is entertainment every single night of this week from 5 to 9:00 pm, Sun. to Thurs. and 6 to 10 pm on Fri. & Sat. On Mon., it’s Michael Thomas entertaining pM..….Tues., it’s Carmen Rodriguez & Michael Thomas…..Wed., it’s Lenore Troia…..Thurs., it’s Carmen Rodriguez & Michael Thomas….Fri., it’s Mike Emerson……Sun., it’s Rob DiStaci. On Sun thru Thurs, it is from 5 to 9 pm. On Fri & Sat it is from 6 to 10 pm…in the Lounge at BeachSide Marriott….special tapas menu on Tuesdays and Thursdays! This great nightspot and restaurant really takes great care of the Locals in Key West. Thanks to Ric Palmer, the manager, who makes things hum!!!! Locals get a 10% dinner discount. Call 296-3676 for reservations.

PUN OF THE DAY…..To write with a broken pencil….is pointless!!!!

LEARN TO DANCE WITH LUCY & LEON……These dancing dynamos are offering some great Sept. classes, starting Sept. 7 & 12. Monday, 8 to 9, beginner Texas 2 Step….Wed., from 7 to 8 PM, Intermediate Cha Chas…..Wed., 8 until 9 PM, Beginner Night Club 2….NO Partner needed! At Paradise Health & Fitness Dance Studio, 1706 N. Roosevelt Blvd, Call 305-296-6348 or go to 2610fog@bellsouth.net to sign up or for more info. Classes are very reasonably priced!

JEANIE FALCONE SCHEDULE. Jeanie performs at The Bull between 6 and 10 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. She is at The Bull at 8 pm on Thursday nights! Jeanie performs at The Southernmost Hotel on the Beach in the Shore Bar, EVERY Thursday, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. This gal can sing!

POPS’ ANNOUNCES GREAT SEASON…..Mark your calendars! Dec. 29 & 30, JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT…at St. Paul’s…stars Marc Crow with Nulita Loder as the narrator.. Jan. 22…At Tennessee Williams Theatre….presenting “OBBLIGATO”, a concert of opera arias…..singers are Victoria Atwater, Bruce Reed, concert master Geremy Miller and cellist Steve Sigurdson….FULL POPS Orchestra!….. March 24 & 25…Cole Porter’s KISS ME KATE starring Susan Powell and Richard White…directed by LeeRoy Reams….great guest stars…wonderful vocals and dancing too! Congrats to Vincent Zito on another special season. Season subscriptions are on sale NOW at 305-296-6059 or info@keywestpops.org. Tix to individual concerts can be purchased via www.keystix.com starting on Oct. 31.

AT COWBOY BILL’S….Line Dancing every Tues. & Thurs. at 7 pm…..618 Duval St….Free Lessons with Jay…call 293-0198!

LATIN DANCE PARTY AT BOTTLECAP…EVERY FRIDAY….with DJay, JC…Latin Music…9 PM….DJ Music starts at 10 PM! 1128 Simonton St.

BABY T AT THE BULL….. Alison Mayer, aka BABY T, will be performing at the Bull on Sundays from 6 to 9 pm and Monday eves from 8 to Midnight!!!!!

$25 BIRTHDAY BAR TAB AT THE BOTTLECAP GROOVE LOUNGE………. If you are at the BottleCap at 1128 Simonton St. on the exact day of your birthday, just show them a valid ID and receive a $25 bar tab and party favors too! (See your bartender for any restrictions.) Tell all your friends about this new great deal in town. Thanks again to Carolyn and Carmello!!!

BUY A BRICK AT POINCIANA ROYALE…….. This new 50 unit housing complex from AIDS Help will soon be opening. For only $50 per 4 X 8 brick, you can inscribe your own name, commemorate a significant life event….or honor the memory of another on the brick pathway. To place an order access www.AIDSHelp.cc. For more info call Rodney Ross at 293-3671.

BLACK & SKABUDDAH SCHEDULE….. On Thurs. & Fri.…..from 6 to 10 pm they are at The Conch Republic Seafood Co. On Sat., at Noon, they perform at Sloppy Joe’s…….On Sundays they perform at 8:30 PM they perform in the By George Bar at Lateda!!!!!!

CLASSICAL GUITAR CONCERT ON WED & FRI EACH WEEK….. This will take place at the Hyatt Resort, 601 Front St…..8 pm dinner at the SHOR Grill (a la carte) Concert featuring Mateo, is at 9 pm and is $25. Call 305-304-1437 to reserve.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK TO…10/26…Gary McDonald and Kim Rettenwander….. 10/28…Rosi Ware…..10/29…Shelly Bell and Jason Gainey… 10/30…Dean Walters, George Livengood, and Ron Saunders…..10/31…Michael Mulligan and Kenny Weschler!!!!!10/30

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK TO FAB DUO……10/30….Pamela Childs & Rhonda Florence!

Love to YOU…and Remember…. If you wait until retirement to really start living…you have waited too long!!!!!

Lynda