RAIN RAIN GO AWAY

OCTOBER 20th thru OCTOBER 27th, 2011, in KEY WEST with LYNDA

DEAR READERS…..It Poured the whole time we loaded the car for our pre Key West trip to Chicago, to visit our children, Rob and Melissa. It proceeded to rain ALL the way to Illinois, and this morning, 10/20, it is still raining. Yes, I know Key West has had monsoon conditions, and I do feel your pain…..I am hoping by the time we get back to KW, the sun will be shining and all will be right with our world down there. Got to dine with our daughter last night…tonight we will see both Melissa and her husband, Jeff, plus son Rob, and his 13 year old daughter Lexy….maybe even meet Rob’s new girlfriend, Stacy…can’t wait! Tomorrow we hope to have lunch with Bob’s Aunt Charlotte…..then heading South!

WALK ON WHITE TONIGHT, OCT 20… AT 6 PM…..Tonight, from 6 to 8 PM, stop in at HARRISON GALLERY, 825 White St….Ben Harrison will be launching his electronic new novel, “Charlie Jones”, a post WWII generational story set in Corpus Christi, Texas. It can be bought on Kindle at http://amzn.com/BOO5R1AW2l . Also featured will be sculptor artist, Vera Vasek who will exhibit her “Walking Across the Atlantic” collection.

HAUNTING OF FT. TAYLOR….OCT. 20……Opens at 8 pm tonight….then will be open from 8 am to 11 pm, Oct. 20-23 and 28, 30,and 31. The Vampire’s Ball is Oct. 22, from 8 to 11 pm.

AT AQUA NIGHCLUB……OCT. 20…..Event called “Who Let the Dogs Out” …a benefit for Sunshine for King…Costumed pets and owner….prizes will be given….only $10…711 Duval St.

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

ALL WELCOME TO SING….Rehearsals will begin on Oct. 15, 22, 29 and Nov. 5 & 12 at 10 am at St. Paul’s Church….for “A GERMAN REQUIEM”, by Johannes Brahms, sung in English under the direction of the wonderful EMILY BOYD LOWE….This concert will be presented on Sunday, November 13th, 2011. ALL interested singers please be there on Oct. 15th.

AT STONE SOUP GALLERY ON WHITE ST….from 6 to 9 pm on Oct. 20…Theme of exhibit is What Lies Beneath, a nod to the Fantasy Fest Theme…featuring art pieces by William Welch, Jim Pacchi, Elizabeth Nelson and Sean Callahan.

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.

DEBRA YATES FEATURED IN NY TIMES….Congrats to local designer and artist, Debra Yates, who is featured in the Home Section of The New York Times today, Oct. 20….It deals with a huge residential project by Debra Yates Great Space, Inc…. Go to the following sight and enjoy: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/20/garden/a-key-west-house-built-by-a-storm-on-location.html?_r=1. Congrats to Debra!

LATEDA SCHEDULE THIS WEEK………Dave Bootle performs in the By George Bar at 9 PM on Oct. 20, 21, & 22….On Oct. 22nd, it’s RANDY ROBERTS LIVE! Upstairs in the Crystal Room at 9 pm….Oct. 23 Tea Dance is “A Junkanoo Tea” at 4:00 PM!!!! Oct. 23…..Black & Skabuddah appear in the By George Bar at 8:30 PM. Every Wed. it’s Prime Rib night at the DA Restaurant! Yummy in the tummy!

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!

PIER HOUSE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK…..Oct.21-23 , Larry Smith is at the piano at 7 PM. On Sunday, Oct. 23, at 9 PM, Larry will be showcasing the talents of Christine Naughton..On Mon., Oct. 24, it’s Jazz at 9 pm, featuring Larry joined by Skipper Kripitz and Tim McAlpine….all musicians and singers are invited to join in the jamming!

CONGRATS TO ROBERT WALKER……The executive director of AIDS Help, ROBERT WALKER, has been named as Grand Marshal of the Fantasy Fest 2011 Parade! We congratulate him on this honor.

SCHOONER WHARF THIS WEEK………Oct. 19 to 23 at Noon, it’s Michael McCloud…Oct. 19 at 7 PM, it’s Gary Hempsey & Will Hoppey….Oct. 20, at 7 PM it’s Robert Douglas & Sam Ramos…Oct. 21 & 22 at 7 PM, it’s Biscuit Miller & The Mix…Oct. 23 at 6:30 PM, it’s Latin Calypso Party…..From 9 to 1 AM every night, it’s Frank Everhart’s Magic!!!!

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.

SURVIVING MOMMIE DEAREST ON OCT. 19 & 20….This new one woman show written by and starring Christina Crawford, daughter o JOAN….is premiering at the Tennessee Williams Theatre on Oct. 19 & 20…Two act play will be most unique! 7:30 PM….proceeds will be shared with AIDS Help and the King & Queen candidates….Tix are $35 and can be purchased by going to www.keystix.com or by calling 295-7676.

ALL CANDIDATE EVENT AT THE CYPRESS HOUSE ON OCT. 20….from 6 to 8 PM….601 Caroline St…complimentary full bar and appetizers, raffles, prizes…entry fee is a suggested donation of $10!!!! All proceeds will be split amongst the King and Queen Candidates! Come and support these wonderful candidates who are giving their all for AIDS Help. They are all STARS!!!!

CORONATION BALL ON OCT. 21…..Theme is “Lost City of Atlantis”….6 to 10 PM at the Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St….$5 gets you one free vote and general admission…$50 priority seating includes one vote and grand buffet. For advance tix call AIDS Help at 296-6196. Good luck and LOVE to each of these special candidates!!!!!

TO OUR REIGNING KING & QUEEN….Just want to extend a huge Thank You and a loving Congratulations to King CHRISTOPHER ELWELL and QUEEN ANN O’SHEA, who have done such a fabulous job during this past year, fulfilling their demanding rolls as King & Queen of Fantasy Fest. Also, thanks to Duchess SURREY WESTROPP, and Duke SUNSHINE…for their ample services extended this year! And thanks to all the candidates who ran this year….You outdid yourselves with special events…all for AIDS Help! We love you all!

CHORALE OFFERING AT ST. PETER’S CHURCH OCT. 21…. At 8 PM, come and kick off this Goombay celebration. This is a diverse eve of English anthems, spirituals, and foot stomping gospel music! AT 8 pm at 800 Center St. There is a chorus of 45 from St.Paul’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta…full of energy and fabulousness! Tix are available at the door for $20. Bring a bulletin from whatever church you go to and only pay $10…..7:30 PM…limited parking available. Thanks to Lind Sparks and Michael Kilgore for planning this evening!

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!!!!

GOOMBAY FESTIVAL…OCT. 21 & 22….Be at Petronia St. from Noon to Midnight for lots of fun! Street fair, food, Junkanoos, arts & crafts, parade,…booth space available by calling 896-5514… go to www.goombay-keywest.org/volunteer.htm to sign up to volunteer.

CONCERT KICKS OFF GOOMBAY FESTIVAL…OCT. 21…..The 45 members of St. Paul’s Atlanta Touring Choir, will be performing a marvelously inspiring concert called, “How Can I Keep From Singing” at 8 pm, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 800 Center St. Under the direction of Maestro Trey Clegg, this concert will consist of English anthems, spirituals, and foot-stopping gospel songs…..Tix are $20 at the door….If you bring a Church Bulletin from any house of worship, your ticket will only cost $10. Doors open at 7:30 pm….limited parking. This Choir will also be performing on the Goombay Center Stage (on Petronia I think) at 4 pm on 10/22 and will sing at the 10am Sunday service on 10/23 at St. Peter’s.

GALLERY ON GREENE THURBER RECEPTION…OCT. 22…5:30 to 8:30 PM…Artist’s reception for local Andy Thurber…he presents his Conch Pearls exhibit…call 294-1669 for info.

SHANNA KEY FIRST ZOMBIE MARCH…OCT. 22….8 pm until ????….at Flagler and Bertha Sts… Prizes for best costumes. Don’t miss the FUN!

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.

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 OCT. 22, 23 & 24… This Official Fantasy Fest Show will be held at The WATERFRONT Playhouse Oct. 22, 23, & 24 at 8 PM!!!! This will be a SALACIOUS SIDESHOW to tit-illate and seduce your wildest fantasies!!! Come to be beguiled and amazed….excited and blown away! Hosted by Frankie, and starring a stupendous group of naughty entertainers! Go to www.waterfrontplayhouse.org to buy advance tix! Nearly sold out…only a few seats left…Call NOW! Good luck! This is one hot ticket for one HOT show!!!!!

AT THE GARDENS HOTEL OCT. 23 & EVERY SUNDAY…..Come to JAZZ IN THE GARDENS at 526 Angela St….every Sunday from 5 to 8 PM…..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!

TERRI WHITE….. 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!

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!

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………Joe McMurray’s beloved Mother, Vicki McMurray, needs all of our prayers. At age 94, she is dealing with some dire health issues and Joe and Eric and the family are deeply concerned. Knowing Joe, no doubt she is a dear and special lady. Also, please continue to keep the following in your thoughts and prayers……James, Popovice….Nancy Stevens……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.

HEADDRESS BALL….OCT. 25…..This faboo Gay Event at the Southernmost on the Beach will be hosted by the hilarious Tom Luna and DJ, Rude Girl. LOTS of super entertainment by, Faith Michaels, Christopher Peterson, Laurie Breakwell, Sushi and the 801 Girls, Ruben Navarro and more….The tables are sold out, but there are general admission tix at $30 on sale. For $20 you can attend an Avant pre Royal Party to meet the new FF King and Queen at 7 pm….open bar and finger food…only $20.

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! ( 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.

AT AQUA NIGHTCLUB THIS WEEK….. Fri., Dave Bootle performing at 4:30-7:30 pm……711 Duval St.……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.

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!

ZOMBIE BIKE RIDE IS BACK ON OCT. 23RD…..Last year over 350 bicycle enthusiasts joined in the fun…This year will be even more Zombie-ific!!!!The meet up and festivities at the Recycle Bike Shop on Stock Island….. start at 5160 US 1 where face & body painting begins at 3 pm, with 10 artists painting away! Pre-register for spray paint is available by e-mailing Marky Pierson at markyp@markypierson.com. Face paint is a $10 charge…T-Shirts available for $20. Ride is free and the more the merrier. First stop will be at Salute…then it’s on to Duval St. and then to Fogarty’s….Party there will run after the ride from 8 till Late! Bikes can be rented at Recycle….call 305-292-3336 for questions or rentals or e-mail Marky!

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.

DAVE BOOTLE at VIRGILIO’S. ………….at Virgilio’s at 9:30 every Sunday night! He rocks the night away!

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…..10/20…Valerie Carr…10/21…Fiona Malloy and Ross Neagley…10/22…Brett Gordon….10/23…Larry Eynon, Tom Lavender, Kyle Caskey, Neil Chamberlain, Barbara Corns…10/24…Michael Stewart, Steve Sonstein, Tom Ruppell….10/25…Michael Guadagno, Bruce Wilson…10/26…Gary McDonald and Kim Rettenwander.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK TO FAB COUPLES……10/24…Susan & Gordon Keiser….Shirrel & Diane Brady Rhoades…..Claudia & Craig Pennington…10/25…June & Bill Hudson, Hilda & Ted Watson…

Love to YOU…and Remember…. …Hold a TRUE friend with both your hands and never let go!

Lynda