THANKFUL ON THURSDAY, 3/24

                                THURSDAY, MARCH  24^th,  2011, in KEY WEST WITH LYNDA!!!!

PRAYER CHAIN…                                            Please keep the following in your special thoughts and prayers…….Stephen Elliott….Rose Lopez….Cheri Hills….Claire Carroll…..Jennifer O’Lear……Nancy Robinson….Sally Lewis…. …..Vanessa McCaffrey……Richard Crooks…Richard Stephens… Lottie Domski….My entire family dealing with the loss of my brother Fred Stevens on 2/16.  Also, say some extra prayers for all those thousands of people who lost their lives in the earthquake in Japan, and their families.  We are all in this together….and ARE One Human Family!

NANCY NELSON IS THANKFUL ON THURSDAY…         “On Sat., March 19^th, our son, Eric wed our new beautiful daughter-in-law, Marianne.  The venue was absolutely lovely.  The ceremony and reception was at the Audubon House & Garden.  The super full moon shone down on everyone and it was magical!  Sunday morning, March 20^th, enjoying friends and family at our home, our son Dan and his wife of 4 months, Erin, came over and presented us with an ultrasound picture of our first grandchild!!!!  We are floating!  Our sweet baby is due October 20^th.  The last of our guest, including my 94 year old mother, left the island this morning.  We are overwhelmed with thankfulness!”

TAVERN ‘N TOWN….3/24…                    …. appearing in the Lounge at Beachside Marriott, from 5  to 9 pm, it’s Gordy Michael and Carmen Rodriguez…..2 for 1 cocktails  from 5 to 7 pm…..Great staff, beautiful setting, and 15% off for Locals with an ID.  There is a special Tapas Menu on Tuesday and Thursday evening only.

CONGRATS TO JEAN OLSON!              There was a huge crowd to be at the book signing of Jean Olson’s wonderful book at Square One on Tuesday evening.  Jean was overwhelmed by the many people who came by to buy her new adorable book!  It was a continuously active group who came through.  Jean, you wrote a super little book!  Congratulations!

SCHOONER WHARF, MARCH  24….….                                            From Noon until 5 PM, it’s Michael McCloud….From 7 to 11 PM, it’s SKRAELING performing…….From 9 to 1 AM, it’s the Magic of Frank Everhart!

AT LATEDA ON MARCH  24…..                               It’s Randy Roberts LIVE! Tonight at 9 pm in the Crystal Room!  Call 296-6706 for tickets!  Randy just presented a FAB show at Tennessee Williams….one of the best of the year!!!!!  Downstairs, at 8:30 in the By George Bar, it’s Debra & Patrick!  Hope you got to stop in and listen to Dave Bootle & Patrick Lawler last night!                              

‘DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS’ TIX… AVAILABLE FOR ALL SHOWS….          You only have 3 days left to see  this fabulous and hilarious musical, directed by Danny Weathers and starring, Michael Mulligan, Eric Cole, Kristen Michelle, JB McLendon, Gayla Morgan, Traci Reynolds, plus David Black, Joe McMurray, Marc Crow, Jessica Miano, Maggie Meier, Amy Ray, Carolyn Cooper, Rhett Kalman, with musical director, Michael Fauss….the most amazing set designs by Michael Boye.    This is a MUST SEE!!!!  Everyone in the cast knocks it out of the park every single night!   Call 294-5015 or purchase online at www.waterfrontplayhouse.org.  Note that Fri. is date Night special which is 2 tix for $70, a $20 savings.  Come ready to laugh your sox off!  The show runs only thru Saturday until March 26^th.  Get your Tix NOW!!!!  Great seats remain available for all nights!

THE IMPROVABLES ANNOUNCE COMEDY CRUISE…MARCH 26^th..                              The hilarious Improvables begin a Sat. Night Comedy Cruise every Sat. eve ….All are invited aboard The Party Cat for a special 2 hr. Comedy Cruise…Tix are $35…$25 with a locals ID…and includes free draft beer, soft drinks, light appetizers, comedy show, DJ, Dancing and F-U-N and Laughs!  It departs from 201 William St. at 8:30 PM every Sat…check in time is 8 PM…space is limited.  Call 296-2554  for reservations.

“BECKY’S NEW CAR”, AT THE RED BARN…Wed. thru Sat. each week….                 This hit comedy, directed by Joy Hawkins, stars Maribeth Graham, Mook J, Douglas Shook, Erin McKenna, Kyle Caskey, and Justin Ahearn.  This show is at 8 PM and runs through April 9^th.  For tix go to www.redbarntheatre.com or call 296-9911.  We saw this super show and it is marvelous!  The acting is ALL terrific, but it is Maribeth Graham’s show all the way….She is such a breath of fresh air, charming as all get out, and you cannot help but love her to pieces!  Congrats to The Red Barn on another super production!

MARY ELLEN LAPP GIVES THANKS….             “Here’s what I am thankful for…..Perennial blue skies and sunshine that creates an array of color not seen in northern climates….and the eyesight to appreciate it!  Feel great in color!”

D’VINE WINE GALLERY OPEN MARCH -24 thru 27….….                            …at The Gardens Hotel at 526 Angela St…..5 to 10 pm, Wed. thru Sunday each week!  Jazz Night is Sunday, March 27^th.  Cabaret Night is on Thurs., March 24^th.

‘REASONS TO BE PRETTY’ AT RED BARN ON MARCH 21^st and 22^nd….…            This play, written by Neil LaBute & directed by Carole MacCartee, opend on Sun., March 20 at 8 pm at the Red Barn.  It runs Sun., Mon., & Tues. through April 5^th.  Starring 4 great actors, Brandon Beach, Shakti Assouline, Amber McDonald Good, and John Good, this play is about the decisions of youth, and makes a case for what you believe , being yourself and being brave when confronting hard choices…and will challenge you to be a part of the world and not merely an onlooker!  Sounds like another winner for The Red Barn Theatre.  Call 296-9911 for reservations or go to www.redbarntheatre.com.

CONGRATS TO JUDITH & STANLEY ZABAR….               This is one amazing couple!  As they give, give & give to all the arts in Key West, they are fabulous artists in their own right!  Hope you got to see their wonderful art exhibit at the Cocco & Salem Imagine Art Gallery during this past month.  Unique and special it was….just like Judy and Stanley!  Sensational! 

HELP KEY WEST HIGH SCHOOL WITH OPERATION GRADUATION….                The community is planning the events of Operation Graduation for the senior class…an all night event providing a safe, alcohol & drug free celebration….a night of music, dancing, movies, games, fun and food. Everyone is asked to help, as it takes a great effort to make this happen.  Donations can be sent to Key West High School….Attention of Leslie Holmes….at 2100 Flagler Ave…..Key West, FL 33040. Contact Leslie at 293-1549, ex:54434, or e-mail her at leslie.holmes@keysschools.com.   Thanks for your help & caring!

JOSEPH LOWE PERFORMS FREE CONCERT AT ST. PAUL’S 3/21 TO 3/25…              This concert is presented from Noon until 1:00 PM, every day during the week only.  FREE!!!!

LINDA & FRED GREENBERG GIVE THANKS…                         Linda sent word that “I want to share the happy news that we have a new granddaughter!  Josie Ann was born on March 23, weighing in at 7 lbs. 12oz.  We are thrilled and very thankful for our beautiful grandchild!”  Congratulations!  What a lucky baby to have Linda and Fred as grandparents!

SUZANNE MOORE AT SLOPPY JOE’S, THURS., MARCH 24^TH…              Irish /rock singer, Suzanne Moore appears at Sloppy’s at noon on Thursday.

DAVE BOOTLE AT AQUA ON MARCH 24^TH…                   Dave will be performing from 5 to 7:30 PM at Aqua Nightclub!  He rocks!!!!

ART RECEPTION AT,  ART @ 830 on MARCH 24^TH….                           Glass artist, Karumi Ishikawa Conley, will make her KW debut at Art @ 830 Fleming St.  Her creations will be displayed and they are very unique and amazing.  Reception is from 5:30 to 8:30 PM on Thurs., 3/24.  All invited.

TASTERS GUILD….MARCH 24 AT 6 PM…                   This group meets at the Strip House ….tasting Rhone wines around the world….$25 for members, $30 for non-members…Call 292-4004 for info!

CUBAN EXPO EVENT AT THE TROPICAL GARDENS…MARCH 24^TH…            There will be a Cuban cooking demo at the Trop. Forest & Botanic Gardens at 6 PM.  Cost is $10 for non members & $5 for members.  Call 296-1504 for info.  Usually a sellout so sign up now!

BABY T AT THE BULL ON MARCH 24^TH….             This spitfire performs to the hilt from 10 pm until 2 am at The Bull and Whistle on Duval St!

FISH FRY AT ST. MARY’S EVERY FRIDAY….MARCH 25^TH…                         The St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus serve this amazing all you can eat fish fry every Fri. during Lent and ALL are invited!  Meal includes, fried or baked fish, fries, black beans & rice, cole slaw, Cuban bread, soft drinks, dessert, tea and water…for ONLY $10 adults & Kids $5.  Conch Fritters are available for $2 more… Time is 5 to 8 PM….All proceeds go to help the School!

BALBUENA BIRTHDAY BASH AT BOTTLECAP…MARCH 25….            Everyone is invited to join Frank & Sandy Balbuena as they “Pay it Forward”….5 to 8 pm…at the BottleCap, 1128 Simonton St…Live music, silent auction, wheel of fortune, mystery bartenders, tips donated to the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys.  Enjoy “mini bites” where for a $3 donation patrons can sample delish food from some of Frank & Sandy’s fave local restaurants.  Have fun, for a good cause!

BLACK & SKABUDDAH AT CONCH REPUBLIC SEAFOOD 3/ 24 & 3/25…                 This duo will be entertaining from 6 to 10 PM at Conch Repub. Seafood Co. on Greene St.

THE CALLAWAY SISTERS ARE BACK….MARCH 25^TH…         The fabulous, Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway, will be presenting songs from the Boomer Generation…called, ‘BOOM…the CONCERT.’  8 pm at Tennessee Williams Theatre…call 295-7676 or go to www.keystix.com for reservations.  This is a MUST see!

LARRY SMITH AT THE PIER HOUSE….3/25 & 26 & 27….…           Larry is at the piano at 7 pm in the Wine Galley…jazz and pop standards and all welcome to sing along with Larry.  Sunday Showcase performer at 9 PM is award winning singer/songwriter, Adrienne

EQUALITY FLORIDA INVITES YOU…MARCH 26^TH….             All are invited to attend the 2011 Key West Gala for Equality Florida, at the beautiful Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St. from 5:30 to 8 pm.  There will be drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and exciting speeches…plus Rudy Molinet and Judge David Audlin will be honored.  There is no charge, but donations are accepted and encouraged.  Come to show your support!  RSVP by going to www.eqfl.org/keywestgala. 

ANNUAL FLORIDA KEYS OCEAN FESTIVAL…MARCH 26^TH…               This fab event for the Whole Family, is the 2nd Mote Marine Ocean Festival….at The Eco-Discovery Center at the Truman Waterfront…Sat., March 26, from Noon to 6 pm.  For info go to www.keysoceanfest.org or call Roberta DePiero at 305-292-7963.  There will be a fishing clinic for kids, and 50 rod & reel giveaways…ocean info, games, arts & crafts…etc….A benefit for Mote Marine in the Florida Keys!!!!!

HOT HAVANA NIGHTS PARTY ON MARCH 26^TH…                   Buy tix now!  This is a benefit for the KW Tropical Forest & Botanic Garden…celebrating the Cuban Cultural Expo!  Sat., March 26….special VIP dinner & Tropicana Show, from 6 to 7:30 pm.  VIP tix are $75 per person!  From 7 to 11 pm, salsa to the sounds of Hot Havana Soul…cigar lounge…live & silent auctions….General admission tix are $20 in advance & $25 at the door…includes 7 to 11 pm segment, only…cash bar.  Call 296-1504 for tix or go to www.kwbgs.org.

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH BAZAAR…MARCH 26^TH…                    …from 9 am to 5 pm….In the Parish Hall on Bahama St. behind the Church…Includes Picadillo Lunch from 11 am to 3 pm…Bake sale, Chinese @ Silent Auction, sale of household, jewelry, arts & crafts, small furniture, antiques.  To donate, call the church at 296-5142.  All welcome!

LIBBY AND GORDY AT CAFÉ SOLE…MARCH 27^TH…                   This great duo performs from     noon until 2 pm at Café Sole for Brunch.  Call 294-0230 to reserve.

WOMANKIND EVENT…USE IT OR LOSE IT…..SPEAKER JEAN CARPER…MARCH 27…          Author and Nutrition expert, Jean Carper will discuss her latest book, “100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer’s & Age-Related Memory Loss.”  Time is 2 until 3:30 PM at the Echo discovery Center at the Truman Waterfront.  Suggested donation Is $10.  This is part of WomanKind’s educational series.  For info call 294-4004.  All invited.

WATERFRONT BENEFIT DINNER…COOKING WITH THE IRON CHEFS….March 27…         At the  gorgeous home of Terri & Phil Wilson, 64 Front St…..Iron Chefs will reveal their fab cooking secrets….Gourmet food…wear aprons…learn from the pros!  Prizes given for most creative aprons…only 50 openings….$50 per person….7 to 10 pm….go to www.waterfrontplayhouse.org or call 294-5015 to sign up for this yummy event!

ALL INVITED TO TENNESSEE WILLIAMS’ RECEPTION MARCH 27^TH…                      A reception honoring the 100^th birthday of famed author & playwright, TENNESSEE WILLIAMS & his life in KW, will be held at Fort East Martello at 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd, on Sun. 3/27 from 5 to 7 pm.  An exhibit of paintings of his Key West home done by artists during the Artist’s Challenge will be on display.  The winners of the Poetry contest will be announced & awards will be presented.  There will be an open bar and light refreshments.  Cost is only $10.  KWArt & Historical members are Free.  For more info call Dennis Beaver at 294-3121, or go online to www.kwahs.com.  ALL Invited to attend.  It is time we honored Tennessee Williams very especially….he resided in Key West much longer than Ernest Hemingway.  Maybe a Tennessee Williams look-alike contest is in the offing?????

COMMUNITY DAY OF PRAYER FOR AIDS HELP….MARCH 27^TH…                           The Interfaith Ministerial Alliance (IMA) is sponsoring a Day of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 300 Center St., at 4 PM.   Guest speaker is Dr. Jerome Covington who specializes in infectious disease.  All proceeds go to AIDS Help, Monroe County.  For info call 296-6196 or 797-0942.

SUNDAY JAZZ JAM AT THE GREEN PARROT, MARCH 27….           At 1:00 PM musicians, Richard Crooks, Mike Emerson and Tim McAlpine will be jammin’…All welcome to join in too…and all that jazz!

JIMMY OLSON ENTERTAINS AT SQUARE ONE….3/27 & 28…                     Jimmy will be at the piano from 6 to 9 pm at Square One Restaurant….playing all your fave tunes….All singers are invited to sing while Jimmy plays!  Just let him know!

PARADISE BIG BAND ON MARCH 27^TH…                  On Sun., 3/27, the Paradise Big Band presents their Ladies of Swing Concert on the Cabaret stage at Tenn. Wms. Theatre….8 pm….Singers are Maj Johnson, Michelle Dravis, Joy Hawkins, Camille Toller,  Melody Cooper, and Suzanne Gaglliardini.  Get tix at www.keystix.com or call 295-7676 for reservations!

NANCY 3 HOFFMAN AT TENNESSEE WILLIAMS ON MARCH 30^TH…             This is Nancy 3’s Third and is aptly called, ‘Three Times Three’…It will contain humor, international songs, show tunes, songs about the #3, etc.  Nancy will have 3 fab musicians with her, Michael Fauss, Dave Parker and Joe Dallas.  Just know the number THREE will loom heavily in the show!  Special guest is Eric Dean Davis of New York’s Naked Boys Singing, & the NY Choral Society.  Call 295-7676 or go to www.keystix.com for tickets….only $15 & $20.

GLCC ANNUAL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MTS. ON MARCH 30^TH…              ALL welcome….time to cast your votes and re-up your membership!  6 pm at the GLCC, 513 Truman Ave.  Refreshments and music…your input is important.

APRIL FOOL’S ENCORE AT THE STUDIOS, 4/1….            This show features Ben Harrison, Paulie Walterson, Larry Smith, & Erin Elkins….benefit for the Studios, 600 White St….Reception after at a private home….8 pm…$25 in advance and $30 the day of show.  Ben will introduce his new album, AIR SUNSHINE, a nostalgic look at how things ‘used’ to be in our world!  Part of the old town new folk series at The Studios!

LAURIE  BREAKWELL SHOW ON APRIL 1^ST…                I hear tix are selling out fast for Laurie’s  1^st concert on April 1 at the Tennessee Williams Cabaret Theatre…The show, entitled, ‘Cleavage in the Night-Laurie Breakwell Exposed’ will feature her 3 man back-up group of Marc Crow, Nathan Gay and James Carter….David Troy Francis is the musical director/pianist, plus Dave Parker on drums, and Joe Dallas, bass.  There are two shows, at 8 PM and 10 PM.  Go to www.keystix.com or call 295-7676 for reservations!

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY NEWS…..                     Dan Metzler  sends word that the Habitat for Humanity ReStore will pick up donations of furniture, appliances and clothing.  Call 872-2883 to schedule a pickup.  ALSO…Habitat is hosting an April Fools party aboard the INGRAM at the Truman Waterfront, on 4/1…Cocktails, hors’d’oeuvres, tour of the ship…starting at 6 to 8 pm.  RSVP to 294-9006 or to opsdirector@habitatlowerkeys.org (Susan Miller).  This is not an April Fool’s joke…there really will be a party!  All invited!

DONATE TO JAPANESE DISASTER RELIEF FUND….INFO…               Send monetary donations to Airline Ambassadors International, 1020 16^th St., Suite #603, NW Washington, DC 20036.  For more info go to www.airlineamb.org or call 202-466-3428.  Thanks!

LARRY HARVEY’S 90^TH BIRTHDAY ON APRIL 6^TH….                    Please plan to attend Key West’s most beloved LARRY HARVEY’S 90^th birthday celebration at Aqua Nightclub, from 5 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 6^th!  Entertainment will be by the always superb Bobby Nesbitt and various KW entertainers.  Cake and Hors d’Oeurves will be served!  Circle that day on your calendar!  Let’s all be there to show Larry how much we love him!  Larry is a true Key West Treasure and a Legend in his own time!

HOWARD LIVINGSTON & BAND PERFORM AT THE SAN CARLOS, APRIL 12^TH….           Howie and the Mile Marker 24 Band will be doing a gala benefit performance for the Waterfront Playhouse on April 12^th at 8 pm at The San Carlos Institute!  He has LOTS of new songs planned, and if you have never seen him….this is a MUST!  He lights up every stage and every room!  Go to www.waterfrontplayhouse.org or call 294-5015 for tickets.  One night only!!!!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TASTE OF KEY WEST, APRIL 18^TH…                          This event which benefits AIDS Help needs volunteers to help on 4/18.  All volunteers receive a free 2011 T-Shirt…Volunteer meeting with instructions, will be held on April 14^th at St. Paul’s Parish Hall, at 401 Duval St . at 6 pm.  Call Terry Paulson at 293-3666 to sign up or for more info!

Love to YOU…and Remember…                    If you are interested, you never have to look for new interests.  They come to you.  When you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else.

Lynda