THE END OF AN ERA IN KEY WEST!!!!

MAY 10TH THRU MAY14TH, etc., 2012, in KEY WEST WITH LYNDA!!!!

I AM THANKFUL FOR LARRY HARVEY…..By now everyone in town must have heard that our beloved Larry Harvey, passed away on Wed., May 9. My heart aches knowing that we will never see him again….or hear him sing….or talk with him. He was a true Key West Legend, and he charmed everyone who was blessed to meet him. He was admitted to the hospital on Easter Sunday evening and from then on, he was on an up and down ride with his health. I am so glad I got to see him on Tuesday, although he was asleep and he never responded when I spoke to him. I visited with his partner, Alan Ferguson, in the next room, and Alan told me he thought Larry was going to be fine. But that was not to be! I thank God for Larry Harvey and the joy he brought to my life…..for the songs he sang and the stories he told….for his compassion, his zest for life, for his humor and most of all for his loving heart and joyful spirit. He was one-of-a-kind and I will miss him all the days of my life. It is truly the end of an era!

WE GIVE THANKS FOR FAST BUCK FREDDIE’S…..What a wonderful store it was! Key West’s own fabulous Department Store, owned and operated by the very dear and special, Tony Falcone, will soon be closing its doors. We are thankful for all the years of great shopping…..spectacular and unique store windows…..for the great cards in that hilarious back room….for the decorations at Christmas time….the amazing award-winning floats for Fantasy Fest….. the gold key after hours cocktail parties closed just for special customers……for contributing to so many causes in town with never a question…..for adding class to Duval St. and the endless array of T-shirt shops…..Can anyone else fill their shoes? Let’s hope someone will take it over and present Key West with another great Store! We love Fast Buck’s and hate to see it close…..but we are thankful for all the great memories we have of it. So sad to read the Citizen today!!!!

THE SPICE OF LIFE!!!!….There is a new store in town, called THE SPICE TEA EXCHANGE, located at 431 Front St., and owned by the charming Paulette & Gordon Callender! This shop gives “Smell the Aroma” a whole new delish meaning! We attended a Meet & Greet last night at the fabulous home of Jean Carper, and got to sample some of the delectables and there was a lot of oohing and aahing going on! Kai Story is the manager of the shop and he is very special indeed! Stop by and put some spice in your life!!!! Call 305-453-6894 for more info! Find out more information by going to the website at www.spiceandtea.com.

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR BILLY AND JIM….Billy Cartledge and Jim Hall recently flew down to Mobile, AL to pick up their new addition, Lola the darling, abused, dachshund. Billy was recently interviewed on TV (with Lola on his lap) and you can go to http://tablet.fox10tv.com/10032/41650391 to check it out. ( I am also including the link to read the human interest story on LOLA) Our own Billy & Jim have been chose, amongst hundreds of applicants, to adopt this sweet, innocent puppy. Please read what is on the link…and then scroll down to read about the challenge that Billy & Jim present to you in Key West! Thank you! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/05/thrown-from-a-third-story _n_story_1402602.htm1.

MYSTERY FEST CONTINUES!!!!…… The First Annual Key West Mystery Fest sponsored by The Waterfront Playhouse which began on May 4 and runs thru May 13th! It is 10 amazing days of fabulous events that began with the Premier of the Waterfront’s Mystery Play, HOME EXCHANGE, by HY CONRAD. Reservations for any of the remaining events are being taken NOW! Call 294-5015 or go to the website at www.waterfrontplayhouse.org or to www.keywestmysteryfest.com to find out details and make reservations! I just got off the website and bought tickets for just about every single night! These will be jam-packed fun nights…also very interesting….and unique…plus….SO reasonable! Please check out all of these events….and no doubt you will see Bob and me a LOT!!!!!

BOBBY IN THE LOBBY TIX ON SALE STARTING MAY 7TH FOR NEXT SEASON!!!!….. Sadly, this will be Bobby Nesbitt’s “Farewell Season” of his famous Bobby in the Lobby series. For all those who really want the BEST seats in the house, tickets go on sale on Monday, May 7th at 10 am when the box office at Tennessee Williams opens. Right now there are great tables left but you have to act fast!!!! The dates of Bobby’s shows next season are: January 6 and 7……and April 7 and 8!!!!! These will be unbelievable fabulous evening of unforgettable music and entertainment by the Master!!!!! So, on May 7th, go to www.keystix.com or call the box office at 296-1520 or 295-7676. The table seats are already selling out quickly!

COLUMBIAN GRACE RESTAURANT SPECIALS……Owner Zulma Segura is doing a 2 for 1 Happy Hour…best Sangria in town and Empanadas…also a special on three popular entrees….Mom’s Grouper Casserole, the Chicken, and Shrimp dinners… Tues. thru Sat. from 6 to 7 pm! Note: Zulma was the sweetheart who fell for the scam where “Bob was requesting money after being mugged in London”….She sent him $2,100 because she thought it was a true story and wanted to help. Please stop in and try out this super restaurant on Petronia St., between Blue Heaven and Santiago’s Bodega. Zulma needs your support!!!!

SHORT ATTENTION SPAN THEATRE AT RED BARN, MAY10-11,THIS WEEK!!!! This is the Barn’s final show of the season and we got to enjoy it on opening night. It was hilarious and some scenes will stick with you a long while after the show is over, and will make you giggle! This is a fast-paced high action eve of short 10 minute plays directed by Juliet Gray & Mike Marrero. All the shorts take place in and around Key West, which makes it especially appealing and personal……lots of inside jokes! All the actors are terrific and they give their all to their 10 minute skits! These actors are, Kyle Caskey, Denis Hyland, Erin McKenna, Carolyn Cooper, Annie Miners, Chad Newman, David Sloan, and Elizabeth Weinstock. Trust me, you will never get the visual of Chad and Erin in the opening vignette out of your head…and the words MEAT & POTATO take on a whole new meaning!!!! This show will run through May 12th. For tix go to 296-9911 or to the website at www.redbarntheatre.com. Located at 319 Duval St.!!!!

PUN OF THE DAY……A bicycle can’t stand on its own…because it is two tired!!!

SALE AT JEWELRY BAR NOW THRU MOTHER’S DAY, MAY 12……Mention you saw this ad, and you will get $20 off any regular purchase of $100 or more…..OR, $100 off a purchase of $500 or more! This gem of a shop is located at 510 Fleming St. Call 866-294-7588 for more info!

TOM OOSTERHOUDT & JENNA STOUFFER ON TV EVERY FRIDAY…..Tune in on May 4th to The Good Morning Florida Keys Show with Tom Oosterhoudt & Jenna Stauffer….Friday morning at 8:30 am…On Uverse, go to Channel 19 & on Comcast go to Channel 87! Grab your cup of coffee and enjoy your morning with Tom & Jenna!!!

AT THE TROPIC THRU MAY 10……NEW on May 4…..Disneynature CHIMPANZEE….THE SALT OF LIFE…..FOOTNOTES…..Held Over…..SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN…..JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI…..Going: last chance to see on Thurs…..THIN ICE….WANDERLUST….TITANIC IN 3D.

GRAND OPENING NIGHT of HOME EXCHANGE MAY 5TH….The grand premier of Hy Conrad’s HOME EXCHANGE, was on Saturday, May 5th! Complete with Klieg lights and a red carpet, the sold out audience loved this new mystery by playwright, Hy Conrad, producer & writer of MONK and WHITE COLLAR on TV. Directed by Bob Bowersox and starring Nicole Nurenberg, Joan O’Dowd, Michael Aaglan, and To Murtha, it was another marvelous evening of theater at The esteemed Waterfront Playhouse! The set design was by genius, Michael Boyer, who continues to work his magic for all Waterfront productions. This wonderful new show will run through May 25!!!!! You MUST put this on your MUST SEE list….It would be a real crime if you miss it!!!! Call 294-5015 or go to www.waterfrontplayhouse.org for tickets!!!

STEVE CALDERWOOD WINE LIST……If you want to get on Steve Calderwood’s Wine E-mail list go to winelizard@me.com and he will send you all his great info on all the Wine Events happening around town.

HAPPY MAY 10TH BIRTHDAY TO….ALAN MELNICK…GLEE HIGGINS…VICKI GORDON…JAN SCHMIDT…TOM LOWER…LAURA CHANESKI!!!

BOBBY NESBITT & SKIPPER AT SALUTE ON MAY 10……From 4:30 to 7:30 pm, it’s Bobby Nesbitt and Skipper Kripitz at Salute on the Beach…the place to be for Happy Hour in KW every Thursday evening! Great food, drinks, staff, music and with that beach and sunset to die for!

MONK NIGHT TONIGHT…. AT THE TROPIC CINEMA…MAY 10TH..at 7 PM….Meet Andy Breckman, creator of MONK, and hear how the Emmy-Award winning TV show came-to-be. $15 for members of the Waterfront or Tropic….or $20 for non-members…. includes reception and book signing. Tix can be bought by going to www.tropiccinema.com or by calling the Tropic or at the door. This should be wonderful, and a rare opportunity for film and mystery buffs.

LIVE MUSIC AT KOZ’S GREEN WORLD GALLERY ON MAY 10….Come to Koz’x Gallery at 712 B Duval St. at 7:30 pm, for an upbeat eve of guitar & vocals by Trop Rock, Scotty Bryan, with cheers & drinks provided…call 509-7167 for more info.

DEBRA & PATRICK AT LATEDA ON MAY 10,11,12….This dynamic duo appears in the By George Bar at 9 PM! Note that they will soon be leaving KW for the summer, heading for gigs hither and you…..Their last three nights at the DA will be on May 17, 18 & 19!!!!! We hate when they leave Key West, don’t we????

FOOD & WINE TASTING AT FAUSTO’S……MAY 10th from 4:30 to 6:00 PM……..New Wine Mgr. at Fausto’s, the fabulous Vicki Roush, is holding a food & wine tasting in the wine section at the Fleming store. (Thanks to Steve Calderwood for the info!)

IBIS BAY RESORT DIVE IN MOVIE….STARTS MAY 10….Movie maven, Michael Shields along with Chris Holland, owner of Ibis Bay Resort on Roosevelt, will be launching this movie program every Thursday starting on May 10 at sunset time, about 8:30 PM….There will be a Happy Hour before the screening to support a local cause or non profit. Free admission…cash bar….food to order….This Thursday, the film is THE SMALLEST SHOW ON EARTH, a 1957 comedy. We wish Michael only the very very BEST! (Thanks to Mark Howell for this info in Solares Hill!)

CARMEN & MICHAEL ON MAY 10….at Tavern ‘N Town in the Lounge from 5 to 9 PM!

WINE COTTAGE ON EATON OPEN ON THURS., MAY 10…..Dottie Harden’s Wine Cottage on Eaton invites all to visit her store on 930 Eaton St. tonight, from 6 to 98 PM! Wine will be served!

SCHOONER WHARF ON MAY 10…Noon to 5 pm, Michael McCloud…7 to 11 pm, Sam Ramos & Robert Douglas…9 to 1 am, the magic of Frank Everhart!

HAPPY MAY 11TH BIRTHDAY TO…LYNN SHERMAN…JANE GILBERT…LEE APPLEBAUM…

HAPPY MAY 11TH ANNIVERSARY TO…..DEBBIE ROTHSTEIN & TOM LAVENDER!!!

MYSTERY WRITER’S PANEL DISCUSSION…MAY 11….7 PM…Meet 6 Mystery Writers, Kate Collins, Sandra Balzo, Mike Dennis, Jonathan Woods, Hy Conrad, and Michael Haskins…. & hear about what it takes to be successful with this genre….It will be moderated by author Jeremiah Healy….at Westin KW Resort & Marina, 245 Front St…..Only $10 includes reception and book signing.

BOTTLECAP BENEFIT ON MAY 11…..From 5 to 8 pm…..all tips go to Habitat for Humanity’s Hard Hat s…celeb bartenders…raffle…delish food…games of chance…live music by Ray West!

AT SALUTE ON THE BEACH ON MAY 11….The duo band GREEN, performs at Salute from 4:30 to 6:30 pm…..It’s Steve Green and Skipper Kripitz entertaining!…..classic rock, blues, and folk…a nostalgic nod back to the 60’s and 70’s music…Sounds fun!!

MUSIC IN PARADISE AWARDS YOUNG MUSICIANS ON MAY 11…..This is the 2nd annual Awards Concert at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 800 Center St. at 7:00 PM, sponsored by MUSIC IN PARADISE. This new group intends to create increased awareness & venues for the extraordinary young talent in Key West. Audience…prepared yourselves for a breathtaking musical joyride. Our contestants will be competing for $750 in prize money. In addition to those competing, the Music in Paradise chamber ensemble, the Key West High School Chorus and the 2011 winners, Dominic Giardino, Natalie Herndon & Katie Roman will perform. Limited parking at the Church but ample parking on the corner of Angela & Simonton behind the fire station. $20 at the door….$10 for students with a student ID! ALL are invited to this wonderful musical event!

AT THE GARDENS ON MAY 11TH….A From 5 to 8 pm, join Michael Robinson in the Cabaret for piano music and song…..

RANDY ROBERTS LIVE! AT LATEDA ON MAY 11 & 12…..Randy presents his popular show at 9 pm in the Crystal Room….call 296-6706 for tix!!!!

MIKE EMERSON AT TAVERN ‘N TOWN ON MAY 11…..Entertainment is from 6 to 10 pm at this great Key West nightspot!

SCHOONER WHARF ON MAY 11 & 12…Noon to 5 pm, Michael McCloud…7 pm, until Midnight, THE PAUL COTTON BAND….9 to 1 am, the Magic of Frank Everhart!

AT THE TROPIC…MAY 11 THRU MAY 17….Coming on Fri., May 11….Damsels in Distress…Hunger Games…The Perfect Family///Staying…Chimpanzee…The Salt of Life….Going (last chance to see on Thursd…..Jiro Dreams of Sushi…Salmon Fishing in the Yemen…Footnote…Mirror Mirror.

HAPPY MAY 12TH BIRTHDAY TO…JOE PIZZO…SHIRLEY BLOCK…SUSANNE WOODS…CHUCK GILMORE…JIM YOUNG!!!

HOME EXCHANGE “TALK-BACK”..MAY 12… AT 8:00 PM…..After this performance, meet the author, director, designers, and actors from this show…moderated by Mark Howell, editor of Solares Hill ….Held at The Waterfront Playhouse….$40 includes the performance!!! 294-5015 or www.waterfrontplayhouse.org for tix!

BOBBY NESBITT AT TAVERN ‘N TOWN ON MAY 12……Piano and vocals by Bobby from 6 to 10 pm in the Lounge…..2 for 1 cocktails from 5 to 7 pm each night.

CATIE CURTIS AT TSKW ON MAY 12…..She has been dubbed a “folk-rock goddess” by The New Yorker…..Come and hear the great sounds at the Armory at 8 pm….$25 in advance and $30 the day of the show….Go to www.keystix.com for tix!!!

HAPPY MAY 13TH BIRTHDAY TO….BILLY CARTLEDGE…CARRIE BABICH!!!!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS, AUNTS, ETC. EVERYWHERE! LUCKY YOU IF YOU STILL HAVE YOUR MOM IN YOUR LIFE! I miss my precious Mother every single day!

MYSTERY SHORT STORY CONTEST BRUNCH…MAY 13….11 AM….at The Westin Resort, 245 Front St. The winners of the Key West Citizen’s Mystery Short Story Contest will be announced….Hosted by Mark Howell….$20 includes Brunch and Cash Bar. A fun way to enjoy Mother’s Day Breakfast!!!!!!

RESERVATIONS FOR ANY OR ALL OF THE FABULOUS MYSTERY FEST EVENTS ARE NOW TAKING PLACE!!! Go to the website at www.waterfrontplayhouse.org or to www.keywestmysteryfest.com for info, schedules, tickets, etc. Call 294-5015 for tix and details too!

ANIMAL FARM OPEN ON MAY 13….The Farm on Stock Island will be open from 1 to 3 pm…..ALL types of animals can be seen and enjoyed…..This is the only day in May the Farm will be open…FREE but donations are welcomed!

JAZZ IN THE GARDENS HOTEL…MAY 13TH……From 5:30 to 8 PM, it’s The Mike Emerson Trio performing for your pleasure! You will have a chance to win artist Stephen La Pierre’s original “Sign of Sandford” framed oil painting, painted in 2010 just before legendary artist, Sandford Birdsey died at her home on Simonton St. Only 120 tix will be sold at $25 each…all funds will benefit “Busting Breast Cancer”…also known as the National Breast Cancer Prevention Project.” Tix available on first come first serve basis…located at 526 Angela St. You can buy tix online at www.bustingbreastcancer.org or call 978-578-1546.

ROBIN KAPLAN’S FREE MUSIC ROOM CONCERT…MAY 13….Join Robin’s Music Room students for an eve of piano music by the great Russian composers…. Concert is called, THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING….featuring Kaplan’s to 11 students. 8 pm at Tennessee Williams Cabaret Theatre. All invited!

VIOLIN RECITAL…MAY 13….The student string orchestra of the KW Violin Studio presents its Spring Recital at 2 pm on Sunday at Unity Of the Keys Church, 10011 Virginia St….Free…children welcome….Students will perform classical music for violin, cello, and bass….Call 879-0560 for info.

MOTHER’S DAY TEA DANCE AT LATEDA ON MAY 13….This KW Tradition will be at 4 to 6 pm on May 13…”Queen for a Day” Tea Dance….Junior spins the records! BLACK & SKUBADDAH entertain at 9:00 pm, in the By George Bar!!!

ROCK SOLOMON AT PIER HOUSE ON MAY 13…..Rock will be the showcase performer at 9 pm at The Pier House, joining Larry Smith.

SCHOONER WHARF ON MAY 13….Noon to 5 pm, Michael McCloud….6:30 to 11 pm, Latin Calypso Party with Marty Stonely & George Victory…9 to 1 am, “Magic” by FE!

ROB DISTACI AT TAVERN ‘N TOWN ON MAY 13….from 5 to 10 pm in the Lounge!

ANNUAL QUEEN MOTHER PAGEANT…May 14….The 29th annual Queen Mother Pageant will be taking over Duval St. in front of Lateda on Monday May 14…doors open at 7 pm…Over-the –top Show starts at 8:00 PM….Table prices are $200,$300, & $500 that seat eight and must be reserved as they sell fast. Call 296-9741 to reserve. General tix at the door ar $25. Proceeds go to benefit both VNA & Hospice of the FLA Keys and One Human Family!!!! Call Beth at 294-4310, ex:13 for more info!

JAZ JAM AT PIER HOUSE ON MAY 14….At 9 pm, Tim McAlpine and Roger Van Zant join Larry Smith for Jazz in the Wine Galley! One Duval St.

SCHOONER WHARF ON MAY 14…..Noon to 5 pm, Raven Cooper & John Iko….7 to 11 pm, Dave Goodman & Steve Webb….9 to 1 am, the Magic of Frank Everhart!

POET READING/BOOK SIGNING ON MAY 15……Nepalese poet, Yuyutsu Sharma will be in Key West on Tues., May 15, for a poetry reading & book signing at the KW Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship Church at 801 Georgia St. at 7 pm. Free event!

KEY WEST BURLESQUE AT RED BARN OPENS MAY 16TH…..FINITO, is the title of the KW Burlesque Comedy Musical which opens May 16th at 8 PM at The Red Barn…. You can count on seeing scenes from Flashdance, your fave screen characters, icons, has beens…with legendary songs from the large & small scrrens….As usual tix will sell out fast…they are $20 to $35 and you can go to www.redbarntheatre.com or call 296-9911 for tix. This show runs thru June 2nd! Tix now on sale!!!!

DANCE CLASSES WITH LUCY & LEON…MAY & JUNE SCHEDULE:….Learn to dance with Lucy & Leon….Ongoing Salsa Lessons….Beginner at 7 pm and Experienced at 8 pm….3 new 8 week dance courses starting May 7 & 9… Monday, 8 to 9 pm, Beginner Tango….Wed., 7 to 8 pm, Beginner/Intermediate Salsa…Wed. 8 to 9 pm….Beginner Rumba…..Located at Paradise Health & Fitness Dance Studio at 1706 N. Roosevelt…Call 296-6348 to sign up. No partners needed!!!

JOSE MARTI WEEKEND….MAY 17-20…..This is a head’s up on this tribute weekend to Jose Marti, Cuba’s foremost patriot & poet…and a celebration of Cuba’s 1902 independence from Spain. These events will be held at the SAN CARLOS INSTITUTE, a non-profit Cuban heritage Center & Museum, where Marti launched the final drive for Cuba’s independence in 1892. Marti so loved the San Carlos, he called it “La Casa Cuba.” These are the events:

THURSDAY, MAY 17….FREE…..Showing of the WPBT award-winning documentary, JOSE MARTI:LEGACY OF FREEDOM at 8:00 PM….in the theater followed by a Q & A session with director Joe Cardona, & other experts. A fundraising reception will follow.

FRIDAY, MAY 18…… Tour of the San Carlos ….Free….historians & architects will explain the importance of the Institute….view the exhibits.

SATURDAY, MAY 19….1:00 PM….repeat showing of the documentary movie above. At 3:00 PM….Concert by the CORAL CUBANA, a 40 voice choir, tracing the history of Cuba thru its music….with special performance by renowned soprano, Virginia Alonso & violinist, Andres Trujillo. Cost is $10.

SUNDAY, MAY 20…..3 PM…..The Concert, JOSE MARTI: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE will be repeated: Adults $25, and Children, $10. At 5:00 PM…..Musical celebration of Cuban Independence Day by the 13 member band, Tradicion Caribe. Duval Street will rock to the best of Cuba’s music.

Note: They are Looking for Sponsors!! Please call the San Carlos at 294-3887 for details and information, For tickets to non-free events go to www.keystix.com or call 295-7676.

GORDON ROSS TIX NOW ON SALE….”Gordon Ross Returns to the Studios” on May 18….features Michael Robinson, Skipper Kripitz and guest stars Bobby Nesbitt & Vicki Roush. Go to www.keystix.com for tickets!

SERVICES, REVIEWS, AND MISC. INFO!!!!!

A REQUEST FROM BILLY CARTLEDGE & JIM HALL….Billy & Jim, as you know, were selected out of over 200 applicants to become the “adoptive parents” for puppy, LOLA, who miraculously survived being flung from a third story balcony. They fly to Mobile, AL on May 7th to pick her up. Anyway, they are putting out a challenge to ALL animal lovers to send a donation to www.saveastray.org. You can do this thru PayPal, etc. There will be a media blitz, and Billy & Jim would love for Key West to be well-represented in that blitz. Lola will be the “face for abused animals everywhere”…..To anyone who donated, Billy & Jim will personally make a donation to the charity of their choice….they would need the charity & address by Sunday, May 13. Contact them at 757-285-7544 or 757-285-7543 for further details and info on how you can help.

CONGRATS TO COLEEN FITZSIMMONS & HEATHER CARRUTHERS…..We are thankful for the arrival of baby Clare Saaren Carruthers-Fitzsimmons, who entered our world as a newborn Conch Princess, on May 2, 2012, at 6:07 pm….weighing in at 7 lbs.2oz., and 21 inches long! You can congratulate Coleen and Heather with cards, messages, etc. at 1218 Petronia St., Key West, FL 33040.

CLUE PARTY AT OUR HOME ON MAY 6……We hosted the first portion of the Progressive CLUE Party on Sunday…..Over 70 people attended this sold out party, and it was quite an event! Part of the first ever MYSTERY FEST in Key West, coinciding with the premier of the play, HOME EXCHANGE at The Waterfront Playhouse, it was absolutely delightful and refreshing. The guests, who appeared as various characters in the CLUE Game (Col. Mustard, Mrs. White, Miss Scarlet, Mrs’ Peacock, Prof. Plum, and Mr. Green), came from all over! I would say about 80% of those in attendance heard about this event on the Internet and headed for Key West especially to attend the events being held here. I met sensational people from Palm Beach, Clearwater, San Francisco, Atlanta, etc……From our Home (Oh yes….FYI, I was Mrs. Peacock & Bob was Prof. Plum!), we walked over to the home of MaryAnn Davis and her husband, Terry Shieman for a full course delish dinner…..and the evening ended at the home of Terri and Phil Wilson with after dinner drinks and desserts! Lots of hi-jinx prevailed as the evening progressed! One of the male guest, Billy who works at Bourbon St., ended up wearing the gown that Terri Wilson had on as Miss Scarlet….and Terri ended up in Billy’s outfit! Billy had everyone in stitches! Lots of new friends were made, and I would say the Mystery Fest in KW is a roaring success! Thanks to Jeff Johnson who put his heart and soul into planning this FEST…..to the hard work of all our hosts….plus Diane May who thinks of “everything”…..!!!!!

GOODBYE TO SCOTT HALL & RANDY DETRICK……We just heard that this great couple are departing Key West for Ft. Lauderdale. They will both be missed very very much! Hope Scott & Randy will come back to KW time and time again!

EMILY MAYNARD NEW BACHELORETTE ON TV…..Emily Maynard, the beautiful daughter of our former Key West neighbor, Susan Maynard, will be the new Bachelorette on TV starting on Monday, May 14. She was last seen as the gal chosen by a former Bachelor where everyone fell in love with her! Now she gets to be the Bachelorette who will get to choose her Knight in Shining Armor.

MATTHEW JAMPOL AT CAMILLE’S ON WEDNESDAYS……Camille’s Restaurant, at 1202 Simonton St., presents In Concert, classical Guitarist, Matthew Jampol each Wed. eve at 7:00 PM. Tickets for the concert are $30. Note that you can order cocktails, appetizers, and dinner…available during the concert….and ordered separately from Camille’s. Call 304-1437 for reservations.

ALSO AT CAMILLE’S……Note that with entrée orders for 2, you will have the choice of receiving a complimentary bottle of house wine……Martinis for 2….or 2 slices of Key Lime Pie!

UPDATE ON CLAIRE CARROLL’S ACTING SCHEDULE…..Just want you all to know, that the marvelously talented Claire Carroll, is a very busy little actress in the DC area! From June 14 to July 1 she is in a production of a new play called THE HOUSE HALFWAY at the Source Theatre, at 1835 14th St., NW, Washington, DC 20009. Play dates are June 14, 17, 22, 28 & July 1. Tix go on sale on May 15…only $10. If you are in the area make sure you go and see our Claire. Go to www.wourcedc.org or www.culturaldc.org for info.

CLAIRE’S ONE-WOMAN SHOW IN JULY…..Claire is presenting her originally written, 50 minute show, BEEF ENCOUNTER, as part of the Capital Fringe Festival. Go to www.beefencounter.com for more info. Performances are July 15, 17,19,25, and 26. This will be at Caos on F Street, 923 F St NW, Washington DC, 20004. Tix are $17 and go on sale on June 18th at www.capitalfringe.org.

CLAIRE STARS IN BIG LOVE…JULY 15 THRU AUG. 5……Claire will be in the Hub Theatre’s production of Charles Mee’s play BIG LOVE at the John Swayze Theatre, 9431 Silver King Court, Fairfax, VA 22031. Tix are $25 & are available thru www.thehubtheatre.org

WE WISH CLAIRE ONLY OUR VERY BEST….AND MISS HER HERE IN KEY WEST, SO VERY MUCH!

CONGRATS ARE IN ORDER….The movie ANY DAY NOW, recently won the “Audience Award for Best Narrative” at the TriBeca Film Festival in NYC! Folks, this is a BIG deal!!!! Produced, written & directed by Travis Fine, sone of Maxine Maekover from Key West, the film is about gay adoption, and stars Alan Cummings….with featured roles by Key West actors, Randy Roberts and Randy Thompson. In fact, I both Randys attended this gala event! Ran into Randy Roberts tonight at Antonia’s and he was ecstatic with the great recognition the movie received! He said it was “beyond fabulous!” Congrats also to investors, Anne O’Shea, Arlene Doty who were both also at the world premiere in NYC!

MARKY PIERSON’S ART SHOW AT ART SPACE….thru MAY 21…..Catch Marky’s great show at his fab new Gallery at 1102 Truman Ave. Go to www.artspacekeywest.com for details.

CAFÉ SOLE DAILY SPECIAL….Cafe Sole on Southard St. offers a 50% off regular menu and selected wines, from 5 to6:30 PM every day of the week!!!!! Thanks to Chef John Correa!!!!

CONGRATS TO CONNIE HURST….Aqua Idol winner, actress/artist, Connie Hurst, was one of only 23 pieces chosen from over 200 entries to appear in CULTURE MAGAZINE. The work shows the laid back attitude of the Keys along with the fierce independent nature of the Island. Beautiful 11 x 14 prints are on sale at Eaton Bikes on Southard St……Professionally matted and ready to frame for only $30. To view this wonderful piece go to: http://www.keysarts.com/your_visit/culture_mag.htm1#.T1p3DEcO74.facebook. (And don’t forget Connie’s fabulous Singing Telegrams, described below!!!!!)

LATEDA HAS LOCALS LUNCH MENU…..From Mon. thru Fri. from 11:30 to 3 pm, Lateda is serving an $8.50 super lunch menu, which includes iced tea & soda. 6 delish choices….just for YOU!

ART VIEWINGS IN YOUR HOME WITH SHAKTI ASSOULINE…THRU the end of MAY…..Local actress, who just starred in “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” and “August: Osage County” at the Waterfront Playhouse, is also a private viewing Art Dealer, and worked at this in London for 2 years. Now, back in KW, she offers you this charming service! She comes into your home with over 30 original paintings by established and up-and-coming International artists. You have a great time, looking at galleries of work in various media, abstract and traditional pieces… in the comfort of your home, making it easy to match and compliment your décor. You can go to www.8artists.com to see some of these paintings. Or you can call the lovely Shakti at 394-4772 for an appointment to “see it all!” Look for more info on Shakti in Conch Color!!!! Note that Shakti will be heading to NYC on May 31 where she is planning to move. So contact her now while you can!

THE BUZZZ ON TV……Catch Those fab BUZZZ Babes every Tues. at 4pm at beautiful locations…..On Feb. 21, they will host the show at The Galleon on Front St…Taping is at 4 pm and all are invited. Catch it every Sat. & Sun. at 6:30 pm & Mon. at 7 pm on WEYW, Ch 87 and AT&TU-Verse Ch. 19….The Babes are Pamela Childs and Rhonda Florence!!!! For taping locations & dates go to The BUZZZ In the Keys on Facebook or call 295-6629.

KEY WEST SINGING TELEGRAMS….Have a special occasion and you want something unique sent to that special someone? Birthday… Anniversary… Divorce… Promotion… bachelor/bachelorette… Milestone… or just for fun… Surprise & delight your family, or friend with a Singing Telegram! Choose from Queen Elizabeth, Charlie Chaplin, Voo-DooWanda…The Dude… Dominatrix…The Mail Lady… or Buxom Betty! Call Connie at 305-294-6813 for details and availability…..Rates start at only $75. By the way, I was recently at a fabulous party where Connie performed as Queen Elizabeth, and she was Fabulous! Everyone loved it! For something to make your party extra special Call CONNIE HURST!!!!!

JAZZ JAM AT THE GREEN PARROT….EVERY SUNDAY……This Jazz Jam will be from 1 to 4:30 pm, every Sunday during the season…..Musicians are Richard Crooks, Mike Emerson, and Tim McAlpine. You are asked to join in the jamming!

PRAYER CHAIN……Please continue to keep the following in your thoughts and prayers….Liz Kern…Larry Harvey…..Ruth Cahoon… Karla Domski….Merle Hohman….Lois Kline…Alan Ferguson….Ed Block……Des Paden… Margaret Taylor….Pat West…Perry Jones…John C…..Will Stephens…..Rob O’Neal….….Dan Cocco…… Lee Garrison…..Sharon Gillis….Marion DePiero…Mary Anne McGiven…..Brent Ramer….Richard Crooks…Carol Schenk….Stephen Elliott….Claire Carroll…. Jennifer O’Lear…Sally Lewis….Patrick Richards……two very dear special friends who choose to remain anonymous….Remember… Prayer changes things!!!! Let me know if anyone should be added to this list…a family member or a friend going through tough times…or for any reason for that matter….Sometimes we pray for thanksgiving for favors granted….. We really are all in this thing called ‘Life” together.

AT AQUA NIGHTCLUB THIS WEEK….. Dueling Bartenders is every Monday and it packs em in! Starts at 5:30 pm, and the Dueling Singers are Randy Thompson and either Gassy Winds or Goddess….in full drag! They are all super vocalists!!!! On Tuesdays it’s Aqua Idol at 6:30 PM!!! On Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, it’s Bobby Nesbitt!!!!! 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!!!!!!

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

$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!!!

Love to YOU……and Remember….Cry with someone….it’s more healing than crying alone!

Lynda