WILD, WACKY & WET IN KEY WEST!!!

APRIL 22ND thru APRIL 25TH, etc., 2012, in KEY WEST WITH LYNDA!

HAPPY EARTH DAY BIRTHDAY, APRIL 22 TO…..JACOB GELT DEKKER…JACK AGNEW…TED WATSON … REGGIE JENKINS…AND ….BETH RANSON!!!

HOW BOUT THAT RAIN?….Saturday was one of those rare non-sunny days in Key West! Unreal! But in Key West, we don’t let a “little rain” dampen our spirits, do we? Nah!!!!!

CARMEN RODRIGUEZ AT SAN CARLOS ON APRIL 21……A miracle happened and the rains stopped just in time for Carmen’s show at the San Carlos! .This amazing gorgeous, talented, and stupendous Conch, put on the classiest show of the season! The adoring audience loved every single moment as Carmen presented the songs of Burt Bacharach, in a show called “The Look Of Love.” It was a wonderful evening of musical entertainment, and it was pure CLASS! Carmen did Bacharach songs proud….every one was amazing…..I especially loved A House Is Not A Home….. One Less Bell to Answer….and Ninety nine Miles to LA…..but every single song was a gift and fabulously presented by the Grand Dame of Song in Key West!!!!! Great musicians accompanied…Michael Thomas, Joe Dallas, and how great was it to have Bobby Nesbitt and Danny Weathers sing with her! It was a WOW evening! Thanks to Neal Ruchman for the after party at The Gardens!!!! It was truly a night to remember!!!!!

THE KEY WEST POPS…….I join everyone in town who was saddened with the news that Maestro Vincent Zito, along with the Board, has decided to discontinue operation of the marvelous Key West POPS! A huge thank you to Vincent who has gifted Key West with wonderful shows through all these many years…..It will take us all a long time to comprehend that the POPS is no more but a memory to savor and cherish. We love you Vincent and say BRAVO!!!! BRAVO!!!!!

FORKS OVER KNIVES AT TROPIC ON APRIL 22…..This screening of the movie, FORKS OVER KNIVES will be at the Tropic Cinema on Eaton St. at 11 am…There will be a panel of experts to discuss the movie….$10 donation goes to benefit the Bahama Village Community Garden.

KCA CENTER ACADEMY FOR GIRLS BRUNCH BENEFIT ON APRIL 22….This brunch is at Café Sole from 11 am to 2 pm….a 3 course meal, free flowing champagne….$50 per person…Call 294-0230 to reserve!

CAFÉ SOLE DAILY SPECIALS…..50% off the Regular menu and select wines from 5 to 6:30 pm every day!

ANIMAL FARM OPEN ON APRIL 22…..From 1 to 3 pm, all are invited to visit the Animal Farm on Stock Island….Free but donations are accepted to help with the care of the animals!

FREE SHARK MOVIES ON APRIL 22…..Starting at 1 pm thru 6 pm, there will be a series of 5 Shark movies at Eco Discovery Center at the Truman Waterfront…..Each one starts on the hour! Free!

VICKI ROUSH AT PIER HOUSE ON APRIL 22…..The always super fantastic Vicki Roush will be the Showcase entertainer at the Pier House at 9 PM on Sunday…..This is a rare appearance by this dynamic KW entertainer gifted with that great voice, humor, and personality! Hope to see you there!

EARTH DAY TEA DANCE AT LATEDA…APRIL 22…..All invited to the themed Earth Day Tea Dance at the DA at 4 to 6 pm! At 9 pm, it’s Dave Bootle in the By George Bar!

JAZZ IN THE GARDENS ON APRIL 22…..From 5:30 to 8 PM, it’s LUSH-US performing, with Skipper Kripitz, Mike Oakland, and Marty Stonely….Always a blast at this Key West Oasis!!!

BLUE HEAVEN EARTH DAY EVENT ON APRIL 22…..at 5:30 PM…..For more info go to www.keywestcity.com. At Blue Heaven, 729 Thomas St.

SCHOONER WHARF ON APRIL 22….noon to 5 pm, Michael McCloud & Friends…also the Conch Cruiser Car Show…From 6:30 to 11 pm, it’s The Doerfels….9 to 1 am it’s the magic of Frank Everhart!

AT THE TROPIC CINEMA, 416 EATON ST., TILL APRIL 26…..Thin Ice….In Darkness…Wanderlust…Rampart….Detachment…. Salmon Fishing in the Yemen!!!! Call 877-761-3456 for times.

HAPPY APRIL 23RD BIRTHDAY TO…..TONY KONRATH!!!!!

TASTE OF KEY WEST ON APRIL 23……Scores of area restaurants present mouth watering samples of their cuisine to benefit AIDS Help! At The Truman Waterfront….6 to 9 pm…..Ticket booths open at 5 pm….you can buy food and wine coupons…..Admission is Free…but food & wine tix cost $1 each…most “tastes” cost $3 to $8. Advance coupons can be bought at various places in town so you do not have to stand in line. Call 296-6196 for more info.

DAVE BOOTLE AT LATEDA ON APRIL 23…..Dave rocks at 8:30 pm at Lateda in the By George Bar!!!

CONCH REPUBLIC ANNIVERSARY & SECESSION REENACTMENT ON APRIL 23…..A reenactment with most of the original people takes place right where it did in 1982. In addition to the reenactment, there will be a Founder’s Reception in the KW Sculpture Garden with hors d’oeuvres from El Meson de Pepe… a slice of the world famous 7 ft. Key Lime Pie for the first 1,000 partakers….Music by Caribe and cash bar! Lots of surprises for all in attendance!!!!

SCHOONER WHARF ON APRIL 23….Noon to 5 pm, it’s Raven Cooper & Bubba LowNotes…..7 to 11 pm, it’s The Real Malloys….9 to 1 am, it’s Magic by Frank Everhart!

HAPPY APRIL 24TH BIRTHDAY TO…..ELENA DEVER….MARGARET CLERICO….

HAPPY 4/24 ANNIVERSARY TO….KAT KLINGERMAN ANDN JEAN COLTON!

3RD ANNUAL PET STROLL ON APRIL 24…..This Pet Stroll benefits the Xena Fund which assists KW pet owners with financial needs….. The fun starts with registry $10….starting at 5 pm….at the Mel Fisher Museum on Front St. From there a Pet Stroll starts along Greene St. to the Conch Republic Seafood Co. where prizes will be awarded in various categories. For more info call 432-0494.

AQUA IDOL FOR THE BUSINESS GUILD….APRIL 24…..Stop in at 6:30 PM to see and hear the great contestants vying for the Aqua Idol prize……Randy Thompson is the emcee….three hilarious judges, and great vocalists competing for a good cause……Be there!

SHORT ATTENTION SPAN THEATRE OPENS AT RED BARN ON APRIL 24…..This is the Barn’s final show of the season, and opening night is April 24…..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. Starring are Kyle Caskey, Denis Hyland, Erin McKenna, Carolyn Cooper, Annie Miners, Chad Newman, David Sloan, and Elizabeth Weinstock. 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.!!!!

REEF RELIEF BENEFIT ON APRIL 24….From 5 to 8 pm….Happy Hour benefit at Lazy Gecko for Reef Relief’s Marine Park Program & Coral Camp…..2003 Duval St.

RANDY ROBERTS LIVE! AT LATEDA ON APRIL 24…..It’s Randy at 9 pm in the Crystal Room…Call 296-6706 for tickets. Dave Bootle is in the By George Bar at 8:30 PM!!! He is also there on April 25!

SCHOONER WHARF ON APRIL 24…..Noon to 5 pm, Michael McCloud…..7 to 11 pm, Raven Cooper …9 PM….Captain’s Mtg. for the Bloody Battle on upper deck…9 to 1 am, the magic of Frank E.

HAPPY APRIL 25TH BIRTHDAY TO…GORDON MACKEY….RICHARD KLITNECK….

HAPPY 4/25 ANNIVERSARY TO….CONNIE & MIKE CYR!!!!

BOBBY NESBITT BACK AT AQUA ON APRIL 25……Bobby is back from a fab gig in NYC where he was received with great aplomb…..5:30 to 7:30 PM…..He plays the songs you love to hear and sings them even better!

CROSSANTS DE FRANCE WINE DINNER, APRIL 25…..This restaurant on Duval is having a wine dinner with Nicole Garcia of Selected Wines. Great wine and food pairing by Chef Bruno. Only $45 in advance….$55 at the door. Call 294-2624 for reservations! Time is 6:30 PM!!!!!

SCHOONER WHARF ON APRIL25…..Noon to 5 pm, Michael McCloud….7 to 11 pm, Gary Hempsey & Will Hoppey….9 to 1 am, the Magic of Frank Everhart.

PUN OF THE DAY…Every calendar’s days are numbered!!!!!

MYSTERY SHORT STORY CONTEST…As part of the inaugural KW Mystery Fest, at the Waterfront Playhouse, we are excited to announce a Mystery Short Story Contest. Entries must be submitted by May 4 & winners will be announced at a Brunch on Sun., May 13 at the Westin KW Resort. Judges are Hy Conrad, writer/producer of ‘MONK’ and ‘WHITE COLLAR’ and Jonathan Woods, author of ‘BAD JUJU & OTHER TALES OF MADNESS & MAYHEM’ and ‘A DEATH IN MEXICO.’ Go the www.waterfrontplayhouse.org for complete information about this sure to be fabulous event!!!!!

HAPPY APRIL 26TH BIRTHDAY TO….MEGAN BEHMKE…MARKY PIERSON….KENNE TUCKER….JEFFREY KATZ….ROSEMARY ENRIGHT…BARBARA GROB!!!

ROCKER, CAPT. JOSH AT KOZ’S GREEN WORLD GALLERY ON APRIL 26…..ALL are invited to a live music event Happening at Koz’s Green World Gallery at 71 Duval St., at 7:30 PM…..Enjoy the acoustic guitar & vocals by Trop Rock star, Capt. Josh….drinks and snacks provided…tell your friends…..FREE… Call248-229-9870 for more info.

BOBBY & SKIPPER AT SALUTE ON APRIL 26…..This super duper duo of Bobby Nesbitt and Skipper Kripitz, is back on the scene at Salute on the Beach, 4:30 to 7:30 PM! Just can’t beat the music, food, drinks, fans, the beach and that sunset….WOW!!!!!

CONCH REPUBLIC LONGEST PARADE…APRIL 25….7 PM…”Green” Berets at the Conch Republic Longest Parade!!!!

SCHOONER WHARF ON APRIL 26…Noon to 5 pm, Michael McCloud…8:30 to Midnight, HOWARD LIVINGSTON & THE MM 24 BAND……8:30 PM, Post Parade Party Awards….8:30 PM….9 to 1 am, the Magic of Frank Everhart!!!

FUTURE EVENTS COMING TO TOWN…

BENEFIT FOR SAN CARLOS INSTITUTE ON APRIL 27….This is an evening of Wine & Local Art….5:30 to 9 pm….$25 per person…tix at San Carlos, 516 Duval St. Event is from Noon to 4:00 PM!

GOODBYE GATHERING FOR ERIC COLE & JOE MCMURRAY ON APRIL 28…. You are ALL invited to attend this impromptu going away bash at Louie’s BackYard afterdeck on Waddell…..at 7:30 PM…..They will soon be trailing off to Kansas…..be there to wish them well and all that jazz! They will be sorely missed in Key West!!!!

KEY WEST AUTHORS’ BOOK FAIR…..APRIL 28….Noon to 4 pm…hosted by SeaStory Press…in the Garden of the Key West Oldest House at 322 Duval St. Free to attend….Activities are Book signings by authors, readings, free mimosas and pastry, and brilliant literary conversation!

ATTENTION AUTHORS….REGISTER BY APRIL 26….Rent tables for $25, to sell your books on….Call Sheri Lohr for information and details at 296-5762.

HAMMERHEAD SURF SHOP GRAND OPENING….APRIL 28…..Sunset Watersports announces the grand opening of their newest store, Hammerhead Surf shop at 201 William St. on the Waterfrong Boardwalk….specializing in high end apparel and accessories, and long boards. Many are calling this store “the gem of the Key West Bight.” The shop will be offering a buy one & get one %0% off any item of equal or lesser value on every item in the store every day thru the year. Come by from 9 am to 9 pm for the Grand Opening…have a chance to win prizes…..specials and giveaways! Call 296-2554 for info.

RAY FOGG AT SLOPPY JOE’S ON APRIL 28…..Put-in-Bay performer and Clevelander, Ray Fogg, will be performing at Sloppy Joe’s on Duval at 5:30 on April 28….also on Monday & Tuesday, April 30 & May 1 at Willie T’s at 4:30 PM! (Note….this is an adult only show!)

WOMENKIND EDUCATIONAL FORUM ON APRIL 28…..The topic is “Bioidenticals: Exciting New Solutions for Menopausal Symptoms” 2 pm till 4 pm at the Eco Discovery Center at the Truman Waterfront. Presented by Jennifer Whaley, PA, specialist in women’s health care. Free, but suggested donation is $10. Reserve by calling 294-4004, ex: 102.

KIDS HELPING KIDS PRESENETS THE ULTIMATE MOVIE PLAYLIST ON APRIL 29TH…..This concert at the SAN CARLOS INSTITUTE, 516 Duval St., will be at 5 PM…..This is a concert for the whole family featuring young musicians and singers from Robin Kaplan’s MUSIC ROOM…..accompanied by Skipper Kripitz and Joe Dallas (who are ALWAYS there for everyone!!!!!!) Special performances by Kathleen Peace, Cliff Sawyer, Ike Kanakanui, and Lauren Thompson. One night only, with ticket sales benefitting the not for profit organization, JUST 4 KIDS. Tix are only $10 each and include a champagne & cupcake party after the event!

HEAD’S UP ON KEY WEST MYSTERY FEST…2012…..Read about the 10 Exciting Days of Mystery sponsored by the WATERFRONT PLAYHOUSE!!!! May 4 thru May 13th!!!! May 3 & 4…Two Preview nights of the World Premiere Mystery play, HOME EXCHANGE, by HY CONRAD, writer/producer of Emmy award winning series, MONK & WHITE COLLAR….. May 4…..CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHER….7 PM….A first of its kind….Interactive, solve-it-yourself mystery event at Casa Antigua, 314 Simonton St…..$30 includes appetizers & open bar!!! May 5….GRAND OPENING NIGHT of HOME EXCHANGE…..Look for the red carpet, and the lights marking this fab World Premier, by KW & NYC author/playwright, HY CONRAD!!!! 8 pm….Opening night only includes a mysteriously fab Opening night after-party!!!!! May 5 & May 12….MYSTERIOUS MEET & GREET….3 t0 4 PM….Register for the KW Mystery Fest & meet other mustery fans from around the world….at the Waterfront Playhouse Courtyard….$10 includes registration, wine & cheese reception and free gifts. May 6…..CLUE: THE DINNER….7:00 PM…..Can you solve the murder of Mr. Boddy? This is a 3-stage Progressive Dinner at three special homes in the Truman Annex…..(Note that the cocktail and appetizer portion at 7 pm is at our home, 330 Caroline St!!!!)…The dinner portion is at the home of MaryAnn Davis and husband Terry……and the dessert & after-dinner drink portion is at the home of Terri & Phil Wilson…..Open Bar….Prizes…..and meet all the characters from the CLUE GAME….This is only $60 for a night to remember!!!!! May 7….CLASSIC MYSTERY MOVIE NIGHT AT 7 PM…at The Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St…..$7 to $10 includes wine & cheese following the movie which is to be announced! May 8…BEHIND THE SCENES MYSTERY EDITION …..6 PM….Go “behind the scenes” of the play, HOME EXCHANGE, with director, Bob Bowersox, author HY CONRAD, & set designer, Michael Boyer…This is FREE but reservations are necessary…..call 294-5015 or go online to www.waterfrontplayhouse.org to sign up…..wine reception included. May 10…..MONK NIGHT AT THE TROPIC CINEMA…..at 7 PM….Meet Andy Breckman, creator of MONK, and hear how the Emmy-Award winning TV show came-to-be. $15 & $20 includes reception and book signing. May 11….MYSTERY WRITER’S PANEL DISCUSSION…7 PM…Meet 6 Mystery Writers & hear about what it takes to be successful with this genre….at Westin KW Resort & Marina, 245 Front St…..$10 includes reception and book signing. May 12….HOME EXCHANGE “TALK-BACK” 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!!! May 13….MYSTERY SHORT STORY CONTEST BRUNCH….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. RESERVATIONS FOR ANY OR ALL OF THESE FABULOUS 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!

DERBY PARTY BENEFIT ON MAY 5TH…..The annual Kentucky Derby Party will be held at The Tropic Cinema from 3:30 to 7 PM…..Race will be televised on the big screen….Benefits the Visiting Nurses Assoc. & Hospice of the Florida Keys……and the Tropic Cinema. Tix are $50 per person and can be bought at the box office or online at www.tropiccinema.com.

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

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!!!!

AT TAVERN ‘N TOWN THIS WEEK…..Mon. from 5:30 to 9:30 it’s Michael Thomas….Tues. from 5:30 to 9:30 pm, it’s Carmen Rodriguez & Michael Thomas…Wed. from 5:30 to 9:30 it is either Rob DiStaci or Mike Emerson…Thurs. from 5:30 to 9:30 pm, it’s Carmen & Michael Thomas…On Fri. from 5:30 to 10:00 pm, it’s Mike Emerson…Sat., from 5:30 to 10:00 pm, it’s Bobby Nesbitt….and Sun. from 5:30 to 9:30 pm, it’s Rob DiStaci! Happy Hour is every day from 5 to 7 pm…all drinks…2 for 1… Special Tapas served on Tues. & Thurs…..Locals get a 10% discount always. The food and service are great…..super entertainment….this is fast becoming a Key West Favorite of everyone I know! Ric Palmer is the charming manager, and he truly caters to the locals. We do love Ric!

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….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!!! 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!!!!!!

FREE COMPUTER CLASSES….SIGN UP NOW…..The KW Library at 700 Fleming St. will offer free computer classes beginning in April. Starting Saturday, you can sign up for these classes. There will be classes on Thurs. from 9:45 to 11 am April 12, 19 & 26, and will cover word processing…how to create, edit & format a document. There will be Saturday classes, from 10 to 11 am on April 14, 21, & 28 for people new to computers. Call 292-3595 to sign up.

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…….Happiness is like perfume. You can’t give it away without getting a little on yourself!

Lynda