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TasteThe Keys are busy this time of year with many choices in activities! Stone Crab Season, Theater in Key West and musical performances and auctions to benefit local charities- among other activities- this weeks happenings in the Florida Keys!
The Florida Keys / October 15 – May 15
Stone Crab Season
Those succulent claws, brought to shore fresh daily from the waters surrounding the Florida Keys, will drip with mustard dip on the chins of hungry locals and visitors. A series of food festivals during the season celebrate the sustainable seafood resource throughout the Keys.
the Florida Keys / February 17
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center presents: Free Environmental Films Series
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary invites the public to enjoy free environmentally-themed documentary films every Sunday through March 31, 2013 at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Key West. Each Sunday, doors to the center will open at 1 p.m. and sanctuary staff will show documentaries at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the center’s theater. These award-winning documentaries address environmental topics including climate change, marine debris, energy efficiency and resource protection. Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is located at 35 East Quay Road, on the Truman Waterfront next to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Today’s topics: 2 p.m. “Earth: the Operators’ Manual – Your Planet is Due for an Oil Change” (PBS, 53 minutes) and 4 p.m. “Powering the Planet” (PBS, 53 minutes)
Contact: Movie-line 305-809-4755
The Upper Keys:
In Key Largo and Islamorada, where KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts and Marinas has two exclusive locations -Mariners Resort Villas & Marina and the Historic Tavernier Inn
Islamorada / January 3 – March 27
Long Key Squares presents: Tuesday Round and Square Dancing
For residents and visitors who simply want to enjoy dancing, the nonprofit Long Key Squares continues a 30-year tradition, where square dance attire is not required … but your attendance is desired! Held at Outdoor Resorts, mile marker 66, 65821 Overseas Highway, on Tuesday nights from 7-9:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Lessons are also held for both beginners and plus dancers on Sundays from 2-4 p.m.
Contact: Joanne Prince 305-664-4060
Email: sylken-solutions@verizon.net
Key Largo / January 31 – February 16
Key Players Community Theater presents: “On Golden Pond”
This is the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are returning to their summer home on Golden Pond for the forty-eighth year. He a near-80 retired professor, she delights in all the small things that have enriched and continue to enrich their long life together. They are visited by their teenage grandson for the summer, and each learn also learns some lessons about modern teenage awareness. Visit Web site for show dates. Curtain at 8 p.m.
Contact: 305-453-0997
Email: info@thekeyplayers.org
Islamorada / February 16 – 17
Fourth Annual Chili Cookoff
The public is welcome to attend and vote for the best chili at this tasty two-day event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day; Saturday, local restaurant and amateur chefs ratchet up the rivalry for the best chili, and Sunday the ICF Florida state and world cook-off champions and contestants compete for the finest title. Attendees can sample tastes of all chili entrants; tickets are $5 for 7 tastes. Held at the Islamorada Moose Lodge, on the Old Highway at MM 81 oceanside. Live musical entertainment is planned for the weekend, including country-western line dancing with the World Champion Chili Chicks. This event is dog-friendly. No admission fee. The chili-chowing competition helps benefit local charities.
Contact: (305) 664-8120
Key Largo / February 6 – March 15
Bayside Grille in Key Largo presents a great music schedule with performers of critical acclaim. Showtimes at 6:30 p.m., free admission. Highlights include: The JW Jones Band (Feb 6-7), Canada’s top touring blues act; “Harper” (Feb. 13-14), an Australian-born singer whose “World Blues Fusion,” is a creative use of the harmonica and the Didgeridoo learned from the Aborigine’s; Biscuit Miller & the Mix (Feb. 20), known by Biscuit’s fun and funky style of bass playing; Todd Wolfe (Feb 23), most recently a guitarist for Sheryl Crow, has both a smoking hot solo career and new band; Joel DaSilva and the Midnight Howl (March 2) have logged heavy hitting performances with B.B. King, A.C. Reed, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Reverend Horton Heat and more; from New Orleans, Rockin’ Jake (March 16) has been hailed as one of the country’s premier harmonica players.
Email: baysidegrille@terranova.net
Islamorada / February 10 – 11
Bartender’s Sailfish Open
A boat tournament among actively employed bartenders, this locals’ favorite challenge offers trophy awards and bragging rights to winning bars. A hilariously competitive event, the tournament kicks off on Feb. 10, at the Island Grill from 4-8 p.m. Fishing is on Monday, Feb. 11 with a grand awards party on the beach at the Island Grill starting at 7 p.m. Entry fee is $125 per angler. Entry is limited to actively employed bar and restaurant employees who are on the schedule at least one day per week. Teams are limited to 5 anglers per boat. Over the years teams have come from all over the country to represent their bars. Prizes are awarded to the top three bars as well as the top four anglers. Other fun prizes are awarded to hard luck and outstanding catches.
Contact: Dianne Harbaugh 305-852-2102; 305-522-4868
Email: ditournaments@aol.com
Key Largo / February 16 – 18
Florida Keys Art Guild, Art Fest at Waldorf Plaza
Browse among local and national artists on display with items ranging from fine jewelry, sculpture, paintings, photography and fine crafts. A free-admission art event, open to the public, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Contact: Joey Smith 305-897-9098
Email: sarasotajoe2000@yahoo.com
Islamorada / February 16
Keys Community Concert Band presents: Around the World in 60 Minutes
Bring the entire family to a musical tribute to music from all continents and genres. The free, outdoor performance is at Founders Park, mile marker 87, at 4 p.m. Performances are outdoors; please bring blankets or lawn chairs. Admission free for all concerts.
Contact: Donna Heiner 305-853-7294
Email: heinerdonna@yahoo.com
The Middle Keys:
In the Middle Keys, KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts and Marinas has the Village at Hawks Cay Villas on Duck Key, Indigo Reef Resort Villas & Marina and the Coral Lagoon Resort Villas & Marina vacation rentals in Marathon
Marathon / February 11
Florida Keys Concert Association presents: Frederick Moyer, Pianist
This accomplished solo pianist has performed in the finest concert halls in 41 countries. His enthusiasm, exacting artistry and delightful commentary make him a favorite among audiences who are thus brought into the heart of the musical experience. Tickets are $85 for the season (six shows) or $25 general admission, $40 preferred seating, for the event. Doors open at 7 p.m., and concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Performance at San Pablo Church, 550 122nd Street, Marathon. See website for details.
Contact: (305) 289-1110 or (216) 408-6546
Marathon / February 15 – 16
Marathon Community Theater presents: Looking
In this MCT winter comedy reading, Val agrees to meet Andy after answering his personal ad. Nina and Matt are coaxed into tagging along for support. Find out what follows in this hilarious and touching ever so true to life story about four middle-aged singles looking for love. Visit website for show times and tickets.
Contact: 305-743-0994
Email: gm@marathontheater.org
The Lower Keys:
In the Lower Keys, KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts and Marinas has the Coral Hammock Resort Villas and Kings Point Marina & Condominiums vacation rentals
Key West / January 01 to December 31
Enjoy a fabulous tour of Key West…with a twist. A gay twist that is! Get a unique tour of Key West and learn about our colorful history that includes the famous and the infamous. Departs from the City Hall Parking Lot, located on the corner of Angela and Simonton. Tickets $25. Can be purchased ONLINE or at the trolley, our G&L Visitor Center (located at 513 Truman), and many of our distinguished gay and lesbian guest houses.
Key West / December 1 – March 23
17th Annual Sculpture Key West
This stunning art exhibit showcases the work of leading contemporary sculptors at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and the Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower. Twenty-three contemporary sculptures and two performances are planned to enhance the land and seascapes around two historic Civil War-era forts. Among the projected highlights of the 2012/2013 exhibition are a steel and wood skeletal structure that is part animal, ship, airplane and sleigh, a massive monumental concrete relic of a shell from a world unknown, a mysterious array of manhole covers that seem to melt in the sun and the long awaited Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail Unicycle Tour! Visit Web site for more information.
Contact: 305-295-2800
Email: info@sculpturekeywest.com
Key West / January 22 – February 23
Red Barn Theatre presents: The Divine Sister
This gleefully demented and twisted tale is an outrageous and rollicking comic homage to nearly every Hollywood film involving nuns. The Mother Superior must deal with postulants with visions, sexual hysteria among her nuns and a former suitor intent on luring her away from her vows. Nary a dull moment! “R” Rated, so don’t bring kiddies! Visit website for show times and tickets.
Contact: 305-296-9911
Email: info@redbarntheatre.com
Key West / January 29 – February 16
Waterfront Playhouse presents: Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks
When a formidable retired widow hires an ex-Broadway chorus boy to give her private dance lessons, it’s hate at first sight. Eventually they both learn unexpected lessons about friendship and life. Part comedy, part drama and part cha-cha-cha. An Off-Broadway and Regional Theater Hit. Show time 8 p.m.
Contact: Box Office 305-294-5015
Email: Box_Office@waterfrontplayhouse.org
Key West / February 3 – 11
Kelly McGillis Classic International Women’s & Girls Flag Football Championship
Teams of women and girls from the U.S. and around the world are to compete in hard-fought championship play, which typically includes several dozen games and a variety of social events.
Key West / February 13 – April 8
Red Barn Theatre presents: Love, Loss and What I Wore
Nora Ephron’s wit defined an era. The Red Barn celebrates her life with her big Off-Broadway hit that ran for four years! Matters of the heart and matters of the closet combine in this comic and poignant scrapbook of stories shared by five women. Sunday/Monday only. Visit website for show dates, times and tickets.
Contact: 305-296-9911
Email: info@redbarntheatre.com
Key West / February 14
30th Annual Wesley House Valentine’s Gala
Give your heart to a great cause! Enjoy a red carpet evening at the Curry Mansion Inn, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; live music and dancing, dinner buffet, open bar, silent auction. General admission tickets $50, $55 at the door. VIP tickets $100. Tickets available online and at keystix.com.
Contact: 305-809-5000
Key West / February 15 – 16
53rd Annual Key West House & Garden Tour
Tour a series of elegant and unique private homes of Key West, ranging from exquisite restorations to creative renovations, and the interior design that complements their architecture and adds a unique Key West flavor. The February and March tours are offered 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, with visitors responsible for providing their own transportation. Proceeds help benefit the Old Island Restoration Foundation. Tickets available online.
Contact: 305-294-9501
Email: tickets@oirf.org
Key West / February 16
Discovery Saturday Educational Series: Shark Savvy
Presented by the Florida Keys Eco Discovery Center, this family-friendly and educational series invites kids in kindergarten through fifth grade from 10-11 a.m. to play games and make crafts while learning about a new topic of interest and the marine ecosystems of the Keys. Discovery Saturday is held the third Saturday of every month. Pre-registration is recommended. The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is located at 35 East Quay Road on the Truman Annex waterfront in Key West. Admission is free and free parking is available.
Contact: 305-809-4750
Big Pine & the Lower Keys / February 16
Artists in Paradise presents: Art & Craft Show
In coordination with Out of the Blue, this show offers a chance to browse and buy among award-winning local artists displaying acrylics, painted glassware, jewelry, handmade soaps, scarves and more. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., show is open to the public. Located at mile marker 30 in Big Pine Key, at the Winn Dixie Shopping Center.
Contact: Artists in Paradise Gallery 305-872-1828
Key West / February 16
Presidential Descendants Share Memories and Insights
Descendants of five former United States presidents are to share insights into life after the “presidential fishbowl” during a presentation at Key West’s Harry S. Truman Little White House, Florida’s only presidential museum. The President’s Day Weekend event is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, on the grounds of the 111 Front St. residence where former President Truman spent 11 working vacations during his 1945-1953 administration. Tickets are $100 each, and available at keystix.com.
Contact: 305-294-9911
Key West / February 17
South Florida Symphony presents: Vienna Boys’ Choir
The Vienna Boys’ Choir is a choir of trebles and altos based in Vienna. It is one of the best known boys’ choirs in the world. The boys are selected mainly from Austria, but also from many other countries. Show is at the Tennessee Williams Theatre, at 6 p.m. Tickets available online at keystix.com
These are some of my favorite happenings this week and next in the Florida Keys. If you’re comig down to visit and stay with us at the KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas in our vacation rentals, share some of your favorite experiences with us …
Visit our blog next Monday with updated happenings in the Florida Keys…
