NEW ORLEANS BLUES LEGEND Mem Shannon will be at the Green Parrot this Wednesday, April 12, 10-2. His style has been described as the "working man's blues." And there's a reason why. He spent 15 years behind the wheel of a New Orleans taxicab.
Mem's played a truckload of acclaimed gigs, including The Muddy Waters Tribute at the Kennedy Center where he shared the stage with Gregg Allman, buddy Guy, John Hiatt and other legends. He's also played the Kansas City Jazz and Blues Festival, New York's Bottom Line, Hong Kong's Great Eagle Hotel House of Blues Promotion, and of course, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
Just as we were going to press, we learned that Playboy Magazine has named the Green Parrot one of the "Best Bars In America." Only 24 bars were selected. If you want to check it out, pick up the May issue. This may be a first. You can honestly say that you're buying Playboy for the article!
Playboy says that the Parrot has a "funky, shit-kicker ambiance." The decor is described as "whatever the customers are wearing."
The annual party to benefit the Key West Council on the Arts (KWCA) and Impromptu Concerts is set for this Monday, April 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the home of Vera Schiff, 703 Fleming St. Musicians Bobby Nesbitt and Skipper Kripitz will present a "Musical Cabaret" and a lavish buffet will be prepared by Chef Michael Pelkey. Tickets: $50 per person. All proceeds benefit the Impromptu Concerts and the Bahama Village Music School.
"The costs of producing the Impromptu Concerts have skyrocketed over the past 28 years," said KWCA Board PResident Lillian Van Hest. "This fundraiser helps us bring quality music here at affordable ticket prices."
Info: Ms. Van Hest at 745-2283.
The Key West Film Society's presentation this week is "Magnolia," the film that earned Tom Cruise an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor. Three screenings at the San Carlos Institute: Saturday, April 9, 8 p.m., and Sunday, April 9, 3 and 7 p.m. Tickets" $5 for members; $7 for non-members. Coming April 15-16: Woody Allen's "Sweet and Lowdown," starring Sean Penn.
The Pier House Resort is celebrating the arrival of Spring with a Beach Bunny Hop tomorrow evening, Saturday, April 8, 8-11 p.m. The event will star the Fabulous Spectrelles and feature dancing on the beach. Free admission. Food and drink specials.