Another big music weekend of Blues is set at the Green Parrot Bar. Tomorrow night, 10-2, Saturday, May 6, Jr. Drinkwater and the Thirst Quenchers blow in from Clarksdale, Miss., the cradle of the Delta Blues. But these guys mix in some Chicago attitude.
Then, on Sunday and Monday, May 7-8, Music Makin' Mama Ann Rabson returns to the Parrot, 10-2 both nights. "We don't usually book solo acts at night," said Manager John Vagnoni. "But last year, Ann tore the roof off the joint."
Rabson, a blues pianist, guitarist, songwriter and singer, was a founding member of Saffire— The Uppity Blues Women. Since 1984, the group has recorded five top-selling albums.
Rabson delivers a fiery collection of boogie-woogie, barrelhouse romps, slow burners and
up-to-the-minute blues. Her soulful, heartfelt vocals are a perfect match for her kaypounding prowess, and each
song is filled with the urgency and deep feeling that defines the blues. "Rabson's rollicking boogie
woogie keyboards and tasty acoustic guitar fingerpicking provided plenty of sparks," declared the
Boston Herald.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Historic Seaport. Parties are scheduled at both the Schooner Wharf Bar and Turtle Kraals today, Friday, May 5.
At the Schooner Wharf, the fun starts at 7 p.m. Live music by Havana Son— plus a taco-eating contest, a hot pepper eating contest and a best-Mexican-hat contest.
Just down the boardwalk, the party at Turtle Kraals starts at 5 p.m. with live music, a
build-your-own taco bar and a chili bar. Drink specials, too.
The Key West Film Society presentation this week is "Magnolia," rescheduled form its original
show date last month due to shipment problems. Tom Cruiise was nominated for an Academy Award for
his performance in this film, which received rave reviews. Two shows at San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval
St: Sataurday, May 6 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 7 at 7 p.m. Tickets: Members $5, non-members, $7.
Popular piano man Larry Smith has a new gig. He's performing in the new piano room of the
Sands Restaurant at the Wyndham Reach Resort on Saturdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
This Sunday, May 7, is Baubles, Bangles and Beads day at the Southernmost House. A jewelry auction and gala party will benefit the programs of the Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center Founders' Society, as well as a Florida Keys Community College outreach program, Random Acts of Shakespeare.
Jewelry viewing will begin at 6:30 with the auction at 8. A featured item will be the bejeweled Porsche decorated and donated by Frank Piku.
Jewelry and the Porsche are on display at Goldsmith Jewelers, 271 Front St. (at the Key West Hilton), through Saturday.
Free champagne, wine and hors d'oeuvres with a cash bar and many door prizes will be
provided along with music by Black Velvet Jazz. Admission: $25 and tickets can be purchased at Fast Buck
Freddies, MacArthur's Music, Wings of Imagination, Goldsmith Jewelers and at the door.
Tomorrow, Saturday, May 6, starting at 8 p.m., there will be a Key West-style fundraising soiree at the Woodenhead Gallery and Cafe Noir, 907 Caroline St., hosted by the Friends of the Woodenhead. Music and entertainment and scrumptious morsels and libations are being generously provided by local musicians and eateries. There will be raffle drawings of original work donated by three local artists.
This has been a hardship year for Bev Horlick and Daniele O'Rhan-Horlick, with building and road construction severely limiting access to their gallery. For everyone who's ever enjoyed Bev and Daniele's lavish hospitality, music, food and entertainment at openings for Key WEt's aspiring and inspiring premier artists, here's your chance to say thank you and to ensure a future for the gallery— for a mere $10 at the door— Friends of the Woodenhead admitted free. If you're unable to attend on May 6, please mail your donation to the Friends of the Woodenhead, PO Box 811, Key West.
If you would like to join the Friends of the Woodenhead, a grassroots fundraising group that supports the continued existence of the gallery, your $10 donation at the door will be applied towards your membership.
It's going to be a damn good party.