It was our beloved Captain TonyTerracino's 84th birthday at the Conch Republic Seafood Restaurant . C.W. Colt and the Key West Royal Minstrels provided musical entertainment, which was most fitting. Secretary General Peter Anderson informed us that Mel Fisher told him, "We need to elect a Royal family". Mel was, of course elected king. Tony was elected Prime Minister. Now he's Prime Minister Emeritus, for life , as well as mayor emeritus. Another royal, Wilhelmina Harvey made a speech and presented an Atocha Coin. The celebration was dedicated to Mel Fisher.
The Royal Minstrels began with "Sweet Melody", a wonderful new C.W. Colt song followed by "One Sweet Kiss". Minstrel Red Seidman played hot fiddle and marvelous lead guitar. Doug 'the Alien" Raver played bass and sang back-up. Next came "It's Your Love". We heard all the wonderful tunes from the "Legends andTreasures" CD.
Captain Tony's family, wife Marty, son T.J. (who's now in High School, can you believe it?) and daughter Coral were partying along with Conch Farm owners Dean and the beautiful Deandra, Wendy Tucker, Rich McKay, Bill and Janice Blaesing who are moving down from Ft. Lauderdale for a big chunk of the year,Al Kelly, Sammy Z., Diane Seidman, Rob Di Stasi, who leaves for a month in Italy soon, Jeff Chapman, Lyn Gordon, Ken from the Sugar Apple, Captain Outrageous, Peter Anderson, Willie, Judy, and a host of other old friends and well wishers. Donations were solicited for the American Cancer Society, with an unusual donation presented for a sufficient amount of money.
Prizes were given away, everything from Atocha coins to Conch Republic Flags. When the donations reached over $500, C.W. Colt lived up to his promise to cut off his pony tail. The newly shorn musician then donated the hair for a wig for a cancer patient.
Our Mr. Colt is nothing if not creative. There were six very attractive ladies dancing at his gig the night before. C.W. told them about Tony's birthday, and talked them into coming . He announced, "There's another gift, Tony, a six pack", wherupon the girls surrounded a delighted birthday boy and danced around him. Tony, of course, joined in. The band played a great old Cajun song, "Louisiana Man" with Red laying on the Cajun fiddle heavy. The crowd loved it. I had been playing Cabanos, but couldn't sit still. Tami Cornish and I raced to the floor to clog! Red played the necessary 'train' song, then we heard "Key Western Cowboy" a great new tune that shouts "Giddyup Dog". Hilarious.
As always the Royal Minstrel's music was marvelous. The huge birthday cake was a delicious hit. Whoever planned the event deserves a lot of credit. I haven't had so much fun since the Indians left! Stay cool.