— For the third straight year, the popular Woodburn/Arena Band is back to rock the Green Parrot Bar for Fantasy Fest. They'll be on stage 10-2 tonight, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 29-31. The band is led by Matt Woodburn, an amazingly talented guitar player with a voice to match. Co-founder Cheryl Arena holds her own on the harmonica and her harmony vocals blend perfectly with Woodburn's husky powerhouse voice. Come watch the body painting contest Saturday afternoon at 3— and Saturday night, you can watch the parade from your bar stool. Sunday night at 10: The Parrot's famous Halloween Party. This is what the locals practice for all year.
— If you didn't have an invitation to check out The Fins when they performed at President Bill Clinton's inaugural gala back in 1992, you can catch them when they hit the stage at the Schooner Wharf Bar tonight, Friday, Oct. 29, and tomorrow night, Saturday, Oct. 30. One critic called them "the hottest thing since the Fabulous Thunderbirds came on the scene back in 1978." See them 7-12 tonight; 8:30-2 Saturday. Rocky Horror Picture Show party tonight.
Larry Smith's Sunday Showcase this week is a Halloween affair, featuring singer Liz O'Connor. Liz and Larry will offer a mix of showtunes and pop music. The Sunday Showcase is a weekly production in Berlin's Bar at the A&B Lobster House. Info and dinner reservations: 294-5880.
The Friends of Fort Taylor are once again hosting Haunted History Tours at the fort, this evening, Friday, Oct. 29, Sunset `til 8 p.m. Mingle with the spirits by candlelight. Free admission.
Come to the Conch Republic Seafood Company tonight dressed as your favorite rock `n roll celebrity from any era of time. Or get a group together and come as a rock `n roll band. First prize: $500 cash. Live music. No cover.
Classical Guitarist Matt Jampol is appearing at the Gallery On Greene's "Concert Hour" every Sunday and Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. After a successful summer series at the gallery, "Concert Hour" begins it's first full season of classical guitar concerts twice each week. The program spans four centuries of guitar music including Spanish guitar favorites and original works from Jampol's new CD, "Tremolo Suite."
Admission is $10 and includes pre-concert complimentary refreshments. A discount for locals is available (two tickets for $15). The gallery is located in the Old Town Historic Seaport at 606 Greene Street between Simonton and Elizabeth Street. For more information and reservations, please call the Gallery
It's that time of year. Balconies, porches and platforms along Duval Street, ordinarily ignored, are eyed with the stealthy imagination of a Secret Service agent. One tries to put one's mind in the mind of a Parade Watcher and perhaps tuck away a special spot that others may have overlooked.
For those not fortunate enough to be invited to a coveted private party at the La Concha or on one of the many private porches, here's a rundown of what some of our commercial brethren are offering.
THE BAGATELLE: The oldest continuously sold-out porch. This year is no exception. A truly lovely evening with customers who've returned since the days of Rick Lutz.
THE GARDEN CAFE: At 310 Duval, offers two tiers of table prices (depending upon proximity to the street). They're priced at $150/$100 accordingly and consist of choice of the menu and open bar from an hour before the Parade to two hours after it. Reservations: 296-6609.
THE BULL & WHISTLE: The Daddy of all Altitudes. The Whistle continues the tradition of The Whistle Ballroom. Their wraparound wrought iron balcony is free to early birds . . . and the bar's just a shot away.
HOOTERS: Manager STeven Shortino also has an entire second story balcony available for free on a first come, first served basis! The ground level is sold out. Caroline and Duval: the best free seats in town.
MANGOES: Get there early. AMy and Georgia have warped into the 70s. Remember the Monster! Studio indeed! Never a cover. Have a Ball!
CRABBY DICK'S:In their glory as the largest balcony on Duval St. They offer an all-night hot and cold buffet of fresh seafood favorites and assorted salads. $98. $88 locals. Cash bar.
CROISSANTS DE FRANCE: Just the few of you. After all, they have to be up all night baking your breakfast treats.
LA TE DA: "Boys, Beads & Booze" at Castle La Te Da. Live commentary by Audry. The "Romeo and Bruce" float and a Dragon breathing pink smoke!
And, after the Parade, when you've had just about enough of the maddening throngs, wear white to Jackie's "Ice Party" at THE BOOM BOOM ROOM behind the Old Town Mexican Cafe at Simonton and Catherine. The Coolest Party in Town will feature lots of black light, cool music and cold drinks. (If you wear white and drink tonic, you'll positively Glow!)