The Cuban-American Heritage Festival, which began Wednesday, continues through Sunday. The festival is celebrating Cuban-American heritage and Key West's historical and cultural links to Cuba.
The Cuban-American Symposium continues at the San Carlos Institute, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Prominent speakers and panel discussions. Free to the public.
At 9 p.m., revelers will dance a lengthy conga line down Duval Street, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Those who want to join the line should gather at 8 p.m. at the Southernmost Point Guesthouse at 1327 Duval St.
In conjunction with the conga line, a Cuba Libre party is to showcase Duval Street's many taverns.
Tonight's cigar dinner is at Flagler's Restaurant at the Casa Marina Resort. $50 per person. Info: Mona at 294-0715.
A Street Fiesta is scheduled from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Duval Street between Front to South Streets. Arts, crafts, food, live entertainment.
The Salsa Kings, a Miami troupe that specializes in Cuban dance, will perform at 11:30 a.m. at the entrance to the Key West Museum of Art & History, Front and Greene Streets. The museum will also reduce the admission fee from $8 to $5.
A special three-hour program for kids starts at 11 a.m. at Mallory Square— including music, games and storytelling. Free.
Tonight, there's a Willy Chirino Salsa Concert on Mallory Square. $25 per person.
Fireworks follow the concert.
Cuban brunch at three island restaurants. Info: 295-9665.
Offshore powerboat racer Bob Morgan is prepared for bumpy sea conditions in pursuit of a repeat Superboat-class world title at the Nov. 7-13 Cigarette Key West Super Boat World Championships.
As opposing currents from the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean and Key West harbor converge, waves can kick up, causing the Super Boat International (SBI) race course to become more challenging.
Morgan, of Gravois Mills, Mo., captured the 1998 SBI world championships with his 46-foot Douglas Skater powered by four 1,000-horsepower Mercruisers. Morgan recently increased his top speed to more than 150 mph, however, it's the combination of Big Thunder's weight— 16,000 to 18,000 pounds— and four engines that benefit Morgan in the rough sea conditions that seem to prevail in Key West.
"It's going to be a dogfight, there are a lot of fast boats in the race, but we have a distinct advantage over lighter boats in rough water," said Morgan. "The boat's a brute, its hull can withstand the abusive pounding and its four engines dig in and hold the course better."
"Key West is truly a world-class race course," said Big Thunder's driver, Keith Holmes of Grand Haven, Mich. "Running those varied water conditions at such high speeds keeps racers alert; it's an accomplishment just to finish."
Teams giving Big Thunder its toughest competition include Drambuie On Ice driven by Forest Barber of Fort Worth, Texas, and John Tomlinson of Miami; Alcone Team Fountain driver by Matt Alcone of Laguna Beach, Calif., and Jerry Gilbreath of Priest River, Idaho; and Sloppy Joe's driven by Art Girard and Mike Girard, both of Miami.
While Morgan looks forward to rough weather, other teams such as Drambuie On Ice employ different strategies.
"The key to winning is finishing both races," said Tomlinson. "Our boat is fast, but if we have rough water, rather than jumping out front at the beginning of the race, we need to race smart."
Sanctioned by Super-Boat International Productions and the United States Offshore Racing Association, the race field is expected to exceed 75 entries in various classes, according to SBI President John Carbonnell.
Offshore action is set for this coming Wednesday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 13, featuring a $100,000 prize purse. The first race each day is set to start at 11 a.m. for Production A, Sportsman B, Offshore C, Stock and Manufacturer 1, 2 & 3 class boats. The second race, scheduled for 1 p.m., features Superboat, Super Boat Limited, Super Vee, Modified and Pro 1 class boats.
On Friday, Nov. 12, a new division, Super Luxury class yachts, is set to start racing at 2:30 p.m.
Several vantage points around Key West, such as Truman Annex, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Mallory Square, offer prime viewing areas. Some harbor-front hotels stage race-day waterside dining specials, combining lunch and beverage with excellent spectator opportunities.
Racing crews and fans are to partake in a variety of festivities during the week, including a Sunday, Nov. 7, 4 p.m. parade of boats through Key West streets.
The championship is to be headquartered at the Truman Annex, where a "race village" is to be established for the week. Daily admission is $5 during nonrace days and $10 on race days, providing access to dry pits, wet pits, concession and vendor, and general viewing areas.
A weeklong admission pass is available for $75 per person, and provides access to race social events throughout the week. All tickets can be purchased at the race village entrance gate.
For race information, contact the SBI at 296-6166.
Candye Kane fans rejoice! Along with her Swinging Armadillos Band, she's coming back to the Green Parrot Bar for two nights— Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 8-9, 10 `til 2. She is featured on the House of Blues album, "30 Essential Women Of The Blues," alongside such luminaries as Bessie Smith, Alberta Hunter and Etta James. Recent TV appearances include Roseanne, Penn & Teller's Sin City and HBO.
OVER THE WEEKEND, the Woodburn/Arena Blues Band is back on Saturday night, Nov. 6, 10-2.
Tonight, Friday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. the Hyatt Resort is presenting a Dinner Concert featuring soprano Jill London and classical guitarist, Matthew Jampol in Nicola's Restaurant. The program includes classical and contemporary duets for voice and guitar. Dinner and concert: $39.95 per person. For reservations, call the Hyatt at 296-9900, ext. 54.
Keys Kids will perform Thornton Wilder's Our Town at Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 12 and 13. Tickets are available at MacArthur Music and Gerald Adams Elementary School or at the door one hour before curtain. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for students.