Rollin’ on the Rock

March 4, 2011



Howard Livingston

KW Burlesque

Rollin’ on the Rock

This past weekend was another one of those cases in which we had multiple options of events that we wanted to do, but simultaneous scheduling made it tough to accomplish. There were two main events for us last weekend. They were the culminating event for the big fundraiser for The Studios of Key West, “Rolling on the Rock”, the auction for the art bikes that had not yet been sold and the final Cabaret show for Key West Burlesque for the 2010-11 season.





Both events were scheduled for the same night, so Kathy & headed over to the Studios for the preview of the bicycles and the party featuring Howard Livingston & the MM 24 band. We missed the actual auction, but were able to share in much of the excitement as the Armory was packed with prospective bidders and others who were there just to enjoy a good party.







The fundraiser was an unqualified success as many of the art bikes sold in advance of the auction for the “buy it now” price that guaranteed that the event was a success before it actually began. Judging by the huge crowd and the positive reports on the success of the auction we heard after the fact, the auction itself was incredible as well.





The bikes were certainly worth the price, many working as both fancy conveyances and works of art to be proudly displayed in their new owner’s homes. It is probably a good thing that Kathy & I had to rush off to the Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center to catch the Burlesque show, or else we may have come home with a beautiful bicycle that we could not really afford.







The cabaret shows are a new addition to the Key West Burlesque show roster this year and because of other conflicts, Kathy & I had missed the previous two cabaret shows. Moving to the relatively new lobby theatre at TWFAC, the show was much like a cabaret setting in Vegas with tables lining the stage and a decidedly older, refined and more upscale crowd in attendance. I wasn’t really sure how they would react to the show, but seemingly most enjoyed it.





We certainly liked the show, though I must admit a strong preference for the larger themed shows such as last year’s incredible Space show or the Holiday extravaganzas. This was slightly too lounge act-ish for my tastes, but that is strictly a personal preference and there is no question of the quality and professionalism of the performers. They seem to get better and better each time we see them.



It is cool to see the troupe branching out and having success with new crowds in different venues. This show was another sold out, standing room only performance. The live band was fantastic and the singing at this show set a new standard for KW burlesque. We can’t wait until May when they once again return with a big production, the Kung Fu Rock and Roll show.