Midsummer’s Night Dream & Spectacle

August 8, 2011

Fire Dancers

Kathy & Michael



MJ

Midsummer’s Night Dream & Spectacle

One of the most anticipated and fun nights of the summer season in Key West is held each August at the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden, the Midsummer’s Night Dream & Spectacle party. Organized by the artistic dervish that is Michael Shields, the amazing night celebrating the incredible diversity of artistic pursuits that are found in Key West celebrated its fifth anniversary this year.

Mary & Diane



Cricket

Originally held at the lovely home of arts patron Joyce Stahl, the event became such a success that it had to relocate several years ago to the wide open spaces of the beautiful botanical gardens. The event features a selection of the plethora of artists, performers, musicians, singers, dancers, poets and actors that call Key West home.



Beth





It is a magical setting that also features fairy costume creators, hula hoopers, fire dancers and all manner of magical food and beverage selections. Many of those in attendance, come dressed up in magical fairy gear to help celebrate the magical theme. It is a really fun and interesting night.



Lesley



This year, Kathy was joined by our expectant friend Najada, who recently returned from a trip to her homeland of Albania where she visited her family and her husband Howard, who was there working for RPM Nautical. Both she and Kathy donned fairy wings and we all headed out to the gardens.

Najada & Kathy

Kathy & Najada





It was a typical August night in Key West, steamy hot at first, but the a cooling wind picked up after the amazingly beautiful sunset as storms seemed to surround the area with brilliant lightning storms and the threat of rain that was thankfully never realized. There was a lot going on throughout the grounds, guaranteeing that every attendee had there own unique experience.



Christine & Katharine

Michele

We listened to some music, watched the wonderful Key West Comparsa dancers who performed the Cuban dancing style to the delight of those assembled, many who joined in the conga line and danced along with the troupe. We next wondered over and watched US1 radio personality Bill Becker who was creating huge bubbles over the pond. It was a pretty cool exhibition of bubble creating skills and a hidden talent for the newsman.

Bill Becker



Carla & Kathy



Once the sun went down, we headed over to watch a presentation of one of this summer’s theatrical hits as the Red Barn Theatre presented one of the acts from their “One Acts With Teeth” show that was so popular over the summer. Kathy & I had missed the show at the Red Barn and were thrilled to catch even one of the hilarious acts.



Anastasia & Michele

To close out our evening, we headed over to watch our friend Michele and two of her friends performing their beautiful fire dancing. It was a great way to close out a fun evening and their performance was mesmerizing. Thanks so much to Michael Shields, Carol Tedesco and everyone associated with yet another fantastic event.

Michele

Michael & Carol