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.

KWPC Kid’s Art Show

March 1, 2011







KWPC Kid’s Art Show

When I grew up in Indianapolis, the first signs of Spring included such occurrences as the return of certain birds like Robins or Blue Jays and perhaps the first daffodils blooming or the appearance of fuzzy little pussywillows. Here in Key West, the signs that Spring has arrived are very different, they include such things as the first group of spring breakers riding about the island on scooters in large packs needlessly and repeatedly honking their annoying horns.





For us, we always know that Spring is here when the annual Kid’s Art Show is held at the Key West Preschool Co-op. Kathy started organizing the annual show about five years ago and continues to be the driving force behind the fundraising event that is held at the school each year.









Much like an art show at a traditional gallery, the art show features art from all of the students in the Preschool who work creating many different pieces that are displayed and offered for sale at a very, very reasonable price (one to four dollars each) to raise money for their respective class. Each of the teachers do a great job in helping the students prepare enough art to display and it is really cool to see all the artwork and the talented young artists who create it at the show.







The art show also features a large silent auction that features artwork and crafts donated by many of Key West’s finest artists and all the money raised from the auction goes to support the school as well. This year there were some amazing offerings available and some really generous donations by the local artists.







Before Kathy became involved, the art show was designed specifically for the parents and close friends of the students, but in the past few years the show has been opened to the public and it has been very well-received. It seems each year, more and more members of the community discover the show and they all seem to give it positive reviews. There were a bunch of people who showed up this year and they all seemed to have a great time.







Of course the show includes a fantastic array of food that is prepared by the hard working parents who make the co-op work. This year was no exception as the food was amazing and plentiful, in spite of the large crowds. The huge dessert selection was a favorite of the children and many of the guests (myself included). There was also live music and a large play area to occupy the kids as their parents and the guests went about buying art and bidding in the auction.







It was another fantastic success and many thanks go out to the staff and board of the school, all the parents and friends, the people from the community who donated items or came out to support the co-op and most of all to the children, who created the wonderful art that made the show possible.