Last Mondays Burlesque

July 30, 2012



Greta, Tom, Michael & Effie







Last Mondays Burlesque

The second installment of the relatively new burlesque troupe Last Mondays Burlesque and Variety show was held once again upstairs at Mango’s restaurant. The shows are held on the last Monday night of each month during the summer. Kathy & I attended the first show last month with our friend Dakota and had a good time, this time Kathy had another commitment and could not make it.



Shawna & Jen

Rocky Bottom

Stephanie

Instead, I invited my friend Effie and her parents Tom & Greta. Effie is a college student at FSU and has been working as an intern for me at RPM Nautical this summer and Greta teaches water aerobics classes at FKCC that I often attend. I thought they might enjoy the show and invited them to meet me as my guests at the show.





Michael



I was there early as Frenchie had called me and asked me if I could arrive early and take some photographs of the attendees as they arrived in the special red carpet area that they had set up. I was happy to do it, though probably not needed since photog extraordinaire Nick Doll was also on hand. I once again include some of his amazing photos along with this blog.

Lydia

Greta, Tom & Effie



Flutter-Bi & Tony

The pre-show was fun as patrons, including many friends arrived and posed at the red carpet all the while enjoying tasty cocktails that were created specially for the occasion. There was a great crowd, close to being a sell-out and they all seemed to be in great spirits for the show- which is always an important factor for a successful burlesque show. The performers feed off the crowd and vice versa and this show had a lot more energy than many I have seen.



Erin & Chris

Jim & Joanna

Wendy
 


The show itself was fantastic, ninety minutes of fun, sexiness, music and folly. The regular hosts Frenchie and Rocky Bottom were great and there were some fantastic performances from the likes of Flutter-Bi and musical guest Tony Baltimore. Velvet Garcia rocked the house as well with two fun and dynamic performances as well. This show featured a special guest performer – a drag queen from the 801 Caberet and she put on a spectacular physical performance.







Velvet Garcia & Effie

It was a ton of fun and we all had a fantastic time. I didn’t stick around for the after party on site, opting instead to head over to the beats and eats event at two cents restaurant to enjoy a bite to eat and beer post show with friends. It was a great night all around.

Frenchie

Michael & Effie



Liz

The Porch at Two

July 25, 2012



Livi

Kathy



The Porch at Two

Two years ago, a new bar was opened in downtown Key West by friends of ours that featured craft beers both on tap and in bottles as well as an extensive wine selection. Located in the old Porter Mansion on the corner of Duval and Caroline Streets, The Porch is in the heart of Key West, but set back off the street just enough that when you are there, it actually seems as if you are far from the hectic tourist masses that are in reality only a few feet away.





Dan

The Porch quickly became a favorite with discriminating locals and educated tourists with its awesome selection of microbrews, fun and interesting staff and chilled out atmosphere. The owners, our friends Chris, Jamille and Keith created what has become one of the best hangouts in Key West and what is certainly one of our favorite places.



Keith

Grubby

For the past two years, we have spent many a happy evening with friends and out of town visitors at the Porch and we have really enjoyed the many fun and somewhat twisted special events and parties that the place has hosted.  The Porter Mansion has a storied history since being built in 1838 and is said to be haunted by the spirit of Dr. Porter and perhaps others, but I doubt the old place has ever experienced  anything like the shenanigans that happen at the Porch on any given night.



Stephanie & Michael

Kelly & Shawna

Landon

The party to celebrate the second anniversary of the bar was no exception. To say that the Porch has a quirky sensibility would be something of an understatement. From the art that graces the walls, to the attitudes of the staff, to the crazy theme parties that the bar hosts, the place is unlike anyplace else in Key West, which might explain why it is a favorite hangout of the creative arts community. It is not unusual to have actors, artists, burlesque performers and even strippers all hanging out and letting their hair down after a performance or opening.

Scott

Kathy & Gae



Chris

Erin

This party exemplified this as the place was decorated in birthday finery and the unicorns were in place. No really, the owners had brought a couple of small live unicorns to delight and entertain the crowd along with a bubble machine. The unicorns were on display in the courtyard to the delight of patrons, especially those who brought their children to the event.





Bruce



The party lasted from late in the afternoon until early the next morning and was packed throughout the night with many locals including a large crowd of our close friends, all there to celebrate one of the coolest watering holes on the island. Kathy and I had a wonderful time.

Richard

Chris



The Porch is a wonderful place and we want to congratulate and thank everyone there for two fantastic years and wish them many, many more successful years ahead. On any given night you may find Kathy or myself hanging out there with friends or guests. Hope to see you there sometime. Special thanks once again to one of Key West’s finest photographers, Nick Doll for some of the photos featured in this post.

Jim & Joanna

Kathy & Nick