PAST EVENTS

There’s hardly a one among us who hasn’t had their lives enriched by our dear friend Blake Hunter – screenwriter, playwright, producer and philanthropist. It would be impossible to squeeze all of our affection into one evening’s program – but we’re going to try!

John Gorka is a world-renowned singer-songwriter who got his start at a neighborhood coffeehouse and musician mecca, Godfrey Daniels, in eastern Pennsylvania in the 1970s. His rich multifaceted songs full of depth, beauty and emotion caught the attention of critics and audiences across the country, as well as in Europe.

Amanda McBroom has been called “the greatest cabaret performer of her generation, an urban poet who writes like an angel and has a voice to match,” by the New York Times. She first came to the attention music lovers when Bette Midler’s version of her song “The Rose” hit number one all over the world in 1979. In addition to Midler, her songs have been recorded by a wide variety of artists including Amy Poehler and Jack Black, Barry Manilow, Judy Collins, and dozens of others.

As much known these days for her storytelling as for her songs,  Zoë Lewis’s performances are upbeat and fun, almost circus-like yet poignant and oftentimes political. She plays vintage jazz and world beat grooves on anything from the piano to the spoons.

Hop on a bike or carpool with friends and spend an art-filled afternoon exploring the homes and studios of Key West artists. Produced by The Studios of Key West, the annual Artist Studio Tours take you on a self-guided journey through the secret lanes and hidden alleys of Old Town.

A live storytelling competition featuring a line up of Key West locals, each with a chance to tell a story, based on a chosen theme.

The son of a small town farming community, Cody Diekhoff logged plenty of highway and stage time under the name Chicago Farmer before settling in the city in 2003. Profoundly inspired by fellow midwesterner John Prine, he’s a working-class folk musician to his core.

A fast paced and funny new musical in which a trio of leading ladies plays over 20 roles in delightful scenes and songs about today’s every woman, Jane, learning to run in her big girl shoes.

When most people think of defiant music, they think of punk rock or outlaw country. Defying genres is hard to pin down when it comes to artistry—unless you’re Miss Tess. She has employed all of her influences (jazz, country, blues and old school rock and roll) and talents, while cleverly taking standard perspectives, like the definition of a love song, to task.

Critically acclaimed vocalist Libby York is known for her swinging renditions of Great American Songbook classics, bossa nova gems and obscure treasures. She’s appeared at top venues in New York, Chicago, LA, and Paris. These intimate concerts will feature her trio in the beautiful setting of Hugh’s View.

Loudon Wainwright III is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and occasional actor. He has released twenty-four studio albums, four live albums, and collaborated with Judd Apatow on the soundtrack for his film Knocked Up.

With Broadway & theater credits ranging from “The Color Purple” to “Choir Boy”, “Sunny” Kil sits down with Stephen Kitsakos, Studios Artistic Associate, to talk about her journey from Seoul to New York to Key West.

Over the course of her twenty five year touring career, Susan Werner has built a reputation as one of the country’s most compelling live performers. With formidable chops on guitar and piano along with a graduate degree in voice performance, her shows are a one-woman master class in musicianship. Her songs are noted for their poetry and sharp wit, and also for their astonishing stylistic range.

Critically acclaimed vocalist Libby York is known for her swinging renditions of Great American Songbook classics, bossa nova gems and obscure treasures. She’s appeared at top venues in New York, Chicago, LA, and Paris. These intimate concerts will feature her trio in the beautiful setting of Hugh’s View.

A live storytelling competition featuring a line up of Key West locals, each with a chance to tell a story, based on a chosen theme.

Until relatively recently, Christmas was a time for “scary ghost stories” with its lore, traditions and mythology leaning to the dark side. Former Artist in Residence, Travel Channel/Discovery+ host and paranormal expert Sagers explores the spookier side of the season.

A whirlwind tour of Havana’s arts scene, including studio visits with celebrated artists, guided tours and sumptuous dinners, as well as opportunities to learn about the historic and architectural treasures of one of the world’s most romantic cities.

La Cucaracha Chronicles presents: La Chicharra (The Cicada) Story Slam. This live storytelling competition features a line up of Key West locals (Rita Troxel, Tony Yaniz and more), each with a chance to tell a story based on the theme “My Roots”

Pandemic-postponed, our typically-biannual favorite, One Night Stand returns! Since 2007, ONS has prompted creative thinkers to develop five brand new pieces of theatre from start to finish in only 24 hours. With the clock ticking, dozens of people work together at a wickedly fast pace to make the project come to fruition.

Several poems written in the time of war by Ukrainian poets are read by Key West locals in support of Ukraine. Readings by local actors and poets including Mia Shaw, Wayne Dapser, Diana Heller, and Vicki Boguszewski. The poetry reading will feature works by some of Ukraine’s most prolific poets including: Boris Khersonsky, Lyuba Yakimchuk and Halyna Kruk.

Audiences have called The Pickpocket’s Daughter, “a first class thriller with loads of laughs.” Young Matzy Moses navigates the corruption and gang warfare of 1930’s New York to save everything she holds dear. Up against her are policemen on the take, Irish gangsters and shady politicians. But with a resilient and unconventional heroine, you can expect the unexpected.

A founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, GRAMMY Award Winner and two-Time EMMY Nominee Dom Flemons has earned the moniker “The American Songster.” With a repertoire covering over 100 years of early American popular music, Flemons masterfully plays everything from banjo and harmonica to fife and rhythm bones.

You haven’t heard a sound like this before! The Everglades Songbook Suite Band features Jose Elias, co-founder of the Cuban folk band Cortadito and long-time guitarist of the Spam Allstars, along with a rotating talented cast of band members playing Afro-Cuban instruments including the Cuban Tres, cuatro, percussion, Kora, indigenous flutes, and woodwinds. The ESS Band plays music that celebrates the sights and sounds of Southern Florida’s mysterious and wild tropical wetlands. 

Join us for the annual Rosé Revolution Wine Tasting & buying event, a collaboration between The Studios of Key West, BreakThru Beverage, Aspect Wine and The Restaurant Store. Taste over 24 fresh release rosés!

Music by Martin Hennessy. Libretto by Stephen Kitsakos. Directed by Murphy Davis. Starring Michael Kelly. In the mid-1970s, a young man lands ashore in Manhattan without a map. Negotiating his way into a life in the performing arts, The Pleasing Recollection chronicles his musical adventures as he charmingly stumbles into some of the musical and theater giants of the era including Larry Kert, Leonard Bernstein, Charles Ludlam, and Aaron Copland among them.

Ellis Delaney may just be what we all need after the past year. Funny, thoughtful and uninhibited, Delaney is known as one of the most giving musicians out there. She gives her all in transformational performances, stating that her mission is to be “undefended and open.”

Join us for an ambitious program of short films and dialog – taking place simultaneously in San Francisco, in Key West, and online – to consider how art can be used to connect youth and elders, and in so doing, build resilient communities.

These three old friends happen to be among our nation’s funniest, most insightful commentators on society and politics, with a pile of Pulitzers between them. Humorist Dave Barry, and cartoonists Mike Luckovich & Mike Peters return to The Studios stage for an uproarious evening of stories, sketches and pokes at the powerful.

Born in Key West, Florida. Bronson played Major League Baseball from 2000-2014.His musical interest was nurtured by his grandmother Norma Dopp who taught music in Key West for 53 years. His debut album, Covering the Bases, includes covers from bands such as Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, and Foo Fighters. Saxophonist Elan Trotman has quickly become one of jazz’s most thrilling and emotive performers.

La Cucaracha Chronicles presents: La Chicharra (The Cicada) Story Slam. This live storytelling competition features a line up of Key West locals (Rita Troxel, Tony Yaniz and more), each with a chance to tell a story based on the theme “It changed my life!”

27 authors. 27 stories. No names attached. Bestselling novelists Hillary Jordan and Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan have compiled a bold collection of stories about sex that leaves you guessing who wrote what. Their elegant, international anthology of erotica explores the diverse spectrum of desire.

Key West actors let you peek inside the diary of the island with stories of renegades, rebels and regular joes. Hear the (sometimes sordid) tales that give our community its unique flavor. Stories have been contributed by locals and visitors, from the past both near and far, and are read by local actors.

Jazz on the Roof is a series of monthly concerts featuring the critically acclaimed vocalist Libby York and her jazz trio. Working on her forthcoming album, York is known for her subtle and swinging renditions of Great American Songbook classics, as well as bossa nova gems and a few obscure Songbook treasures.

Dead Horses isn’t a band in the conventional sense. Rather, it’s a folk-inspired conversation between two close friends, guitarist/ singer Sarah Vos and bassist Daniel Wolff. The pair’s musicality, and ambitions have sent them on a winding journey.

The Studios is proud to host the annual Anne McKee Auction now celebrating its 27th year. Join us in-person for one of the most popular art events of the year. Proceeds fund grants exclusively benefiting Keys artists.

Mary Gauthier comes to The Studios as an Artist in Residence this season, with a new book and recent GRAMMY Award-nominated album in hand. Gauthier has made a career of sharing the redemptive power of music through her live shows, Master Classes and a TED Talk. Gauthier will be joined by Jaimee Harris, a Texas-raised folk n’ roll singer, songwriter and criminal justice reform activist.

Jazz on the Roof is a series of monthly concerts featuring the critically acclaimed vocalist Libby York and her jazz trio. Working on her forthcoming album, York is known for her subtle and swinging renditions of Great American Songbook classics, as well as bossa nova gems and a few obscure Songbook treasures.

Roya Sadat is an Afghan filmmaker & international women’s rights advocate. Named by the BBC as one of the 100 Most Inspiring & Influential Women in the World for 2021, she taught herself how to create visual stories during the Taliban regime. We will screen her film A Letter to the President, the Afghan submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2018 Oscars, followed by a Q&A.

Raise a glass on the roof to beloved bon vivant and Hugh’s View namesake, Hugh Ware, on the occasion of what would have been his 99th birthday. Enjoy golden era jazz standards and WWII-era classics performed by Bobby Nesbit and Carmen Rodriguez while watching the sun tip below the horizon.

Raise a glass on the roof to beloved bon vivant and Hugh’s View namesake, Hugh Ware, on the occasion of what would have been his 99th birthday. Enjoy golden era jazz standards and WWII-era classics performed by Bobby Nesbit and Carmen Rodriguez while watching the sun tip below the horizon.

Written by William Shakespeare, conceived and directed by Richard Ericson. Twilight. Hugh’s View. Wild desire, jealousy, & comic revenge. Shakespeare’s greatest comedy — the most-produced in the world — is now just eighty minutes. Five actors play fifteen roles, sometimes with life-size puppets. As Puck says, “What fools these mortals be.” Laughter, sex, & love as the stars twinkle.

Not many artists can count six decades, 26 albums and three GRAMMYs in their bio, but Tom Chapin is not most artists. The New York Times called Chapin “one of the great personalities in contemporary folk music.”  Seeing the multi-talented music man on stage, it’s easy to understand why.

Tom Chapin takes a moment before his concerts to celebrate the life and advocacy of his brother, Harry. “When in Doubt, Do Something” chronicles Harry Chapin’s years working to eradicate world hunger. The world knows Harry Chapin for his historical contributions to American music, but fewer people are aware of the profound social impacts made by his actions.

Michael R. Jackson, playwright, lyricist, composer and self-proclaimed trash- talker visits Key West after his engaging turn on Between Two Palms. The evening will be hosted by Studios Artistic Associate Stephen Kitsakos. Jackson will discuss his boundary-pushing show, A Strange Loop, the “metafictional” musical, which explores identity, race and sexuality, and won him the 2020 Pulitzer Prize in Drama, as well as the work of Stephen Sondheim.

The Havana Biennial is among the world’s oldest and most important international art events, featuring participants from around the globe and Cuba’s own white-hot art scene at its finest. With exhibitions and cultural activities spread throughout the city you’ll experience Havana through the eyes of leading artists and curators, whom you’ll meet one-on-one over sumptuous dinners, studio visits and guided tours. Presented by The Studios of Key West and Gallery on Greene, the tour offers unique access to Cuba’s cultural scene.

Artist in Residence Abrahams shares a selected body of film work starting with a 67-minute feature and three short films, followed by a talk and discussion. An award-winning documentary filmmaker, commercial director, and lapsed South Floridian, Abrahams is no stranger to off-kilter characters, bloody history or mysterious places—all of which make appearances in his films.

A casual conversation with the artist about their explorations in film, performance, and the body. Bree will share some clips of their recent moving meditation videos and discuss the connection to their current research in designing cities and public transit.

Kick off the holiday season with The Studios of Key West by supporting community artists and small businesses. This season, we’re temporarily transitioning to an online platform, helping you find the perfect gifts. Our online shop will open at tskw.org on November 27 (Small Business Saturday) and be available to browse through Christmas Eve. It will still be a one-stop-shopping experience with links to 25 unique local artisans who create jewelry, textiles, home accessories and more.

A book release party, storytelling event, and ‘framly’ reunion, this gathering welcomes back a group of creatives who made their home in 1970s Key West. Readings will run back to back at Hugh’s View in two seatings, along with book signings and live music. Livestream it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJQFG3VAKc4

Key West has no shortage of tales to tell. Rita Troxel proves this fact in the photos and stories she’s gathered for the book and exhibition, Home at the End of the World, a collection of stories from the 1960s-80s, capturing the muses of a golden era of Cayo creativity. This reunion event brings the stories to life with live retellings and a book-signing.

No festival? No problem! Anyone with memories of – or dreams for – Bahama Village are invited to join San Francisco artist William Rhodes in making a colorful, collaborative quilt that captures the neighborhood’s spirit and history. Write down a recollection, draw a picture, or put anything you think of on a square of fabric. The squares are then knotted into a loose felt quilt that captures the spirit of the community today and can grow forever as part of Goombay.

Calling all Mango Madness artists! Join us for a guided walk through the exhibition to hear from the artists – including you! As we work our way through the galleries, we’ll stop by the artworks of any artists in attendance for a short conversation and a bit of feedback. Learn about the techniques and inspirations of your peers, and share your own. Each artist is welcome to bring one or two guests.

Drama Desk Winner & Tony-nominee Broadway star ANIKA LARSEN (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Avenue Q, Xanadu, Rent, All Shook Up) & trumpeter FREDDIE MAXWELL (Larsen/Maxwell Quintet) team up for a concert of jazz, pop, Latin and Broadway tunes to mark to celebrate the creative spirit of the immigrants who created American music and benefit the programs of The Studios of Key West.

Three exhibitions fill our galleries this month. Visit us in person, Tue-Sat, 12-4pm, or view the galleries online.

Four exhibitions fill our galleries this month. Visit us in person, Tue-Sat, 12-4pm, or view the galleries online.

Lindsay Lou has been making soulful, poignant music for the last decade.  An undeniable powerhouse, Lou’s remarkable gifts as a singer, songwriter, musician and performer demand the listener’s attention. Her singing floats over the deep groove with both a fierce intensity and a tender intimacy. For this performance, her Key West debut, Lindsay will be joined by award winning banjo player, Kyle Tuttle.

Four exhibitions fill our galleries this month. Visit us in person, Tue-Sat, 12-4pm, or view the galleries online.

After recently touring with Robert Plant and the Zac Brown Band, producing albums for Guy Clark and being named “songwriter of the year” (ASCAP), multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Darrell Scott can now typically be found roaming his Tennessee wilderness acreage, creating meals with food raised on his property and playing music.

Affectionately known as “a band in a body” Zoë plays vintage jazz and world-beat grooves on anything from piano to the spoons. Known as much for her storytelling as her songs, her performances are upbeat, almost circus-like, yet poignant and oftentimes political. Zoë is an entertainer from a bygone age.

Spend Valentine’s Day swooning along with Key West’s favorite troubadour. Lean into the macabre with selections from “Undying Love”, Harrison’s own musical which recounts the historical tale of Count VonCosel’s infatuation that reached beyond the grave. Not one to linger in the shadows though, Harrison also shares upbeats classics and new songs.

In a small Midwestern university town a text message is sent that sets off a chain reaction altering the course of the lives of many who live in Smithtown. The play asks the question: how does technology, and the need for immediate, personal gratification on social media, undermine common sense, rationality and the rules of behavior in contemporary America?

Called “one of the most innovative songwriters working today,” (Chicago Tribune), Susan Werner crafts lyrics that are as sharp as thistles, and every bit as funny as they are on point. A giant on the acoustic scene, Werner is by turns wry and passionate on stage, and famous for her live shows. As she says, “If you can’t laugh about it, you might be in the wrong line of work.”

The Studios is proud to host the annual Anne McKee Auction now celebrating its 26th year. Join us online for one of the most popular art events of the year. Proceeds fund grants exclusively benefiting Keys artists.

Five exhibitions fill our galleries this month. Visit us in person, Tue-Sat, 12-4pm, or view the galleries online.

Livingston Taylor’s career as a professional musician has spanned over 50 years, encompassing performance, songwriting, and teaching. Described as “equal parts Mark Twain, college professor, and musical icon,” Livingston delights audiences with his charm, upbeat storytelling and vast repertoire musical genres – including folk, pop, gospel and jazz.

What would Love Actually sound like with a Conch accent? What if It’s a Wonderful Life’s George Bailey grew up in Key West instead of Bedford Falls? Participants have one long weekend to reimagine their favorite Christmas movies with a Key West twist. The challenge is open to filmmakers of all levels—even first timers. All entries are eligible for random door prizes, and People’s Choice awards will be given in two categories: short film and mini challenge.

Join us for an evening under the stars as we celebrate the spoken word in our newly completed rooftop garden. Artist in Residence Michelle Lewis shares past works of poetry as well as a few nuggets of new work that she’s created during her Key West residency.

Our online Artisan Market will open at tskw.org on November 28 (Small Business Saturday) and be available to browse through Christmas Eve. It will still be a one-stop-shopping experience with links to 25 unique local artisans who create jewelry, textiles, home accessories and more.

Five artists, and friends, recount the creative path that led them toward creating the current Studios’ exhibition, Liminal. From past connections at Bennington College to more recent connections to the Keys and tropics, the group discusses how their work has evolved and been informed by their environment.

Where do ghost stories come from? What is a curse? How did seances and paranormal investigations become a part of mainstream America? Sip some spooky Halloween-appropriate cocktails and bask in the candle glow of the courtyard while Artist in Residence Aaron Sagers (Travel Channel host and paranormal pop culture expert) shares his expertise on the subject.

While Key West takes a pause from its regularly scheduled Fest, locals look back on some of their best (and worst) memories of Octobers past. Director Armour brings absurd true stories to life in a theatrical reading of submitted tales.

Key West, 1920 – A family is divided by the politics of a woman’s right to vote and reluctant suffragist Elizabeth finds herself at the center of the raging 19th Amendment debate. Playwright Karen Leonard and The Studios Online present “A Flourish of Hatpins”, a novel Readers Theater-style play, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Between Two Palms is a livestream series of intimate conversations between award-winning art-makers from the performing, visual and literary arts and members of The Studios family. Select Wednesdays at 6PM EST join us for an hour as we explore how stage, TV & film performers, designers, writers and visual artists are keeping the creative spirit alive through these turbulent times.

The fourth Wednesday of each month The Studios hosts a casual potluck at the residency guesthouse “In the Courtyard” to welcome our newest Artists in Residence. This event brings our community together under the covered courtyard at the Carriage Trade Artist Residency House to celebrate the most recent artists, coming from near and far, to grace us with their talent and share their work and aspirations for their time on the island.

The ReMARCable Dance Project combines the talents of Dance Key West and MARC, a local non-profit serving adults with developmental disabilities. The MARC clients nurture their creative voices, work on coordination and develop the courage to present their work. One of the most popular programs of the year, now two shows!

Described as “one of the best acoustic pickers on the scene today,” Morin plays with a deft finger style and melodic vocals that veer from elation to gritty world-weariness. Morin’s inimitable style is often characterized as acoustic Native Americana, blending qualities of blues, bluegrass, jazz, jam, reggae, and dance.

Let’s have a virtual celebration! On Thursday April 2 tune in to our Facebook page from 6-7pm for a First Thursday online event. We’ll be rescheduling our April exhibitions for a later date, but in the meantime we’d love to come together online with the exhibiting artists and share a teaser of their work!

The Tennessee Williams Key West Museum celebrates the playwright in a funny, poignant performance featuring Joel Vig as Truman Capote, followed by reminiscences by Tandy Cronyn, actress and daughter of Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy, one of Tennessee’s “women” who originated the role of Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire.

The fourth Wednesday of each month The Studios hosts a casual potluck at the residency guesthouse “In the Courtyard” to welcome our newest Artists in Residence. This event brings our community together under the covered courtyard at the Carriage Trade Artist Residency House to celebrate the most recent artists, coming from near and far, to grace us with their talent and share their work and aspirations for their time on the island.

“Legalized Love” is David Genest’s latest series, depicting human moments of contemporary American LGBT families. He will share his thoughts on contemporary portrait painting, why he created this particular series and his current multimedia techniques.

Witness the evolution of a script by one of Key West’s singular talents. Michael Marrero will workshop Repair, a two-man play co-written with New York actor Julio Trinidad over two nights. Audiences have a chance to get a first glimpse at this brand new script and give feedback at a Q & A following each reading.

Tom Rush’s shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific storytelling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues. Although he’s known for his live performances, Rush’s albums are also legendary; The Circle Game, according to Rolling Stone, ushered in the singer/songwriter era.

The Summer Stage hit returns, in season, for a fourth round of dueling monologues! Can the same words have two meanings? Twice Told Tales provides a fresh twist on a theatrical staple. Each monologue is presented by one director, but two actors, giving two wildly different takes on the material.

Lisa D. Watson will be joined by a representative from the National Key Deer Refuge/Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges to lead a talk on Key Deer’s plight against traffic accidents, loss of habitat, disease, and more. She will also discuss her latest series of work made from reclaimed materials depicting these native deer in their habitat.

The fourth Wednesday of each month The Studios hosts a casual potluck at the residency guesthouse “In the Courtyard” to welcome our newest Artists in Residence. This event brings our community together under the covered courtyard at the Carriage Trade Artist Residency House to celebrate the most recent artists, coming from near and far, to grace us with their talent and share their work and aspirations for their time on the island.

Sorry, Sold Out.
In Nilo Cruz’s Pulitzer Prize winning script, Juan Julian is hired to read to cigar factory workers as they hand roll cigars in Ybor City in the early 1900s. He introduces the cigar workers to Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, sparking romance and its inherent madness. Anna celebrates the cultural history of Cuban immigrants, and an era of sultry tropical nights shrouded in cigar smoke.

For thirty-plus years, Johnsmith has shared his music across America and abroad. With faded jeans, blue eyes, and an infectious smile, audiences get the sense of a man who simply loves life, his family and friends, and sharing songs and stories. Joined by Dan Sebranek.

The Studios is proud to host the annual Anne McKee Auction, now celebrating its 25th year. Join aficionados for one of the most popular art events of the year. Proceeds fund the artist grant fund exclusively benefiting Keys artists.

This new musical follows a female TV executive in the 1970s fighting to keep her variety show afloat, her star husband in check and temptation at bay. Under the direction of Murphy Davis, the script takes off, propelled by commanding performances and a whiff of classic TV nostalgia

The fourth Wednesday of each month The Studios hosts a casual potluck at the residency guesthouse “In the Courtyard” to welcome our newest Artists in Residence. This event brings our community together under the covered courtyard at the Carriage Trade Artist Residency House to celebrate the most recent artists, coming from near and far, to grace us with their talent and share their work and aspirations for their time on the island.

Carrie Newcomer is a singer-songwriter, poet and author at the intersection of folk, Americana and progressive spirituality. She’s described as a “prairie mystic” by the Boston Globe and one who asks “all the right questions” by Rolling Stone.

Inspired by classic Aesop’s fables, local writers Pony Charvet and Juliet Gray created Bubba’s Fables, adapting the beloved stories with Key West history and characters.

Johnny Carson and Jack Webb. Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore. Monty Python, Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball, and more! Your favorite Key West creatives celebrate the giants of comedy by recreating their most famous sketches. Join us for a night of belly laughs… punctuated by a few awkward chuckles.

With the premieres of three one-act operas performed over a single evening, Single Occupancies proves that opera is just as powerful, funny, emotional and relevant as ever.

The fourth Wednesday of each month The Studios hosts a casual potluck at the residency guesthouse “In the Courtyard” to welcome our newest Artists in Residence. This event brings our community together under the covered courtyard at the Carriage Trade Artist Residency House to celebrate the most recent artists, coming from near and far, to grace us with their talent and share their work and aspirations for their time on the island.

Inspired by classic Aesop’s fables, local writers Pony Charvet and Juliet Gray created Bubba’s Fables, adapting the beloved stories with Key West history and characters.

For those who have not been, Art Basel Miami is the largest, coolest, most cutting edge contemporary art event in the country. Take our comfortable motor coach to see what is essentially the world’s biggest modern art museum re-assembled and re-curated every year.

Nicholas Boggs will read from his work-in-progress, a new literary biography of James Baldwin. He will also discuss the process of bringing Baldwin’s forgotten 1976 children’s book, “Little Man, Little Man: A Story of Childhood,” back into print in a 2018 edition he co-edited for Duke University Press, which Entertainment Weekly hailed as “brilliant, essential,” and the New York Times wrote “couldn’t be more timely.”

Kick off the holiday season by supporting community artists and small businesses for Small Business Saturday. The Studios makes holiday shopping fun and easy. Enjoy cookies and coffee as you stroll through a friendly, festive indoor market. Each year, over 20 artisans present unique and locally produced gifts: jewelry, textiles, home accessories and quality crafts.

William Heyman, Ph.D. will present an educational talk titled “Multi-species Fish Spawning Aggregations: What Are They and Why Are They Important?” The presentation will feature amazing underwater videos by Dr. Heyman and what he has learned over more than 20 years of research.

The fourth Wednesday of each month The Studios hosts a casual potluck at the residency guesthouse “In the Courtyard” to welcome our newest Artists in Residence. This event brings our community together under the covered courtyard at the Carriage Trade Artist Residency House to celebrate the most recent artists, coming from near and far, to grace us with their talent and share their work and aspirations for their time on the island.

To celebrate his wife’s exhibition Solo Dar Gracias / Just Give Thanks on view in the Zabar Project Gallery from Nov 7-28, the Oscar-nominated composer José María Vitier (Strawberry & Chocolate), will present a short piano performance in support of the show preceding the opening in the Helmerich Theater. Vitier is an icon in Cuba, combining the elegance of the classical tradition with the romance and pathos of Cuban folk melodies.

Dance Key West is excited to announce that they are entering their eleventh year! Join the party at this celebratory fundraising event featuring live performances, libations & lots of fun.

Award-winning writer and former Key West Poet Laureate, Flower Conroy will be reading a selection of poems, including the ekphrastic poetry from her “Insects & Angels” exhibit. The reading will be followed by brief question-and-answer session.

Taking inspiration from classic Aesop fables, local writers Pony Charvet and Juliet have created “Bubba’s Fables,” adapting the beloved stories to feature Key West history and characters. The short plays include: The Pelican and the Starfish, Coffee Butler and the Spring Breakers, and Hercules and the Caroline Street Hot Dog Vendor, among others.

The fourth Wednesday of each month The Studios hosts a casual potluck at the residency guesthouse “In the Courtyard” to welcome our newest Artists in Residence. This event brings our community together under the covered courtyard at the Carriage Trade Artist Residency House to celebrate the most recent artists, coming from near and far, to grace us with their talent and share their work and aspirations for their time on the island.

Our Town Our Park is a celebration brings together many of Key West community’s beloved organizations and artists to celebrate the arts and culture of our beautiful community park, Truman Waterfront Park. Remarks by Mayor Teri Johnston, performances & appearances, plus food & giveaways!

WLRN Public Radio Presents A Live Radio Broadcast of Sundial from The Studios of Key West.

Be a part of the conversation with host Luis Hernandez and guests as they examine the risks and explore the solutions that can help save Florida’s sea life.

“Mile Marker Zero” is a recital length solo marimba work comprised of twelve short, audience friendly pieces – an assortment of musical memories collected around Key West as part of marimbist Ben Wahlund’s residency at The Studios. Ranging from jazz, to rock, funk, classical and more, Wahlund’s eclectic voice on marimba and compelling storytelling for each piece engages audience members of all ages and backgrounds. With special guests Laurel Oswald Clark, visual art and Sara Fruner, spoken word.

Renowned mystery writers, aspiring authors, true crime experts and fans meet in America’s southernmost city! Featuring a who’s-who of award-winning and bestselling mystery/suspense authors and true crime experts, Mystery Fest Key West is a fun and fascinating meet-and-greet.

Nichols and May. Abbott and Costello. Brooks and Reiner. Bob Newhart. Monty Python. Burnett, Korman, and Conway, and more! Theatre XP’s Summer Stage celebrates the giants of classic comedy by faithfully recreating their most famous bits and sketches. Join us for a night of belly laughs…punctuated by a few awkward chuckles.

The hit of Summer Stage returns for a third round of dueling monologues! Can the same words mean more than one thing? Twice Told Tales provides a fresh twist on a theatrical staple. Each monologue is presented by one director, but two actors, giving two wildly different takes on the material.

The Pride, a contemporary British drama, written by Alexi Kaye Campbell, examines changing attitudes to sexuality between the late 1950s and current times. The story counterpoints two parallel love stories, one in 1958, the other in 2008. The Pride premiered in 2008 at Royal Court Theater to critical acclaim, winning the Laurence Olivier Award before making its Off-Broadway debut in 2010.

Glier brings his congenial stage presence back to Key West to perfect his songwriting skills in an artist residency. Taking a break from the creative process, he presents a stripped down outdoor show featuring favorite foot-stompers and new works. Join Glier for an intimate outdoor concert on the deck at the Residency Cottages. Your last chance to be “On the Deck” at 607 Ashe!

The largest festival of its kind in the world celebrates its 23rd year as both a tourist attraction and favorite of island locals. The festival revolves around five days and nights of big stars in intimate settings, introducing audiences to the faces, voices and stories behind the songs.

This interactive game show, hosted by radical mermaids, spills out of a parked Airstream allowing visitors the chance to strike up conversations with environmental experts. An irreverent approach to climate change conversation, this event is one-part game show, one-part science jam, and one-part mermaid magic. A wildly imaginative approach to tackling a difficult topic!

With exhibitions and cultural activities spread throughout the city you’ll experience Havana through the eyes of leading artists and curators, whom you’ll meet one-on-one over sumptuous dinners, studio visits and guided tours. Presented by The Studios of Key West and Gallery on Greene, the tour offers unique access to Cuba’s cultural scene.

Tara O’Grady’s music, which encompasses jazz, blues, folk and Americana, can be heard around the globe. The songstress channels the style of the 1920s and the energy of the 1950s in her foot-tapping live shows.

Cortadito brings explosive energy to early 20th century Cuban arrangements, evoking a time when Cuban music was influencing sounds throughout the globe. Occasionally, guest musicians back Cortadito, creating a sound reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club. Celebrate the release of the ensemble’s latest album, Canciones de Julio, with house-made mojitos and cigars hand-rolled on site.

Directed by Cynthia Biestek and Ruben Gomez, the 2018 musical documentary Eliades Ochoa: from Cuba to the World follows the path of a poor country musician from Eastern Cuba who rises to the challenge of spreading his beloved traditional music to the whole world, along the way finding success as a member of the legendary Cuban group the Buena Vista Social Club. Followed by a Q&A with Biestek and a reception.

Dance Key West brings “Tiny Dances” to the Sanger Gallery, a dance installation piece choreographed by Dance Key West Artistic Director Kyla Piscopink and drawn from over 170 works exhibited in the Small Works show curated by Lemonade Stand Gallery. The audience is invited to both browse the juried art and take a chair to enjoy the installation as it unfolds around them during the hour-long performance.

The ReMARCable Dance Project combines the talents of Dance Key West and MARC, a local non-profit serving adults with developmental disabilities. The MARC clients nurture their creative voices, work on coordination and develop the courage to present their work. Join us for one of the most popular programs of the year!

World-class performers, cheeky comedy, and aerial acrobats come together to create an extraordinary production that has become a tradition in Key West. In its 12th year, Key West Burlesque, founded by Christa Hunt (aka Tatah Dujour), is still finding fresh ways to continue its legacy of burlesque art.

Famed long distance swimmer Diana Nyad captured the heart of Key West in 2013 when she emerged on Smathers Beach, having completed her historic swim from Cuba to the US, Havana to Key West. As an athlete, author, former sports broadcaster, and fitness icon, Nyad’s life reads like a riveting collection of stories. The Courage to Fail gives audience members the opportunity to absorb the tales of an incredible public figure in an intimate setting.

Continuing to present lesser unknown works by the great American playwright, Key West Art & Historical Society presents the rarely performed comedy Lifeboat Drill and steamy threesome Kingdom of Earth – two intriguing plays with characters trapped, both physically and metaphorically, by rising waters. With Alaina Albertson, Michael Catlege, Kitty Clements, Arthur Crocker and Jeffrey Johnson. 

Kristin LeVier will talk about the pathway that led her from science to studio art and introduce us to her biology- and nature-inspired organic sculpture. As a working artist for over 13 years, she has leaned to be a creative entrepreneur, and will discuss the techniques and systems she uses to work most efficiently, successfully and happily.

Mark Hedden will talk about On The Hook, a photo narrative project focussed on Key West’s liveaboard community, the people who live on the edge of the edge. He’ll discuss the challenges of shooting on the water, the technical challenges of the photography, and the social dimensions of the work. He’ll also discuss how this work was informed by a 25 years tenure on the island.

The contemporary quartet, Otherworld, blends jazz, classical and Middle Eastern influences into a unique sound that defies easy categorization, featuring intricate, cinematic compositions and soaring improvisations. This concert features music from their new album and favorites from their debut album, which placed in the top 10 at the Global Music Awards. 

Enjoy an afternoon and evening of continuous piano music, courtesy of the fingers of eighteen pianists from Key West. This Piano Marathon benefits Hugh’s View, The Studios rooftop visual and performing space opening to the public in 2020.

For better or worse, our current political times have kept editorial comics on their toes. Three of the greats – who happen to be old pals – share their thoughts and pen a few sketches in an uproarious evening that proves it’s better to laugh than cry. Afterward, Barry, Luckovich and Peters will join guests at an intimate dinner party just two blocks away (ticketed separately) to talk further and field questions.

Delve deeper into the work of the three featured master wood artists – Michael Bauermeister, David Ellsworth and Michael Peterson – as they discuss their techniques and present images of their work in the Heinen Media Lab.

Three internationally acclaimed wood artists, in Key West for one weekend only, participate in an informal discussion about the exhibition With The Grain, and the state of contemporary wood art.

Oscillating between bitingly funny and heartwarming, Alligator Alley follows two childhood friends as they navigate the dystopian sprawl of Florida City and the wilds of the Everglades. Headstrong Mayer and her close friend Becca attempt to escape their current surroundings and start a new life beyond the Glades.

The Studios is graced with its first royal visit thanks to the Key West Garden Club. Emma Manners, the 11th Duchess of Rutland discuses the landscape restoration of her homestead, Belvoir Castle, a fairy-tale castle that had sat dormant since WWII. Manners utilized long-lost plans drafted by Lancelot “Capability” Brown in 1780 to realize a radical design, resulting in a modern masterpiece.

Cooper has logged millions of miles engaging audiences with his quick wit, insightful stories and commanding presence. He has performed on Austin City Limits, received the Spirit of Folk Award, and perfected a strumming style that is legend among guitarists. Celebrating the release of his 26th(!) album, this folk mainstay brings his storytelling to Key West.

Construction artist and painter Roberta B. Marks presents a breadth of work that synthesizes past and present. The collection of all new work highlights the emotional content of memory while exhibiting a consciousness of current societal issues. Join Marks in the Sanger Gallery for a talk about her work.

Hailed by NPR as a “lyrical and raw” singer-songwriter, Mancari followed a circuitous path to success – working as a janitor in South Florida, hopping trains with down-and-out songwriters in Virginia, seeking spirituality in India. It’s a route that’s worked, landing her several successful tours and an album that recently hit Rolling Stone’s ’40 Best’ list.

A year from now we’ll be partying on the roof, but this year we bring the night sky indoors, transforming The Studios into a glittering vision of the heavens for our annual blowout fundraiser. Costumes are absolutely encouraged, or just dust off your old tuxedo; we expect Hollywood Stars, celestial bodies, and the occasional extra-terrestrial. Plus plenty to eat and drink, and a dance floor that’s out of this world!

Spend an engaging evening with one of public radio’s rising stars, Joshua Johnson, host of the NPR radio program 1A. WLRN’s VP of News Tom Hudson and WLRN Keys Reporter Nan Klingener will moderate a lively conversation with Joshua about important topics with national and regional relevance. Audience participation will be welcomed.

Rosenblum fine-tuned his skills at Juilliard before becoming a fixture of the NYC jazz scene. A pianist and composer, Rosenblum has graced the stages of The Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, The Blue Note and many others. Accompanied by two talented cohorts, he presents a special Valentine’s Day concert, featuring music from his latest album, which Jazziz Magazine calls “richly romantic”.

With almost a quarter century of “artists helping artists” behind them, The Studios is proud to host the annual Anne McKee auction, where aficionados gather for one of the most popular art parties of the year. Proceeds help fund the vital grant program for Keys artists.

Acclaimed yogi and activist Michelle Johnson illustrates how small actions serve as the catalyst for meaningful change. Johnson imparts her experiences, but also allows for hands-on learning, leading her audience through breathing and movement exercises, storytelling prompts and spirited discussions on the internalization of institutional racism, privilege, and planning for action.

Called “one of the most innovative songwriters working today,” (Chicago Tribune), Werner crafts lyrics as sharp as thistles, and every bit as funny as they are on point. A giant on the acoustic scene, Werner is by turns wry and passionate on stage, and famous for her live shows.

Italian playwright and filmmaker, Marco Calvani, will screen his short film about two neighbors, one an American and the other a foreigner, The View From Up Here, starring Oscar-winner Melissa Leo & Leila Bekhti with a discussion following about islamophobia and ethnocentrism moderated by Stephen Kitsakos, Board President at The Studios.

On Jan 28, Cuban poet and revolutionary José Martí returns to life, and just as he did over 100 years ago, rides his famous white steed, Bacanao, through the streets of Key West, reciting poems in English and Spanish along the way! Organized by The O, Miami Poetry Festival and The Studios of Key West, the recreation of Martí’s historic Key West ride commemorates the patriot’s 166th birthday.

Over the course of a boozy evening, fiercely competitive actress Ella and her father David deliberate over whether to read the reviews of her Off-Broadway debut…and things unravel from there. This darkly humorous, probing play mines their deeply complicated relationship and sheds new light on the eternal struggle of parents and children to find common ground.

The U.S. premiere of the smash hit from Paris is told in a series of letters and e-mails exchanged between two characters on a journey to help a young disabled man, robbed of all his senses but one, live his passion for travel through the sense of smell. Premier Dinner Seats Sold Out, Limited General Admission + Dessert Seats Remaining!

Kyla and Keith met in New Orleans in 2013, and decided that, together, they had a story to tell. Their early discussions yielded the DKW-staged dual duo show, “Cherry Red” and later, the March 2018 workshop performance of this duet production. This fall, they’ve streamlined their vision even further and are proud to present their newest collection of “True-ets!”

You are invited to a live broadcast of WLRN’s weekly radio news series The Florida Roundup broadcast live from The Studios of Key West. Join host Tom Hudson, Vice Presidents of News for WLRN, along with a panel of Florida Keys journalists, in this hour-long special edition of The Florida Roundup: Life at the Edge in the Florida Keys. You can be a part of the audience and join the conversation during this live radio broadcast, with a Q & A session to follow that will launch WLRN’s Florida Keys Museum and Attractions Weekend.

The hit of last year’s Summer Stage 2017! A night of contrasting, dueling monologues. Seven directors are given one monologue and two actors each. They develop the same monologues with each of their actors separately and in completely different ways — meaning interpretation or delivery or emotion or intent or all of them.

MEET THE CANDIDATES! Candidates will be sharing their platforms, solutions, opponent contrast. Free admission, light appetizers & cash bar. All citizens are invited  – bring a friend!

This evening talk is based on Lama Tsultrim Allione’s new book, Wisdom Rising: Journey into the Mandala of the Empowered Feminine. The talk will include an introduction to the mandala and the dakini principle, and a short journey into the mandala of your innermost being, where the empowered feminine resides. Followed by book signing.

Returning for it’s third year, The ReMARCable Dance Project, an essential part of Dance Key West’s Outreach Program, combines the talents of Dance Key West and MARC, a local non-profit serving adults with developmental disabilities.

You LOVED Conch Republic, the Musical. We did, too! So we’re bringing it back but with a twist here and a tuck there. Three actors and a piano tell the story of how the Conch Republic began. It will be an evening of song, dance, and plenty of flags — which is in truth HOW the Conch Republic began! All your favorite characters will be there. Make sure you are too. Join us as we celebrate our heritage. You can even sign-up for our ‘Pride in the Conch Republic’ Costume Contest — Awards nightly!

SOLD OUT
A hotel room, a bed, a chair. Lovers, strangers and the low moan of a clarinet all intersect in two rarely performed one-act plays by Tennessee Williams — Green Eyes and The Traveling Companion –exploring the consequences of desire and the struggle for love in a cruel world. Adult themes and language.

New England’s leading comedy school and theater for 30+ years, ImprovBoston’s alumni have been featured on The Daily Show, America’s Got Talent, and Last Comic Standing, to name a few. Tonight they show you what the big deal is, and play a bit with the locals, fresh off their workshops this week.

The soulful and charismatic “song and story alchemist” – a 2014 Studios Artist in Residence – returns to Key West for a performance that unveils a series of portraits of powerful women in history.

Tonight, everyone’s an artist – or maybe an artwork! For its 2018 Gala fundraiser, The Studios crafts its most creative party yet. The food is fauvist, the cocktails rococo, the décor Dadaist and the dance moves are… abstract expressionist? Dress as your favorite artist, writer, or cultural concoction, or just look fabulous.

Key West’s own Vincent Zito and Bobby Nesbitt lead a stellar cast in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the birth of this beloved American composer, conductor, author, music lecturer, and pianist. Leonard Bernstein’s Broadway works include On The Town, West Side Story, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, The Madwoman of Central Park West, Peter Pan, and Side by Side by Sondheim. Our celebration includes performances by the wonderful Bobby Nesbitt, Susie Speidel, Susan Powell, Richard White, Jono Mainelli and Vincent Zito. Two nights only!

One of our most popular annual events, the Artist Studio Tours return to Old Town this season with a carefully curated collection of creative work spaces. Spend the afternoon peeking into the homes and studios of some of the island’s most fascinating artists.

Writer/musician/playwright Ben Harrison penned the definitive account of this true macabre love story in his nonfiction book, Undying Love, which earned him a spot in front of national audiences on the Howard Stern Show and This American Life. Originally performed at the Appelrouth Grill in 1999, Undying Love: The Musical distills the atmosphere of Key West in the 1930’s, and perfectly melds the pathos of von Cosel’s tale with Harrison’s signature dry humor.

For well over a dozen years in a row, the Anne Mckee Artists Fund fine art auction has drawn a full house. Art aficionado’s and collectors know that on this one night, a large measure of the cream of the Keys crop will be on display, all together, at what is one of the most popular, passionate and artsy parties of the year. 

Last season, Seth Glier blew us all away with a special private performance showcasing his incredible vocal and emotional range. This year, he returns to the Studios of Key West to play for everyone. The Grammy-nominated musician and songwriter “echoes Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel” (USA Today). Don’t miss this one.

Sponsored by Fury Water Adventures

Blue Heaven Songwriters Series

With wry humor and a guitar style that’s all his own, Tom Rush is a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. His shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific storytelling, the sweet melancholy of ballads, and the passion of gritty blues.

A chance meeting on a train platform is the spark that sets off this meticulous examination of human relationships. Mike Mulligan returns under the direction of Dennis Zacek, joined by acclaimed Chicago actress Dana Black. On its 2015 premiere, Ben Brantley of the New York Times called the play “shimmeringly and satisfyingly elusive.”

A series of delectable art-themed parties combining food, art, and interesting locations in Key West —all supporting your creative community.

Sponsored by Doug Mayberry Real Estate

When she’s not sitting in with groups like the Moody Blues and Stevie Wonder, Denise Nathanson has been principal cellist for the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and a sought after performer and professor of classical music. Combining virtuosic playing and engaging discussion, she makes a case for classical music’s continuing relevance in popular culture.

In Artist in Residence Shea Hembrey’s celebrated TED talk, he tells how he invented 100 different artists and made work by each to fashion his own biennial. The Arkansas native’s encyclopedic skills and interests range from Maori art, to faith healing and ornithology, and he discusses his latest investigations here.

A World Premiere! When Aunt Helen Beck lands unexpectedly on the doorstep of her great-nephew Ford Mayweather and his wife Chris, her meddling makes mischief for all, including their neglected 8-year old neighbor, Mercury. The laughs are provided by Kitty Clements, Jake Ferguson, Morgan Fraga and Joe Mitchell. Based on a short story by National Book award-nominee, Elizabeth McCracken.

Grove is in the Heart is a Hurricane Irma Relief Art Show to benefit Grimal Grove. There will be a wide variety of art available from many great artists from around the Keys and beyond. The event will be set up as a silent auction. There will also be live music hors d’oeuvres and drinks. All tax deductible proceeds go to the restoration of Grimal Grove, Big Pine Key.

Known for their dynamic, innovative and charismatic performances, the New York City-based Company enters its 20th Anniversary Season with a string of celebratory, site-specific film premieres, commissions, residencies and performances. A former resident artist of TSKW (Summer 2017) Daniel is back by popular demand with his Company of charismatic dancers.

The charismatic star of the Netflix Original Series “BLOODLINE” appears with his kick-ass country and rock ’n’ roll band – musicians Jason Laughlin and James Leahey – for one night only! Proceeds benefit Hurricane Irma relief efforts in the extensive areas of the Keys that are still struggling to recover.

The South Florida Symphony will be offering a free concert to benefit Reef Relief in the aftermath of Irma. This event is free and open to the public, reserve your seat by registering through the event page.

Join us for WLRN/WKWM’s live radio performance of Key Largo at The Studios of Key West.

The one-night only showing will involve live performance, video dance, improvisation, and audience
participation. Known for their dynamic, innovative and charismatic performances, the New York
City-based Company enjoys its sweet nineteenth with a string of celebratory, site-specific film
premieres, commissions, residencies and performances.

Film Synopsis: My partner Hannah Sheridan is half Cheyenne and half Kiowa, born in El Reno, Oklahoma. On the night of her high school graduation she saw a Navy recruitment commercial and joined the next day, despite the fact that she was a lesbian in the era of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” Ten years later, after the deaths of her father and grandmother and her recent discharge from the Navy, Hannah returns to her Native-American community to mourn her deceased relatives and to try to find her place again within her culture and family.

The Flying Carrs Circus is a world class circus for audiences of all ages! There will be daredevils, acrobats, jugglers, aerialists, and more! We’ll take you on a trip around the world in 80 minutes showcasing the many different cultures that make us unique! Join us for a wonderful event the whole family can enjoy!
We are proud to be a 100% animal-free circus!

The Play Project brings New York and Key West together for a behind the scenes glimpse into how theater is made.

The brainchild of director Murphy Davis and playwright Wendy Hammond, the project brings a seasoned playwright, director and equity actors from New York to collaborate with actors and audiences from Key West.

Celebrating its 21st year, the Songwriters Festival is no longer a secret. The largest event of its kind in the world, it’s both a tourist attraction and favorite of island locals, with five days and nights of big stars in intimate settings, introducing audiences to the faces, voices and stories behind the songs.

The Studios of Key West welcomes two talented, local musicians for a selection of favorite classical guitar pieces by J.S.Bach, Heitor-Villa Lobos, Mario Castelnuovo Tedesco and popular guitar/violin duets by Nicolo Paganini and Astor Piazzolla.
This concert is packed with beautiful melodies and rhythms that you will carry home with you. Please join us for this “one night only” show.

What do Buena Vista Social Club, Bach, Bruno Mars and Jimmy Buffett have in common? You’ll come across them all as you explore an overgrown Civil War-era fort, filled with music, dance and spoken word performances that cohere into a magical and funky portrait of Key West. A jazz trio serenades from the beach; a dancer leaps like an orchid, ghosts appear with operatic splendor and it all concludes with an exuberant full-tilt boogie.

The premiere of Rock Solomon’s Jazz Noir is the apex of The Jazz Age Retrospectacular, an out-of-the-box event series looking at Key West history & culture through the lens of the Jazz Age. Solomon and his company combine narrative, music and technology to weave a story of 1930’s Key West, when rum runners were rampant, the economy went bust, and a hurricane like no other nearly sealed the island’s fate.

Exploring both the diversity and commonality of Caribbean dance music, the Antilles Music Ensemble brings to life a score of traditional songs that have long inspired people the world over. From a Son Montuno to a Sucu Sucu, from Compa to Mento, from a Beguine to a Calypso, the many flavors of the Caribbean come alive when the Antilles Music Ensemble takes the stage!

Our popular annual tour grants you entry into the homes and studios of Key West’s working artists. Once again this year we venture off the rock to Stock Island, “the Brooklyn of Key West.” You’ll visit the studios of woodworkers, welders and potters, and you’ll explore the fascinating workspaces of jewelry makers, painters and more.

ImprovBoston is back!

The funny crew from Boston will be brining the laughs back to The Studios for one performance only. This show follows a three day workshop for students who want to flex their improv muscles and learn more about the art of improv.

Join Mike and Deana for the workshop March 14 – 16 or just reserve your seat for a night of quick whit on Saturday, March 18.

Robinson is a regular political commentator on MSNBC and writes a twice-weekly column in the Washington Post that is syndicated nationally. Robinson will host a VIP reception on the first floor of Studios at 3:30 with an opportunity for photos and book signing. Tickets for the reception are $250 per person. At 4:30 on the 2nd floor of Studios, Robinson will talk about “The First Amendment in the Age of Trump”. There will be a question & answer session following the talk. Tickets for the event are $40 per person.

For a bountiful gala celebrating our first decennial, we invite you to join us at the “Garden of Eaton,” a botanical dreamscape of fragrant cocktails, mouth watering bites, music, dancing, and costumes. Forest – themed formal wear and fancy florals encouraged, or just a few flattering fig leaves.

A giant on the singer-songwriter scene, Werner is wry and passionate in her famous live shows. This season, she returns with a new album and a Broadway-bound musical under her belt. A ‘jill’ of all trades, Werner explores classic Cuban music for a special Key West show, alongside old favorites and plenty of surprises.

A tireless and hilarious advocate for causes she believes in, comedienne Christine O’Leary has worked with a who’s who of funny people: Gilbert Gottfried, Joy Behar, Chevy Chase, Sinbad and Tracy Morgan and Margaret Cho. Socially charged and a natural storyteller, there is not an audience that she cannot penetrate… and that is hot.

With almost a quarter century of “artists helping artists” behind them, The Studios is proud to host the annual Anne McKee auction, where aficionados gather for one of the most popular art parties of the year. Proceeds help fund the vital grant program for Keys artists.

Supported by a Vision 20/20 Grant from the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys

Tom Rush’s shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific story telling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues. Although he’s known for his live performances, Rush’s albums are also legendary; The Circle Game, according to Rolling Stone, ushered in the singer/songwriter era.

Pictures tell stories. Stories paint pictures. In between is this thing artists try to get at. Slideshow takes live-without-a-net readings and combines them with carefully-curated projected images. It’s a merging of two disparate creative processes.

The concert you missed last season is back by popular demand! Last year, Brooks brought down a small but wildly enthusiastic house. Balancing strong-worded political commentary with witty lyrics and a warm conversational tone, Brooks is the perfect anchor in crazy times.

Based in Miami, the five members of Cortadito bring explosive Cuban energy to classic arrangements reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club. Featuring Spanish guitar and African percussion, Cortadito is devoted to performing the music at the soul of Cuba.

A novice nun. A dead newborn child. A court-appointed psychiatrist and a mother superior battle for the life of the nun, Agnes. Is she gifted in the mysteries of faith or guilty of cold-blooded murder? A psychological battle ensues, between science and religion and between the temporal and spiritual.

In his long awaited return to Key West, international concert pianist and composer Jeffrey Chappell weaves together jazz and classical compositions and invites you to reconsider the very ways that music communicates.

Join The Studios for a series of intimate events celebrating the art of breaking bread.

Larry Smith arranges an ensemble of all-star entertainers to join him in performing the joyous music of the holiday season. Presented in typical Larry Smith fashion – including generous doses of spontaneity and improvisation.

Provocative, irreverent, controversial and wildly creative, Amanda Palmer is a fearless singer, songwriter, playwright, blogger and an audaciously expressive pianist who simultaneously embraces – and explodes – traditional frameworks of music, theater and art.

A whimsical Neo-Victorian circus show based on the beloved 12 Days of Christmas carol – complete with amazing aerial performances and bawdy burlesque beauties. The show stars the former reigning queen of burlesque, Roxi D’lite and features Miami’s favorite aerial duo, Little Red Hearts.

A favorite holiday event returns to The Studios of Key West. On Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, our stage fills with local performers stepping out to perform their hearts out while raising funds for The Sister Season Fund. When you’ve had your fill of leftover turkey and online sales, head down to The Studios for a night of great music and community goodwill.

Our evening begins with a traditional Haitian meal, served buffet style, after which storytellers and poets will read and present from the stage. The tables will then be cleared for a dance party featuring the 15-piece band Orchestre les Christophiles.

Diversity is our community’s greatest asset, what sets us apart from other places people might choose to visit or live. The Studios embraces that diversity and seeks to connect young and old through the age-old formula of breaking bread, sharing stories and cutting loose on a dance floor.

Folk legend Todd Snider takes on Old Town at the newly renovated Studios of Key West Theater for an intimate, seated show in the heart of the historic district. Tickets are general admission and will sell fast.
Rorey Carroll will open at 8:00pm.

One part performance, one part artist talk, one part environmental awakening.

Teschner will introduce Key West to her work through a lively narrative event in which she combines digital projections and poetic text to explore our changing seas.

Artist in Residence and renowned UK theater director, Laurie Sansom leads his students through a staged reading of short dramas by Tennessee Williams. Sansom’s students will showcase their honed acting skills while sharing some of Williams lesser known works with a Key West audience. A talkback with Sansom and his students will follow the performance.

The Fall foliage will be at its peak for The Studios’ customized tour of the many art destinations north of Manhattan. From the 19th century homes of the Hudson River School painters to the cutting edge contemporary art at Dia and Storm King, we’ll travel in style, feast on culture and and eat like kings.

The Studios of Key West and The Marker Resort present an intimate evening with local artist Alaina Plowdrey. This event will be held at The Marker Resort, 200 William Street.

No one ever accused Suzanne of being subtle, not the shuttle driver who took her to the airport, the women she was in line with at the grocery store yesterday and certainly not her audiences.
Subtle, she is not!

Suzanne never does the same show twice. She can’t. She doesn’t write anything down. She charges boldly on the stage and what happens is always a mystery and a delight.

Enjoy a wild night of comedy during Womenfest!

Join our team of reporters, editors and producers at The Studios of Key West for drinks and desert. Come share your favorite WLRN moments with us!

In a few short years, since picking up the banjo, this young songwriter and bandleader went from playing rural Florida watering holes to performing on PBS alongside Alison Krauss and licensing music for the likes of Disney Pixar.

Dust off your bedazzled body suit and head to the Bottlecap Groove Lounge to celebrate the late, spectacular, David Bowie & Prince.

There is no entry fee (these idols would have wanted us to all party together for free!)

This happy hour will include the following phenomenal activities, with all tips benefiting The Studios of Key West.

Back by popular demand (and because, well… Star Wars!) Key West Burlesque opens their first ever Star Wars parody burlesque show. The always outrageous bump and grind babes take the beloved trilogy of the first three Star Wars films and drops them into the glittering, glamorous world of burlesque!

Key West Water Dance is part of a massive national happening, with simultaneous dance performances across the country calling attention to water issues. Our contribution takes place on White Street Pier as the sun rises over the Florida Straits, featuring choreographed movements by volunteer and professional dancers, and newly commissioned music by the Haitian super-group Orchestre Christophiles.

Celebrating National Poetry Month The Key West Poetry Guild will present a reading at The Studios of Key West 533 Eaton St.Honoring the Guild’s rich history and the Poets that came before them, members of the Guild will read the work of Robert Frost, Elizabeth Bishop, James Merrill, Shel Silverstein, and more. All are welcome to this free event.

This spring, Dance Key West teams up with MARC — a local non-profit serving adults with developmental disabilities — for an innovative project that nurtures creative spirits. See the inspiring results during this one-night only dance showcase!

Known for his wonderful sense of the ridiculous, Ben’s songs explore the unique history and ribald character of Key West. From Conch Train to Sloppy Joe’s Bar 1984, Ben brings delightfully absurd tales to life. Highlighting new material from his latest album, DESTINO, plus many old favorites.

Saucy international soprano Melody Cooper ignites The Studios’ stage with the music of Spain, Cuba and Latin America. Expect an evening of lyrical melodies, passionate poetry and sizzling rhythms. Joining her is pianist Sergio Puig, salsa band Caribe and many special guests.

With over 35 years in show business, working on such classics as Laverne & Shirley, Cheers, Mork & Mindy, and Full House, and with over 15 years with Jay Leno on the Tonight Show, Perlow’s unique show answers all of your wildest questions about the stars and celebrities he has had the pleasure (and not such pleasure) of working with.

Our popular annual tour grants you entry to the studios and homes of working artists. Once again this year we venture off the rock to Stock Island, “the Brooklyn of Key West”! You’ll visit the studios of woodworkers, welders and potters, and you’ll explore the fascinating workspaces of jewelrymakers, painters, and more.

The Emerald Isle is only a song away when Sean Tyrrell takes the stage this St. Patrick’s Day. Born in the rugged and unspoiled West of Ireland and raised within a culture that so treasures its music, Tyrell’s magnificent vocals honor the great tradition of Irish folk singers.

Based on the “Letters Live” performance series, Letters of Note takes a closer look at Tennessee William’s correspondence with some of the most famous people of his time, as well as his more intimate correspondences, providing an intriguing glimpse into the author’s emotional and artistic life.

You’ll enjoy a very now version of Mozart’s comic singspiel Der Schauspieldirektor with fashionista costumes, dueling sopranos, battling baritones, a libidinous backer and one very broke producer. The same old story, brand new.

Photo credit: Randi Baird Photography

Toronto’s Jon Brooks stands among an exalted few in the enduring Canadian song tradition – Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young – as a lyricist, composer and performer with a fierce commitment to his craft and his vision. His voice is, at turns, powerful, beautiful, and infinitely kind.

The inaugural edition of our visual arts conference tackles issues of nature, identity and place. How do we imprint ourselves on the landscape? How does nature condition who we are? Key West serves as the backdrop for a series of exhibitions, workshops, conversations and receptions, based on the premise that visual art can inspire change: individually, locally and globally.

Ben Pegg curates a night of music highlighting the greatest vocal gems of Key West. Do you know that Les Green (of Patrick and the Swayzees) is a Motown powerhouse? Or that Tory Mata, who serves you healthy eats, also possesses a sobering angelic voice? Ben uncovers these talents, and a few others in a night devoted to the classic voices of Key West that are hidden beneath the beer and sun-drenched covers of Duval.

Tickets: $125/$100 mbrs.   (Members and Patrons will receive a special coupon code by email which can be used to receive the discounted price. Are you a new member, or [...]

FEB 19-20, 2016 / EVENTCHERRY RED, Cole ‘n’ Keef & Dance Key West Sponsored by Green Parrot Bar Two eclectic duos come together to create one heck of a quartet. [...]

With wry humor and a guitar style that’s all his own, Tom Rush is a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. His shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific storytelling, the sweet melancholy of ballads, and the passion of gritty blues.

From the sultry glitz and glamour of Havana nightlife in the 1950s to the dangers of the coming revolution, Alvarez tells the story of his family’s decision to set sail into the unknown in 1964, in a boat that barely held his family. Winner, “Best of Hollywood Fringe” and “Top Solo Performance, Fringe NYC.”

Last Stand will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, January 21st, at 6:00 pm, at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton Street in Key West. This year’s program features the award-winning photography of Mac Stone.

Join Take Stock in Children to celebrate the 2016 graduating class!

Featuring music by Sheila Silver and a libretto by Stephen Kitsakos, the workshop production of Act One (in English) of this contemporary opera incorporates indigenous instruments, and documentary footage from the 1970s to present times. Three performances.

The project takes the shape of a short experimental documentary film, and integrates written text, music, still images, video, archival super-8 footage, formal and informal interviews, soundscapes, animation, and voice over to create a narrative that sits close the heart of what it means to be human – our longing for home.

Photographer Ralph DePalma is as much a part of Key West’s music scene as the musicians he’s documenting. From the rhythm guys who keep the beat steady to local celebs like Barry Cuda and Bill Blue, Ralph pays homage to a generation of musicians at the heart of the island’s soul.

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Key West Film Festival is on its way! The Studios of Key West is excited to be one of KWFF’s featured theater venues, alongside San Carlos Institute, and Key West Theater & Community Stage. For more information visit www.kwfilmfest.com. Members of The Studios of Key West will be amongst the first to know once the 2015 program is unveiled and ticket sales begin.

He’s been called the ‘hardest working musician in Key West’ and his original songs — honest, funny and touching — are inspired by almost 25 years of living and making music in paradise. Backed by the island’s best musicians, we’re thrilled to have this hometown favorite back for his third concert at The Studios!

Dan Bern has been called a “lyrical genius” — and with a tip of the hat to Woody Guthrie, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, and young Bob Dylan — he marvels at life’s beauty and complexity with a fresh, uncompromising style.

Locals and tourists alike bid on one-of-a-kind decorated bras created by professional artists and modeled by five of Key West’s finest women. Bid high as all proceeds are donated to Womankind to provide breast cancer screening and clinical breast exams to local women.

Join photographer Jeffrey Cardenas as he discusses his work currently on exhibit at The Studios of Key West.

American musical legend Stanley “Buckwheat” Dural Jr. (a.k.a. Buckwheat Zydeco ) is the preeminent ambassador of Louisiana’s zydeco music.

American Art and History Up Close and Personal.
A unique & exclusive trip — enjoy private tours of remarkable museums!

Jody Rae, in the running for this year’s Fantasy Fest crown, will bring some of the finest musicians on the island together for a night of Soul.

Woodrow White is a September Artist-in-Residence whose work experiments with the failure of the illusion, examining the nexuses of narrative, history and artifice.

Artist Lori Pratico creates a large-scale temporary mural in the Kat in the Hat classroom. On the evening of Sept 10th, visitors are invited to watch her put the finishing touches on her painting, then join the artist for a meet and greet cocktail hour. Girl Noticed is a national project that utilizes temporary murals to draw attention to the important role of women in our society.

Artist in residence Karin Cecile Davidson will present a reading of her work at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton Street on Tues, Jun 23 at 6pm.

Swinging to Sondheim and revisiting Sinatra’s best, Denis Hyland sings and dances his way through the greatest influences of his own life.

The New York Times had the exclusive premiere of Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion’s forthcoming album Wassaic Way. Produced by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy and Patrick Sansone at The Loft in Chicago and out August 6, Sarah Lee and Johnny’s third studio album features the duo’s most ambitious songwriting, far-reaching arrangements and electrifying performances to date. Key West will be spoiled for only one performance, you don’t want to miss this show.

Beloved Key West musician Larry Smith will be showcasing his talents as composer, accompanist, and arranger for a special evening at TSKW. His eclectic program will include examples of his personal interpretations of jazz standards, his skillful accompaniment of guest singers and instrumentalists, and his prolific and artful composing abilities. Be prepared for some special surprise guests!

The Village Voice calls Miss Tess and the Talkbacks the perfect instance of “Nashville meets Brooklyn”. With their honey-coated vocals and edgy prowess, it’s an apt description of the quartet. Miss Tess backs up the wry wit and 1940s glam with a solid backbone of musical talent, drawing comparisons to everyone from Patsy Cline to Tom Waits to Bette Midler.

The Studios is teaming up with The Key West Poetry Guild to celebrate National Poetry Month the best way we can!

Jose Elias and Morikeba Kouyate, along with 3 New Orleans-based world musicians, present an evening of stories and music from around the globe. Grammy-nominated Elias is known for peppering his lively performances with informative anecdotes. Kouyate, a seventh-generation Griot has been introducing audiences to the music of Senegal for over thirty years, entertaining audiences while keeping an important tradition alive.

The first Shoe Burnin’ occurred on a winter’s night; when the firewood ran out, a box of shoes provided the fuel that enabled a group of friends to continue swapping stories late into the night. Today, the tradition continues with the best writers in the South and the best songwriters in Nashville coming together for unique storytelling and musical events.

Kitsakos is a theater writer and journalist as well as the author of three opera librettos. He will be reading from his new book “The Accidental Pilgrim”, with a book signing to follow.

Drawn from plays, letters, and journals, this unique collection of staged readings explores the love, loss, and loyalty of the famous playwright and his sister and muse Rose. Developed and directed by Rebecca Tomlinson, Tennessee’s Rose is presented by the Tennessee Williams Exhibit as part of its annual Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration

ImprovBoston, celebrating its 30th anniversary, is one of the nation’s preeminent comedy troupes. These quick-thinking comics consistently win awards across the Northeast, and tour the country with comedy hits and perpetually reinvented shows.

A founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John McEuen is a powerhouse, logging 8,500 concerts over 3 million miles since 1964. He’s jammed with Phish and with a herd of goats on Sesame Street. Arguably though, McEuen’s greatest legacy may be what Rolling Stone deemed “The most important record to come out of Nashville” – Will the Circle Be Unbroken.

A founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John McEuen is a powerhouse, logging 8,500 concerts over 3 million miles since 1964. He’s jammed with Phish and with a herd of goats on Sesame Street. Arguably though, McEuen’s greatest legacy may be what Rolling Stone deemed “The most important record to come out of Nashville” – Will the Circle Be Unbroken.

Step through the looking glass into a glamorous fairytale world of mad hatters and magic, mirrors and rushing rabbits, caterpillars and chessboards, where nothing is quite what it seems!

At the magical home of Stephen Selka.

Mimi Pond is a cartoonist, illustrator, humorist, and writer. Her first long-form graphic memoir, Over Easy, detailing her post-art school years in the Bay Area, will be published by D+Q in Spring 2014. Her credits for television include the first full-length episode of The Simpsons, “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire,” in 1989, and episodes for the television shows Designing Women and Pee-wee’s Playhouse.

Diana inspired the world when she walked onto the shores of Key West after her epic 53-hour swim from Cuba. Now she brings her powerful story of perseverance to the stage.

Please Note: This event will be held at the historic Armory in Key West, 600 White Street, the former home base of The Studios of Key West.

This special event will showcase the documentary and work of Wayne White. The film chronicles the vaulted highs and the crushing lows of a commercial artist struggling to find peace and balance between his work and his art

The incredible beauty of Florida Bay is apparent to all of us. What is less obvious is the decades-long, behind-the-scenes effort of dozens of conservation groups to restore the Everglades and improve Florida Bay.

Slide Show is a reinvention of a retrograde paradigm, a melding of narrative and visual into a dynamic whole. But really it’s people telling stories and showing images in a dark room in front of an audience; a combination of your uncle’s vacation pictures and an episode of This American Life – without the questionable hairstyles.

Winner of the Nickelodeon Award for Best Children’s Theater, Family Show is considered the “Pixar” of Live Comedy. Kids love it! Adults dig it too. Our improv and music extravaganza is completely invented on the spot based on your suggestions. Best of all, children who want to participate have opportunities to hop on stage and take part in the fun!

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Los Angeles based composer and pianist Thomas Kotcheff presents Matched, a recital of musical pairings. In this program, newly composed 21st century pieces are paired with masterworks from the classical piano repertoire. The evening will include the Florida premiere of Kotcheff’s own Other Roads as well as selections by Charles Ives, Jordan Nelson, and Frederic Rzewski.