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.
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.
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.
Passepartout Duo, a percussion and piano collaboration, seeks to revitalize contemporary music through immersive events and compelling interdisciplinary projects that blur cultural and aesthetic borders. While in Key West for their residency, Nicoletta and Christopher presents a live set featuring new compositions inspired by their time on the island.
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.
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.
We could all use less bad news and more good times. Tatah Dujour leads the charge with a Sunday ‘service’ offering live music, dancing, comedy and other light-hearted variety fare. Check the bad vibes at the door and join Dujour and company for an uplifting, riotously funny end to the weekend.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 “at home” on the back deck of the residency cottages for a unique springtime show.
Blake Hunter has penned a new musical following a female TV Executive in the 1970s who fights 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 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.
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.
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.
"Mile Marker Zero" is a recital length solo marimba work comprised of fifteen short, audience friendly pieces - a potpourri of musical memories collected around Key West as part of the Residencies at Key West Studios program. Ranging from jazz, to rock, funk, classical and more, Ben Wahlund's eclectic voice on marimba and compelling storytelling for each piece is sure to engage audience members of all ages and backgrounds. (75 minutes)
