Key West Songwriters Festival

More than 150 leading American songwriters will perform their hit songs and preview new ones during the 15th annual Better Angels Key West Songwriters Festival Wednesday 28th - May 2nd.

The popular festival includes over 36 shows in relaxed audience friendly venues like island bars and clubs and resorts that allow music fans up-close access to music makers.

Performances will include the Raul Malo Band, formed by the founder of the Mavericks, Randy Houser, Texas singer/songwriter Robert Earl Keen, and Kim Carnes - best known for her classic “Bette Davis Eyes.”

Many writers return year after year to perform their tunes for appreciative audiences, preview new melodies and share the stories behind their songs. Among the extraordinary lineup are Jamey Johnson, award-winning performer and co-writer of such chart-toppers as George Strait’s “Give It Away”; Luke Laird, who wrote “So Small” for Carrie Underwood; and longtime festival favorite Chuck Cannon, who penned “I Love the Way You Love Me” for John Michael Montgomery.

Festival’s highlights include a free kickoff performance at 8 pm Wednesday, April 28, with Houser and his band on the sunset pier at Ocean Key Resort, a concert under the stars with Grammy winner Malo, 9 pm Saturday May 1, also on Ocean Key Resort’s sunset pier, and a 2 pm Saturday matinee with James Slater and friends at Key West’s historic San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval St.

Music lovers can enjoy the talents of seven or eight featured songwriters at each of four performances set for Thursday and Friday evenings. Shows begin both nights at 8 pm at the San Carlos Institute and 9 pm. at Key West’s Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St.

The festival benefits the Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation dedicated to supporting and redefining music education.

"Taste Of Key West" Event To Benefit Charity

The 15th annual "Taste of Key West" will take place 6-9 pm April 19th, and features a feast prepared the the island's top chefs.

The showcase of culinary artistry will features “tastes” from more than 50 local restaurants. To complement the cuisine, fine wines from 100 vineyards and wineries are to be provided by Republic National Distributing Co.

The one-night open-air event benefits the Florida Keys’ AIDS Help Inc., and takes place at the Truman Waterfront, located at the end of Southard Street past Truman Annex.

Admission is free. Attendees purchase food and wine tickets for $1 apiece, and commemorative wine glasses for $6, then “spend” their tickets on beverages and delicacies. Each sample costs between three and eight tickets.

Free parking is to be available at the Truman Waterfront. Free shuttle service between selected Key West locations and the waterfront is to be provided every 30 minutes by Old Town Trolley. Plans call for the last trolley to leave the waterfront at 9 p.m.