Green Parrot Bar No Snivelling Zone

Green Parrot Bar a Best of Florida Old Drinking Stop

2012-02-01T14:10:00.000-05:00

Florida Travel + Life's
Best of Florida 2012

Florida Travel + Life's Best of Florida has long been known as the definitive guide of all things Sunshine State to see and do. And just to be on it is an incredible honor. So we were pretty excited yesterday when Facebook fan Claudia Miller--also the Keys contributor and blogger at Florida Travel + Life--posted on our Facebook wall that The Green Parrot made the Florida Keys Top 10. (The print issue came out in November/December, but they just posted it online.)

Say what?

Seriously, as the kudos about our awesome dive-yness come in, it's humbling and in some ways, surprising. I mean, we know about the irreplaceable greatness that is the Parrot, but for so many it's just that place to hang out without pretense, to listen to decent live music and dance until morning, for rich man and poor man to sit side-by-side on bar stool, judgment reserved, to trace irreverent history on our aged walls and maybe vaguely remember a time when, to come in off the street heat and throw back some popcorn and a cold drink.

It's a place of the people, what the Miami New Times calls a "musicholic's paradise". We haven't changed much. We're still here and we're still being ourselves. We're just happy that the people with the barrel of ink keep liking us for it.

Here's what the editors at Florida Travel + Life had to say:

FLORIDA KEYS TOP 10

4. Old Drinking Stops
You can't make a trip to Islamorada without quaffing a cold one at Lorelei. Look for the iconic mermaid sign, sunsets and salty boat captains bellying up to the bar. The Green Parrot, an 1890 relic in Key West, is the quintessential dive bar where anything goes; live music makes it a late-night go-to place.

Hackensaw Boys Last Night

2012-02-01T07:12:00.008-05:00

Backstage at The Last Uke-Out

2012-01-30T17:03:00.000-05:00

Green Parrot Ukulele Association February Meeting

2012-01-30T13:53:00.001-05:00

KEY WEST, Fla. (January 30, 2012) -- The next meeting of The Green Parrot Ukulele Association will be held on Wednesday, February 1, with co-hosts Jeff Clarke, Tim McAlpine and Jay Gewin.

Following the format as in past shindigs, the meeting will begin at 8 p.m. with a workshop for those just starting out on the instrument. Basic instruction will be provided, as well as chord and song sheets.

At 9 p.m. there will be featured performers, an open mic and a play-along in no particular order. For those who have missed the past meetings, try to carve out a few hours for this. You won't be sorry.

Dig out that old ukulele from your attic or closet and strum your way into a four-string stupor at Green Parrot Ukulele Night, Key West's only ukulele-powered jam session.

Come to just listen or join in. All levels are welcome and remember, spare ukes and instruction are available for those who want to try them out.

Hackensaw Boys, High-Octane, Old Timey Barn-Burners return to Parrot

2012-01-29T14:03:00.013-05:00

In bluegrass and 0ld-timey related news the return visit of The Hackensaw Boys is imminent.

These Charlotttesville, Virginia-based, rough-and ready, nationally-touring acoustic string combo last visited us in 2007. They'll be here Monday at 10 PM and Tuesday at 5:30 and 10. So watch out!

If you want to check out what they were like on their last visit to the Parrot check out this youtube clip here and you'll see why we say Watch Out!

Here's the press on them:

The Hackensaw Boys bring rough and ready roots music,
mule-like tenacity to The Green Parrot

The Hackensaw Boys, a rough and ready, nationally-touring bluegrass band, bring their high octane brand of roots music to The Green Parrot with shows at 10 p.m. on Monday, January 30, and 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31.

Flat-out, hard-core barnburners, the energetic acoustic string combo specializes in Appalachian-informed roots music and combines fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, mouth harp, upright bass, and various percussive curios into a yodel-enhanced hootenanny. They first began playing their joyful blend of old-time tinged music in Charlottesville, Va., in 1999. While drawing upon the spirit of the mountains, their music is sophisticated and informed by the best elements of punk rock and classic country music.

They've toured extensively with the likes of Modest Mouse, the Flaming Lips, Cake, Cheap Trick, Camper Van Beethoven, De La Soul and the Detroit Cobras. They've done coast-to-coast dates as the backing band for Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie Louvin (of the Louvin Brothers) and been featured on NPR's "Weekend Edition with Scott Simon." They've shared a New Year's Eve bill at the Ryman Theater in Nashville with the Del McCoury Band and played three sold-out nights headlining at the Paradiso in Amsterdam.

They've been known to use four studios, three rock stars and two continents to make one album. They used to live on a bus and they still enjoy playing in the street. Who are these guys? The HackensawBoys. They don't live on a bus anymore, but they've got enough spirit and songcraft to take you for one hell of a ride.

They've survived departures and arrivals, blessings and, most importantly, each other. Add to this, thousands of nights in hundreds of clubs from Nashville to Bangor, from Los Angeles to Rotterdam and you begin to get an idea of the dedication and sheer mule-like tenacity that is the Hackensaw Boy ethic

Strummin' along: Highlights in the ukulele's history

2012-01-24T11:29:00.003-05:00

I was puttering around the uke online universe when I spotted this great historic breakdown of the uke on the San Diego Union-Tribune website. It was a bit buried among things and easy to miss, so I thought I'd re-produce it here for your ease of reading. All credit goes to them.

This photo of bartender Pat Regan is from one of our Green Parrot Ukulele Association jams

UKULELE HISTORY

1879: After hearing a visiting Portuguese sailor in Honolulu play a four-stringed instrument called a machete, Hawaiians adopt it as their own and re-name it the ukulele.

1915: A ukulele-fueled Hawaiian music craze is sparked on the mainland, after the instrument is showcased at the Hawaiian Pavilion at the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco.

1929-1939: Sales of ukuleles, which cost little to make or buy, soar anew during the Great Depression. At least one major company, Martin Guitars, survives through its ukulele sales.

1932: George Formby becomes a household name in the United Kingdom with his hit record, "Chinese Blues." It featured the syncopated ukulele style that would be the radio and film star's trademark until his death in 1961.

1950: Arthur Godfrey's use of a ukulele on his nationally broadcast TV and radio shows leads to the sale of millions of plastic ukuleles. They are marketed under the name the Islander.

1969: Tiny Tim scores a Top 20 U.S. hit with his ukulele-driven version of "Tip-Toe Thru' The Tulips With Me," a song first popularized in 1929 at the start of the Great Depression.

1975: The Who's 1975 album, "The Who By Numbers," includes "Blue Red and Grey," a song featuring Who guitarist Pete Townshend on ukulele. "That song always stuck with me, because it seemed to legitimize the (ukulele)," says Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder. "This wasn't a souvenir song, a tourist song, which is what the ukulele at some point (had) mutated into... That (song) made it feel like, no question, it was a legitimate instrument and you could write music on it."

1985: The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain sells out its first concert. The ensemble has since performed around the world, including dates at New York's Carnegie Hall and London's Royal Albert Hall. Yusuf Islam (the former Cat Stevens) is a fan and musical collaborator.

2002: "Concert for George," an all-star tribute to deceased Beatle George Harrison, concludes with Joe Brown's ukulele-and-voice version of the 1924 song "I'll See You In My Dreams." The resulting film and DVD spur renewed interest in the ukulele at the 2003 National Association of Music Merchants convention in Anaheim.

2004: Award-winning San Diego singer-songwriter Gregory Page releases "Happy Herman & His Uke," an all-ukulele album. His new album, the Jason Mraz-produced "Once and For All," features Page's ukulele-led version of "I'll See You in My Dreams."

2005: Hawaiian-born music phenom Jake Shimabukuro films his solo ukulele version of The Beatles "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" in New York's Central Park. The resulting video is now approaching 8.5 million views on YouTube.

2009: A new Guiness Book of World Records mark is set when 851 ukulele players in London perform together on street in London, England.

2010: The rock band Train scores a comeback hit with "Hey, Soul Sister," a ukulele-intensive song that this year earned the group a Grammy Award.

2011: The Green Parrot Ukulele Association is born. Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder releases his solo album, "Ukulele Songs," a few weeks after Ukulele Hall of Famer Bill "Tappy" Tapia releases his latest album, "Live at the Warner Theater." Tapia, an orange County resident whose past musical partners include Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and Bing Crosby, turned 103 in January (!)

So, was anything missing? Anything you'd like to add?

Eric Lindell Groupie

2012-01-23T19:42:00.003-05:00

Our own Charlie with Eric Lindell and his bandmates, Will and Miles.

Found in Parrot

2012-01-21T21:08:00.002-05:00

Thanks, MOMO

a visitor from Denver

2012-01-21T20:52:00.004-05:00

This Green Parrot visitor from Denver sported this t-shirt with an admirable spin on a night out.

Eric Lindell at The Green Parrot

2012-01-21T11:57:00.003-05:00

Eric Lindell continues to just blow the doors off the place , day after day.

Don't forget 10 PM Saturday nightand 5:30 PM Sunday afternoon.

Etta James Dies at 73

2012-01-21T10:54:00.012-05:00

Etta James in the studio in Chicago with the Chess Records founder Phil Chess, left, and the producer Ralph Bass in 1960.

Etta James, whose powerful, versatile and emotionally direct voice could enliven the raunchiest blues as well as the subtlest love songs, most indelibly in her signature hit,“At Last,” died on Friday morning in Riverside, Calif. She was 73.Read the exceptional New York Times obituary here, and

see more photos here.

Good Times Or Bad, Etta James Kept Love Going by GWENDOLYN THOMPKINS

Singer Etta James died Friday. She started belting out gospel in church as a little girl, made her first pop record as a teenager, became Chess Records' first female R&B star and released her last album just a few months ago. Writer Gwendolyn Thompkins grew up listening to James and has this remembrance. which she shared with NPR listeners this morning.

The Green Parrot Ukulele Association January Meeting

2012-01-19T01:27:00.007-05:00

Epic Uke-Out Last Night!

Tim Wegman's A 440 Studio set up shop

Education as well as commerce

Great workshop session and great turn-out

Great players as usual

Love to see the regulars

And some new faces

Sarah and Justin

Kazoo time

Inspired cover tunes

Great pickin'

a visitor from Glascow by way of Manhattan

This guy from Denver has the right philosophy!

Charles Kaczynski Brings Gypsy Jazz Violin to The Parrot

2012-01-18T08:03:00.004-05:00

Gypsy Jazz at The Parrot Last Night

Last night World-renowned violinist/composer Charles Kaczynski presented an evening of Gypsy Jazz in the style of gypsy jazz greats Stephane Grapelli and Django Reinhardt.

Gypsy jazz, also known as gypsy swing or hot club jazz, is a style of jazz music said to have been started guitarist Jean "Django" Reinhardt in the 1930s, largely in France.

Kaczynski, from Montreal, has performed all over the world and for the last several years has toured internationally with Circe Eloize, allowing Charles even greater opportunities to provide musical highlights all over the globe. He was accompanied on guitar by Key West multi-instrumentalist Tim McAlpine and Chief Billy as upright bass

Green Parrot Ukulele Association to Meet Wednesday, January 18th

2012-01-16T18:49:00.002-05:00

"In terms of Improving one's mood and general outlook I consider the ukulele to be the big gun."-Louden Wainright III

The next meeting of The Green Parrot Ukulele Association will be held on Wednesday, January 18th with co-hosts Jeff Clarke, Tim McAlpine and Jay Gewin.

Following the format as in past shindigs, the meeting will begin at 8PM with a Workshop for those just starting out on the instrument at that time, basic instruction will be provided, as well as chord and song sheets.

At 9 PM there will be featured performers, an open mike and a play-along in no particular order.

For those who have missed the past meetings, please try to carve out a few hours for this. You will not be sorry.

Dig out that old ukulele from your attic or closet and strum your way into a four-string stupor at Green Parrot Ukulele Night, Key West's only ukulele-powered jam session.

Come to just listen, or join in. All levels are welcome and remember, spare ukes and instruction are available for those who want to try them out.

Green Parrot Ukulele Association Extends Tendrils Beyond Bar, City

2012-01-16T18:24:00.003-05:00

We are proud to announce that for the first time since its inception in May, The Green Parrot Ukulele Association will hold a meeting outside the friendly confines of the bar. Sweat Records will play host to The Green Parrot Ukulele Association, Miami Chapter, on January 19th from 7 till 10 PM.

Located at 5505 NE 2nd Ave in Miami, Sweat Records is a popular indie music store, event space, coffee house and wi fi lounge located next door to the legendary local punk venue Churchill's Pub

The event is the brainchild of Nick Vagnoni, who, truth be told, planted the seed for the first GPUA meeting held at The Parrot just 7 months ago.

Spam Allstars Last Night

2012-01-14T12:14:00.003-05:00

Our thanks to Andrew of The Spam Allstars for the props he gave the Green Parrot in an interview with Miami New Times the other day. We love having them here and are glad they enjoy the vibe as much as we do.

Here's a look at what went down last night and we plan to do it again tonight.

A view from The Bench.

Parrot Inside

and out

Spam onstage

What's Up This Week at The Parrot.

2012-01-10T08:14:00.016-05:00

Welcome to another great year of music!

photo credit Michael Blades
The month, and the year, started started out smokin' with two nights of Donna The Buffalo and as anyone will tell you that was there, "You shoulda been there"

photo credit Michel Blades

Next up wasThe Carter Brothers doing the first Friday soundcheck of the year and proceding to tear it up for the next two nights. Gotta love those guys, they just get better all the time. And as we said before, They're as humble as they are talented.

And The good news is that we're not gonna let you go yet .

Check out what we got this week.

Lets start out with Andrew, aka DJ Le Spam who rolls in for Friday and Saturday night shows with his Spam Allstars in the person of Chad on Trombone, JP on Sax, Mercedes on flute and percussion, Tomas on Timbales and Jose on guitar for two pelvis grinding nights that I'm sure will not dissappoint.

Then comes Bill Blue book-ending the weekend with Friday and Sunday soundchecks.

Then on Tuesday night at 9, a special treat when when we feature the amazing violin skills of Charles Kaczynski, just returned to Key West after a ten-year hiatus traveling the world with Cirque Eloize. Charles has put together a night of Gypsy Jazz in the style of Stephane Grapelli and Django Reinhardt and has recruited Tim McAlpine on guitar and Chief Billy on double bass to accompany him.

But wait, wait, we're not done yet.

On the heels of Gypsy Jazz, beginning Wednesday night at 8 PM, comes the monthly meeting of The Green Parrot Ukulele Association. These folks have gotten up a head of steam and are fired up and ready to go. Don't miss that one.

And lets wrap the week up on Thursday night with a 10 PM reprise of Nick Norman and Caffiene Carls' incendiary acoustic soundcheck of last Sunday.

Here'e the line-up as it appears in the press this week. see you around the neighborhood!

The True Miami Sound Machine, Spam Allstars, returns to The Parrot

KEY WEST, FL (August 29, 2011) — Blending Latin, funk, hip hop and dub, The Spam Allstars make their highly anticipated return to The Green Parrot on Friday, January 13th, and Saturday, January 14th, at 10 p.m.

Well known in Miami for their innovative sound, the Spam Allstars have given South Florida a premium blend of nostalgic, obscure, retro sounds, described as retro-Cuban and deconstructed rumba.

A self-described descarga or Cuban jam session, DJ Le Spam and the Spam Allstars are a unique ensemble that has created their own niche on the national music landscape with a prolific recording routine and over 200 show dates a year.

Deftly combining the live performance of his stage mates with a cornucopia of electronically-evoked samples, DJ Le Spam (Andrew Yeomanson) projects a distinctly modern voice that resonates of Miami's very Latin and urban soundtrack.

Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Washington Post, DownBeat, The Village Voice and Newsweek all praised their 2002 album Fucata Live!, and it was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2003. Spam Allstars were surprised and proud of this achievement considering that the album had been recorded live to a CD burner during one of their weekly shows at Hoy Como Ayer in Little Havana.

Spam Allstars have appeared on Good Morning America, Mun2's The Roof, CBS This Morning, NPR's All Things Considered, CBS-4's Making of the Latin Grammy's, NBC 6's Trendtrackers, and a variety of regional and international radio programs.

Green Parrot Bill Blue to Do Friday and Sunday Parrot Soundcheck

When Bill Blue came to Key West in 1983 with a pretty girl, a Cadillac and very little money, he was coming off 18 years of road dog touring and recording. In the 20 years he’s made this island his home, he opened a music store and a recording studio and left an indelible mark as a performer.

Now, The Old Man of Blues, our own Bill Blue, returns to The Parrot stage on Friday, January 13th at 5:30 PM and again on Sunday, January 15th, at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate his 30+ years of writing, recording and performing music. The Green Parrot Soundcheck is the fitting place.

Bill Blue left North Carolina for Virginia to meet blues legend Arthur (Big Boy) Crudup, writer of Elvis's first record That’s Alright Mama, but little did he know that within two weeks he’d go from an out-of-work musician to being on the road with Big Boy and Bonnie Raitt on her first U.S. tour.

It started a career that has lasted more than 30 years and taken him to stages around the world. Bill signed on with the prestigious Adelphi Records, one of the best blues labels at the time in the U.S., and released two LP's: Sing Like Thunder and Giving Good Boys A Bad Name with worldwide distribution. This gave the exposure to play venues all over Europe and the U.S. He released a compilation CD, Closing Time, in 2005 with songs from the last 30 years.

As a New York Times reviewer said about Bill’s show at NYC's Bitter End: "One moment you’re laughing your ass off, a few songs later you're crying in your beer. From a songwriter, you can't ask for anything more."

Charles Kaczynski Brings Gypsy Jazz Violin to The Parrot

KEY WEST, FL — On Tuesday January 17th beginnng at 9 PM, world-renowned violinist/composer Charles Kaczynski will present an evening of Gypsy Jazz.

Gypsy jazz, also known as gypsy swing or hot club jazz is a style of jazz music said to have been started guitarist Jean "Django" Reinhardt in the 1930's, largely in France.

The featured music will be in the style of gypsy jazz greats Stephane Grapelli and Django Reinhardt.

Kaczynski, from Montreal, has performed all over the world, most recently touring with Cirque Eloize for the past several years..

Charles will be accompanied on guitar by Key West multi-instrumentalist Tim McAlpine on guitar and Chief Billy on double bass..

January Green Parrot Ukulele Association Meeting to be Held Wednesday, January 18th

"In terms of improving one's mood and general outlook, I consider the ukulele to be the big gun."- Louden Wainright III

The January meeting of The Green Parrot Ukulele Association will be held on Wednesday, January 18th at 8 p.m. with co-hosts Jeff Clarke, Tim McAlpine and Jay Gewin

Following the same format as the previous monthly, well-attended, high-spirited shindigs, the meeting will begin with a Workshop at 8 p.m. for those just starting out on the instrument. Basic instruction and chord and song sheets will be provided. At 9 p.m., there will be featured performers, an open mic and a play-along in no particular order.

For those who missed the last months' events, they were outstanding, with an ever-growing congregation of uke-bearing aficionados in attendance, most of whom crowded the stage for a few nimble and professional sing-along covers of popular songs to wrap up an already lively night.

It is obvious from last two month's turnout that there is a serious Key West ukulele scene simmering just below the surface,” said John Vagnoni, Green Parrot manager. “We also see this as a unique way for Key Westers to meet people and make music at the same time."

So dig out that old ukulele from your attic or closet and strum your way into a four-string stupor at Green Parrot Ukulele Night, Key West's only ukulele-powered jam session.

Come to just listen or join in. All levels are welcome and remember, spare ukes and instruction are available for those who want to try them out.

Pictured is co-host Jeff Clarke at last month's meeting.

The Green Parrot is your Southernmost Center for Uke Culture of every kind, and is located at the corner of Whitehead and Southard streets. For additional information call The Green Parrot tat 305-294-6133.

Caffeine Carl & Nick Norman at The Parrot

Proven favorites on the Green Parrot stage, Caffeine Carl and Nick Norman will play a special evening show on Thursday, January 12 at 10 p.m.

Carl and Nick creating their own buzz on the local and national music scene, leaving fans all over begging for more. Don't miss this chance to hear Caffeine Carl and Nick Norman this Sunday at The Green Parrot Bar, your Southernmost Center for Culture, at the corner of Whitehead and Southard Streets.

Green Parrot Dog Amnesty Day or "Get A Long Little Doggie"

2012-01-02T08:44:00.010-05:00

One of the highlights around the Green Parrot neighborhood on New Years Eve Day is the Annual Daschund Parade which begins just a block away from us on the corner of Fleming and Whithead streets.

We decided a few yers back that it was only fitting that we lift our ban on dogs for the day of the parade. I mean, here they all were, in their finery, all leashed up and on their best behavior.

This year, at Buco's urging, we decided to take it once step further and officially announce it with flyers taped to each door.

I will admit I had a hard time with it at first, after all these yers of denying them access it was hard for me. What do they say about old dogs and new tricks, OK, bad analogy.

Anyway, Buco was all about it, as you can see him as he scans the horizon, ready to roll out the red carpet fot any passing canine, daschund or not. (I wanted to see papers)

And visit they did. Here's the first to take us up on it. This would be Pepper Annie from Springfield, Illinois, escorted by parents Mike and Betsy Calvin, and friend Barbara Ann, pictured below.

Here's another visitor. Now how excited is she to be here!

Here's a few posted up on the back porch, just enjoying the day.

And yet another on her master's lap. And these two pictured below are looking for parking.

Here's some shots of the Daschund Parade proper.

"No Room At The Gin": The Hendrick's Gin Nativity Scene

2011-12-24T20:45:00.000-05:00

"I know what we'll be drinking in Hell"-Vicki Roush

I just want to say that whoever came up with this idea (Nick) had a lot more than visions of sugarplums dancing around in their head.

Inspired originally by the very adorable miniatures of Hendrick's Gin, the small-batch, hand crafted Scottish Gin infused with cucumbers...

...John somehow got to this.

It became a family affair when Dan expanded on the Three Kings motif by stepping up the garb...

...throw in The Holy Family...

...and The Shepards watching their sheep by night (also clad and staffed by Dan).

Also a nod to Green Parrot bartender Kate for supplying the creche.

Hendrick's Gin, "It's Sacra-licious"

Embury Cocktails likes it too.

JImi Hendrix Christmas Medley

2011-12-24T07:55:00.002-05:00

Jimi Hendrix Christmas medley

Green Parrot Holiday Party 2011

2011-12-22T23:37:00.010-05:00

Otis Redding's White Christmas

2011-12-22T14:38:00.004-05:00

Otis Redding's White Christmas, released in October, 1968. 10 months after his death. Such a beautiful version of the song. It's like Otis is wishing us all a Merry Christmas from Heaven!

John Lee Hooker's "Blues at Christmas"

2011-12-21T07:27:00.003-05:00

John Lee Hooker's Blues for Christmas recorded in 1949.Blues for Christmas
Baby I ain't got a dime
Blues for Christmas
Baby I ain't got a friggin' dime
I'm just ain't and they're wasted
I hang my head down baby, I'm cryin'
Baby I'm cryin'

Santa Claus
Bring my baby back on home
See I ain't got a lot of money
But my baby, she's rich enough for us both

Blues for Christmas
I'm as blue as I can be
Blues for Christmas
Baby I'm as blue as I can be

I'm just sittin' here drinkin'
Trying to drink my baby back to me
Trying to drink my baby back

Santa Claus
Bring my baby back on home
Blues for Christmas
Ain't no time to be home all alone
I can't lose these Christmas blues
Baby I just can't seem to shake 'em
Held so many arms
All I seem to do is break 'em
Yeah, break 'em
I said I break 'em baby

Christmas Bingo with Dixie and Ron and Charlie

2011-12-19T21:59:00.008-05:00

Buco rides the Bull at SanatCon 2011

2011-12-19T07:14:00.003-05:00

SantaCon 2011, Buco rides the Bull at Cowboy Bills.

Watermelon Slim

2011-12-18T19:29:00.004-05:00

SantaCon 2011 at The Green Parrot

2011-12-18T03:00:00.004-05:00

2011-12-17T20:13:00.003-05:00

Now playing on the Parrot jukebox.

From the Squirrel Nut Zippers Christmas Caravan LP, Sleigh Ride.

and A Johnny Ace Christmas, this LP is a Christmas perennial on our jukebox

Cheap-Suit Santas Descend on Parrot Tonight

2011-12-17T15:30:00.003-05:00

A snapshot from the SantaCon 2010 Holiday Album.

That would be our Tim seemingly intervening with police on behalf of one SantaCon reveler.

Some sage advise from a veteran Santacon participant, "Yeah, thats's right, it's almost time. Be sure to have your bail money with you..."

Uke Cover of Neko Case song "Star Witness"

2011-12-17T14:54:00.006-05:00

Kate Macdonald and Janelle Blanchard record a version of Neko Case's brooding "Star Witness" on a school staircase.

Check out this exceptionally haunting cover of the Neko Case song Star Witness with an exceptional backstory.

Two high school students record a gorgeous version (youtube) of Neko Case’s Star Witness in their high school stairwell. The song is part of a protest to save Peterborough Collegiate and Vocational School from imminent closure. Will their beautiful protest work? Who knows. But they did break Neko Case’s heart. Maybe they’ll break yours too.

"When Canadian students Kate Macdonald and Janelle Blanchard recorded a version of Neko Case's brooding "Star Witness" on a school staircase. The result moved Case to tears. "Wow. That just made me bawl my eyes out," she tweeted. "What beautiful singers. I'm not worthy... Holy god. They broke the shit out of my heart!!" Mine, too. They accomplish this with a ukelele, angelic voices, a talent for harmony -- and a mission to save their school."

Our Christmas Sampler

2011-12-17T08:26:00.000-05:00

With the Holidays fast approaching, and as we gear up to welcome those snowbirds expected to visit our tiny island in coming weeks and months, our staff would like to pass on this bit of home-spun philosophy first opined by our own Vicki Roush and posted here as a sort of disclaimer for that horde.

Coco Robicheaux's Second Line

2011-12-14T01:16:00.006-05:00

Graham Wood Drought posted this photo on his facebook page and wrote:

"This is why I love New Orleans. 2000 people came out to the second line for Coco. That's Dancing Man Holding the photo. Very moving shot."

Read the story on NOLA.com here.

Read the Offbeat magazine story and see a truly amazing video of the second line here.

The 12 minute film speaks volumes about Coco and the unique culture of the city of New Orleans.

Our own Charlene Bell (Charlie) Hanging with Coco at The Apple Barrel on her and Ron's last visit to New Orleans

Coco Robicheaux, New Orleans hoodoo bluesman, has died

2011-12-01T08:22:00.009-05:00

Coco Robicheaux played many gigs at The Parrot in the mid-eighties and as a matter of fact was the closest thing to a house band the Parrot ever had, playing three or four nights a week with Chris, a keyboardist he had brought with him from New Orleans, and whatever local musician cared to sit in. Without realizing it at the time, patrons were being treated nightly to some of the finest music New Orleans had to offer.
A friend of Parrot bartender Mike Fisher, who arranged his Parrot gigs, Coco moved here with his wife, who was also psychically gifted.

I recall the house they rented on Seminary Street had been the scene of a particularly grisly murder months earlier. When they stepped in there for the first time they were overwhelmed by the vibe and could not stay until she had purged the entire house with charms and herbs she had sent to her from new Orleans.

He was a sweet and gentle man and will be missed.

Hoodoo bluesman Coco Robicheaux collapsed on Friday, Nov. 25 at the Apple Barrel on Frenchmen Street and was taken away by ambulance. He was pronounced dead after arriving at Tulane Medical Center. He was 64.

Known for an especially gravelly voice, a swamp-blues guitar style and a fascination with subjects of a spiritual and/or mystical nature, Mr. Robicheaux lived an especially colorful life, even by the standards of a New Orleans musician.

He released several albums over the past two decades. He was a mainstay of the Frenchmen Street entertainment district, a familiar figure both on- and off-stage, even as he also performed around the globe. He was a regular on the schedules of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

“Come killy killy killy quick as you can/Come take a look at a natural man/Waste my time like a Simple Sam/Come take a look at what a fool I am/Oh, Revelator. Oh, Revelator, Revelator, right now.’

– Coco Robicheaux, “Revelator“

Coco walked a strange path, drawn into a world where his Indian heritage blended with his Cajun-rooted joie de vivre, into the syncretic religion of New Orleans, a blend of Spiritualist church and after midnight barroom, a spirit candle and a bottle of whiskey. A natural man, walking with the spirit. “I am a pilgrim” he sang to close his last album over a joyous banjo. “I’ve got a home in that yonder city…it is not been made by hand. I got a mother, a sister and a brother, who are gone to that sweet home. And I am determined to go and see them…over on that distant shore….cause I am a pilgrim, and a stranger, traveling through this wearisome land.

New Orleans musical and spiritual icon Coco Robicheaux is walking with the ancestors. One candle goes out and a thousand new are lighted in mourning and memory. Go with sage and sweet grass, go with a song and a bottle, go with a guitar in hand and bring New Orleans to the spirit land.

“I had to use my voice and hands/To make the music of the spirit land.”
– Coco Robicheaux
When news of the death of local blues and spiritual icon Coco Robicheaux went viral on the Internet Nov. 25, some said his last words were, “I’m home.” Bartender Sara Shaw at the Apple Barrel bar on Frenchmen Street, who attended to him in his last moments, as well as the patrons seated next to him when he collapsed, remember them as “The next round is on me.”
A photograph of Robicheaux on one wall bears a Hitler mustache added by Robicheaux himself. “He asked for a pen … and said someone was going to do it, so it might as well be him,” Furlong says. A set of caricatures that lines the stairs going up to Adolfo’s restaurant above the bar includes one of Robicheaux.
Robicheaux had just returned from a week-long Thanksgiving visit with his daughter and granddaughter in Atlanta when he walked into the Apple Barrel Friday night. “He adored that child,” Montoya said. “He tried to quit smoking cigars once after she started imitating him with a stick.” Robicheaux sat down next to regular patrons Leigh and Jim Crawford, who confirmed the “next round” last words. He greeted Leigh and bartender Sara Shaw with a friendly kiss.
Shaw said she turned around to mix Robicheaux’s usual drink — Sauza Reposado tequila, shaken over ice — and when she turned back around, she saw Robicheaux slumped over the bar before he fell to the barroom floor.
“We were the last women Coco kissed,” Crawford and Shaw say.

CHERYL GERBER
Coco Robicheaux, in his signature purple suit, having a laugh at the Apple Barrel.

Two second lines are scheduled to honor Coco Robicheaux. The first takes place Saturday, Dec. 3 starting with a memorial service at Marie’s Bar on Burgundy Street, proceeding to the Apple Barrel. A second on Dec. 12 will start on Frenchmen Street at 3:30 pm, and proceed to the House of Blues, where many of Robicheaux’s past musical collaborators will perform a tribute concert at 6 p.m.

Curtis John Arceneaux (October 25, 1947 – November 25, 2011)[1] better known by the name Coco Robicheaux, was an American blues musician and artist, from Ascension Parish, Louisiana, United States.
He was born in Merced, California.[1] Arceneaux took his stage name from a Louisiana legend, in which a naughty child called Coco Robicheaux, is abducted by a werewolf (Loup Garou or Rougarou). Also, the name 'Coco Robicheaux' is repeated in the song "I Walk on Guilded Splinters" from Dr. John the Night Tripper's 1968 album, Gris-Gris.[2]
Robicheaux appeared in the episode "Hotshots", of the USA Network series Big Easy, playing a New Orleans musician named "Coco", who had sold his soul to the devil. Two of Robicheaux's songs were also featured in the episode, "Broken String" and "Spiritland". Coco Robicheaux appeared as himself in the second episode of HBO's Treme, first broadcast in the US on April 18, 2010.
Coco Robicheaux died in November 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the age of 64.[1]

The Courthouse Deli Bench: "The Early Years"

2011-11-30T19:16:00.004-05:00

Now that The Bench has sort of gone public, I thought it wouldn't mind if we rolled back the clock a little and look at some of the bench's "baby pictures".

I mean we're all friends here, and they grow up so quick.

Here's Sonoma County, California-by-way-of-New-Orleans soul/funk guitarist Eric Lindell enjoying a cafe con leche from Buco's Courthouse Deli wiith friend (now wife-and-mother) Sarah on a bench that leaves little room for company.

Apparantly it was first-come, first-served back in the day. As cute a bench as it is, I don't think that piece of outdoor furniture would suffice today

Let's move ahead a few years, let's call these, for lack of a better term, the teen-years for the bench, awkward, perhaps feeling a little self-conscious and low on self esteem, but never the less, accomodating, as we see here.

Here we see Fritz and Francois, the Parrot's crack team of sound engineers,having polished off their chicken and waffles and with instructions to management to "just text me" if there are any problems with the sound, as they lazily monitor the sound quality from their vantage point across the street.

It is apparent, just from looking at the person to Fritzee's right, however, that this adolescent bench, though easily twice the size of the baby-bench Eric and Sarah enjoy their coffee on, needs to annex a little more real estate.

Jim Fossum's Natty Root Sailor Tops Field in Drink Contest

2011-11-21T20:52:00.017-05:00

Last Sunday, The Green Parrot was the final stop in The Sailor Jerry Hori Smoku Screening and Bar Crawl

Bartenders from participating bars were invited to submit their favorite Sailor Jerry drink recipes and our own Jim Fossum came in with the top recipe.

Here's how to make Jim's Natty Root Sailor:

Fill a collins glass with ice, fill 2/3 with your favorite Ginger Beer, top with 1.5 oz Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum and 1 oz Root root beer liquor, garnish with a wedge of lime.

Enjoy!

The Green Parrot Ukulele Association December Meeting to be held on Wednesday, November 23rd

2011-11-17T00:10:00.002-05:00

"In terms of improving one's mood and general outlook, I consider the ukulele to be the big gun."- Louden Wainright III

The Green Parrot Ukulele Associatrion will hold it's December Meeting on Wednesday, November 23rd, beginning at 8 PM.

Following the same format as our previous well-attended, high-spirited shindigs, the meeting will begin with a Workshop at 8 p.m. for those just starting out on the instrument. Basic instruction and chord and song sheets will be provided.

It is obvious frompevious months attendance that there is a serious Key West ukulele scene simmering just below the surface,” said John Vagnoni, Green Parrot manager. “We also see this as a unique way for Key Westers to meet people and make music at the same time."

So dig out that old ukulele from your attic or closet and strum your way into a four-string stupor at Green Parrot Ukulele Night, Key West's only ukulele-powered jam session.

Come to just listen or join in. All levels are welcome and remember, spare ukes and instruction are available for those who want to try them out.

Legendary J.C.'s Bring Soul Party to Parrot, Thursday and Friday Night, Friday "soundcheck"

2011-11-16T08:17:00.003-05:00

"The Legendary J.C.’s Lonesome Soul Revue" brings their hands-to heaven, old-fashioned R & B rock ‘n roll revue to The Green Parrot bar for three soul-stirring shows: Thursday, November 17th at 10 PM and Friday, November 18thwith a 5:30 "soundcheck" and a 10 PM show.
Take Sam Cooke with hints of James Brown and Sammy Davis, put some rockin’ southern guitars, a kickin’ rhythm section and a midblowin’ horn section behind them, mix it up and you get The Legendary J.C.’s.
The Orlando-based, wild-eyed, soul-rock revue’s shows have already become the stuff of legend, tearing up stages tornado-style, whipping audiences into a feel-good frenzy.
Gospel-influenced and soul-stirring, and having attained almost mystical status among jam-band crowds, the band drinks deeply from from the Golden Age of Soul, when Stax/Volt and Jerry Wexler’s Atlantic were the top dogs.
Vocalist Eugene Snowden channels the barely-restrained fury of the late Wilson Pickett as easily as he emulates the calming, beatific tones of Sam Cooke, dripping with the honey-brown tone of a bygone, gospel-flavored generation.
The Legendary J.C.’s are a dynamic stage act, igniting memories of James Brown and Otis Redding.
For those who like their soul more retro than neo, and if ballsy and raucous soul music gives you the Hully Gully Fever, do yourself a big favor and plan to attend one…or all three of these steamy, funky-butt shakin’ revivals.

London Souls Invade Sunday Soundcheck

2011-11-13T22:49:00.008-05:00

Representing a rock tradition, rock's most elemental line-up, the power trio The London Souls played Sunday Soundcheck to an enthusiastic crowd at The Green Parrot.

Built on roaring chords and flashy solos on guitar, insistent drumming and straight-ahead vocals, The London Souls wear their influences on their sleeve, inspired by classic power trios such as Cream, Jimi Hendrix Experience and Blue Cheer.

The name the London Souls is a tribute to the power groups like Cream, the Hendrix band, the Who and Zeppelin that were based in the British capital.

Spotlighted by MTV, Rolling Stone, Relix and The Wall Street Journal, among others, the band’s celebrated sound had been a best-kept secret among New York City concertgoers since the band’s formation in 2008. With a fervent and dynamic fan base thanks to their consistently impassioned, explosive live performances, TheLondon Souls’ unique reinterpretation of hard-hitting rock n roll recalls elements of the past with a boundless energy that will hypnotize and amaze providing the perfect combination of hit singles, musicianship and live energy.

Consisting of Tash Neal on guitar and lead vocals, Kiyoshi Matsuyama on bass and vocals, and Chris St. Hilaire on drums and vocals,

Tall Paul & Crawdaddy at The Parrot

2011-11-04T00:01:00.005-05:00

Origunally Billed as Tall Paul & Crawdaddy The stage fillled with friends and kindred spirits with names like Swim Skinny and Country Dave.

Obviously crowd -pleasers, as witnessed by this photo, they packed the stage; Tod Sheley, Dave Edmiston and Lynley Tolls, and as is that were not enough, Bonnie Raite's longtime bassist Frebo filled out the roster

Green Parrot Shutter Art Contest Winners

2011-11-03T17:50:00.007-05:00

First of all, we'd like to thank all the artists who submited sketches for the new Green Parrot shutters

There were more than thirty submissions and choosing was be no means easy, and when they were all spead out together for review it was something to behold.

The imagination used showed works that were as diverse at the Parrot clientele themselves. Above all they were inspiring.

In no particular order, they are David Wegman's "Hot Sax" which will take up the two center panels

To be flanked by Tony Gregory's "Comet Kid"

and Addie Thompson's whimsical take on the Parrot music scene.

In coming days I'll be displaying the runners-up and again, Thanks for all those who took the time and energy to sumbit some truly amazing pieces of art. We Love You All!

Green Parrot Ukulele Night Tomorrow

2011-11-01T17:34:00.001-05:00

"In terms of improving one's mood and general outlook, I consider the ukulele to be the big gun."- Louden Wainright III

The Green Parrot Ukulele Associatrion will hold it's October Meeting on Wednesday, November 2nd, beginning at 8 PM.

So dig out that old ukulele from your attic or closet and strum your way into a four-string stupor at Green Parrot Ukulele Night, Key West's onlyukulele-powered jam session.

Come to just listen or join in. All levels are welcome and remember, spare ukes and instruction are available for those who want to try themout.

Occupy The Green Parrot

2011-11-01T01:49:00.001-05:00

Greeen Parrot's Locals' Night to Howl!

2011-10-31T19:00:00.005-05:00

Let us not forget that tonight, October 31st, The Green Parrot will host their 39th annual (we think) Halloween Party and Costume Contest. This is locals night to howl, the party we all train for. We would like to remind you to dress up since mystery judges will be awarding cash prizes for the best costumes sometime around midnite.

Music willbe provided by So; Driven Train beginning at 10 PM.

Parade Night!

2011-10-30T09:03:00.002-05:00

Some images from around the bar today

2011-10-29T19:55:00.011-05:00

Breaking Bad Homage

2011-10-29T13:13:00.002-05:00

Just in Time for Halloween

Giancarlo Esposito mask

The Eric Lindell Band Thursday Night

2011-10-28T00:38:00.000-05:00

The Eric Lindell Band Thursday Night

Some images from Eric Lindell's Tuesday Show

2011-10-27T21:04:00.005-05:00

Some images from the Eric Lindell show on Tuesday

Two Caymans, two sons of two great dads

Tubby Love

Tubby Love onstage w/ Eric Lindell

Tubby and Eric

Tutu Dancer and Eric

Eric Lindell

Steve King Wants to take a picture of your Aura

Steven King (that's right)

Man with a Camera

Look out behind you!

Fantasy Week Continues with Eric Lindell

2011-10-26T21:35:00.002-05:00

Eric Lindell takes the stage again tonight

Parrot Fantasy Week features Octopus, Entrain, Zombies, Classic Horror Films

2011-10-24T00:42:00.008-05:00

Fantasy Week kicks off at the Parrot with Entrain,

some folks from The thousand-strong Zombie Bike Ride

and a lot of Parrot regulars

Some Classic Horror Films from Will Thompson's Library, and lots more to come!

"The Hardest Working Kenyan in Show Business"

2011-10-22T13:01:00.004-05:00

Blasting The Parrot area with their brand of African pop and soukous, Amandla Tunesmith, fronted by Zakayo Mutsache, "The Hardest Working Kenyan in Show Business",
They are a pastiche of rhumba, Cuban, and reggae-esque rhythms; Caribbean consonant color; and an Afro-beat instrumentation similar to "Graceland"

"Drinking Made Easy" to Air Green Parrot Visit October 26th

2011-10-19T17:50:00.001-05:00

I'm reprising this post from May as a way of informing people to tune in to HDNet television on Wednesday, October 26th at 8 PM ET to see the Key West episode of Drinking Made Easy, which features The Green Parrot among other Kew West ginmills, including The Rum Barrel and Island Dogs. I also am re-posting it because that afternoon was such a blast. Can't wait to see the episode, we'll have it on the large screen that night for sure.

Here's what happened back in May:

Drinking Made Easy, and HDNet television series starring Zane Lamprey, billed as "The celebration, education and enjoyment of adult libations" visited the friendly confines of The Green Parrot yestrday.
Host Zane Lamprey, under the watchful eye of Jim Fossum and assisted by Michael Croce, cranks out a long line of The Parrot' signature drink: The Root Beer Barrel.
Here's Zane offering me my first barrel of the day.

In the summer of 2010, Zane Lamprey, Steve McKenna and Marc Ryan set off on an 80-day road trip that would take them through 53 cities, 26 states and nearly 10,000 miles. Along the way, they shot a television show by day, and performed a live stand-up comedy show by night. With two tour buses and more than 15 people in tow, they traversed the US with one goal in mind: to entertain the masses.
And here's how they do it
Zane pours sidekick and stunt-drinker Steve McKenna a shot of vodka..

Washed down with a little hot sauce...

Next, pictured below, captured in a sequence of high-speed photos worthy of National Geographic or Planet Earth, Zane launches a key lime,
in an arc that looks like a three-pointer from the top of the key,and disappears, nothing but net, into Steve's gaping maw."Drinking Made Easy" on HDNet follows the guys on this once-in-a-lifetime trip as they hit up local watering holes, pubs, bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries in an attempt to find the most unique and interesting beers, wines and spirits, and cocktails across this great country of ours.
Zane Lamprey visits the local drinking establishments, usually with co-host (stunt-drinker) Steve McKenna coming along, as correspondent Marc Ryan visits breweries, wineries and distilleries to continue the educational aspect of the show. In each episode the guys visit a different city, exploring the local drinks and drinking customs, partake in an eating challenge, and take each other on head-to-head in unimportant competitions. Look for a shout-out to The Parrot and Key West and see all their adventures on Host Zane Lamprey's blog.
Next, another Classic and Popular Parrot libation, the Bloody Mary
Zane displays a jar of our Caribbeans, our pickled, spicy brand of green beans that make our Bloodys unique
Zane is no slouch behind the bar and Fossum is impressed.
Time for a contest
Looking like she's about to suck herself right through the straw, Green Parrot bartender Annie B goes head-to-head with Steve, Zane, myself and Pat Croce
Zane declares himself the winner, but I believe Annie B nudged him out
Ready to ride off into the sunset, Zane say goodbye to Pat and myself. Look for the show in October on HDVet.

Shutter Art Contest Deadline Approaches

2011-10-17T00:02:00.004-05:00

Artists, The four green shutters pictured below is your canvas. Use your imagination. Have some fun.

You have just 24 hour left to submit your design for The Green Parrot Shutter Art Contest.

Numerous entries have been received but there is still time to submit yours and win immortality and $250.00.

The shutters are the four shutters on the front of the retail store next to the Parrot and rules can be found on our website

The Green Parrot Bar Ukulele Association covers Obla Di Obla Da at last nights meeting

2011-10-06T08:03:00.004-05:00

Continuing to reinforce our mantra month after month "In terms of improving one's mood and general outlook, I consider the ukulele to be the big gun."- Louden Wainright III, the monthly meeting continues to be a high-spirited, inspiring, fun event with last months September meeting being the best yet it terms of turn-out, quality and variety of music and bonhomiie.

that the Green Parrot Ukulele Association was founded in the spring of 2011 and held their first meeting in june of that year.

the Charter members included Ron and Charlie Bell, Will, Tim McAlpine, Bill Davis,jay Gewin, ashley and Gretchen,allison

The Green Parrot Bar Ukulele Association covers Obla Di Obla Da at last nights meeting

The Lee Boys Bring Sacred Steel Gospel Music to The Green Parrot

2011-10-03T15:47:00.005-05:00

The Lee Boys, Florida's finest African-American Sacred Steel artists, will transform the Green Parrot into the Green Parish with shows at 5:30 and 10 p.m. on Friday, October 7; 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 8; and a 5:30 p.m. Soundcheck on Sunday, October 9.

The Lee Boys deliver powerful music with an exciting steel twist that funkifies the darkest soul and uplifts blind wanderers into the musical light. Dancing, shouting and fun are essential parts of the Lee Boys tradition.

This ain’t no “sitting and listening” music; this is pure spiritual musical joy. Check outtheir rousing performance on Conan O'Brien.

Featuring the pedal steel guitar as the lead instrument, theirs is the massive-toned, tear-it-up music of praise, faith and hope. The sacred steel style is rooted in gospel, but infused with rhythm and blues, funk, hip-hop, country, and world music in an irresistibly jamming mix.

The Lee Boys developed and perfected their style, talents, and skills at church. Six members are brothers and nephews, who began making music there when they were 7 or 8 years old. They haven’t stopped playing since.

Says Peter Katel of Newsweek: "For American music fans, it's a find like a scientist's discovery of a new species. The steel guitar is central to country music. But no one outside Southern Pentecostal House of God churches had heard of black gospel steel.”

Sacred Steel Gospel Music has crossed over into the mainstream thanks to the tumultuous energy and power of bands like the Lee Boys, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, and Aubrey Ghent and Willie Eason.

Florida folklorist Robert Stone stumbled onto the haunting sound when a music-store owner told him about a steady stream of African-American customers buying steel-guitar supplies. Stone made the first ever compilation tape of five gospel steel masters playing at services and revivals. 'Sacred Steel' was an instant hit."

The Green Parrot, your Southernmost Center for Blues Culture at the corner of Southard and Whitehead Streets. For more information call The Green Parrot at 305-294-6133.

First-Rate Second-Liners Invade Parrot

2011-10-03T07:10:00.004-05:00

The Hot 8 Brass Band on The Parrot Stage Last Night

The Hot 8 Brass band brought their thunderous brass attack to the
Parrot stage for two shows of pure horn muscle yesterday

New Orleans' Hot 8 Brass Band has epitomized New Orleans street music for over a decade. the band plays the traditional Second Line parades, infusing their performances with the funk and energy that makes New Orleans music loved around the world. it was an evening of music like no other.

Hot 8 retunrs to the Parrot stage tonight at 10 PM . Dont miss this chance to see one of New Orleans hottest and most creative bands at your favorite Key West music venue, The Green Parrot Bar.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the band was propelled to wider prominence by their indelible presence in Spike Lee's 2006 documentary When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts and by their frequent appearances in The Award winning HBO series Treme, which highlighted both their music and their post-Katrina hardships.

Says filmaker and New Orleans native Royce Osborn, "Those first few parades after the storm, The Hot 8 carried us, they literally lifted the city on their big brawny shoulders and carried us through the street, insisting that the shit was going to get better."

John Vagnoni, pictured here (barely), with Hot 8 band leader and founder Bennie "Big Peter" Pete"

James Kerr's Oil Painting of The Parrot

2011-10-03T07:05:00.000-05:00

This oil painting by James Kerr was offered to me some time ago by the Gallery on Greene and though I loved it and coveted it, for many reasons it was not meant to be.
I like the jesters hat.
Check out the link to James Kerr above to see how The Green Parrot fits in with the artist's oeuvre. Tasty stuff.

Here's a short bio of the artist.

JAMES KERR

James Kerr was born in Buffalo, New York in Kerr’s mother quickly recognized that they had a prodigy on their hands. By age 6 he was apprenticed to the city’s most prominent portrait artist. The late Lazlo Szabo. By 16 when Szabo passed his class of 24 elected him the instructor to the rooster of students. He also specialized in landscape with Carl llig.

Mr. Kerr’s approach to oil painting is direct and colorist. He has distilled his subject and palette into an exquisitely vibrating field of strokes, with a harmonious balance of tone and hue. Inspiration for much of his work is derived from scenic locations in New England, Florida, and the Caribbean and in North Carolina, from the mountains to the coast. It is in his portraiture that Kerr’s ability to capture engaging expressions that draw us in is manifest.

Responding to the vibrant colors of nature, Mr. Kerr has developed a high key palette. Conversely, he is also influenced by the somber tones of the New Orleans night life and jazz musicians.

James Kerr displays his interest in the human form through figurative works, portraits and studies of human activity. Tropical markets, nudes, fishermen, loggers and sawyers are frequent subjects.

Exhibiting for over 25 years, James has had more than 20 one-man shows throughout the United States. Collectors have sought James Kerr’s oils since 1966. His paintings are represented in hundreds of private and corporate collections, including the Wachovia Bank and Trust, RJR Nabisco, the Glaxo Corporation, and NationsBank.

A long time resident of South Florida and North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, James maintains studios in both North Carolina and Florida.

If there was ever a casting call I felt uniquely qualified to give, this would be it.

2011-10-02T08:54:00.013-05:00

Audition Notice: “Bye Bye Liver: The Key West Drinking Play”

Calling Actors, Actresses, Musicians for Intoxicating Sketch Comedy Revue

It seems our old friend Casey Scott, whose booking agency, Highway Key Touring in years past was responsible for delivering some of the best blues America has to offer directly to the Parrot stage has a new project he's bringing our way.

Casey writes me, "Bye Bye Liver” (BBL) is a uniquely-formatted sketch comedy revue that employs scripted pieces, improvisational elements and audience-participatory games to create an intoxicatingly interactive experience. A celebration of the human love affair with nightlife, alcohol and the morning after, BBL has been an established feature on Chicago’s comedy scene since 2006. Since then, BBL’s signature cocktail of laughter and booze has splashed well beyond the borders of The Windy City. In addition to Chicago and St. Louis, productions are ongoing in Milwaukee, St. Paul and Toronto with expansion into Philadelphia, Key West and other comedy-thirsty markets underway. More akin to a growing, breathing organism than a conventional stage play, the BBL format draws from the collective comedic consciousness of actors and writers in five cities who share material that is original, relatable, and adaptable to the strengths of its locally-cast ensembles. "

Casey, and his company, Highway Key Touring, in conjuction withThe Pub Theater Co.will be hosting preliminary auditions Wednesday, October 5 through Sunday, October 9 for “the Key West version of the show.

The show is searching for talented comedic actors and actresses between the ages of 21 and 40, as well as musicians with a background in comedy or improvisation. Interested parties (and partiers) should contact auditions@thepubtheater.com for details and be prepared to supply a headshot or recent picture and resume.

Rehearsals are set to begin in November with a target opening date in December at the Hog’s Breath Cabaret. Ensemble members are paid per performance. Weekend availability required.

For more information about The Pub Theater Company and “Bye Bye Liver” please visit www.thepubtheater.com and www.byebyeliver.com, respectively.

Why, you ask, do I feel uniquely qualified to join in the talent hunt for this " celebration of the human love affair with nightlife, alcohol and the morning after" ?

Don't ask.

Green Parrot Cultural Calendars

2011-09-29T23:49:00.005-05:00

I put October up a few days ago and thought folks would like to see how the next few months are shaping up. It's a work in progress with a few TBA's and tenatives but you get the idea. We are always open for suggestions you know, so tell us who you've liked in the past at The Parrot or who you'd like to see. There are no Ukulele Nights in the calendars either but that's just because they are a kind of pop-up event. However, look for them to occur on the first week of the month, usually a Wenesday or Thursday, but they are for sure still happening.

November

Thursday, November 3rd,Tall Paul and Crawdaddy , 10 PM show

Friday, November 4th, Bill "The Sauce Boss" Wharton ,5:30 "soundcheck"and 10 PM show

Saturday,November 5th, Bill "The Sauce Boss" Wharton, 10 PM show

Sunday, November 6th, Bill "The Sauce Boss" Wharton, "Will Work for Gumbo Party" 5:30 P.M.

Thursday, November 10th, The Stooges Brass Band , 10PM show (tenative)

Friday, November 11th, TBA, 5:30 "soundcheck"

Friday,November 11th, Xperimento, 10 PM show

Saturday, November 12th, Xperimento, 10PM show

Sunday,November 13th,The London Souls, 5:30 "soundcheck"

Friday, November 18th, TBA,5:30 "soundcheck" and 10 PM show

Saturday,November 19th, TBA, 10 PM show

Sunday, November 20th,TBA, 5:30"soundcheck"

Friday, November 25th, Bryan Lee, 5:30 "soundcheck" and 10 PM show

Saturday, November 26th, Bryan Lee, 10 PM show

Sunday, November 27th, Bryan Lee, 5:30"soundcheck"

December

Thursday,December 1st, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, 10 PM show

Friday, December 2nd, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, 5:30 "soundcheck", 10 PM show

Saturday, December 3rd, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, 10 PM show

Sunday,December 4th, Watermelon Slim, 5:30 "soundcheck", 10 PM show (tenative)

Friday, December 9th, Damon Fowler, 5:30 "soundcheck", 10 PM show

Saturday, December 10th, Damon Fowler, 10 PM show

Sunday,December 11th, TBA 5:30 "soundcheck"

Friday, December 16th, Bobby Lee Rodgers, 5:30 "soundcheck", 10 PM show

Saturday, December 17th, Bobby Lee Rodgers, 10 PM show

Sunday,December 18th, TBA 5:30 "soundcheck"

Friday, December 23rd, The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn, 5:30 "soundcheck", 10 PM show

Saturday, December 24th, The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn, 10 PM show

Sunday,December 25th, The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn 5:30 "soundcheck"

Monday, December 26th, Spiritual Rez,10 PM show

Tuesday, December 27th, Spiritual Rez, 5:30 "soundcheck", 10 PM show

Wednesday, December 28th, Spiritual Rez, 5:30 "soundcheck", 10 PM show

Thursday, December 29th, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes,10 PM show

Friday, December 30th, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes,5:30 "soundcheck",10 PM show

Saturday,December 31st, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes,5:30 "soundcheck",10 PM show

January

Sunday, January 1st TBA

Wednesday, January 4th, Donna the Buffalo, 10 PM show

Thursday, January 5th, Donna the Buffalo, 10 PM show

Friday, January 6th, TBA,5:30 "soundcheck" and 10 PM show

Saturday,January 7th, TBA, 10 PM show

Sunday, January 8th,TBA, 5:30"soundcheck"

Friday, January 13th, TBA,5:30 "soundcheck"

Friday, January 13th, SpamAllstars.10 PM show

Saturday,January 14th, SpamAllstars.10 PM show

Sunday, January 15th,Toubab Krewe, 5:30 "soundcheck". 10 PM show

Sunday, January 16th,Toubab Krewe. 10 PM show

Thursday, January 19th, Eric Lindell,10 PM show

Friday, January 20th, Eric Lindell, TBA,5:30 "soundcheck" and 10 PM show

Saturday,January 21st, Eric Lindell, 10 PM show

Sunday, January 22nd, Eric Lindell, 5:30 "soundcheck"

Tuesday, January 24th, Southern Hospitality, 10 PM show

Wednesday, January 25th, Southern Hospitality, 5:30 "soundcheck,10 PM show

Friday, January 27th, Entrain,5:30 "soundcheck" and 10 PM show

Saturday,January 21st, Entrain, 10 PM show

Sunday, January 22nd, Entrain, 5:30 "soundcheck"

February

Friday, February 3rd, TBA,5:30 "soundcheck" and 10 PM show

Saturday,February 4th, TBA, 10 PM show

Sunday, February 5th,TBA, 5:30"soundcheck"

Friday, February 10th, The Revivalists,5:30 "soundcheck" and 10 PM show

Saturday,February 11th, The Revivalists, 10 PM show

Sunday, February 12th,The Revivvalists, 5:30"soundcheck"

Friday, February 17th, TBA,5:30 "soundcheck"

Friday, February 17th, Suenalo,10 PM show

Saturday,February 18th, Suenalo,.10 PM show

Sunday, February 19th, Big Sandy and His Fly Right Boys, 5:30"soundcheck", 10 PM show (tenative)

Monday, February 20th, Big Sandy and His Fly Right Boys, 10 PM show

Friday, February 24th, TBA,5:30 "soundcheck"

Friday, February 24th, TBA10 PM show

Saturday,February 25th, TBA,.10 PM show

Murderer's Row: Green Parrot Style

2011-09-26T14:22:00.042-05:00

When I looked at the October Entertainment Calendar today, even though I knew for months what was coming, I was blown away by what we had on deck.

It's Murderer's Row, but instead of Gehrig and Ruth it's Spiritual Rez and The Hot 8.

It's The Heavy Pets and The Lee Boys.

It's Eric Lindell and Entrain.

Then throw in Rockin' Jake, Motor City Josh, Amandala Tunesmith and Ukulele Night.

What I'm getting at is that if you plan on checking out the music at the parrot this month you'd better pack a lunch.

Here's the calendar and starting with Spiritual Rez, here's kind of a thumbnail of the acts coming up to whet your appetite:

Spiritual Rez: The Boston-based, Berklee-schooled, six-piece “reggae horn funk party” who’ve been capitalizing on positivity, smiling attitudes and never-ending tours and bring on the party like late-80s Red Hot Chili Peppers, Parliament Funkadelic and the Wailers combined.

The Hot 8 Brass Band: What I called "First-Rate Second-Liners" from New Orleans.

Be prepared when they bring their thunderous brass attack to the Parrot stage for two days of pure horn muscle on Sunday October 2, with shows at 5:30 and 10 p.m. and Monday, October 3, at 10 p.m.

Green Parrot Ukulele Association's Monthly "Uke Out":

What started as a test, turned into a lark and is becoming a movement.

The Lee Boys: massive-toned, tear-it-up versions of gospel standards,

The Lee Boys' "Sacred Steel" sound developed its roots in the House of God
church and is the hottest movement on the music scene these days.
Their church served as the foundation from which the Lee Boys
developed and perfected their style, talents, and skills. There are
six members who are brothers and nephews. Each member began making
music in the church when they were 7 or 8 years old, and they have not
stopped playing since.

Motor City Josh had Parrot fans swinging from the rafters at his

last Parrot show brings his
barn-burning, take-no-prisoners approach to Blues/Rock back to The Parrot
stage on

The Heavy Pets: I'll let other people say it: ""The Pets just might be a perfect jamband" says Dennis Cook, of Jambase.com

"...The greatest jamband to come out of Florida since, well, ever..." "They are an arena ready band without the arena. At its best the band is a living, breathing, force of nature-a whale." said Dan Sweeney of Relix Magazine

Rockin' Jake: Award-winnning NOLA harmonica player is a long-time Parrot favorite. "It ain't nothin' but a party!"

AmandalaTunesmith: 9-piece, blasting the bay area with their brand of African pop and soukous since 1992, fronted by Zakayo Mutsache, "The Hardest Working Kenyan in Show Business", a pastiche of rhumba, Cuban, and reggae-esque rhythms; Caribbean consonant color; and an Afro-beat instrumentation similar to much of Paul Simon’s album Graceland, Goombay weekend.

Entrain: The drum-driven World-Pop sensation from Martha's Vineyard, merging funk, rock, reggae, swamp and worldbeat rhythm into a sweaty good time make its long-awaited return to The Green Parrot.

Eric Lindell: California-born, New Orleans-schooled Eric Lindell Brings Blue-eyed Soul, Dive-Bar Credibility and Romping New Orleans R & B to The Parrot stage. Listed as one of the top acts to see a tNew Orleans Jazz festival, the New Orleans Times Picayune said "Lindell.…recalls Van Morrison in his more sublime moments of blue-eyed soul, blues and boogie…" not to be missed.

Potcheen: First-time appearance by these Pirate/ Celtic Rockers from Colorado. I'll be there.

Sol Driven Train: Charelston-based, Horn-Heavy Rock/Swamp Funk/World Beat

Loco por Juana Last Night

2011-09-25T19:38:00.004-05:00

Locos por Juana,which roughly translates to ''Crazy About Jane'', delight in genre-crossing.

With members hailing from Colombia, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico, the band mixes Ska, Rock, Salsa, Jamaican Dancehall, Cumbia, Reggae, Hip-Hop, Funk and Electronica – sometimes in one song

Itaguey

Alex Zapata

Mark

Javier on Drums and Daniel on Congas

Diana Nyad and Buco's adventure

2011-09-24T08:53:00.015-05:00

Here's a photo just taken showing our friend Buco, in the white kayak in the foreground, staying close by early this morning after what Diana's blog described as "a challenging night" that included multiple jellyfish stings.

Everyone here at The Green Parrot is pulling for you Diana!

And Buco, from all the Walter Mittys at The Parrot and The Courthouse Deli across the street:

"Atta Boy!

You can keep up with Diana's progress on her site Diana Nyad Extreme Dream .

It’s been a challenging night and morning. Diana recovered from the multiple Portuguese Man O’ War stings enough to swim – but she is struggling right now. Her usual stroke pace, between 52 and 55 strokes per minute, has dropped to 48, but she is able to swim. At 5:50am Diana stopped her freestyle stroke and complained that she couldn’t breathe properly, that she wasn’t getting oxygen to her muscles. Two doctors from the University of Miami sped out to the Voyager and administered a prednisone shot along with oxygen and other medications. Diana treaded water between 7am and 8am, and said she felt better, but still couldn’t get enough oxygen to her muscles.

Night turned into day as the dawn broke slowly on the horizon. “You’re doing better. I can see it,” said Bonnie Stoll, her chief handler. Diana’s regular feedings and hydration are continuing. Candace Hogan, who has been on most of Diana’s swims since 1978, says Diana can recover and complete this swim.

This was the latest from Diana's blog

Gaining Strength

Diana seems to be gaining strength. Her rest times per hour are less and less. At 10:55am, she just had a hydration and a full feeding, and her stroke is beginning to be stronger. Bonnie, Diana and the team are grateful for your support.

Encountering Extrordinary Animals

This afternoon – it is stunning to actually witness – Diana is swimming stronger and stronger. Her strokes are up to 50 per minute, she is eating pasta, gobbling bananas, bits of peanut butter sandwiches, along with high-carb & high calorie liquid concoctions. Bonnie Stoll has not left her side.

Conditions remain calm beyond expectations. Angie Sollinger, a crew member, said she has lived in the Caribbean for 27 years and has rarely witnessed this extensive period of the Doldrums.

Around 1pm – and don’t everybody get excited here – an Oceanic white tipped shark was spotted near Diana in the midst of the three boat flotilla. Diana is deeply committed to the safety of these extraordinary animals. It was a testament to the talents of her safety divers as they approached the shark. Rob MacDonald, one of the divers, swam towards the shark, where they faced off within 10 feet of one another. “I guess he thought I was more aggressive than him, and he turned in the other direction,” said MacDonald. Everyone else, it must be said, breathed a huge sigh of relief.

At 3:15pm today, Diana is now 35 statutory miles from Havana about one-third of the way to Florida.

A Willy The Burner Update

2011-09-22T18:29:00.028-05:00

"Can you dig it Brother?"

Burner gives us the high sign!

Just got this email update for our dear friend, long-time patron and elder statesman, Willy the Burner.

Sounds like he's keeping his chin up and his powder dry.

When the expense of island living and lack of proper elder care facilities made his move to Homestead neccesary we were all heartbroken. But it seems every time we see him, or hear from him, he is the same old Burner: Expansive, grateful, humble and of course as Linda notes, always amazed and in wonder that despite all his road-tested miles, he is doing as well as he is.

Burner with Tommy Owens and Linda Cotten

"I didn't come here to make a Novena"

Here' Linda's email

Subject: Burner

Just to let you know about an old "tradesman" still alive and kicking - Burner (aka Bill Engh, Willie the Burner) celebrated his 84th Birthday Aug 10 and is still living in wonderment at the Palace Gardens in Homestead.  He is amazed that he is doing as well as he is (could it be the lack of all of that "outside stimulus" that he loved so well?) and grateful to be there.  If you're ever passing through Homestead, give him a visit - he's still got it going on!

Love to all at the Green Parrot!,
Linda Cotton

Burner and Helene

Though we would not call his life a fairy tale, it did sometimes seems like it was enchanted.

Start with him doing tours toward the end of WW II in these three branches: The Army,The Navy, and the Merchant Marine. Then there's his three marriages, all to women named Jane. Aptly refered to by Burner as Jane 1, Jane 2, and Jane 3.

How about him working on the construction of the Verazzano Narrows bridge, falling off into the water, and being the only worker known to survive such a fall, documented in the next day's New York tabloids ("Worker Fall from Bridge, Survives") with a photo of the bridge, a dotted line showing his downward route, with an X marking his point of impact.

Two construction workers (not Burner) on of the bridge in 1964-1972

All this, and God only knows what else, happened even before he pointed his 1969 Plymouth Satellite station wagon, (identical to the one in the Brady Bunch), in the direction of Key West in the late '70's and then in no particular order, but in rapid succession Burner:

earned his own stool at The Green Parrot,

developed a tight circle of eclectic, close friends,

and, finally to ease him into a glide path to his golden years, discovered psychedelics.

His new friends came from every social strata and occupation in Key West, perhaps a function of his affinity for the Parrot. They included cab drivers, bartenders,smugglers, strippers, and also the well-heeled, restauranteurs, bar-owners, writers and real estate types who, some newly-arrived and newly-invested in Key West placed his skills as a master carpenter in great demand during the day and then,as they recognized his openness, wit and natural charisma, whether it was over a drink or a mirror, just plain wanted to be around him, as we all did.

This pretty much brings us to his arrival in Key West and does not even touch on the thirty-plus years he spent here. Those stories are more made for a book instead of a blog.

For example, here's the punch line to one story: He's the only guy, to my knowledge. to ever discharge a firearm in the bar.

Burner on a recent visit

The Hot 8 Brass Band at The Parrot Sunday, October 2nd, at 5:30 and 10 PM and Monday, October 3rd, at 10 PM

2011-09-21T08:01:00.008-05:00

"Put on your dancing shoes and break out the fire hoses, kids….Hot 8 is in the house! The underground legends, the band the kicks off every Mardi Gras Day leading the Zulu Parade, the NEW undisputed Brass Band Champions, and the only band that requires a fire engine at every performance, is here at last!"

We just confirmed The Hot 8 Brass Band for Sunday, October 2nd, at 5:30 and 10 PM and Monday, October 3rd, at 10 PM

New Orleans' own Hot 8 Brass Band has epitomized New Orleans street music for over a decade. Founded by Bennie Pete, Jerome Jones, and Harry Cook in 1995, the band plays the traditional Second Line parades, hosted each Sunday afternoon by Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, infusing their performances with the funk and energy that makes New Orleans music loved around the world. The members of the Hot 8 Brass Band were born and raised in New Orleans and many began playing together in high school. What makes the Hot 8 so special are the sounds they coax from their well-loved, well-worn horns. An evening with the Hot 8 is like no other.

Bennie Pete, the tuba-playing leader of the Hot 8, couldn't fit the first season's shooting schedule into the band's calendar. But the act appears in four of the first eight episodes of season two. Separately, band trumpeter Terrell Batiste has become a fixture on the show.

Sailor Jerry Airstream to Visit Parrot

2011-09-20T19:00:00.015-05:00

Here's a shot from the last time the Sailor Jerry gang paid us a visit here at The Parrot. We're not sure what to expect when they show up this Friday night but we do know how they're getting here..

In this Sailor Jerry vintage airstream trailer

The Sailor Jerry Airstream Trailer will be stopping at Green Parrot, Friday, September 23rd between between 9:30 and 11:30, stop out to check out the trailer for a classic vintage experience, hang out with the Sailor Jerry girls,listen to Locos por Juana, and have some Awsome Sailor Jerry Rum Cocktails

Miami's favorite Latin-Rock-cumbia mash-up band, Grammy-nominated Locos por Juana , will appear at The Green Parrot on Friday, Sept. 23, and Saturday, Sept. 24, at 10 p.m.

Nominated in 2009 in the Grammy category of Best Latin Rock or Alternative album for their album La Verdad,Locos por Juana has finally gotten their due from the awards gods.

Locos por Juana,which roughly translates to ''Crazy About Jane'', delight in genre-crossing. With members hailing from Colombia, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico, the band mixes Ska, Rock, Salsa, Jamaican Dancehall, Cumbia, Reggae, Hip-Hop, Funk and Electronica – sometimes in one song.

What makes their sound work is their wild energy; they hurl themselves into their music with such passion and excitement that they pull you along with them. Billboard Magazine tagged their album one of this year's Hot Picks.

With strong ties to Suenalo and the Spam Allstars, two other Miami groups well known to Parrot patrons for past steamy performances, Locos por Juana is something only Miami could cook up, creating a sound that reflects the diverse mixture of cultures and genres that Miami has to offer. The result is a highly
charged mix of rhythms irresistible to dancers.