Key West Updates

Calling musicians, actors, painters, card-readers, palm-readers, filmmakers, poets, dancers, storytellers, jugglers, fire-breathers, fairies, nymphs and satyrs to take the stage and celebrate the arts in our community, Saturday, June 20, at the 9th Annual Midsummer’s Night Dream & Spectacle at its historic and enchanting new venue, Fort East Martello Museum in Key West.

Co-produced by Michael Shields’ Java Studios and the Key West Art & Historical Society to benefit KWAHS children’s educational programs, Midsummer’s Night Dream & Spectacle celebrates the creative Keys community, and gives artists a voice and platform to share the power of their dreams. To participate as an artist contact Michael Shields at 305-394-3804 / [email protected]. For more information visit kwahs.org.

Photo: Dancer Ahzs Maralda casts a dramatic shadow against artist Nicholas Bergery’s Dream Projections at last year's Midsummer's Night Dream & Spectacle.

More great programming from the Key West Art & Historical Society - TD Allman, author of the acclaimed book "Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State, will speak on Florida's role in the Civil War this Thursday, Feb 12 (all the details here: www.kwahs.org/event/keynote-speaker-td-allman). Allman's presentation, to take place at the Tropic Cinema, is the opening salvo of the Society's latest exhibit, The Civil War in Key West: A Sesquicentennial Salute, which debuts Friday, Feb 13 at the Custom House Museum. Here's a link to a NY Times review of author, historian, and foreign correspondent Allman's book: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/28/books/review/finding-florida-by-t-d-allman.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Wesley House Family Services celebrates its 31st annual Valentine’s Gala, Friday, February 14, 6:30 to 9:30 pm, on the grounds of the historic Curry Mansion Inn in Key West.

Gala highlights include abundant dining and libations included in the ticket price: VIP admission includes open premium bars, passed hors d’ oeuvres and full Southern inspired Hard Rock Café dinner buffet featuring pecan crusted chicken, Shrimp Creole over rice, corn, green beans, ambrosia fruit salad, biscuits and rolls, home-made apple cobbler and ice cream, and pecan pie tartlettes; General Admission tickets include open bars by Sloppy Joe’s and Rick’s/Durty Harry’s and full Hard Rock Café dinner buffet.

In addition to splendiferous feasting comes world-class entertainment - Howard Livingston as Master of Ceremonies, and music and dancing with the band Honey Mouth featuring Bubba Low Notes, Raven Cooper & Friends and a silent auction extravaganza brought to you by Prudential Knight & Gardner Realty.

An annual favorite that draws revelers by the hundreds, the gala’s purpose is to raise money for multiple Wesley House programs that provide crucial support to child welfare and family preservation throughout the Florida Keys. 100% of proceeds from the 2014 Gala will aid in providing support for foster families in areas that statutory funding does not, and assist in purchasing playground equipment for the Inez Martin Child Development Center.

Ticket prices are: $50 advance general admission, $55 general admission at the door; $100 reserved VIP seating. For ticket information and locations visit www.wesleyhouse.org.