Key West: Sunset Celebrations, Music, and Drag Queens

October 26, 10:58 AMOffbeat Places ExaminerNeala Schwartzberg

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  Key West sunset (c) Neala Schwartzberg

While all the Keys have their own personality, specialities and pleasures, Key West has always been a tourist magnet. But it also offers a bit of a conundrum. There's the laid-back Keysy feeling, but there's also so much to do and experience, it’s hard to take the time to be laid-back.

Sunset Celebration One way to both mellow out and do a popular Key West activity is to... watch the sunset. You can do it anywhere of course, including from a boat that sails along the shore, but go down to Mallory Square and enjoy the Sunset Celebration. It doesn’t have its own website, but the Key West Sunset Celebration happens every day.

“The sun sets every day, doesn’t it?” says long-time resident, tightrope walker and juggler Will Soto when asked about the timing of the event. In fact, Soto is one of the founders of the nightly celebration, as well as one of the performers. Jugglers, tightrope walkers, clowns, guitar players, artists of all kinds set up their individual spaces. Boats cruise the waters. People stroll among the performers.

After watching Soto’s wonderful and funny tightrope act, there is other talented performers and musicians, as well as artists such as Melanie Griffith who sells her colorful prints. As the sun sank towards the water, the music of a nameless guitarist singing softly help usher in the evening. Sweet memories.

By the way, there is no charge, and the performers make no salary. If you watch a performance, enjoy the music, provide a donation. They work solely on tips.

Catch a Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band Howard Livingston epitomizes the story of the Keys. This former businessman fell in love with the lifestyle, weather, and water. The decision was easy. He was going to move to the Keys and make music. Today, Howard strums his way through mellow, Keysy, tropical music that’s a delight. Plus, he makes margaritas (using his specially constructed outboard motor) that’s passed around in tiny cups for the audience to get into the Margaritaville feeling. And that’s easy to do when Howard sings “Blame It On The Margaritas” and “Livin’ On Key West Time.” Check his schedule and plan on a wonderful concert.

Sushi and the Drag Queens Besides being a gay-friendly town, Key West is home to main two drag performer venues. The Aqua Nightclub, at 711 Duval Street has quite a following, but if you stop by the 801 Bourbon Bar and Cabaret at 801 Duval you’ll likely meet Sushi, standing outside with one or two of her “girls” with a distinct come-hither look. Give in, go upstairs and prepare to be entertained by some of the most outrageous and funniest drag queen acts. Sushi struts, and strolls and soon has everyone stuffing dollars into her clothing. And the rest of her troop matches Sushi’s skills and good humor.  One of the early show highlights is Kylie’s rendition of If I Only Had a Snatch - with the over-to-top flair that characterizes the show.

For more information on visit Key West and all the Florida Keys

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(c) Neala Schwartzberg, all rights reserved