A Break in the Action

Larry the Cat

Christmas in Gettysburg

It's almost Christmas and things have been a bit quiet this month, gig-wise. That's a good thing! You see, that's Larry, my youngest cat, sleeping in my guitar case. That means I have my guitar out and I'm writing songs and practicing. I've written three new songs this month and finished up a couple of old ones I've stalled on. 

Songwriting isn't a linear process. For me, it usually starts with a concept or phrase that rings in my brain. Somehow, a melody or way of singing the phrase is suggested in the writing of it, then I build a chorus that works with it. In my song, "TropiGal," for instance, I was trying to decide who TropiGal is. "She's TropiGal." So, what kind of things define someone who calls herself "TropiGal?" It seemed to me that she's a free spirit who's "heart belongs to the open seas" and that "She's gonna soar on the ocean breeze." She lives and breathes life on the shore. "Salty air and the sun is all she needs." 

 The next step is harder: come up with verses that support the chorus. Just like writing a short story, a song is a story put to music. It has to go somewhere. My next step was to come up with vignettes of women who are in the world and what brings out their inner "TropiGal," the "every woman working hard all around the world." The song finally calls out to the free spirit in all TropiGals to find their expression, find their beach. "Swimming free in the clear blue water. Living life as one of Neptune's daughters." 

While I was growing up, we spent at least a week at the shore every summer, usually in Wildwood, NJ. My mother in particular always felt drawn to the ocean. I feel the same way. I have to have that time by the ocean, by the water, to feel complete each year. With 2013 on the way I'm looking forward to letting "TropiGal" out as much as possible.

See you somewhere down the End of the Road,

Dani

MOTM 2013 Post Mortem Pt. 3: The Weekend and Home

Saturday morning dawned beautifully (duh! Key West!) and once again, guitar on my back, I pedaled off to play. Thanks to Jerry Diaz I got to play at the Zonta Walk/Run, an annual 5K that provides FREE mammograms to under insured and uninsured women in Key West, along with him and John Reno. I loved spending my morning with these two great musicians and watching the runners and walkers arrive. The event is held at Salute's on the Beach right on Higg's Beach and is a really fun way to spend your Saturday morning at MOTM.

From there I rode back down to United, made a left toward Duval and got some breakfast with friends at Croissants de France. Then I headed back up to Duval for a gig at the Speakeasy Inn & Rum Bar with the Blue Hen Parrot Head Club of Delaware. Cheryl Housman joined me again on pans and we played outside on the patio. Good friends were also there to listen and relax on the beautiful porch and a few folks stopped by including Steve Tolliver and Sam Rainwater, who pulled out his ukulele and strummed along from the street! It ended up being a nice, intimate time with some great folks who are now great friends.

With my gig ending at 1pm I had to beat it over to the Casa Marina for the Trop Rock Music Association award ceremony. I was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year and for the Horizon Award, which is like best upcoming artist. It was fun being backstage again with lots of the musicians, friends and support staff. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. I didn't win either award but was thankful for the consideration and that a large number of people heard a short clip of "TropiGal."

I left the Casa and headed back to T's Bistro & Bar (which, by the way, is directly across the street from the Speakeasy Inn) for another showcase. This one was hosted by Jim Hill and Tim Dee who are musicians who live in the Keys. The Blue Hens were there, too! It was great to see them again and I was delighted they came back to hang out with me. After this showcase I was free to do what I wanted for awhile and that's just what I did.

Sunday was also wide open for me. Yeah! A BREAK! A bunch of us jammed at the Wicker Guesthouse pool including Steve Buenzow, Cheryl, Renn Loren, Rick Schettino and Chris Rehm. The weather was beautiful (Key West!), the pool was perfect and so was the beer. Later that evening, Janene and I headed to the Conch Republic Seafood Company for nourishment and to see Don Middlebrook. Don had me play a couple of songs during one of his breaks and then we stayed for the rest of the show. Janene and I struck out for Duval to head for the drag show at 801 Bourbon.

On the way, we talked to Captain Josh who told me to come over to Willie T's to play Monday afternoon with him and Captain Nick. Shortly after, disaster struck! Walking our bikes around Sloppy Joe's, I stepped off the curb to go around the crowd that had piled up on the sidewalk. Suddenly my right ankle flexed and I landed on my left knee in the gutter. The GUTTER! People called my name, lifting me up and righting me. Grace Swinford, Elliot Feldman and others were there from the Naples PHC and very quickly took care of me, cleaning my knee, applying a large band-aid and handing me a beer. It was a bit of a shock with the pain in my knee and the blood running down my leg. After resting a bit and assuring everybody I was ok, Janene and I walked up Duval. She went to the drag show, I went to find more band-aids and something to clean my knee, then back to my room to rest.

Monday morning was Breakfast Club with the Hanover Area Parrot Head Society, one of the parrot head clubs I belong to. We had a blast eating at Schooner's Wharf and quaffing our favorite Breakfast Club beverage, the Screwmosa. A tradition is that a bag of markers is brought and we "decorate" each other and ourselves. If you see photos of me on Facebook and my left leg looks like a mess, that's the magic markers. That afternoon, with my leg covered in marker and stickers,  I joined the Captains Josh and Nick for music at Willie T's. It was quite a jam!

Tuesday came and Cheryl and I hit the road toward Ft. Lauderdale. It's always difficult to say goodbye to Key West and each time I go it's that much harder. After being there for over a week, I had become acclimated, feeling like I belonged there. Driving away from Key West through the keys was beautiful and sad at the same time. We had lunch at Geiger Key, thanks to the recommendation of a friend. After a great ride and lots of girl talk we arrived in Ft. Lauderdale at the airport and flew back to cold, blustery Baltimore. It took me a few days to feel "normal."

Since then, I think often of this past MOTM. I have a lot of pictures and mementos, some in my hands, some in my heart. I've written two songs since then that were inspired by my trip. I hope to get back to the Keys and the little island town of Key West soon. In the meantime, I'm working on songs for a new CD and thinking ahead to MOTM 2013: "Bring Back The Magic."

See you at the End of the Road,

Dani

MOTM 2013 Post Mortem Pt. 2: The Madness Continues

Wednesday dawned early and, of course, I didn't sleep very well. That's the story of my life these days. My dad doesn't sleep well, my grandmother doesn't sleep well, so I guess it runs in the family.

The reason I had to get up early for MOTM was that my dear friend Loren Davidson was kind enough to invite me to participate on his Catamaran Concert Cruise. 
http://www.catamaranconcerts.com/

It was a morning cruise, starting at 9am, and included Blood Marys and complimentary snacks. Chris Rehm also was aboard along with Renn Loren, a Trop Rocker from Norway! We had a nice group of folks aboard who enjoyed our "music in the round" style of playing and story-telling. They day dawned bright and warm and the water was reasonably calm with no evidence that a hurricane had gone through. On the water! What a great way to start the day.

After the cruise (as far as I can remember) I went from party to party, stopping at Dante's, then the Smokin' Tuna, wandering here and there. I played at Green World Gallery at 4pm, enjoying the company of Artist Koz and the gang and hamming it up for the web cam. It was very nice of the Young Rebel Goombas and other friends to drop in for a bit. Swim Skinny stopped by with Tom Johnson who joined me on guitar, playing lead parts and filling in nicely. Tom is on my CD playing ukulele on "Quiet Cove."

Thursday was a busy day with the Tropical Songwriters in Paradise songwriter showcase at T's Bistro & Bar on the 1100 block of Duval. I had the opportunity to perform and just enjoy lots of songwriters I had and had not heard live. Key West Chris, the organizer and host, kicked the afternoon off followed by Renn Loren, then Cheryl Housman joining me on pans. C.W. Colt followed us, my good friend John Friday along with Captain Nick, Swim Skinny and Tom Johnson, The Young Rebel Goombas and many more played into the night. The whole thing can be viewed here, recorded for posterity by Sound Man from Hell and MC for the event Gary W. Ek (from 104.9 the X "Key West Rocks!"): 

 
I couldn't stay until the end. John Friday and I had a sunset cruise to play and sunset was on the way! I feel lucky that I got to do two cruises with great friends, one in the morning, one at night, in such a beautiful place. The passengers and crew were incredible, enjoying the music, margaritas and the magic of the sunset over Key West Bight. It was an incredible night, great weather and we had a blast!

When I first got to Key West, I didn't have much going on Friday. How quickly that changed! While I was on my way to the Catamaran Concert with John, Jim Hoehn pedaled up on his bike, the pair of us on bikes, guitars slung on our backs, and asked me if I had time to do a set during his Friday night gig with "Jersey" John Hanney at Pearl's Patio on United St. I said, "Yes," of course. 

By the way, at this point my batteries were beginning to run a bit low. Between the lack of quality sleep and the constant movement, exhaustion was setting in. I know this is the case for a lot of the musicians playing at MOTM. There is not much time to chill, if you don't take it. I was running on adrenaline, caffeine and the energy provided by others most of the week. At one point I fell off my bike (not drunk!). I don't know who was following me with the ball bat but I had a lot of bruises. I also had a pretty good tan which I attribute to the walking and biking I did all week.

Back to the story! On my way to Pearl's I stopped at the Rum Barrel to hear Mike Mangum with Steve Hauser on electric. I did a few songs after the amazing young Fletcher Martin, having fun with Steve accompanying me as well. Then I made a beeline for Pearl's, Jim and John already in full tilt. Pearl's has a nice, intimate atmosphere and the most delicious quesadillas and a great bar by the pool. Dianne "greenwoman" Wickes, Marc and Tammy Hollander and many other friends were there. Jim had me do two sets, for which I was grateful. 

From Pearl's I rocketed down to the Casa Marina for the All Star Jam, kind of an open mic but you get to play with a band. I love playing with a band! I can't say that enough. Sunny Jim, Tom Becker, and more, jamming poolside. It was fun to see Howard Livingston, Jerry Diaz, Dennis McCaughey and many others back stage. I had my two songs and took off. Being the new kid on the block here it was a rush to have this opportunity. Thank you, Jerry Diaz, for the invitation. 

Next up: The Weekend

MOTM: Another Trip Around the Sun Post Mortem, Pt. 1

Cheryl Housman and I at T's Bistro & Bar

The bruises, the cut on my left knee and my sore shoulder from falling off my bike have faded, but hopefully not all of the memories from Meeting of the Minds 2012: Another Trip Around the Sun (referred to from here on in as MOTM.) In keeping with the spirit of the blog, I recap an experience I've had a month or so after it's over. While you're reading, enjoy my song "End of the Road," a song inspired by last year's November trip to Key West.

 With Hurricane Sandy bearing down on the East Coast, my AirTran flight out of BWI on Tuesday, October 30th was in jeopardy. I panicked (a lot) and finally got it backed up to Sunday morning. Things were also a bit touchy as my grandfather was ill and in the hospital. I ended up cancelling a gig, which I still feel bad about, but I was in a really tough place at the time. (Grand Dad did recover and is home now, by the way.) Luckily, everything worked out for an on-time take-off and, Sunday afternoon, I landed in Ft. Lauderdale, packed the guitar and luggage in the Chevy rental and headed down the Florida Turnpike to Route 1 and Key Largo.

A quick primer for those who don't know what Meeting of the Minds is: MOTM is generally at the beginning of November, following Fantasy Fest in Key West, and has been going on for 21 years. MOTM is a celebration of all things "Parrot Head," the name given to fans of all things Jimmy Buffett. The reason I go, besides the fact that I get to spend a glorious week in the Conch Republic, is that, as a "trop rock" musician, this is the best place and time for me to show up and play my music. Many parrot heads are eager for trop rock music and "phlock" to MOTM to see their favorites and check out new acts. This was my second year playing at MOTM.

I finally arrived in Key Largo and met my friends Steve and Janene at the Big Chill Grill, next door the famous Caribbean Club where they shot some scenes from the movie Key Largo. I was excited to meet other parrot heads, new friends and not-so-new friends, in the bar, who were down for the event as well. After a few drinks and lots of laughs I followed Steve and Janene Buenzow to the Key Largo Boatel to crash on one of their spare beds. The Boatel is a series of house boats held together to by a rigging of PVC pipes. Essentially, you're sleeping on the water but the boats don't go anywhere.

I woke early, very early, anticipating the exciting day ahead. It was so early, the sun wasn't even up. I crawled through the window to the deck and watched the sun rise.

Steve and Janene joined me for the spectacle, then we had a fine breakfast at the Hiddenout Cafe right behind across from the Boatel office.
After a little sun and kayaking, we got ready and headed to the Pirates on the Water Pit Stop Party at MM101.

The Pit Stop Party is two days of food, frivolity and trop rock music. It's a great place to take a break, meet lots of fun folks and get a sample of the Pusser's Rum Pain Killer. Hosted by David Kay and MC'd by Captain Josh Ramesteck, the music runs almost non-stop. Around noon, Captain Josh strummed the first notes and got the party started. I was up after him and had a good set and was followed by my tall friend, singer/songwriter Loren Davidson of California and the very talented Sam Rainwater. I met quite a few musicians including Charlie Imes and Rick Schettino who were performing together as a duo. It was a wonderful time and I wish I could have stayed, but I had to get my rental car back to the airport in Key West. I took my time and enjoyed the drive to the town at end of the road. As I passed Duck Key I realized that was where I had taken the photo that would become my CD cover. I was feeling a bit tired but pretty good.

In Key West I caught up with Key West Chris Rehm, whom I had met in June at Meet Me in the Keys, and we headed to the Rum Barrel for Loren Davidson's show. Loren had departed the Pit Stop Party before me so he could make his nighttime gig there. We played during Loren's breaks and enjoyed the company of Tony Zeccola, Pepper Liner and Dianne "Greenwoman" Wickes, among others. By the time we left the Rum Barrel and headed toward Duval, the combination of high tide, a full moon and the back surge from the hurricane had flooded Front Street up to my ankles. It was a curious sight.

Tuesday was my fun day and I wandered wherever I pleased, I found Maui Deb and Mike Mangum near Pepe's and we walked a short distance to a rental house to hang out with more friends including Tamara "Tonga Tam" Dower, Chris Lang, Glenda "Gypsy Soul" Sprague and others by the pool. Not much later Swim Skinny and Tom Johnson dropped by, starting off a fun jam session. This was to be the most relaxing day of the rest of my week. I capped off the day by going to the Conch Republic Seafood Company to hear James "Sunny Jim" White do his thing.

To be continued…
NEXT UP: The Madness Begins

Six String Music Memories

Seeing the clouds as the plane flew into the Louis Armstrong airport, I was unprepared for the forthcoming deluge. Looks mostly sunny, right? In spite of how it looks out the airplane window, as the hotel shuttle I was on left for downtown New Orleans, black clouds and lightning were on the way. 

I had traveled to the French Quarter of New Orleans for a fundraising event called Six String Music Invitational. Running this year from August 9-12, it's four days and showcases the performance of mostly original music by the singer/songwriters who have been invited to participate. I was honored to be included this year with much more seasoned performers such as Jim Morris, John Frinzi, James "Sunny Jim" White, John Friday,  Thom Shepherd along with Coley McCabe and many others. (My apologies for not typing them all out. Here is the link so you can see the list for yourself: http://www.sixstringmusicnola.com/2012.html)

It poured for at least an hour. The last passenger on the hotel shuttle, I watched as my fellow travelers each ran for cover with their luggage into their respective hotels. I was finally dispatched at the Hotel Provincial, the final stop, in an amazing downpour. Myself and my luggage plus guitar dripping, I checked in at the front desk, receiving a handful of paper towels from the clerk with which to dry off. Like others, I had to wait for the downpour to subside before walking back the open courtyard/parking area to Building Five where my room waited.

After about 10 minutes, I was surprised by the arrival of John Friday. We hung around the lobby until the rain subsided, checked into our respective rooms, then headed off to Margaritaville for drinks and grub. After a little time, there chatting and watching some of the Olympics, we hit the French Market and did some sightseeing around town.

The evening brought the Meet and Greet at Margaritaville and performances by all the currently in-town musicians. Being new at all this, and possibly a bit (very!) nervous, it meant a lot to have Sunny Jim on stage with me. Not only did he support us musically but he also supplied comforting comments and quite a bit of humor. 

While each performer took a turn on stage, we mingled with the Six String attendees from all over the country. It was a pleasure to finally meet Capt. Leo Singleton, who plays at the NOLA Margaritaville every week, along with all of the other Parrot Heads collected to hear the songs and stories we brought along. Lots of travelers had come from afar including "Mad" Marty Kuklinski from the Big Burrito Radio Show along with wife Kathy, Brian Fields from the Just 4 Fun Band in New Mexico and my dear friend Kent McCoy from my neck of the woods. 


Friday brought better weather and a day full of music. Around lunchtime we collected at the Funky Pirate on Bourbon for a quiet listening session. Also accompanied by Sunny Jim, we each had about a half hour to play some songs and tell our stories. The patrons were all encouraged to "Hush up y'all" while we were playing. I enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to explain the stories behind my songs as well as hearing the other songwriters.


From the Funky Pirate, performances began at the Tropical Isle Original on Bourbon.The stage is a raised platform behind the bar and the perspective can be intimidating as hell. I followed Thom Shepherd and Coley McCabe (pressure!). Luckily Sunny Jim was up there again, keeping me sane. In the early part of my set the bartenders began running around, blowing whistles and screaming for everyone to get out of the water; there was going to be a shark attack! Lights and sirens went off as I played, trying to keep it cool.

The Shark Attack is a drink. The bartender produces a cup of clear liquid filled with crushed ice, then plunges a plastic shark filled with grenadine into the cup so it looks like the shark is feeding. This procedure was repeated several times and somehow became part of the act. By the way, they are very tasty.


John Frinzi was up next. At some point during his set, while Jim Morris and Sunny Jim were also on stage, and possibly deriving courage from the Shark Attack, I crept up onto the platform and began to play the trap set that was there. I have a little drumming knowledge, my dad having played in a country band when I was 12 and showing me how to keep a beat. Apparently it worked out well enough because I got a big smile from Mr. Frinzi. Getting to be on stage with these three guys was one of the highlights of my weekend! Friday evening brought the All-Star Songwriter Circle, where each of us took a turn on stage, then Jim Morris rounded out the evening with a great show.


After my showcase on Friday I could pretty much relax. Saturday morning I got up and ran all over New Orleans. While it was a rainy day, the rain was not as heavy as it had been Friday. One of the cool things about New Orleans is you can get around town without getting too wet by hanging out and walking under bead-strewn balconies (or by hanging out in bars and stores.) I did some shopping, took some photos and had a crawdad omelet for breakfast at the Beignet Cafe. 

Folks everywhere were dressed in red as this day was also the day of the Red Dress Run. The Hash House Harriers run through the French Quarter for charity, then hang out imbibing on Bourbon for the rest of the day.

 This photo was taken from the Top of the Trop where I had gone in the afternoon to catch acts including Captain Josh, Matt Hoggatt and John Friday. John's set included new songs plus "The Boys from Oklahoma" with a "bong" effect provided by Mad Marty. John Reno and Joe Bennett played that evening also. We had one final songwriter showcase at Margaritaville, this time joined by Brent Burns, and Sunny Jim finished out the night, playing his awesome set for an hour and a half.

Sunday morning Brent entertained all with his fun show at the brunch. The weekend had seemed to fly by and I couldn't believe I only had just a little time left in New Orleans. I said goodbye to as many folks as I could, then wandered around town a bit more. Just like the day I arrived, the rain fell heavily, breaking in time for me to catch my hotel shuttle around 4pm.

With good memories tucked away, I hope to get back to the Big Easy soon for Six String or maybe even Jazz Fest. New Orleans is a remarkable town, full of great folks and beautiful architecture, fabulous art, the most amazing food plus good times. I highly recommend a visit for any reason.

Why "Better Late Than Never?"

Hey, I know you're going to yell at me, but I took this photo while I was driving. I was on the way to our Parrot Head board meeting and saw this dramatic cloud formation on the way. The photo doesn't do justice to the magnitude or coloration of this budding cumulonimbus. It was amazing. How could I not take a pic? Sure, I could have pulled over. You can argue that either I'm daring or a complete numbskull, but this is my blog and it seems that honesty is important in this type of writing. That said, I'll get to the point.

In life we're constantly presented with choices like, "Do I pull over and take this picture or do I just keep driving and possibly run into that big ditch?" There are times when the choice is pretty straightforward and other times when you feel like you're flying by the seat of your pants. When it comes down to it, the question is, "What do you really want to get out of this?" Then, you might go with your gut.


OK. I'm being vague. 


When I was in ninth grade, I was in my first play. It was a Samuel French book and the title was, "Father's Been to Mars." The plot surrounded a 1950's sitcom-style plot about a suburban family, the Gibsons. "Father" was a sci-fi TV star named "Captain Galaxy." I played his 12-year old doting daughter, Corky, complete with pig-tails and a high pitchy voice saying things like, "Gaseous Ganymedes!" and so on. I can't recall the complete details of the story but I'm sure the book is still in my attic if you want me to find it.


One night during the short run of the play, I was backstage waiting for a cue and gabbing with the stage manager. Suddenly, and quite loudly, voices were saying things like, "I wonder where Corky is?" "I don't know. She was just here a moment ago." I missed my cue! I ran out quickly, jumped the arm of the couch and skidded in to do my party. Later that year our group held an awards event and I was given the "Better Late Than Never" Award. I think there might have been a rubber chicken on the certificate.


Somehow that became my motto. I've never been particularly trendy. I was always that quiet reader that you wanted to do your homework for you. I was the fine artist, the observer, looking for my moment to shine. The one thing that held me back was feeling comfortable with my peers; I lived in seven different homes and went to eleven different schools by the age of 18 so I was always the new kid. In some ways that has made more cautious, but in other ways, more daring and willing to strike out on my own.


Jumping ahead to now, with a new CD, "TropiGal," and a part-time (feels like full-time?) music career, I figure it just took me this long to truly find my passion. I've been in fine art, graphic design, written poetry, prose and screenplays, worked in fast food, retail and printing, sang in various groups, performed in community theater, and so on. I've loved doing so many things in my life but I've found that music and storytelling is at the heart of everything I've truly enjoyed. I've always felt that music changes and influences many and I'm lucky and honored to be part of that.

So, better late than never. Just because you're in the middle of your life, or even older, doesn't mean you can't change course. Some of us just take a little longer to find our niche. Sometimes those changes are forced on you, sometimes you just see the path you need to take and you take it. Figure out what you want in life and if it's worth the risk. If you don't try it, how will you know you won't succeed?

From Key West, FL: Meet Me in the Keys

 

From Key West, FL :Meet Me in the Keys

By Dani Hoy

Waking up to a rooster crowing nearly every morning, when you’re not used to it, is a sure way for you to know you’re someplace different. You stumble out of bed, plant your feet on the floor and go in search of ibuprofen and strong coffee. How much fun did I have last night? Must have been a lot. (My apologies to anyone if I misremember or gloss over any important details.)

June 14^th, around 11:30am, our 737 landed in the Conch Republic. My good friend J9 and I were here to participate in Meet Me in the Keys, a fundraising event for KOA Care Camps hosted by the Southernmost Coconut Castaways. This Keys-based club is an extension of Howard Livingston’s group of fans and friends from Iowa and was attended by the man himself, along with Cyndy, his lovely wife he affectionately calls “Cinderella,” and many other fine folk.

My “job” was to play the Meet and Greet that night, but our first stop was to hang out with John Friday at the Smokin’ Tuna. We had fun playing to the small group there and hamming it up for the Tuna Cam. After many previous Facebook chats, I finally met Key West Chris Rehm when he dropped by with his two lovely hounds. After a bit of Sam Adams and Ceviche, we scooted over to the DoubleTree for sound check (thanks for the use of your PA, Chris!) and the Meet and Greet from 6-8pm.

Marc and Tammy Hollander and all of the Castaways were a great audience and so much fun! Captain Josh, John Friday, Loren Davidson and a few other performers were there as they were playing over the weekend, too. The really cool thing for me was, after my gig and a few announcements, plus a song by Captain Ron, Howie came up to speak and play a few songs. Who’s guitar did he use? Mine, of course! For travel a lighter travel footprint, I brought a ¾ size Martin LXME. One me, it fits. On the guys, it looks like a toy. However, Howie played his wonderful songs on it, including “Meet Me in the Keys,” and proved that (wait for it), size doesn’t matter!

The following day there was a pool party and a beautiful fashion show featuring comfy, flowing outfits by Keykers. During the pool party, music was performed by Captain Josh, Jim Hoehn, John Friday, Loren Davidson, Paul Roush, C.W. Colt, and Thom Shepherd. After popping in to see the Barry Cuda show at B.O.’s, we caught Thom again, as he was appearing all week at the Tuna. Coley McCabe, a beautiful singer with wonderful music projects of her own, joined him on stage for a couple of songs such as “In Spite of Ourselves.” Thom blew quite a few strings over the weekend and, when one of his B-strings came apart, I lent him my mini guitar while I restrung the B on his. Tom got a lot of laughter when he asked, “Does this guitar make me look fat?” A few other musicians jumped up to do a number and, when Thom asked me to do one, I played “Meet Me on the Boardwalk.”

Saturday was a glorious, steamy day. After a dip in the pool at Casa 325 Guesthouse we did a little shopping, then ended up at Artist Koz’s Green World Gallery. Captain Josh performed, and then I joined Jim Hoehn and Paul Roush for a little “round robin” on guitar in front of a great audience and the web cam. Later, we were back at the Smokin’ Tuna for more Thom Shepherd. He does a wonderful show, playing favorites like “Parrothead” and the hit song he wrote, “Riding with Private Malone.” He also performed “Djibouti,” which he wrote to entertain the soldiers when he visited there. This time, he was joined on stage by the lovely Gina Maseratti, a local celebrity.

After a brief downpour, Howard Livingston and Mile Marker 24 hit the stage. In my opinion, you can’t beat a horn band for creating a big sound and they really blew us away. The other thing that blew me away was the appearance of the Johnson outboard motor/margarita maker. After a vigorous auction, a generous bidder spent $4,000 for that first margarita. As I mentioned earlier, this was a charity event and the money went to the pool collected over the weekend. The Castaways raised over $10,000 for the KOA Care Camps.

Sunday dawned, another beautiful day. (Dawn? Did I say, “Dawn?” Never got up that early!) After breakfast at Pepe’s, J9 and I meandered over to Schooner’s Wharf to catch some Michael McCloud. We then headed to Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar for more fun with the Castaways. The crown of the evening was the Sunset Cruise on the Fury catamaran. Thom Shepherd played for the cruisers while we noshed on snacks and sipped champagne and margaritas. I played “TropiGal” during the inevitable string break. Later, Chris Rehm, Loren Davidson, Captain Josh, Jim Hoehn, Paul Roush and Captain Ron also each did a song or two. I’m pretty sure Loren did “Pirate Vacation.” With the champagne and margaritas flowing, I vaguely remember him whipping out a bandana. Arr!

Monday came and it was time to go. After a queasy breakfast of coffee and a fiber bar, we packed and made hasty preparations to mail some booty and swag home. J9 won a wall-plaque created by one of the castaways and commemorates the Howard Livingston and Mile Marker 24 experience. I had a huge box of recently purchased cozies and t-shirts to get home. Marc Hollander (with thanks to Tammy for letting us “borrow him”) was kind enough to drive us to the UPS Store and Post Office. After he dropped us off, we made one last stop at Margaritaville, had a real meal and said “see ya later” to Chris Rehm and his dogs. The plane flight home was fairly uneventful and I arrived home to temps in the 70’s and a fine rain. For the first time in five days I was cold.

Meet Me in the Keys was a great experience for me and I highly recommend anyone attend next year.