December 5, 2023 – (KEY WEST, FL). On Tuesday, December 12, join Key West music historian and photojournalist Ralph De Palma in conversation with Dr. Cori Convertito as he examines the island’s celebrated music legacy as part of the Key West Art & Historical Society’s Distinguished Speaker Series. His talk entitled, “Changing of the Guard: A Music-Centric Conversation” takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street.
Key West’s musical soul is an outpost of humanity, in a sea of swirling, turbulent, incivility. Music permeates Key West right down to the coral rock. De Palma’s previously published book, “The Soul of Key West,” is a combination of its historical music core and the One Human Family juju that charms the spirit of Key West life. A melting pot of musical talent blends the harmony of the soul of Key West. The island is becoming a music destination much like Nashville or New Orleans. Our slice of paradise is full of talent that migrated here from those much larger music cities. If Nashville is the “Music City” then Key West is most certainly the “Music Island.”
“For over a century, Key West can be considered a serious music destination, attracting luminaries such as Louis Armstrong, Kenny Chesney, and Jimmy Buffett,” says Convertito, curator for the Society. “Homegrown musical talent has also contributed to a global entertainment scene. Fats Navarro, who was born and raised in Key West, is considered one of the finest jazz trumpet players, while Lofton ‘Coffee’ Butler made a name for himself from his piano bench, even sharing the stage with The Beatles during their fleeting Key West visit. Having De Palma reveal this storied history will shed light on a topic that permeates the island.”
De Palma is a Key West based photojournalist that specializes in presenting the amazing Key West music scene. He is also the author of a series of books about the amazing music scene, “The Soul of Key West” volumes I and II. His passion for Key West’s vibrant music scene led him to spend countless hours photographing and interviewing dozens of musicians. The photographs capture the rocking spirit of a tiny island filled with over fifty venues featuring live music, and the words roll out the stories, struggles, and triumphs of musicians who play for us night after night.
To reserve tickets for the lecture; visit kwahs.org/dss-music – $12 for KWAHS members, $15 for non-members. This program is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida, The Helmerich Trust, Aloys & Carol Metty, and the John & Marilyn Rintamaki Family Charitable Fund. For more information, contact Cori Convertito, Ph.D. at 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected]. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.
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IMAGE 1: Key West’s live music scene will be the topic for the Key West Art & Historical Society’s upcoming Distinguished Speakers Series talk, “Changing of the Guard: A Music-Centric Conversation” with photojournalist Ralph De Palma on December 12. (Photo Credit: Ralph De Palma)
