Original Pit Stop Party, Key Largo
Hosted by Pirates on the Water (Parrot Heads Of The Upper Keys) had it’s 11th Annual songwriters showcase and bar-b-que fundraiser. Capt. Josh welcomed everyone and did a great job as the emcee on stage with artists like Mack Meadows, Conch Fritters, Steve Hopper, Sam Rainwater, Donny Brewer, Ronnie Tsunami and so many more. Some artists just stopped by to say hi.
The music, food and a beautiful sunset is why this Pit Stop gets my number 1 vote for everything Keys. Everyone really enjoyed seeing and meeting Video Dave who filmed during hurricane Irma getting his videos on The Weather Channel, Fox News and other media out lets. I enjoyed Video Dave’s stories and seeing the new large back window decal “Keys Strong.” Two of the Trop Rockin’ gals enjoyed the whole atmosphere of the location of this venue with views and water side seating.
Songwriter Events in Key West
Key West songwriter’s events held by Beachfront Radio and Songwriters Island Radio in downtown during Meeting of the Minds are an experience to be had by all.
There are so many traditional songwriter showcases like Kelly McGuire’s Light House Court held pool side. Capt. Tony’s daytime with Mike Miller and friends annual acoustical afternoon where the Boat Drunks band members were able to sing solo songs. This showcase gave each band member opportunities to sing songs showcasing their individual vocal talents. A treat to enjoy with so much musical variety from one band in an afternoon.
Attending two different radio station songwriter showcases during the week allowed me to experience new artists blended with established Trop Rock artists. Songwriters Island Radio “Songwriters Showcases” at Willie T’s hosted by Sam Densler brought out Nashville, Alabama, Gulf Coast, California and Florida songwriters. Performances by solo artists, duos and mixing up with artists that had performed earlier giving a great show of talent and camaraderie.
A wonderful line-up from trop rock bests like Kelly McGuire to Nashville new comer Cory Young who stole the show with his country-trop-rock songs “Keys Strong” and “ Shipfaced.” The two showcases I attended at Will T’s allowed me to enjoy over 30 artists performing and hanging out with friends.
I also attended the Sunday afternoon BeachFront Radio “Songwriters Showcase” at Smokin’ Tuna hosted by Andy Forsyth and emceed by Cory Young and Eric Erdman. These fabulous artists introduced a variety of songwriters, inviting them to perform for the crowd. It was a spectacular time getting to listen to so many artists and a treat to listen to them share their stage talents with other artists.
Songwriter showcases are a glimpse of reality with the artists and it was so wonderful to see Trop Rock radio stations really continuing this tradition during Meeting of the Minds. These showcases help to present the artists on a visual level the radio does not give us. Songs, sounds and quality these artists bring to our vacations, charities and listening pleasure can be seen during these radio station hosted events.
Memorable moments for a lot of us was Donny Brewer leading the conga line while Cory Young was singing on stage. Ryan Balthrop once again had the chance to showcase his song “Two Less Fishies” as he dedicated it to Cory and Jessica Young with a Happy Anniversary toast. It was so wonderful to have the artists hanging out and listening to other artists with us in the crowd. It really felt like a big family music fest.
Special Thanks to Andy Forsyth, Sam Densler and all the songwriters that participated in these radio sponsored Songwriters Showcases.
Fin-tasic musical entertainment.
Enjoy the gallery below of artists and fans enjoying the songwriter showcases!
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I live close to A1A and love this stretch of road that leads me to so many adventures! I'm perfectly situated between my two wonderful children. I love to visit my daughter in the FL panhandle and my son in Key West. I'm a Parrot Head and I love Trop Rock music!