See Key West Like a Local

Key West. Cayo Hueso, the Southernmost Point. Closer to Cuba than mainland Florida and Mecca for the Parrot Head nation. This little island is home to about 30,000 residents but hosts millions of visitors a year. If you haven't been, you need to add it to your bucket list. If you have, then chances are you already have your favorite places to go and things to do. Charter a fishing boat for some Yellowtail, then take your catch to the Half Shell Oyster Bar and let them cook it up for you. Turtle races at Turtle Kraal's. A tour of Hemingway's House to see the five toed cats. Strolling down Duval or quenching your thirst at one of the many famous (and infamous) watering holes and restaurants: Sloppy Joe's, Captain Tony's, Blue Heaven, The Bull, Hogs Breath, Margaritaville. And, of course, closing the day at Mallory Square, watching the Cat Man and the other performers as the sun sinks into the ocean.

My wife, Georgia, and I never get tired of visiting Key West - would probably live there if we could, and we have our own favorite spots, too (Like the Afterdeck at Louie's Backyard http://www.louiesbackyard.com/). But, as I mentioned in an earlier post, whenever possible I want to offer an "insiders view" to the beaches and bars I cover. So, I asked a local where he goes.


Chris Rehm is a singer/songwriter who has lived in Key West for three years. His debut cd, "Shanghai'd & Marooned in Key West (Things Could Be Worse)", a collection of songs about life in and around the Conch Republic, is in final production and expected to be released just in time for the Key West Songwriters' Convention at the end of April. I called Chris one afternoon and asked him to give me the 411 on some of his favorite places to go on the island.  https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/ChrisRehm09.

"Lately, I've been spending alot of time on Stock Island, which is about five miles from Key West. That's where I've been working on my cd. There's a place right on the docks there called The Hogfish Bar and Grille. A little out of the way but worth the trip." http://hogfishbar.com/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2y-2eenMEs&feature=player_embedded


Another place I like, just a short drive from Key West, at Mile Marker 10, is Geiger Key. They have a small campground and marina with a tiki bar. Definitely 'old school Keys.'" http://www.geigerkeymarina.com/   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0IjvPuSDcM&feature=player_embedded


Back in Key West, I definitely have some favorite spots. If you're on Duvall, check out Bogart's. It's an Irish pub and alot of fun".  http://keywest.citysearch.com/profile/33373233/key_west_fl/bogarts_key_west.html


"The Porch, on the corner of Duval and Caroline Street - right across from the Bull - specializes in Craft Beers, which I love. It's an old house with, as the name implies, a huge porch that overlooks the street." http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-porch-key-west


"The Green Parrot alot of people know about, but it's also one of my hang outs. It's a bar only. They have some great bartenders there - Beaver, Chicken, Ken, and Jeff. One of the reasons I like it is that's it's only four blocks from my house. An easy walk - or crawl - home!" http://greenparrot.com/


Schooner Wharf is another place that people who have visited Key West will know about, but it's always a great stop. Michael McCloud plays most days and they have some good Microbrews. If I'm there, I'll be sitting at the bar, talking to bartenders Vicky or Debbie." http://www.schoonerwharf.com/


"At the end of the night, you want to head to Finnegan's Wake on Grinnell Street. It's also an Irish pub, with a phenomenal selection of beers. But, the main reason people end up there is because they keep the latest kitchen hours in Key West - until 1am. That's where all the service industry people go when they get off work." http://www.bestonkeywest.com/restaurants/finnegan's-wake.html


"One suggestion I have if you've never been to Key West: Ditch your car. Plan to walk or grab a bike at any of the rental spots, like The Bike Shop on Truman, near White Street." http://www.thebikeshopkeywest.com/


I also had a chance to speak to another Key West resident, Scott Kirby, recently (his interview was also posted this week) and he mentioned a couple of his favorite spots to
eat: "If I go out for lunch, I love the fish sandwich at Pepe's Cafe on Caroline Street."  http://pepescafe.net/  "La Creperie is an authentic French Bistro, run by a couple of sisters". http://lacreperiekeywest.com/  "I don't go out much after gigs, but when I do it's usually to the Afterdeck at Louie's"....


That's it for this "insider's look" at Key West. Of course, as I said, anybody who has been has their own favorite spots - to eat, drink, or just sight see - on Cayo Hueso. Feel free to add yours as a comment. And, if you've never been to Key West, waddya waitin' for??!!

Scott Kirby: From fishing for votes to gathering grapes.

It has happened to all of us. You're listening to the radio and suddenly a song comes on you've never heard before that stops you dead in your tracks. Something about it - the lyrics, the music, the singer's style - hits you like a brick. Such was the case several years ago, one afternoon listening to Radio Margaritaville (then internet-only, now on Sirius/XM). I had it on in the background and heard, in the middle of a set of familiar Buffett tunes, a vaguely irish sea chanty. Lilting, melancholy - sparsely produced, mostly acoustic guitar with some background vocals and a short electric guitar solo. The tune was immediately catchy, but it was what the singer was saying that made me turn the speakers up. The verses were colorful, and the chorus "If you're living to love by the ocean, and loving to live by the sea...and lucky enough to live on blue water...you're lucky enough by me" made me want to get in my car and drive to the beach right then and there. But, it was eighteen defiant words in the final verse - 3 minutes and 20 seconds into the song - that really got me: "I'll raise my glass, you can kiss my old ass, I'll die with my feet in the sand."

The song, as many Parrot Heads and Radio Margaritaville fans will recognize, was "Lucky Enough" by Scott Kirby (http://www.scottkirby.com/), one of ten tracks off his 2003 cd, "4 Good Dogs". I was an immediate fan. All three of his cds (with 2007's live "A Night On The Beach" and 2009's "Row Me Home") now spend alot of time being played around my house and "Lucky Enough" remains one of my favorite Trop Rock tracks of all time. I had a chance to catch up with Scott at his home in the Old Towne section of Key West to talk about that song, as well as how he got to where he is today, what's ahead and more....


You're a busy man, thanks for taking the time to talk...

"No problem. I was actually just out walking my dog"

One of the "4 Good Dogs"?

"Well, I did write that song after walking one of my dogs here in Key West"

We'll talk more about some of your songs later. Let's start with "Scott Kirby: The Early Years".

"I started playing drums, actually, when I was about ten, got my first guitar at twelve. I taught myself to play listening to Beatles and James Taylor records."


You were actually very involved in politics at one time, weren't you?

"I was! I grew up around politics in New Hampshire. My mother and grandmother were very involved. Around 1980, I was selling real estate at the time, and a guy named Howard Baker was running for President. I started working on his campaign in the local office. He didn't win, obviously, but it was a new experience, and there were alot of fun, interesting people. I went from there to working for some other state campaigns - the State Legislature, Governor, a Congressman. Then I got into media consulting - writing and producing tv and radio spots for political races. I did that for about eight years."


How did that experience help you down the road?

"Funny you should ask that. I was just thinking about that this morning. When you write scripts for tv or radio, you have only a certain amount of time to get your message across - you have to tell your story with a minimum of words. I guess I wound up using that experience when I started writing songs. Also, as an independent artist, you have to do alot of your own marketing and promotion. So, that experience came in handy, too."

Not to mention that both careers - music and politics - require a pretty thick skin.

"That's true."


From Politics in New Hampshire to playing guitar in Key West seems like a world apart.

"It was the late 80's, and I was going through a challenging time. Working for mostly Democrats during the Reagan years had been frustrating. I was single and the long, cold New England winters were really starting to wear on me. I had put my guitar away the whole time I was working in politics, had gotten so busy I didn't really have time for it. But, then I found myself starting to play again, had gotten a few gigs at some local ski areas. I decided it was time to make a life style change. I got a legal pad and wrote down how much I would need to make to survive. I was working for the Democratic Leader in the New Hampshire House of Representatives and went in and gave her my notice, told her I wanted to play music for a living. She was a musician herself, so she understood and gave me her blessing. A short time later, I was at the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta. I had my car packed and just kept going, all the way to Key West."


Why Key West?

I had visited Key West before, had a couple contacts - including a bartender at the Pier House Chart Room. I auditioned for the Food & Beverage Manager and next thing I knew, I was playing seven nights a week there, making more money than I ever had in politics! I've been here ever since." 


I've heard your music described as "Beach Folk"

"That came from a music critic in Pennsylvania about 10 or 15 years ago. I can't remember if he was reviewing a cd or a show, but I thought it was pretty accurate. I think Trop Rock is a good descriptive term, but I'm not really 'rock'. I've always been more of an acoustic player, don't have steel drums on my records".


I told you earlier how I, like many people, first heard you on Radio Margaritaville. "Lucky Enough" was one of the few "non-Buffett" tunes they played. How did that come about?

"I had submitted some songs to Radio Margaritaville - back before Sirius/XM, they were more open to accepting and playing music from independent artists. At the same time, Sirius had a show - I think it was called 'Vacation Station' - and they were also playing a couple of my songs. Because I already had a relationship, I was fortunate enough that my songs made the transition when Sirius took over RM. Radio Margaritaville continues to be great to me. Without them and the airplay, I would not be able to tour some of the places I do."


Let's talk about your most recent cd, "Row Me Home". You have some pretty impressive people on it; Russ Kunkel has played with EVERYBODY; Jackson Browne, Crosby Stills & Nash, Bob Dylan, James Taylor and, of course, he's done several albums with Jimmy Buffett. Dean Parks has played guitar with some of the biggest names in the business - Steely Dan, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Billy Joel... and Leland Sklar is one of the top bass playing sidemen of all time. Some pretty heavy names. How did you hook up with them?

"That's all thanks to (Coral Reefer) Peter Mayer. I've known Peter for over 20 years. One day he called to let me know he was on the way down to Key West to work on some songs with Russ and wanted to introduce me. I knew who Russ was, of course, he had played on some of my favorite records, but I had never met him. We had dinner at Blue Heaven and hit it off. We found we had alot of things in common, including politics. Over the two months they were here recording, Russ and I spent many late nights at Louie's Backyard planning ways to fix the world's problems.."

Some "Grand Bar Schemes?"

"Exactly. I don't think we ever actually fixed any of them, but we did come up with a few songs. "Bank Of Bad Habits", which Russ wrote and Jimmy recorded, came from one of those conversations - I got credited for 'inspiration'. Russ and I kept in touch over the years, and one day he told me 'When you do another cd, come out to LA. I'd like to produce it!'


How did Lee Sklar and Dean Parks end up on it?

"Russ knows all those guys, has played with them. He's very organized - had everything all planned out before I ever got there. Some of the background singers had been in rehearsal for the Michael Jackson tour - the last one, when he died. They would rehearse with Michael, then come over to our studio. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to work with all of them".


What is your songwriting process?

"I keep a journal with phrases and pieces of things. When it comes time to write, I have to set aside time to do it, somewhere very quiet. I'll pull the journal out and turn them into songs. I consider myself a storyteller. It's a form of self expression for me. If you're a Nashville songwriter, trying to write commercial hits, the process may be a little different."


In "4 Good Dogs" you say you're a pessimist. But, alot of your songs are about moving on -looking forward, not back.

"That's an interesting observation. I've never looked at it like that. I guess that's my dark sense of humor from being part Irish. Bad things happen all the time but you get past it. One thing that shaped my life alot happened when I was about 15. I lost an uncle. He was a great guy, only in his 40's. One day, he went to the hospital for some minor thing, caught an infection and died. I realized how short your time is, that you have to live it. One day you're playing golf, the next you're dead. That has affected the way I've lived my life since. Recently, I told my grandmother that story, that it had a big influence on me. She said, 'I was afraid that it had!'"


Do you spend alot of time on the road?

"Last year we put over 30,000 miles on our van. And that doesn't count, trains, planes and other automobiles! I still play at the Pier House and Margaritaville in Key West, but the rest of the time I'm on the road. In a perfect world, all I would do is tour eight months a year, then take the Winter off. But, I have to play every month to keep my hands limber. There's a certain rhythm to the road, if a tour is set up properly. James Taylor talked about it. Travel time, the hotel, dinner, the gig. It keeps other distractions aside. And we're lucky enough to have a fan base that comes to see us. Plus, we get to play some great venues - like Ram's Head in Annapolis, Md. I love places like that, small venues with great sound."


You've played shows with Jimmy Buffett and Carol King. Any body else you'd like to play with?

"I love playing with Peter Mayer. He's amazing. Not just a great player, but a great person. And, I figure, I just finished making a cd with Russ Kunkel, Lee and Dan. Where do I go from there?!"



Let's talk about some of your songs...
Spoiler Alert! Those of you who hope to see Scott at a House Concert this year and want to wait to hear his stories there, you may want to skip this part of the interview.


4 Good Dogs
"I was in a rut about 8-9 years ago, in a cynical mood, had a case of island fever. I was out walking my dog, it was a beautiful day in Key West. I remember thinking 'If all you have is a few good dogs in your life, things aren't so bad'."

Lucky Enough
"I've spent my whole life near the water. It can be expensive to live, even to vacation, near the water. But, if you love the ocean, you have it in your heart. John Kennedy talked about it. So, this song is about that -  that interesting relationship we have with the ocean and how lucky you are if you have the chance to live on or around the water".

Heart Of A Beach Town
"I went back up to New Hampshire around 2002 to do some work in the Secretary of State's office. I was staying on the water in North Hampton. Now, Key West is a great place, but it's small and can get crazy - always something going on, people coming to visit. There isn't alot of solace, time for self-reflection there. I loved that quiet of a New Hampshire winter on the water and wrote that song."

Walking On Thin Ice
"I had a good friend, Marty, who was going through a rough time, a divorce. One night he said 'What the hell, if you're gonna walk on thin ice, you might as well dance'. I had never heard that! I asked him if he had come up with it and he told me he read it on the wall at the Green Parrot (bar in Key West)."

Blow Me Down To Cayo Hueso
"My grandfather came from Ireland and moved to the coast of Newfoundland, to a little fishing village called Blow Me Down. I finally got a chance to visit there about 7-8 years ago and started thinking about my voyage, from my family's beginnings in the town of Blow Me Down all the way to my current home in Cayo Hueso (Key West). I love lyrics that have double meanings."

Women and Grapes
"Russ and I were having dinner at a Tai Restaurant in Los Angeles. We were talking about the fact that we weren't hunters. If we had to rely on our hunting skills to eat, we'd starve. We'd be gatherers instead. And I said, yeah, I'd gather women and grapes!"


http://www.scottkirby.com/

http://russellkunkel.com/

http://www.petermayer.com/

http://www.radiomargaritaville.com/

http://www.pierhouse.com/Key_West/index.asp

http://greenparrot.com/

http://www.louiesbackyard.com/

http://www.ramsheadtavern.com/

Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band - Welcome to Fin Land Tour 2011

4/16        Tampa, Florida            1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre

4/19        Raleigh, NC                Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion

4/21        Charlotte, NC             Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

4/23        West Palm Beach, FL     Cruzan Amphitheatre

4/30        Kansas City, MO           Sprint Center

5/3          St. Louis, MO             Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

5/5          Houston, TX               Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

5/7         New Orleans, LA          New Orleans Jazz Festival

5/21       Frisco, TX                   Pizza Hut Park

5/24       Atlanta, GA                 Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood

5/26       Virginia Beach, VA        Farm Bureau Live

5/28      Nashville, TN                Bridgestone Arena

6/18     Mansfield, MA               Comcast Center

6/21      Burgettstown, PA          First Niagara Pavilion

6/23      Camden, NJ                 Susquehanna Bank Center

6/25      East Troy, WI                Alpine Valley Music Theatre

7/16      Toronto, On, Canada       Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

7/19      Cuyahoga Falls, OH         Blossom Music Center

7/21       Clarkston, MI                DTE Energy Music Theatre -

7/23       Bridgeview, IL               Toyota Park

8/19      Wantagh, NY                 Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

8/23     Cincinnati, OH                Riverbend Music Center

8/27      Bristow, VA                   Jiffy Lube Live

9/26       Paris, France                Olympia Hall



For more info - including ticket on sale dates:  http://www.buffettnews.com/tourdates/

Two Top Tiki Bar Cocktail Recipes

With warm weather comes time to kick back on your deck, invite some friends over to bbq - maybe open up (or build) that backyard Tiki Bar. And, of course, you'll need the proper beverages to go along with your outdoor activities. Here are two drinks that are sure to make you the envy of your neighborhood, based on secret receipes "borrowed" from well known watering holes on both coasts...


Key Lime Pie Shooter
2 oz Light Rum
1 oz Licor 43 (the "Key" ingredient - very important!)
1 oz Sour Mix
1 oz Half & Half
Splash of Roses Lime Juice
Shake with ice and strain into a small rocks glass.

Note: This can also be made as Martini. Rim chilled martini glass with lime juice and crushed graham crackers...

Recipe from "Pete" at Hogs Breath Saloon in Key West


Dana Point Mai Tai
1 oz Light Rum
1 oz Dark Rum (Myers or Goslings Black Seal work well)
1 oz Orange Juice
1 oz Pineapple Juice
1/2 oz Creme De Noyeaux (or almond substitute like Orgeat or Amaretto)
Splash of Grenadine
Shake with ice and pour.
Float a little more Dark Rum on top

Recipe from the Wind & Sea in Dana Point, California (originally from the Kona Inn, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii)


"Mahalo" to renowned bartender and boat drink aficionado Kevin McFarlin, aka "K1A", for the insider info...K1A currently creates his masterful mixes at Seagle's Mar-Tiki Bar in St. Mary's GA.

Trop Rockin: Steven Youngblood gets Trop Rock on the air in PCB, John Friday escapes, Homemade Wine wins awards, & Robert Daniels sells some cereal.

Late 2009/early 2010 was a tumultuous time for Panama City, Florida singer/songwriter Steven Youngblood.  “Born with one foot in the water”, as he says in the title track to his “Guitars & Fishing Poles” cd, Youngblood was raised around sail boats and fishing. He picked up his first guitar at the age of eight and never looked back.  With the sand and sea of his coastal home as a back drop and musical inspiration from the likes of Jimmy Buffett and Eric Stone, Steven eventually found himself writing about subjects that were naturally near and dear to his heart - from laid back tracks like “Island Time” and “Cross On The Reef” to more upbeat tunes like “Picture Perfect Sunset” and the tongue-in-cheek “Hope My Ship Comes In”, all found on his debut disc. As he was wrapping up and getting ready to release that album in late 2009, doctors discovered a problem that would require some surgery. "I thought my voice was just getting kind of raspy from all the bar gigs I was playing." he says, "Turned out I had a lump in my throat that was pushing on my vocal cords!" The hospital stay took him off the road and it was several months before he could perform a full show again. At almost the same time, Youngblood, a radio engineer by trade, approached a floundering local AM station about the idea of putting Trop Rock on the air there. The owner agreed and Trop Rock 1290 was born (http://www.troprock1290.com/troprock%20home.html). Jimmy Buffett is a staple of the station, but most of the playlist is made up of Independent Trop Rock artists from across the country, mixed in with a variety of Island music and even North Carolina Shag tunes. The perfect accompaniment to a day at the Panama City Beaches. He continues to add new songs to the station all the time and plans to have an FM signal this Summer.  On the recording front, Steven has a new single he's working on called "Tan Lines", written by his good friend, Charlie Black, a Nashville songwriter with dozens of Number Ones to his credit. He hopes to follow that with another full cd some time next year. In the meanwhile, you can catch Steven (often with his wife Sandra on Steel Drums) playing watering holes all along the Redneck Riviera, from Joey's Oyster Bar, and Margaritaville in PCB to Fuddpuckers in Destin.  He's also a regular fixture at events for both the Panama City and Emerald City Parrot Head Clubs. www.stevenyoungblood.com or more info and upcoming dates (artists can also submit songs for Trop Rock 1290 there)

John Friday is a self–described "Tropical Balladeer and Displaced Pirate" who originally hails from Maryland.  The singer/songwriter's eclectic background includes a stint as a crabber on the Chesapeake Bay, as well as assorted attempts at college, studying subjects from biology to business.  After an injury ended his thirteen year Army career, Friday settled in the Naples area of Florida and started writing songs and performing in the local bars.  In 2009, he released his first full length cd, "Coastal Dreamin'", which included the rollicking ditties “Ain’t Missing a Thing” and “Rita’s Going Wild”, as well as a cover of the Little Feat classic, “Willin’”… "The last two to three years have been kind of a blur", says Friday - referring to all the increased activity in his busy schedule. In 2010, he was part of the talent line up for the "Puerto Los Somewhere" cruise to Cozumel - one of the first of what is now a plethora of Trop Rock cruises, and played a number of Parrot Head friendly festivals - including the Six String Music Songwriters Invitational in New Orleans (http://sixstringmusicnola.com/) and the patriotic Red, White & Tunes Festival in Southwest Florida (http://redwhiteandtunes.com/). He also made a trip to Hawaii to play for the Pau Hana Parrot Head Club and finished fourth (out of over 400) in the Landshark Lager Battle of the Bands in Nashville. Friday finished the year by releasing another full length cd, "Tropicalized".  In addition to the title track, which can be heard on Trop Rock music outlets like BeachFront Radio, the disc includes "Tennessee Whiskey/Jamaican Rum", co-written by well known Parrot Head songwriter, William Melton . He plans to expand his activities even further in 2011 with more House Concerts and festival gigs, both solo and with his band The Caribbean Connection. Asked where he thinks Trop Rock is going, John says "I want to honor the roots, which is Jimmy Buffett, but there's also more to it", adding, "I write about escapism - whether it's about escaping the snow or a bad relationship". He'll be heading up to New Jersey for the third annual Spring Fling (http://www.springphling.com/) in May, with stops along the way - including a House Concert for the Atlanta Trop Rock Alliance. http://www.johnfriday.com/

Formed around brothers Tod and Ryan Sheley, Homemade Wine began booking gigs as an acoustic act around their hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, back in 2008.  Older brother and percussionist Tod has a serious Trop Rock pedigree, as a founding member of  St. Somewhere (www.myspace.com/stsforever), as well as having played with well known Tennessee Trop Rock acts Tall Paul (http://www.tallpaul.com/) and Jake & The Half Conched Band (http://www.lifeonthegulf.com/ ).  Three years later, they are an award winning band with six members, a cd, and a touring van they spend ALOT of time in. "It's been a blast! We just got back from 27 days on the road", said the younger Sheley sibling at the time of this writing. "Mostly around North Florida and the Georgia/SC coast. We played for about 12,000 people at the Taste of Charleston and headlined St. Patty's in Savannah. But we also did some great gigs in places like Greensboro NC and Columbia, SC." The cd in question is "Music For A Salty Soul", which came out in the Summer of 2010 and includes some songs that had been floating around the Trop Rock universe in demo form (including my Ipod) for some time - the catchy country/caribbean "Take Me Down To The Tropics", New Orleans flavored "Sweet Adele", and the melancholy "Seeking Harbor". The cd also included "Her Kiss", the Number One Trop Rock Song of 2010 on BeachFront Radio's Top 40 (the cd also won "Album of the Year", Ryan won "Best New Male Trocker", and the group took home "Top New Trop Rock Band"). After a stop at the New Jersey Spring Phling the end of this month, Homemade Wine will head to Washington, DC to begin recording their second cd, which they hope to have finished by the end of Summer "I want to be done and home in time for football season!" says Sheley. http://www.homemadewinemusic.com/

Last but not least, what do commercial jingles, TV voiceovers, and Trop Rock have in common? Robert Daniels! Daniels is a professional songwriter (member of the Nashville Songwriters Association), and voice-over talent who splits his time between New York City and the sleepy southern coastal town of Murrells Inlet, SC.  When he’s not pimping breakfast cereal or taking you to the next commercial break, he and his acoustic guitar can be found performing Country, Blues, and Rock covers in cafes and nightclubs around the Big Apple. Two of his original compositions, "You Don't Have To Be In Mexico" and "Gotta Love a Girl Like That", have received airplay on numerous Trop Rock radio stations.   www.myspace.com/robertdanielsmusic

Fernandina Beach, FL and St. Mary's, GA. Beaches, Bars...and Cindy Dean The Porno Queen.

This blog being called "Beaches, Bands & Bars", I plan to cover all of those subjects (and more). Up until now, most of my attention has been directed to the music you make take along for a trip to the first and last B's in the title. Starting with this post, I'm going to begin a series on coastal getaways  - with an eye toward secret spots and local favorites. Some information will come from websites and other online , but - as much as humanly possible - I will try to cover places I have personally been to or, at the very least, try to use "reliable sources"; people I know who have spent time living and/or visiting the area. The goal is to give you an "insider's look" at places you might want to visit, or maybe hip you to a new spot at a beach you have already been to. If you have any suggestions - or want to add places I missed, that's what the comments section is for! My first stop is a "two fer", covering neighboring towns in Georgia and Florida...

Take the first exit off I95 as you enter the Sunshine State (or last one on your way out, depending on which way you look at it) and head East and, eventually, you will find yourself in Fernandina Beach, Florida. http://www.fbfl.us/   Known as the "Isle of the Eight Flags" for all the various groups that have laid claim to the island at one time or another, Fernandina Beach sits on Amelia Island in the extreme North east corner of Florida, right on the Atlantic Ocean. On the southern end of the island sits the Ritz Carlton luxury hotel. With over 400 rooms, four restaurants, a golf course, tennis center, spa, and pristine private beach, the Ritz has been the backdrop for a number of movie and tv shoots and is a great escape for those with caviar tastes. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/AmeliaIsland/Default.htm    For the rest of us, there are plenty of more affordable accommodations in Fernandina.

Just a stone's throw up A1A/Fletcher from the Ritz is Peter's Point, a public beach with clean facilities, outdoor showers, and plenty of free parking. Spend some time soaking up the sun there, then head further North to Sliders Seaside Grille. Located just a dunes throw from the water, Sliders is a 60 year old former roadhouse with a rock and roll past. Guitarist and current Allman Brother Derek Trucks played his first paying gig there as a teenager, Leon Russel has been a musical guest, as has famous former Buffett harp player Fingers Taylor with KD Moore. Currently undergoing some second floor renovations, the main restaurant and bar is still open. But, the best place to pull up a stool is at the tiki bar out back. Sit at the bar and you can sip a cold Corona while watching the surf roll in, or park it at a table and enjoy the island breezes and live music. I, myself, have spent many hours there chowing down on fried pickles and Grouper sandwiches, but locals in the know also swear by the Crab Cakes and Bourbon Scallops. Their locally famous and highly dangerous Key Lime Pie shooter, concocted and perfected by bartender and fireman "K1A" (full disclosure, my brother Kevin) left when he did. But he tells me he has passed the recipe on to one of the new staff members, so it's worth asking for one when you visit. An added attraction is that you can park right on the beach behind Sliders. From there it's just a short walk to the bar if you get hungry or run low on tailgating supplies. Note: I don't recommend driving onto the sand unless you have a four wheel drive and know how to use it - or a $20 bill in your pocket to pay the local who pulls you out. Rumor has it good looking girls usually get a discount... http://slidersseaside.com/

Next stop in Fernandina is what is being touted as the "Northernmost Tiki Bar" on A1A, the just added back deck bar at Sandy Bottoms Beach Bar and Grill. They recently doubled their seating capacity by putting tables and chairs on the beach. So, although there is a full service restaurant and several places to enjoy adult beverage inside, the best place to be is sitting right in the sand. Sandy Bottoms has nightly drink specials, a good selection of Rum and excellent wings. They also have a webcam so you can see and be seen.  http://sandybottomsamelia.com/ 

If beachside bars and boat drinks are NOT what you're looking for, you can always head to Fort Clinch State Park, home of one of the most well preserved 19th century forts in the country. With historical reenactments, a fishing pier, camping, and a largely unspoiled beach, Fort clinch offers family friendly activities. And, for those that might want to work off last night's plate of fried shrimp, there are also mountain biking and hiking trails. As a State Park, there is a small fee for cars and camping.  http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch/


If you like to balance your beach time with shopping, Fernandinda Beach also has a historic district, with lots of quaint gift shops and clothing stores, including "Last Flight Out", famous for having been visited by Jimmy Buffett a few years back. At the marina, you can catch a ferry to Cumberland Island, charter a fishing trip, enjoy a river cruise or sunset sail, or just hang out and watch the shrimp boats bring in their catch. And, when you work up a thirst, you're just a short walk from one of the oldest bars in Florida, the storied Palace Saloon. Over 100 years old, The Palace was opened as a true "gentleman's establishment," with complimentary towels hanging from the bar to wipe the foam from patron's mustaches. Only slightly changed and occasionally upgraded since then, the Palace now has three bars, including a pool and game room and a nightclub, but you can still feel the ghosts of old ship captains that once walked the floors.   http://thepalacesaloon.com/

At the marina, you can also catch a ferry ($20 round trip) to our next stop: St. Mary's, Georgia.

St. Mary's, Georgia is a riverfront town with a boatload of Southern charm. http://www.stmaryswelcome.com/ It is also home to the Kings Bay Submarine Navy base. Step off the ferry and head directly across the street to The Riverview Hotel - a 95 year old hotel and restaurant. With only 18 reasonably priced rooms, each uniquely decorated, it's a great place to spend the night. Check in, then head downstairs to for dinner at Captain Seagles Restaurant, where locals swear by the Calamari (I've had them - perfectly cooked and delicious) and my mom's favorite, Shrimp and Grits. With Lang's Seafood Market just across the street, there is plenty of fresh fish for the kitchen. Want a pre-dinner cocktail? There are two bars to choose from. Seagle's Saloon is overseen by "Cindy Dean the Porno Queen". Behind the bar for more than a decade, Cindy is a local legend with a heart of gold but a sailor's tongue, known for holding court over a diverse group from lawyers to construction workers. Don't go in if you're easily embarrassed or have thin skin! On the other side of the restaurant is Gala's, recently dubbed the "Mar-Tiki Bar", a combination of their signature drink, the Martini, and the Aloha vibe bartender "K1A" brought to it when he started a few months ago. Try a specialty cocktail like the Eye of The Hurricane, or a Martini made with one of their many flavored vodkas like Double Espresso, Kiwi, Mango, and Acai Berry. The last time I stopped by Seagles, the owners' son, Kevin, was working hard to refurbish one of the two large outdoor patios and talking about starting to book more live music, including - possibly - some Trop rock. Heads up: the Saloon allows smoking, the "Mar-Tiki" Bar does not.  http://www.riverviewhotelstmarys.com/

Like Fernandina, St. Mary's also has a shopping area, with antiques, book and gift stores, an ice cream shop and more. There are also museums and trolley tours for history buffs and a waterfront park for the children (be sure to bring plenty of  bug spray during the Summer months, when the sand gnats can be especially annoying).

And, finally, if you REALLY want to seek out a local gem, you'll need a car to drive to Lucky Dawgs. Located at the corner of a small strip mall and gas station well away from the water, this former hot dog joint has recently gone Parrot Head. They opened an outdoor patio and tiki bar, built a stage, and decorated it all like the Jimmy Buffett songs they play over the sound system on Radio Margaritaville. Live music from regional bands, Low Country Boils, and nightly drink and all you can eat seafood specials keep the locals happy. http://luckydawgscamdenga.com/

  

That's it for this "insiders look" at the beaches and bars of Fernandina Beach, Florida and St. Mary's, Georgia. Two towns separated by a river and well worth a visit.

Thanks to my brother, one time Fernandina and current St. Mary's resident and world class bartender, Kevin (aka "K1A"), for the help with this post....

Nadirah Shakoor: On Family, Her New Film, and Almost Singing with Yanni.

Nadirah Shakoor is best known as a Grammy nominated singer and songwriter, former member of Arrested Development, current member of Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band, as well as her own group, Outside Art. She is also a social activist, mentor, and performer - with her own entertainment company, Muziki Kianga (A Musical Burst of Light), dedicated to "spiritually conscious and life affirming music". Now you can add Film Maker to her resume.


Nadirah recently answered some questions about her new Documentary, "Bullying: A Shameful Dilemma", as well as life as a Coral Reefer and how she got to where she is now...



Most people know you from the Coral Reefer Band. But, your musical career started well before that: you were a member of the Grammy winning group Arrested Development, have toured with Madonna, Al Jarreau, Janet Jackson, Quincy Jones, and others…and have several solo albums out. When did you first figure out you could sing – and when did you decide that’s what you wanted to do for a living?

"I come from a family of singers and musicians. My father was always in one singing group or another and they would often rehearse in our living room. When I was just a few years old my father taught me how to harmonize. When I was 9 he started bringing 45’s of songs for me to learn. I remember the first one was Alfie by Dianne Warwick."


How did you hook up with Arrested Development?

"My brothers, Rasheed, Omar, and I had a musical project at the time called 'Shakoor' (which means Thankful or Greatful). We were similar to Arrested Development in that we dressed in African style, wrote socially concious lyrics, and I sang while my brothers rapped. During that time we lost our father and the group was put on hold (note: Nadirah's father was an innocent bystander caught in the middle of a drive-by shooting near their home in South Central Los Angeles). One day I saw Arrested Development’s 'Tennessee' video, I was very moved and drawn to their music and mission. I felt an almost overwhelming need to be a part of it. I wrote them letters and sent music until they responded, then went to see them when they came through Los Angeles on tour. I ended up auditioning right in the catering room and two weeks later I was in Atlanta rehearsing with Arrested Development to do Saturday Night Live!"


Of all the famous people you’ve toured with in the past (not counting Jimmy Buffett) who was your favorite and why ?

"I would have to say Arrested Development for a number of reasons, the first being timing as they came at a very emotional period of loss in my life. When I saw that first show I cried when African music started and Taree walked on stage with a big Carmen Miranda like hat of fruit on her head. I loved the songs and being part of a movement. I also liked being able to work bare footed, which I still do today. We traveled much of the world and even performed for Nelson Mandela in South Africa in the first year after the abolishment of apartheid. It was wonderful experience and just what I needed at the time. I will be forever greatful for the opportunity."


You have four solo albums and some singles out that cover a wide spectrum of music – from soul, to house music, to your most recent, “Nod To The Storyteller”, which includes covers of Jimmy Buffett songs. Tell me about each of those.

"My first CD 'NadirahSongs' is actually a compilation of R&B songs I’d collaborated with different producers on over the years, most of them were demos. I released it myself."


T"hen came 'Soul Power', which was more hip-hop meets R& B, produced by Arrested Development’s leader Speech. It was released in Japan only. "

"I always loved ‘House music’, in fact, as a teen ager I used to sneak in House Music clubs with a fake ID to dance. The lyrics are often Spiritually uplifting and life-affirming and I was inspired to write in the House Music style. Like hip-hop, it allowed more freedom than the R&B of the day. I could mention God or sing of serious life issues without limitation. This suited me since I was taught and believe with all my heart that I should strive to use my talents to contribute something helpful and meaningful to the world. Thus my 3rd CD 'Obsessed With Peace'. It was also released independently."

"As for "'Nod To The Storyteller', one night at a party in Boston Jimmy said to me, 'Nadirah you should do an album of some of my songs!' and 'Nod' was born!


And, as all Parrot Heads know, you’ve been with Jimmy since 1995...

"When Arrested Development disbanded I found myself re-located to Atlanta with my son, a mortgage, and no income. So, I made calls to contacts I had in Los Angeles and was presented with three tour opportunities. Yanni needed a singer and offered the most pay (double JB’s offer) but his entire show was instrumental except for one song that would feature me. I would have been bored to death so I had to turn it down. The second offer was Spearhead, a hiphop group similar to Arrested Development that had in fact been on several shows with us (my note: Michael Franti & Spearhead have had several recent hits, including "Say Hey, I Love You'). I liked their music and their social statement but it was only a temporary 'gig' and I needed something with more job stability. The third possibility was Jimmy Buffett. I was not familiar with Jimmy at the time but for some reason his name just sounded like a jazz singer's. I had worked with Al Jarreau so I felt up to the challenge and the money was cool. When the music arrived for me to study it included a lot of his older music which to me sounded very country and made me nervous. I remembered hearing 'Why Don’t We Get Drunk and Screw' on the radio a couple weeks earlier and thinking, 'Wow! they will put anything on the radio!' Here I was an African American woman, raised in Islam, with dreadlocks, two rings in my nose and a burning desire to uplift the world's conciousness through music. To be totally honest, I just didn’t see how I could fit in or be accepted by a group of southern, white, 'country' musicians. I started crying and called my mother to tell her it was not jazz but country and I didn’t think I could do it! She reminded me that I needed a job (as mother’s will). In the midst of my dilemma Amy Lee called me. She and I both lived in Atlanta and she wanted to welcome me aboard. She answered my questions and helped to ease some of my fear and anxiety. When I went to the first rehearsal and heard the music I realized Jimmy’s sound had evolved to a lovely combination of Carribean, Folk, Soft Rock and Pop with a hint of his Country roots. I was relieved and I was warmly received. The rest is history! I have learned so much in this last sixten years about people, carribean culture, work ethic, performance, the music business, and so much more. I would not trade it for the world and intend to be a Coral Reefers for as long as Jimmy wants me to be. I feel very blessed to work with such great musicians and great people. I consider each and every one of them a friend, my road family." 


Jimmy seems to be very generous with the spot light and often gives you an opportunity to step out front and “solo”...

"Actually we are all full band members each with our own special contribution. I was hired as a 'featured' back up vocalist in fact my first few shows I was placed center stage next to Jimmy. He has been very generous featuring me as well as the other Coral Reefers and I am very greatful. He not only allows us to pursue our own musical agendas but he encourages and supports us in our efforts as well".


You were gracious to invite me to your birthday party last year at your home outside Atlanta, and I met several of your family members there. You all seemed very close. How important is family in your life?

"Family is extremely important and yes, we are very close. I have all the responsibilities that come with being the oldest sibling with the most education, a good job, and a decent career. I have relied on my family to take care of my son while I’m on the road. I couldn’t have come this far without their love and support."


Speaking of family, you and your brother Rasheed have a band together, Outside Art.

"A little know fact is that the original 'Outside Art' consisted of Heather Perry, guitarist Paul Pesco, and I. That group didn’t pan out but I liked the name - which represents great art that is not necessarily main stream - so I kept it. My brother/drummer, Rasheed, and I put the new Outside Art together and were already doing live House Music in the clubs. After recording Nod to the Story Teller we added the music to our repetoire in order to help promote it."


How do you cope with all the travelling and “suitcase lifestyle” of being in a band? 

"I have been doing the road thing since 1984 so I am quite used to it. I love being able to travel to different parts of the world and meet new people. It is a blessing and a priviledge that I don’t take for granted. Of course there are times I miss my family and being home but there are also those times when I have been home a while and can hardly wait to get back on the road! It’s the life I have chosen - or maybe it chose me. In either case I am greatful and happy with this life of mine."


Guitarists have to keep their strings clean, horn players change their reeds, drummers buy new sticks...Your voice is your instrument: What do you do to keep it strong and healthy? 

"As a singer and performer my whole body is my instrument. Good health is essential in order to do my job. I juice organic vegetables and fruits, I work out, and I swear by Emergen-C. The proper amount of rest is also very important for a singer, I function best on 8 hrs of sleep and try to get my 8 every night, especially when on the road. As a writer it is important to I keep my Spirit nourished. I do this with prayer, meditatation, chanting, journaling, and sharing my life with interesting people of like mind."



Like Jim Mayer, your band-mate in the Coral Reefers, you are also very involved with anti-bullying efforts. You have a just completed documentary that you are screening in Atlanta... 

"The fact that both Jim and I are both working to shed light and find remedies for the issue of bullying is purely coincidental although not surprising. “Uncle” Jim loves children and has dedicated much of his talent to making meaningful music for children of all ages. He invited me to sing on his CDs as 'The Funky Diva' and I am proud to be included in such fine work. We haven’t discussed our individual anti-bullying efforts yet but I know Jim has been doing a lot of school concerts for the past few years which may have prompted him to do something about the problem in our schools.Fortunately I never had to deal with bullying as a child but my ex-husband tried to bully me into submission until we divorced. It turned out that he grew up a victim of bullying and, untreated, became a bully himself. It is a problem that has reached epidemic proportions especially amongst school age children and in the schools themselves. In recent years I have felt a pull to do more for my community so I began speaking and sharing my music at some public and charter schools.

In October 2010, I met a woman at an Outside Art concert, Lauretta Ali, who was working on a stage play about the life and music of Billie Holiday. She told me that the way I like to leave the stage and get closer to the audience reminded her of Billie Holiday, who was known for doing the same thing at alll her shows. She asked if I would be interested in playing the part of Ms. Holiday in her play. Later she shared with me another project dear to her heart, a documentary about bullying. I knew the Universe was presenting me with what I asked for and I jumped on board. I started researching and discovered cyber bullying and that children are committing suicide as a result of being bullied! I also learned that being bullied or bullying as a child has far reaching consequences into adulthood.  The film – 'Bullying: A Shameful Dilemma', is a series of poignant interviews with both children and adults. Some were guilty of bullying and some who have been victimized by bullies. They each share their experiences and the impact on their lives today. We ask the questions: What makes one person a bully and another a victim? What can we do? What can the schools and parents do, etc. Our mission is to inspire others to not only discuss the issue but to work together to find solutions. I am excited to be part of what I consider something very important."



I look forward to it - and to seeing you there!

"Fred, I must say that I feel and appreciate all the support you have given me. I thank you neighbor and look forward to doing more together in the future. In the meantime be blessed and happy.

On Wednesday, March 30th, Nadirah will screen her brand new documentary film, "Bullying: A Shameful Dilemma" at the Wonderroot Community Arts Center in Atlanta. The film will be followed by a discussion and live music. Tickets are only $5.

http://www.wonderroot.org/

http://www.nadirahshakoor.com/

http://www.debgrishamentertainment.com/