Tony "Baltimore" Durante does Old Times Blues for Larry Baeder's Blues Concert Series

Tony Baltimore

KEY WEST, Fla. (January 23, 2013) -- Tony "Baltimore" Durante performs lead vocals and guitar for 3-piece rock band, The LoFi's. He'll change things up a bit and take to the Island Dogs stage on Wednesday, January 23, from 8 p.m. for Larry Baeder's Blues Concert Series.

Baeder's Blues Concert Series features a different jazz or blues performer every week, local and visiting, performing alongside Baeder.

Originally from Baltimore, Md., Durante is a singer/songwriter and performs his own music as a solo artist in addition to playing with the band. Known for their spontanaeity on stage, the LoFi's perform Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, The Beatles, Foo Fighters, The Cure, and Red Hot Chili Peppers as well as an assortment of '70s funk, '80s pop and '90s rock.

Robert Douglas to headline Larry Baeder's Blues Concert Series

Robert Douglas

KEY WEST, Fla. (January 8, 2013) -- Robert Douglas or "Doug" as he is known to friends, family and fans, has shared the stage with a veritable who's who in modern Country, Rock, Pop and Blues music. And on Wednesday, January 9, from 8 p.m., he comes to Island Dogs for Larry Baeder's Blues Concert Series.

Baeder's Blues Concert Series features a different jazz or blues performer every week, local and visiting, performing alongside Baeder.

Doug has performed with the Charlie Daniels Band, Dickey Betts, The Marshall Tucker Band, Molly Hatchet, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Confederate Railroad, Montgomery Gentry, The Outlaws, Rick Deringer, Pat Travers, Kenny Logins, Steppenwolf, Vince Neil, Iron Butterfly, The Dixie Dregs, Rascal Flatts, Hubert Sumlin, Sonny Rhoads, and more.

A singer/guitarist, Doug also plays bass guitar and drums and serves as band leader, teacher, arranger, producer, recording engineer, sound designer, technical consultant, production coordinator, art director, design editor and webmaster.

Originally from the Tampa Bay area of Florida, Doug relocated to the Florida Keys in 2004. Since then he has continued to be an in-demand asset as an on call Musician/Technical Consultant to local bands and businesses.

Also at Island Dogs:

• Thursday, January 10: Chris Thomas at 8 p.m.
• Saturday, January 12: Kevin Poole at 1 p.m. and Tony Durante at 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 16: Larry Baeder's Blues Concert Series with Deb Hudson at 8 p.m.

Island Dogs featured artist: Nick Norman

Nick Norman now calls Key West, Florida his home, but it was during his childhood in Columbia, South Carolina that he first acquired his passion for music. Attending Baptist church as a child exposed him to the awe inspiring power of the choir.

Nick Norman Band

"It was how I first learned that you can truly make people feel what you feel, by believing in what you are singing. They sang from their hearts and that is something I believe that cannot be faked," Norman said.

Nick Norman performs live at Island Dogs on Saturday, November 3, 2012, at 8 p.m.

As a young man listening to South Carolina's emerging musicians of the time, such as Edwin McCain and Hootie and the Blowfish, he was also drawing from the styles of legendary artists including Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. Inspired by an eclectic array of influences Nick created a sound all his own.

Branching out from his home state he performed on stages all over the southeast, eventually finding his way to the Southernmost city of Key West. As his solo acoustic shows were drawing crowds, Nick's song writing was steadily being fueled by the artistic vibe of the island blending with his native southern roots.

With the support of an expanding fan base eager to hear his original music, in 2010 Nick released his debut album "Hey Cheater" produced by close friends Jon Stone and Lee Brice. Shortly after the album release, Nick began to proudly share the stage with two amazing musicians, Joey Marchiano from Philly, and Key West's own "Caffeine Carl" Wagoner. Nick's vocals meshed with Carl's incomparable talent on lead guitar and Joey's meticulous groove on drums, forming the foundation of the Nick Norman Band.

Nick is currently writing for new projects and maintains a hefty national touring schedule with the Nick Norman Band. Never forgetting where he is from, Carolina is always a welcome stop on the long road.

Jeff Clark to headline Larry Baeder’s Wednesday Night Blues Concert Series

KEY WEST, Fla. (September 17, 2012) — Jeff Clark has been a Soul, folk, funk and pop musician/entertainer for over six years, touring with Boston-based original world beat ensemble, Entrain. He brings his musical intentions to Island Dogs on Wednesday, September 19, at 8 p.m. for Larry Baeder's Blues Concert Series.

Jeff Clark

Baeder's Blues Concert Series features a different jazz or blues performer every week, local and visiting, performing alongside Baeder.

Clark has worked extensively throughout his home state of Pennsylvania, much of the northeast U.S. and across the country. These days, he can be seen riding his longboard with amps and guitars, to and from Old Town Key West gigs. Despite a busy gig schedule, Clark makes sure to play with staple Key West musicians. Together they offer superb talent and a deep repertoire.

As his writing evolves, matures and simplifies, Clark has received more and more positive feedback and higher demand for his music talent. Clark said he's becoming more averse to the island grooves, reggae and dancehall, and right now, is working on developing original bands with fewer limits.

Also at Island Dogs next week:

• Sunday, September 16, 2012: Arizona at New England at 1 p.m.
• Thursday, September 20, 2012: Tony Roberts at 8 p.m.
• Saturday, September 22, 2012: Clemson at Florida State TBD

Deb Hudson to headline Larry Baeder's Blues Concert Series at Island Dogs

KEY WEST, Fla. (September 5, 2012) -- As a versatile vocalist with decades of performing under her belt, Deb Hudson has graced hundreds of stages, performing everything from Rock, Jazz, Country and Blues to Bluegrass, Folk, and Soul. She will grace the Island Dogs stage on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, from 8 p.m. for Larry Baeder's Wednesday Night Blues Concert Series.

Deb Hudson

Baeder's Blues Concert Series features a different jazz or blues performer every week, local and visiting, performing alongside Baeder.

Hudson has sung with or recorded demos for a long list of artists and writers, including Don Everly, Tanya Tucker, Dave Loggins ("Please come to Boston"), Wynonna Judd, John Prine, Shel Silverstein ("Cover of the rolling stone"), Randy Travis, Mel Tillis, Roger Cook ("Long cool woman with a black dress"), and Elvis hit maker, Otis Blackwell.

She has also shared the stage with many of the band members of stars such as Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmy Buffett, Lynard Skynard, Alan Jackson, Merle Haggard, Tammy Wynette, George Jones, and more.

In Nashville, she was a featured singer/songwriter on The Grand Ol' Opry and TNN, and performed at legendary venues such as The Bluebird Cafe and The Nashville Palace. She toured cross-country with Opry Star, Del Reeves. Deb is a songwriter and has co-written with several songwriters, including Dave Loggins, Pamela Brown-Hayes ("I can love you better than that"- Dixie Chicks) and Shel Silverstein. She resides in Key West, Florida.

Also at Island Dogs next week:

• Thursday, September 13: Tony Durante at 8 p.m.
• Friday, September 14: LoFi's at 8 p.m. 
• Saturday, September 15: Wake Forest at Florida State 12 p.m.

ABOUT ISLAND DOGS Under the new ownership of Pat Croce and David Thibault since July 2010, Island Dogs is the ultimate come-as-you-are bar just off the beaten Canal Street path in Key West's historic downtown, featuring an outdoor oyster bar on its sidewalk front porch. Island Dogs is known for its live music, island cocktails and its specialty menu crafted by Chef Pat Dunn. For more info, visit www.islanddogsbar.com or visit us at 505 Front Street, Key West 33040.

Queen Kathleen to headline Larry Baeder's Wednesday Night Blues Concert Series

Queen Kathleen

KEY WEST, Fla. (August 30, 2012) -- Queen Kathleen--a Jazz, R&B and gospel singer originally from Chicago--is one of Key West's most colorful performers. She will headline Larry Baeder's Wednesday Night Concert Series on Sept. 5, 2012, from 8 p.m. at Island Dogs.

Baeder's Wednesday Night Blues Concert Series features a different jazz or blues performer every week, local and visiting, performing alongside Baeder.

With her signature waist-length braids, Queen Kathleen sings frequently at fundraisers, churches, nightclubs, community events and celebrations. She hosts Gospel Paradise locally at konkam.com every Saturday and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Bill Blue to headline Larry Baeder's Wednesday Night Blues Concert Series

Bill Blue

KEY WEST, Fla. (August 29, 2012) -- There's an old legend about Bill Blue that says he came to Key West with a pretty girl, a Cadillac and very little money. But ask the man himself and he'll tell you that the little money part was closer to the truth.

Since his arrival to Mile 0 in 1983 after spending 18 years on the road touring and recording, Blue has opened a music store and recording studio, and become a well-known blues performer. Now, he brings his gravelly blues to Island Dogs on Wednesday, August 29, from 8 p.m. for Larry Baeder's Wednesday Night Blues Concert Series.

Baeder's Wednesday Night Blues Concert Series features a different jazz or blues performer every week, local and visiting, performing alongside Baeder.

Blue left North Carolina for Virginia to meet blues legend Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, who wrote Elvis's first record, That's Alright Mama, and went from an out-of-work musician to being on the road with Big Boy and Bonnie Raitt on her first U.S. tour.

Blue's career has lasted more than 30 years and has taken him to stages around the world. He signed on with the prestigious Adelphi Records, one of the best blues labels at the time in the U.S., and released two LP's: Sing Like Thunder and Giving Good Boys A Bad Name. In 2005, he released a compilation CD, Closing Time, with songs from the last 30 years.



Under the new ownership of Pat Croce and David Thibault since July 2010, Island Dogs is the ultimate come-as-you-are bar just off the beaten Canal Street path in Key West's historic downtown, featuring an outdoor oyster bar on its sidewalk front porch. Island Dogs is known for its live music, island cocktails and its specialty menu crafted by Chef Pat Dunn. For more info, visit www.islanddogsbar.com or visit us at 505 Front Street, Key West 33040.

Raven Cooper to headline Larry Baeder's Blues Concert Series

Yes, it is indeed so. Raven Cooper will play this Wednesday at the Blues Concert Series...

Raven Cooper

KEY WEST, Fla. (August 20, 2012) -- A flawless and diverse performer, Key West-based Raven Cooper performs a wide range of musical genres as a highly skilled guitarist and harmonica player--more than 500 hundred songs in six different languages, from Country and Rock 'n Roll to reggae and pop, to be exact.

Cooper will bring her original music and covers, humor and beautiful presence to Island Dogs for Larry Baeder's Wednesday Night Concert Series on August 22, 2012, from 8 p.m. The series features legendary guitarist Baeder performing alongside a different artist, both local and visiting, every week.

View the Wednesday Night Concert Series line-up

"There is no other way to describe Raven than as the most talented musician these ears have ever heard," wrote her manager David Marshall on Cooper's official website.

Also performing at Island Dogs this week on August 25 from 8 p.m. is Con Leche with its "tropical Hip Hop with a twinge of jest."



Under the new ownership of Pat Croce and David Thibault since July 2010, Island Dogs is the ultimate come-as-you-are bar just off the beaten Canal Street path in Key West's historic downtown, featuring an outdoor oyster bar on its sidewalk front porch. Island Dogs is known for its live music, island cocktails and its specialty menu crafted by Chef Pat Dunn. For more info, visit www.islanddogsbar.com or visit us at 505 Front Street, Key West 33040.

Singer/songwriter Dora Gholson headlines Larry Baeder's Wednesday Night Blues Unplugged Concert Series

KEY WEST, Fla. (August 13, 2012) -- Michigan native Dora Gholson, songwriter, co-guitarist and lead vocalist for Key West-based band Larry Baeder & The MuseGurus, is a poetic lyricist and an astonishingly engaging singer.

And on August 15 at 8 p.m., she will headline the Wednesday Night Blues Unplugged Concert Series featuring legendary guitarist Larry Baeder performing alongside a different blues artist, either local or visiting, every week.

Gholson can turn a one-syllable word into a five-syllable word that encompasses six notes and two octaves and has the vocal agility to sing all around the note and land squarely on pitch, The MuseGurus album notes note.

Gholson has a rich and heart-felt vocal sound, which she employs in a skillful and soulful manner that remains with the listener long after the performance is over. She has been singing most of her life and professionally in the Key West area since 2006.

Also at Island Dogs this week:

• Internationals — Friday, August 17, 2012: Headed by Tony Durante, the Internationals is a new Key West band that will play at Island Dogs on Friday, August 17, from 8 p.m. 
• Con Leche — Saturday, August 18, 2012: Con Leche brings its “tropical Hip Hop with a twinge of jest” to Island Dogs on Saturday, August 18, at 8 p.m.

Jazz keyboardist and regular film score contributor Pete Levin jams with Larry Baeder at the Blues Unplugged Concert Series

Levin

KEY WEST, Fla. (August 6, 2012) -- Pete Levin is a jazz keyboardist, composer, and horn player with a 15-year association with the Gil Evans Orchestra and an 8-year association with Jimmy Giuffre. As a bandleader, he produced the album Deacon Blues in 2007.

He plays the Hammond organ, Clavinet, and Moog synthesizer, and he has performed for such film and television scores as Missing in Action, Lean on Me, Silver Bullet, Red Scorpion, The Color of Money, Maniac, Spin City, America's Most Wanted, and Star Trek.

And on August 8 at 8 p.m., he will headline the Wednesday Night Blues Unplugged Concert Series featuring legendary guitarist Larry Baeder performing alongside a different blues artist, either local or visiting, every week.

Levin has also written scores of his own for Zelimo and The Dybbuk, and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for writing the official military band arrangement of the U.S. Infantry song.

He has performed with Aztec Two Step, Jeff Berlin, Carla Bley, Brubeck Brothers, Hiram Bullock, Jimmy Cobb, Billy Cobham, Willie Colón, Kal David, Miles Davis, Angela DeNiro, Robbie Dupress, Rachelle Farelle, Bryan Ferry, Gregory Hines, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Band, Annie Lennox, Tony Levin, Chuck Mangione, Charles Mingus, Gerry Mulligan, Jaco Pastorius, Nicki Richards, Robbie Robertson, Ali Ryerson, Salt-n-Pepa, David Sanborn, John Scofield, Wayne Shorter, Paul Simon, Lew Soloff, Jim Weider, and Lenny White.

Also at Island Dogs this week:

• Internationals -- Friday, August 10, 2012: Headed by Tony Durante, the Internationals is a new Key West band that will play at Island Dogs on Friday, August 10, from 8 p.m.
• Con Leche -- Saturday, August 11, 2012: Con Leche brings its "tropical Hip Hop with a twinge of jest" to Island Dogs on Saturday, August 11, at 8 p.m.

NY Blues Siren Nikki Armstrong headlines Blues Unplugged Concert Series

Nikki Armstrong

KEY WEST, Fla. (July 30, 2012) -- One of the most raw and passionate voices in the New York Blues and Jazz scene comes to Key West at Island Dogs on Wednesday, August 1, at 8 p.m. for Larry Baeder's newly launched Wednesday Night Blues Unplugged Concert Series.

The Wednesday Night Blues Unplugged Concert Series features legendary guitarist Baeder performing alongside a different blues artist, either local or visiting, every week.

See a full listing of upcoming Blues artists for the concert series

Also known as "Lady of Song" and host of 89.1 FM-WFDU's Blues in the Grooves on Across the Trax, Nikki Armstrong has been compared to Anita O'Day, Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, Bonnie Raitt and Janis Joplin. Noted for soulful interpretations of material from standards to rock, Armstrong performs everything from full band blues, rock and soul originals to carefully crafted jazz standard renditions with startlingly raw passion.

She studied music and voice in Boston, LA, and New York--most notably with Hal Schaefer (Peggy Lee and Marilyn Monroe)--and wrote and did session work on the West Coast and Sydney, Australia, before shifting focus to live performance.

Armstrong has performed in the New York Tri-State area for the past 15 years with her bands Whole Lotta Blues (blues/rock/funk) and The Nikki Armstrong Project (jazz/blues). And she has performed and recorded with Melvin Sparks (Acid Jazz Guitarist), Les Paul (Father of the Electric Guitar), and many others.

She has opened for The Commitments, Joan Osborne, Dave Mason, Dickey Betts, Hubert Sumlin, Ivan Neville's Dumpstafunk, John Tropea Band, Johnny A, Coco Montoya, Cornell Dupree, Parliament Funkadelic, and performed in the Florida Keys, on Caribbean Cruise ships, and can be seen regularly at BB King Blues Club in Times Square.

An important voice in the New York area Blues and Jazz scene, Armstrong served on the Board of Directors of the New York Blues & Jazz Society for over eight years as Musician Liaison when she coordinated, performed, and produced shows at Birdland, B.B. King's Blues Club, and Sirius Radio.

In 2007, Armstrong became the on-air show host of Blues in the Grooves, broadcasting every Wednesday afternoon on WFDU 89.1FM, www.wfdu.fm.  During that time, Nikki produced a number of live radio and internet video broadcasts featuring notable blues & jazz musicians, live tribute shows, and benefit shows for the victims of Katrina in New Orleans.

Armstrong has four independent CD releases: Blues and Jazz, Live at B.B. King's, Turnin' & Burnin', and New, Borrowed & Blue. Most recently, Nikki has resumed touring outside of the New York area. She will perform in Europe this fall (Sept. /Oct. 2012).

Also at Island Dogs this week:

• Tony "Baltimore" Durante plays lead vocals and guitar for the LoFi's, a 3-piece rock band of Key West transplants, and will perform solo at Island Dogs on Thursday, August 2, from 8 p.m.
• The LoFi's, a 3-piece rock band of Key West transplants that performs throughout Key West and the Keys, will hit the Island Dogs stage on Friday, August 3, from 8 p.m.
• Con Leche brings its "tropical Hip Hop with a twinge of jest" to Island Dogs on Saturday, August 4, at 8 p.m.

Guitar legend Larry Baeder to host Wednesday Night Blues Unplugged Concert Series at Island Dogs

Larry Baeder

KEY WEST, Fla. (June 28, 2012) -- Larry Baeder's dynamic musical career as a gifted and virtuosic guitarist, songwriter and producer reads like a who's who of American music over the past 30 years.

Chuck Jackson. Ashford & Simpson. Smokey Robinson. Carly Simon. Bonnie Raitt. Jazz legends Jay McShann, Illinois Jacquet, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, and singer Diane "Mama" Rae. Legendary blues artists Muddy Waters, James Cotton, Junior Wells, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Albert King, and Dan "Elwood Blues" Akroyd. Buddy Guy and James Taylor.

Now in Key West, the legendary Baeder takes on the Wednesday Night Blues Unplugged Concert Series at Island Dogs. Every Wednesday, Baeder will host and perform alongside a different blues artist, either local or visiting.

"The Blues is America's original art form," Baeder said. "Its broad pallet means that it'll be different from week to week depending on the guest, but it'll be just as glorious."

The first show in the concert series kicks off July 11 with Key West's old man of blues, Bill Blue, with two shows at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

UPCOMING SHOWS:
July 18, 2012: Francois Gehin on acoustic bass tribute to blues great and Chess records writer and bass player Willie Dixon
July 25, 2012: Nashville piano great and vocalist steeped in the blye, Ericson Holt
August 1, 2012: New York Blues Siren and well-known roots DJ, Nikki Armstrong
August 8, 2012: New York piano legend Pete Levin, who has played with everyone over the last 40 years from Miles Davis and Gil Evans to Paul Simon. 
August 15, 2012: Michigan songstress Dora Gholson graces the stage with a voice from the angels and songs from the Devil.
August 22, 2012:  Ravin Cooper, Key West's favorite songbird
August 29, 2012:  The return of Richmond, Va., and Key West Bluesmen Bill Blue.

"We were incredibly fortunate to pin down Larry to work with us on this and to jam with some amazing blues artists right here on our stage," said David Thibault, co-owner of Island Dogs.

Island Dogs Featured Artist: 800 Mile Monday

Founded in 2006 in Lubbock, Texas, by Daniel Payne, 800 Mile Monday draws from a revolving door of touring and studio musicians to keep the wheels turning. In between his friendly smiles and down-home West Texas "hi you all," Payne howls and mourns his savage tales of betrayal, spurned lovers, and low down losers.

Daniel Payne. Photo Credit: 800MileMonday.com

Payne, West Texas tumbleweed that he is, spent a several years drifting from town to town, couch to storage shed, hanging out with winos, running from the law, and honing his craft every night in the bars--if he didn't pass out on the curb and blow the gig.

Sometimes it would just be him and his old Guild flat top guitar. Other times, he'd be backed by his cowpunk cohorts The Dan Family (Dan Hardick and Brett Walker) from the barnyards of Parker County.  The band's first full-length release, "In The Fertile Gardens of Freedom" debuted out of Fort Worth, Tex., in early 2010 to a positive reception among critics and fans. A U.S. tour followed and 800 Mile Monday was on the national map.

Payne spent most of 2011 touring in the U.S. and Europe with Bob Wayne and his "Outlaw Carnies" while writing his own next album "Ancient Tones" which was recorded by Andy Gibson in Nashville, Tenn., and released in January 2012. The record, captured in the traditional bluegrass style alongside Andy Gibson and Daniel Mason (both of Hank III), Chris Scruggs (BR-549), and fiddle prodigy Billy Contreras (George Jones) shocked critics with its plainspoken honesty, hard-living brutality and peerless musicianship.

Three tours into 2012 and with the growing support of loyal fans cropping up worldwide, the band continues to shine while taking its balls-to-the-wall no-let-up two hour live show to fans in the United States and Europe.

"I'm already writing the next one," Payne said with a knowing smile. "Every day when I wake up I am grateful for what I have, and for everyone I have met.  I'm living each day to the fullest because tomorrow's never sure."

800 Mile Monday performs Friday, June 8, at Island Dogs from 9 p.m.


A version of this blog post appears at 800 Mile Monday's bio by Clive O'Malley on their website.

Island Dogs hosts top performers for Key West Songwriters Festival

KEY WEST, Fla. (April 2012) -- For five days, Key West's most popular drinking holes and hot spots come alive with Songwriters Festival action with over 20 free shows and 100 top songwriters. This year, Island Dogs joins the festival venue roster once again.

Now in its 17th year, the Key West Songwriters Festival sponsored by BMI is the largest festival of its kind in the world. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, attendees meet the faces, voices and stories behind the songs and jam to informal adaptations of Nashville's signature in-the-round acoustic showcases.

"Our patrons have a blast every year here at Songwriters and we're looking forward to another year of great tunes and good times," said David Thibault, Island Dogs' co-owner and general manager.

Island Dogs Songwriters Festival Line-Up

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012
5 P.M.

Lauren Lucas

MELISSA PEIRCE: Melissa has had 2 top ten singles and is a recipient of the 2004 ASCAP Country Music Award for writing the country single "I'm Gonna Take That Mountain" for Reba McEntire, one of the year's most played songs and a number one video hit on CMT. She released her first independent solo album "Lonesome Lullaby" this year.

LAUREN LUCAS: A Tony Award-nominated composer at 19, Lauren partnered with Grammy-winning engineer, Chad Carlson, for her critically acclaimed 2007 EP, "If I Was Your Girl". Her new record, "On With the Show", blends rootsy soul with more pop-tinged melodies and is gaining momentum with fans and critics.

JEFF BLACK: Jeff's songs have been covered by Waylon Jennings, Sam Bush and BlackHawk, whose cover of Jeff's song, "That's Just About Right", was a Top 10 Country single in 1994. Since then Black has released four of his own albums and tours widely. He also maintains his own free weekly podcast, Black Tuesdays.

6 P.M.
 

BRIDGETTE TATUM: Bridgette co-wrote "She's Country" (2009), recorded by country superstar Jason Aldean. It was the Most Played Song on U.S. country radio stations that held the #1 position on the chart for two consecutive weeks. In 2010, her song, "Loud" was the Official Theme Song for ACC Football's 2010 Season.

AARON PARKER: Two of Aaron's popular singles include "Open Season" for the "Open Season" TV show and "Anything Alabama". He grew up in a big family on a farm in Southern Alabama and says, "Everything that comes through your speakers from me you can bet has a whole lot of dust, corn, heartland south in it. It's just who I am."

BLAKE GRAY: Nashville-based Blake was signed to Blue Guitar Music in 2009. She lists her influences as Erin McCarley, Sara Bareilles, Florence and the Machine, Bryan Adams, Christina Aguilera, Jewel, Fiona Apple, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, The Judds, Shania Twain, and The Cranberries.

7 P.M.
 

Kree Harrison

KREE HARRISON: At just 8 years old, Kree performed on the "Rosie O'Donnell Show" several times. After label signings and then enduring family tragedies that reset her musical course, the 21-year-old now writes with Nashville songwriters such as Natalie Hemby, Trent Dabbs, and Jeffrey Steele, and performs at Nashville venues like 3rd & Lindsley, The Basement, and Hotel Indigo.

PHILLIP LAMMONDS: Originally from Georgetown, South Carolina, Lammonds is currently a staff songwriter for Zavitson Music Group and a singer/songwriter/acoustic guitarist.

DEAN ALEXANDER: Writer/artist Dean signed with Stage Three Music, Inc., in 2010 plays on stages across the country, opening up for artists such as Josh Turner. He has performed as part of Laura Bell Bundy's band, live at the ACM's, Good Morning America and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Featured Artist: Randy Mac

Randy Mac won't talk much about the time in his life filled with 3-piece bands, album recordings, a record label signing and music awards. And he won't talk much about life off stage. Self-promotion? Not for him. Because what's important, what truly makes him happy, is happening now--playing music live.

"I've got chapters of history, but when I come to Key West, it's irrelevant," Randy Mac said.

Seven years ago, he left Montreal to get away from the cold and ended up in Key West, cruising down Duval Street in his VW bus, kiteboard locked and loaded. Within a week, he had his first solo gig.

Randy Mac's repertoire--he plays the acoustic guitar, harmonica and bass--includes his own versions of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Stone Temple Pilots, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hendrix, Clapton, Neil Young, and Stevie Ray Vaughan among others.

"I survive without playing the local shtick," Randy Mac told us. "I know that it's authentic and sought after; songs that everyone knows but not what people play on the streets."

Needless to say, he doesn't play songs he doesn't like.

"I'm singing and playing four hours every day, but I'm listening, too," Randy Mac said.

With almost three decades of playing professionally under his belt, he's performed on stages from the Virgin Islands and Austria to Switzerland, France and Italy. But he keeps coming back to Key West.

"I'm doing what I want to do and it's getting better every year," he said.



Randy Mac plays tonight at Island Dogs from 8 p.m. and again on April 28. He doesn't play often, so be sure to check him out!

Here's Randy rockin' out on the acoustic guitar, playing it with a violin bow!

American Idol finalist Kristen McNamara to rock Island Dogs

From the American Idol finalist stage to opening for the likes of Lonestar, Kenny Chesney and Winona Judd, Kristen McNamara--KMAC--is bringing her eclectic pop/adult contemporary/Country mix to the Island Dogs stage December 3 and 17 at 8 p.m.

KMAC

It's a fitting spot for the artist who's been compared to Stevie Nicks; KMAC, a prolific songwriter, drove to Key West from California in 2010 to write the song, Duval Street. She's now made Mile 0 her home.

This free-spirited northern California farmgirl left the ranch at 16, taking her four-octave range to top finalist spots in a slew of national competitions, including CBS' Star Search, USA's Nashville Star, and FOX's American Idol, and performing at Disney's Country Tonite. She recently did guide vocal work for Cher in the movie Burlesque and has spent several years in Nashville, holding underground singer/songwriter nights.

With five albums under her belt and over 10,000 record sales from the back of her car, McNamara is now working with New York production team, Peter Macchia and David Andronico, and traveling wherever inspiration, music and art take her and her teddy bear Ophelia.

Look out for more performances by KMAC at Island Dogs in the coming months.

Island Dogs Featured Artist: Jeff Clark

Jeff Clark

Jeff Clark has been a musician/entertainer for almost six years. Soul, folk, funk and pop are the backbone of his musical tastes and intentions.

He has toured with Boston-based original world beat ensemble, Entrain, and worked extensively throughout his home state of Pennsylvania, much of the northeast U.S., and across the country. (See below for a video of Jeff performing Michael Jackson's Billie Jean, acoustic.)

These days, you can spot Jeff riding his longboard with amps and guitars, to and from Old Town Key West gigs. Key West offers ample inspiration for creativity and collaboration, Jeff says.

"For the moment, I am happy to not have to drive anywhere and still have a full schedule," Jeff told us at Island Dogs.

Despite a busy gig schedule, Jeff makes sure to play with staple Key West musicians. Together they offer superb talent and a deep repertoire.

As his writing evolves, matures and simplifies, Jeff has received more and more positive feedback and higher demand for his music talent. Jeff says he's becoming more averse to the island grooves, reggae and dancehall, and right now, is working on developing original bands with fewer limits.

Jeff has also been jamming at Pat Croce's Rum Barrel since its inception, on the upstairs open air Quarterdeck, which he says sets a great stage for 4- and 5-piece bands and cool island breeze.  

Jeff Clark performs at Island Dogs tonight at 8 p.m. and again on July 16 at 8 p.m. Be there or be bitten.

Visit Jeff on the web at jefff.com. To contact him for booking or to tell him how awesome his music is, shoot him an e-mail at jdcnb2@yahoo.com.

Island Dogs Featured Artist: Dan Adams

Dan Adams (BMI) is an up and coming songwriter/artist with two cuts on the new solo release from Russell Hitchcock of Air Supply, and has several albums of his own.

Dan Adams

Songwriter/artist Dan Adams established himself as a "road-dog" musician, touring and performing across the Southeast United States in the late 90s and early 2000s.

Dan averaged more than 175 shows annually for more than 5 years. Now that's what we call dedication!

Since then, Dan carved out a niche as one of the most sought after up-and-coming writers in Nashville. In addition to co-writing with many of the most successful veteran writers in town, Adams hosts a regular Nashville songwriter showcase highlighting the talents of many of those writers.

This series has garnered him attention as both a seasoned writer and uniquely talented artist. 

Adams has two cuts on the solo release from Russell Hitchcock of Air Supply that was released in March 2011. He's also releasing a new album this spring, a follow-up to his 2008 album The Hard Way and 2010's acoustic album, Straight Up.

Dan Adams performs Thursday, April 28th, at Island Dogs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. And seriously: Why would you want to be anywhere else?

Check out Dan on ReverbNation. To contact him for booking or to tell him how amazing his music (and beard) are, email him at x1401@hotmail.com.

We love us some festie!

Lee Brice = Total hotty

Just in case you weren't convinced that Island Dogs is rocking even harder since GM Dave Thibault took the helm, take a gander at this:

We're one of those "most popular watering holes and hot spots" hosting artists for Key West's Songwriters' Festival.

*pauses to sip mid-afternoon beer*

(Sorry, we're having a case of the Mondays--easy to remedy when you work at a bar. A blessing, I tell ya.)

On Saturday, April 30, these top-notch artists will take to the IDB stage:

• Lee Brice
• Jeff Clark
• Megan Linville
• Morgan Myles
• Ruth Collins
• Adam Ryan
• Laura Washauer
• Nick Norman
• And the Better Angels Music Songwriters

Yes, yes. Wipe up your country-flavored drool and take a listen to Lee Brice singing "More Than a Memory", the hit song he wrote for Garth Brooks, before you see him live at IDB. Because you're coming, right? :)



Island Dogs Featured Artist: Tony Roberts

Tony Roberts

Tony Roberts' unique sound is best described as "islandreggaebluesgospel". And he couldn't have found a better home for his music than Mile 0.

A troubadour in the truest sense, Tony has toured the U.S., Canada, and Europe. He's lived and played in Key West, London, Vancouver, and his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts, where he started out at Berklee College of Music as a songwriting major.

Tony's lyrics are confessional, visual and inspirational, from the intensely emotional, to rhythms that you just can't help but move to. He has written, recorded and released 10 albums on his own record label, Broken River Records.

In 2009, Tony's song, Rise, was used by the New York Yankees as a theme for their Hope Week campaign. In 2010, his song, Love Songs and Melodies, was used on the Current TV Network and various television networks in Korea and South America.

His latest album, The Long Lost Ocean Blues, produced and recorded by Tony and released in December 2009, features musicians from Key West, Nashville, and Boston.

Right now, Tony is working on the soundtrack and production for Welcome to Today, a Barbados-based surf video due to be released in 2011. Check out the trailer.

Tony lives and performs regularly in Key West, Fla.


Tony Roberts performs tonight at Island Dogs at 7 p.m. Catch him again in April on-stage at The Dog on April 12, 19, and 26. All performances at 7 p.m.

To contact Roberts for booking or to give him a pat on the musical back, shoot him an e-mail at tmindflow@aim.com. He'd love to hear from you!