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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Hollywood glamor comes to Key West with movie shoot at Island Dogs Bar

Win a chance to be in 'Exposure' starring Corey Feldman!

KEY WEST, Fla. (March 9, 2012) -- Hollywood glamor comes to Key West with scenes from upcoming suspense thriller Exposure starring Corey Feldman to be shot at Island Dogs Bar. And bar patrons have a chance to win a spot in the movie!

On March 29, 2012, Island Dogs hosts the Win-A-Part-In-A-Movie Contest. Filming will take place at 7 p.m. at the bar, with the contest at 9 p.m.

"We chose Island Dogs based on its look, appeal, and location," said Gary Metz, executive vice president at Ft. Lauderdale-based The Movie Studio, Inc. "One of the objects was to film in the Keys and we only selected a certain number of locations to shoot at."

Exposure is a "suspense thriller with a romantic heart... showcasing South Florida and shining a much needed light on the dangers in the un-regulated modeling industry," according to the movie's website.

"This is a great opportunity to showcase Key West and Island Dog's popular laid-back vibe," said managing partner David Thibault. "We're really excited to have them here."

Gordon Scott Venters is the executive producer; Peter Langone serves as producer; Carlos Nunez is director; and visual effects supervisor is Dean Lyon (Lord of the Rings).

In Exposure, Nikki (Ali Sonoma of Spike TV's Ultimate Fighter fame) answers an ad for models wanted and leaves small town Alabama with her boyfriend Blain (Feldman) for Miami's glittering South Beach. The two connect with Seth Black, owner of the Exposure Model Agency, who promptly sets them up nicely in an oceanfront penthouse.

But Blain becomes suspicious at the couple drifts apart and models go missing. Nikki finds herself in the dark side of every model's worst nightmare. For more information on the movie, visit www.exposurethemovie.net

Island Dogs introduces a new night of chic to laid back Key West

KEY WEST, Fla. (January 27, 2012) -- Kick off the flip flops and slip on some stilettos. Switch out the shorts for a little black dress. It's time to play dress up for Key West's hottest new night of chic!

Island Dogs introduces the Little Black Dress Party, the place to be the second Wednesday of every month from 8 p.m. starting Feb. 8. Sponsored by Ultimat Vodka, the sophisticated monthly event will feature $5 Ultimat Martinis all night and dance music by DJ Chaka.

"We're billing this as a night for local ladies to dress up and get out and party. You don't get a chance to do that much in Key West--dress up, that is," said general manager David Thibault. "Plus, it's for a good cause."

Each party features a raffle; 100% of raffle proceeds will benefit a local charity. On Feb. 8, the raffle will include a gift basket of Paul Mitchell hair and spa products, $100 gift card to the Pier House Caribbean Spa and a bottle of Ultimat Vodka.

Proceeds from the first event will go to the Key West Shrine Club, which supports treatment and transportation of Key West children to Shriner's Hospitals for Children. The hospitals treat pediatric medical cases at no cost.

Super Bowl football action at Island Dogs with the SoMo New England Pats Fan Club!

KEY WEST, Fla. (January 25, 2012) -- Join the Southernmost New England Patriots Fan Club at Island Dogs for a Super Bowl Party -- New England style.

Only 61 pre-sale tickets are available at $75 per seat. Sale ends Jan. 31. Tickets after Jan. 31 will run $100.

Here's what you get:

• A seat of your choice reserved (first come; first pick)
• An official Super Bowl program from the actual game(!)
• A bucket of Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Light or Coors Light
• A Maine lobster dinner with lobster flown in fresh from New England from Fresh Catch in Mansfield, Mass., the official seafood supplier of the New England Patriots(!) Dinner includes corn on the cob and baby red potatoes

Fresh Catch in Mansfield, Mass., is also the official seafood supplier for Island Dogs for the Super Bowl. It's going to be a Wicked Pissa Super Bowl Party at Island Dogs!

For more info on the event, come into Island Dogs for details or call 305-509-7136.

Fans howling for new Island Dogs Bar online store

KEY WEST, Fla. (November 14, 2011) -- Rolling up to the Island Dogs Bar for some official swag is now possible from anywhere in the world with the launch of our new online store.

Now anyone with Internet access, spare change, and great taste in clothing can visit The Island Dogs Shop for Island Dogs paraphernalia, including T-shirts, ladies tank tops, the infamous Castro hat and even an Island Dogs tumbler with our nifty, standout logo.

"We gotten so many requests for Island Dogs stuff from new and loyal customers in Key West and abroad who can't make it to the bar to buy and we really wanted to meet that need," said Island Dogs General Manager David Thibault.

So what are you waiting for? Go get it!

Island Dogs rolls out new menu crafted by Chef Pat Dunn and launches outdoor oyster bar

Chef Pat Dunn and Island Dogs' managers have been working tirelessly in the kitchen to perfect the bar's new and improved menu of munchies. This week, it launches.

"A lot of work, fun and taste-testing went into the new dishes' flavor combinations and we're happy with what we came up with," said General Manager David Thibault. "I think our customers' taste buds will be happy, too."

Vegetarian Pizza

Along with the new menu, Island Dogs customers will have their pick of fresh, char-grilled and Rockefeller oysters at the bar's new outdoor oyster bar on its breezy front porch.

The new menu features a host of new items:

- Soft Shell Crab Sandwich with Key Lime Mustard
- Jerk Chicken Sandwich with Mango Jalapeno Aioli and Rum-Soaked Onions
- Conch Fritters
- Rare Tuna Tataki with Asian Ginger Boiled Calamari and Seaweed Salad
- White Conch Chowder
- Key West Pizza with White Lobster-based sauce, Pepperoni, Shrimp and Pineapple

Leading the culinary side of the menu re-vamp was Chef Pat Dunn, also chef at Pat Croce's Rum Barrel.

"More than anything else, I'm excited to see customers' reactions when they taste what we've created," Dunn said. "It's just that good."

A Northeast Philadelphia native, Dunn made a name for himself as protege of Iron Chef Jose Garces
at Garces' acclaimed Latin-Asian restaurant Chifa in downtown Philly. Dunn is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America. He joined Island Dogs in 2010 with a focus on crafting innovative and delicious cuisine with only the freshest available ingredients.

Island Dogs makes national TV on HDNET’s Drinking Made Easy

Lamprey and Friends roll into the Conch Republic to Uncover Unique Drinking Specialties and Time Honored Cocktail Traditions in Key West -- Wednesday, October 26 on HDNet!

Island Dogs' Key Lime Pie
martini featured on the show

Pat Croce's Rum Barrel, Island Dogs Bar and the iconic The Green Parrot will all be featured in a new episode of HDNET's Drinking Made Easy with cult sensation Zane Lamprey, which airs Wednesday, October 26, at 8 p.m. ET.

"You'll see the show, but we had a blast!" Croce said. "Wait for when Steve's speech starts to slur!"

In this episode, Zane visits Key West, where he stops at several bars, including Croce's, sampling a Key Lime Pie Martini at Island Dogs; Rum Barrel's intimidating Kill Devil bucket cocktail; and a dangerous Bloody Mary at the Green Parrot, a Key West institution.

OFFICIAL KEY WEST VIEWING PARTY:
Where: The Rum Barrel Quarterdeck, 528 Front Street, Key West, FL 33040
When: Wednesday, October 26, from 7:30 p.m. ET
What: Extended $5 Happy Hour on food and drinks; 10% off the Kill Devil featured on the episode; stay to hear Colorado-based Celtic Pirate-Folk Rock Band Potcheen and Tony Baltimore

The show will also be shown live at Island Dogs and the Green Parrot.

The HDNet series features Lamprey and his drinking buddy Steve McKenna as they travel the U.S. in search of the local drinks and drinking customs that have contributed to the birth, growth and distinction of our great country. Definitely a road trip unlike any other, Lamprey and McKenna travel to cities like Monterey, Miami, Tampa, Cape Cod, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Santa Barbara and Aspen among many others. "Drinking Made Easy" airs Wednesday nights at 8:00 p.m. ET on HDNet.

HDNet networks are available nationally via DIRECTV and Dish Network and locally in Key West on Advanced Cable Communications, AT&T U-verse, Atlantic Broadband and Hotwire Cable Florida. Check your local listings for channels and more information.

Another version of this post also appeared on Rum Barrel's blog

The Lost Wedding Dress Cocktail

You've probably heard about Sandra Scharf and her lost wedding dress adventure starring Island Dogs co-owner David Thibault.

Well, it inspired us to add a new drink to the Island Dogs menu--the Lost Wedding Dress! So without further ado, we reveal The Dress, created by our very own Liz Podlucky.

The Lost Wedding Dress

White wine

Ginger Ale

Topped off with Blue Curacao

Chilled served in a martini glass

Order one next time you stop by!

Dog Shoppe: Arrrooooo!

We're in the middle of designing and launching our online Dog Shoppe so you can stock up on awesome Island Dogs gear even if you're not in Key West and without the ability to sidle up to the bar and drop some mulah down.

Anyway, here's a preview of just a couple things you'll soon be able to grab for yourself online. I've already stolen legitimately purchased a shot glass because it's honestly too cool for school. Lookit...

Bringing sexy back to shot glasses everywhere

Finding Bruschi

After the whole wedding dress fiasco last week and the power of social media in reuniting the distraught bride with her lost dress, Island Dogs GM Dave Thibault went for a two-fer.

Bruschi. Arrroooo!

Thibault's adorable pup, aptly named Bruschi, was taken from his yard around 11 a.m. on September 3. Thibault posted on Island Dog's Facebook, asking fans to re-post on their walls and if anyone saw him to give Thibault a call.

When I checked in to see how things panned out, Thibault texted: "I did the same thing with Facebook as the dress. And it had everyone looking."

But Thibault's lovely wife Alysia ended up buying an Amber alert on FindToto.com (you can put an Amber Alert out for a pet. Who knew!) and Bruschi was returned within 20 minutes! The pup had only been missing for a day.

So it didn't quite work out again, trying to harness the power of social media, but it still had a happy ending!

If you're asking yourself, what's the point of this blog entry? Well, what's the name of the bar? Besides, we just wanted to post a picture of Bruschi. Welcome back, dude!

The tale of the lost wedding dress

When David Thibault unzipped the unlabelled garment bag and a bit of white lace poked out, he came to the obvious conclusion: "Holy shiznit, it's a wedding dress!"

Sandra & Mike Scharf outside Island Dogs
moments after finding Sandra's dress

Moments before, a couple of tourists came into Island Dogs Tuesday afternoon where Thibault is general manager, lugging the bag. It had fallen off the back of a truck on Front Street just outside the bar and into the street, they said.

"At first I didn't know what to do, but I knew someone had to know who the owners of the dress were," Thibault said.

So he took his hunt to social media.

"Everyone who is following us please retweet. Someone's wedding dress fell off a truck in front of Island Dogs. It's at the bar. Hanging up!" Thibault tweeted.

Then he updated Island Dogs' Facebook status: "Someone's wedding dress just fell off a truck in front of Island Dogs! Not sure if this will work, but if any of you know of a bride looking for her dress, we have it at Island Dogs."

It was an instant sensation among the bar's fans. And work it did.

Just a few hours later, newlyweds Mike and Sandra Scharf walked worriedly into The Rum Barrel across the street, carrying their toddler, with a note offering a $500 reward for the missing dress. (Coincidentally, former Philly 76ers president Pat Croce has interests in both bars.)

"I said, 'I know exactly where your wedding dress is! It's in that bar over there," said Rum Barrel server Julie Lynch, who had seen Island Dogs' Facebook status update that morning.

The Scharfs had been on their way out of the Keys on their return drive from their honeymoon in Key West when they realized the dress was missing, Thibault said. Sandra Scharf cried with happiness and tried to pay out a reward, but he refused.

"Next thing I know, they're snapping pics outside Island Dogs with the dress," Lynch said. "They stopped and kissed and then they were on their way."

"Just because of Facebook, this couple we'd never met was able to find us and find their dress," Thibault said. "That's the power of social media!"