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.

Ultimat Ghost: The Ultimate Halloween Cocktail

We found this really cool recipe for the Ultimat Ghost on Fiji Water's website. Yeah, Fiji Water. Go figure! Anyway, enjoy!

Ultimat Ghost

1 1/4 ounces Ultimat Vodka
1/4 ounce Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
1/4 ounce half and half
1 teaspoon grated white chocolate

1. Add half and half, simple syrup, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, and Ultimat Vodka.

2. Shake with ice and strain into a pre-chilled martini glass.

3. Garnish with grated white chocolate.

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.