Key West FRINGE theater presents "Key West Characters"

The FRINGE Theater is Key West's newest upstart theater company, and they are going all out!  Following on the heals of the Conch Republic Celebration the FRINGE Theater company presents "Key West Characters: A Mini-Festival" presented April 25 through May 12; a theatrical explosion of history and humor!  The plays commemorate Key West history, the characters and the legends that make Key West an island like no other. Two of the plays, 'Weeds' and 'Marion Alert' are to be presented together at the Key West Firehouse Museum, 1024 Grinnell St. Show dates are Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27 and May 3, 4, 10 and 11. Curtain time is 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person. Attendees can enjoy a preshow "firehouse chili" supper at 7 p.m.  The third play is a musical about the birth of the Conch Republic, hitting our shores. That's right, the story of those historic moments in April 1982 when Key West declared its independence from the United States. It's a rollicking musical tale of the Conchs taking on the Feds in one of the greatest PR stunts ever. The music and lyrics are by Gayla Morgan and the book is by Monnie King. The stage director is Randi Reams with Gayla Morgan as music director. CONCH REPUBLIC (The Musical!) will run at 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays at Kelly's Caribbean Upstairs, 301 Whitehead St. Dates are April 25, 28, May 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19. Tickets are $35 at KeysTix.com , Contact: 305-296-4761

Fourth Annual Key West Authors' Book Fair

Key West has long been known as a writers haven.  Perhaps its the care free lifestyle, or the cold margaritas or the tropical rains. Hemingway, Williams and Frost are only three of a plethora of authors to of made Key West their island home.  Join in and celebrate the intrigue, the beauty and the tales of Key West at the 4th Annual Key West Authors Book Fair, April 13 11am-4pm.  The book fair is a free event and is an amazing opportunity to meet contemporary Key West authors.  Chat with them, read with them and enjoy.  The Book Fair is to be held in the lovely garden of the Key West Oldest House, 322 Duval Street.  An day of book signings by the authors, readings, brilliant literary conversation, as well as relishing spring in the garden with mimosas and pastries. Presented by Key West's Sea Story Press and the Old Island Restoration Foundation, it is an event not to miss. For more details visit: http://www.seastorypress.com/bookfair.htm

Hot Havana Nights at the Tropical Garden & Forest

The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden's annual Hot Havana Nights is always the HOTTEST PARTY on the island! Saturday, April 13. VIP guests will enjoy an authentic Cuban dinner catered by Small Chef at Large and open bar from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the beautiful Waterfall Courtyard. During which their senses will be tantalized by a vivacious performance by Miguel Cruz & The Tropical Dreams featuring Dayami. If you select to join in after the VIP dinner, Frank Diaz and the sounds of Havana Soul, the steamy Cuban Orquesta, begins at 7:30 p.m. on the Lakeside Terrace. Wear your dancing shoes and bring your best moves because the awesome sound of this 10-piece band is sure to move you! Mojitos, cash bar and light fare will all be available for purchase to fuel your dance fever. This HOT benefit always sells out so make your reservations early! VIP Seating and General Admission tickets available. Spend a tropical night under the stars and indulge in the Cuban essence of the Keys.  Contact: 305-296-1504 Email: KWBGS@kwbgs.org