CULTURE VULTURE

Lemonade, Livingston, loving kids . . .and burlesque?

BY C.S. GILBERT

KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER

 

The color and texture-blessed exhibit of Leah Peeks and Caroline Stover-Sickmen continues at the Lemonade Stand Gallery, 319 Petronia St., through May 9.

     “Leah Peeks grew up in Fall Branch, Tenn. Her first major art pieces were a series of paintings in the 1980s composed on her bedroom furniture of puffy paints stolen from her little sister. Her parents were naturally thrilled,” the gallery announced. “She has since lived, studied art history, curated art exhibits, directed art spaces, and made art in Tennessee, Virginia and New York” and has now returned to her home in Virginia.

         It is the multi-talented Stover-Sickmen, however, who is of special local interest— as an artist, certainly, but more as artistic director of the hottest arts venue in town, The Studios of Key West, where she helps plan and manage a wide variety of exhibitions, workshops and performances. “Both Leah and Erin's debut of their art in Key West were in the Lemonade Stand Gallery's 2013 Juried Small Works Exhibit. Not only did each of their small works sell to collectors, but both were offered their own show at the Lemonade Stand,” said portrait artist/owner Letty Nowak.

     "It's also great to introduce Erin as an artist to the Key West community," said Nowak.  "The strength in her photography and paintings is amazing.  Also, the more I have gotten to know Erin, the more I have learned about her extensive art background and seen her exquisite eye when it comes to art."

     If you haven't seen the show, run, don't walk, to 318 Petronia St. before it closes Friday.

 

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Howard Livingston, universally known as Howie and the foremost current, local proponent of the genre of trop rock, has got to be one of the nicest big-deal entertainers in the Keys, if not in the world. Those on his emailing list received his truly touching April 30 tribute to his late brother-in-law and are often treated to homey observations, sometimes illustrated, about waterviews, wife Cynderella, grandson and dogs – three golden retrievers, I think. Really lovely and heartwarming.

     Lovelier still is Livingston's support of local good causes. “The greatest songwriters in the world all show up for the Key West Songwriters Festival. This is an incredible opportunity to see and hear some of the world’s best songwriters and performers,” he writes, continuing “The festival runs May 7-11. I am honored to perform on May 10 with my good friend Scott Kirby at The Sheraton Suites, 2001 South Roosevelt Blvd. This acoustic show is free and open to the public. Scott and I take the stage at 2 p.m. Check the Key West Songwriters schedule for the list of performers and times a kwswf.com.”

     More charitable is his May 11 gig at Margaritaville from 5 till 8 p.m. “Join the Mile Marker 24 Band and me as we party to raise money for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Florida Keys. This is a total feel good event. Tickets are $50, which includes an amazing Caribbean Buffet and free margaritas. There is also a huge silent auction and all sorts of fun stuff. Join us for this Mother’s Day tradition. For tickets call 305-296-2258. Space is limited so get tickets early. They are auctioning off a Jimmy Buffett autographed guitar at  southernmostboysgirlsclub.com. Our grandson Michael attends the Boys and Girls Club on Big Pine Key. They have made a world of difference in his life, thank you!” It's kind of a stiff ticket price, but it's guaranteed fun for a very good cause.

 

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Hold onto your Bibles, folks. “Spread the word: The good news of a great time is here! The Gospel of a Good Time, the newest creation from the director of Key West Burlesque, offers a joyous and uplifting message that will have you singing the praises of a fun filled life.”

     Amen!

     “Join The Studios of Key West and the burlesque on May 17 and 18 in a celebration of merriment and laughter during this original new show. Let your heart be filled with happiness and soul be stirred with song,” invites the “Reverend” Tatah DuJour.  She'll be preaching “a sermon about the things holding us back from true enjoyment and the four keys of having fun. Testimonies and triumphant stories of healing are told through incredible burlesque and aerial acrobatic performances by Florida’s most alluring performers including Moana Amour, Angie Z, Sofia Luna and Shaina Sky. A star studded gospel style choir will have audiences singing and dancing along, while discovering new ways of having a good time every day.”

     Amen, amen!

     That's it for now — gotta fly!

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