Local Observation / Party Of The Year
This past week has been all about the Literary Seminar, an annual event rather typical of Key West in that it fully lives up to the hype. The setting is the beautiful and historic San Carlos Institute on Duval Street and the guests are fabled types on the level of Joyce Carol Oats. The theme this year was mysteries and thrillers, and the atmosphere, as always, was all effervescent charm and wit and rollicking entertainment. Friday night I was lucky enough to scrounge a ticket to hear Carl Hiaasen. Just so happens I read all of Hiaasen’s many books when, years ago, trying to escape the harsh Hamptons winters and I revered him for tickling my cockles. The lecture was great fun as Hiaasen is an oiled entertainer. He held us all in his sway like a ballroom dancer and it was fabulous to be led along from one hilarious anecdote to another.
As always, the party of the year, marking the end of the Literary Seminar, is hosted by my friend David Wolkowsky and I was doubly thrilled to learn Hiaasen was to be the guest of honor. The event was held at David’s downtown rooftop loft, used exclusively for parties, everyone milling half indoors, surrounded by glorious artifacts, and half outdoors, in perfectly clement weather and under the glow of a full moon.
As is my way, l was the last guest to depart the soiree and, while I’m assured Hiaasen attended, I never so much as caught sight of the back of him. Instead, and unexpectedly, David made a special effort to introduce me to another of his legendary friends, the demigod Mr Jimmy Buffett. Buffett is smooth and cool and politely remote, in his perfectly sleek minimalist flip-lops, possibly designed and hand stitched for him by IM Pei.
Like witnessing the flare of a comet cross the night sky, I observed David and Jimmy chattering excitedly. Eons ago David gave Jimmy his first gig and the depths of their friendship was palpable. They grinned like schoolboys, a genuine and mutual adoration. And I realized I’ve seen many such compositions in framed photographs all around David’s many delicious domains. I’ve seen His Eminence in the company of the esteemed and notable. His friends truly love him.
Later, I headed for my car and, walking past Margaritaville and peering in on the worshipful fans, I knew that if they only knew their hero was in breathing distance, well, they’d probably hurl their gallons of suds.
Another great night in this heavenly, tiny city paved with talent and energy: this place is the real thing.
No Comment