All Things Skippo And A Little Love Lane Gang

 

By C.S Gilbert

 

Skipper Kripitz is surely one of the busiest if not the busiest musician and music producer in town. His “Tuesday League of Crafty Musicians” series has graced Virgilio’s 9 p.m. almost forever, serving up exciting ensembles or local favorites (Larry Smith, Deb and Patrick). May 20, for example, featured another appearance of the really enjoyable ensemble, Crizzbeez. “Fronting the group, and featuring many of his original compositions, is Chris Burchard, on guitar, Rob DiStaci sings and plays keyboards, Bubba Lownotes plucks the bass, and of course, Skippo on the drums,” according to the latest press release. Signature tunes are “Pat Metheney-inspired, modern guitar fusion, some sophisticated Sting, John Mayer, Marvin Gaye, and Steely Dan-type pop and soul, plus an ample helping of Brazilian dance grooves.” People often dance! The audience is an interesting mix of visitors and locals and the people-watching is often delightful.

Shipper has probably partnered musically with every good musician in town but in the duo department, there’s nothing as much fun as his collaboration with the beloved Bobby Nesbitt. Just returned from his trip to London, Bobby reunites with Skippo at Salute on Higgs Beach every Wednesday from 5 till 7 p.m. for Showtunes on the Beach. The gig returned Wednesday, May 21. “Bobby Nesbitt on piano and vocals is a true Keys treasure and famed international interpreter of the Great American Songbook,” says Kripitz, who has been accompanying him in concerts and shows for over 25 years. “Catch the Wednesday sunset music fun and ask Bobby if a nightingale really does sing in Berkeley Square?”

Less well known, I suspect, is Kripitz’s charitable contribution of time and talent. A major example is his production of all the performing entertainment for VNA/Hospice’s traditional huge Fourth of July Picnic at the Casa Marina. The only time the music stops is when another group takes the stage and then before the fireworks begin. It’s a huge job to book and stage manage a three-hour variety show and he’s done it (mostly with great cheer) for years and years.

Oh, yeah, he’s a pretty good drummer, too.

On March 29, during the Equality Florida Gala at the Gardens Hotel, he gifted me, and almost 500 other guests, with a rousing march-through of “When the Saints” … as I recall; it was a pretty overwhelming day for me as I was designated 2014 Key West Voice for Equality. But I’ll never forget Skipper, Bubba and an energetic woman acting as sort of a drum major. Thanks, pals!

Along those same lines, I owe a huge thank you and I love you to The Love Land Gang, my favorite permanent band (even acknowledging a fluidity of personnel that doesn’t seem in any way to diminish the high energy and immense fun of the group). They gifted Equality Florida, and me, with a full set, heavens, maybe several. The music was a major addition to the celebration, the host committee agreed during the debrief.

 

 

Speaking to that fluidity I mentioned, lead vocalist Brielle’s baby, Noelle, was finally born a few weeks ago (welcome, Noelle, and excuse me if I’ve misspelled your name), so Mommy may take a bit of time off, although she did a few numbers on May 11. Justin and Sarah, who were part of the original ensemble (she on ukulele, he on washboard, kazoo and gods know what else) are back from Costa Rica and rejoined the Gang in their regular gigs Fridays 9 p.m. till midnight at McConnell’s on Duval and Sundays 5:30 till 8:30 at Salute — what Skipper calls sunset music. (Full disclosure: I got to sit in on washboards once at McConnells; it was great fun, and I think I surprised everybody by not being dreadful, but it takes a lot more energy that I’d imagined.)

 

 

The Gang plays happy music, a wide variety of joyful tunes, from ‘30s and ‘40s swing and pop to bluegrass to leader Jerrod’s originals and a bunch of styles I can’t identify, just enjoy. If you haven’t caught the Gang, please do. You’ll thank me, honest!

 

 

That’s all for now. Gotta fly! In fact the Vulture was flying up to Canada and was gone for 10 days; this column was mysteriously not filed on May 14 for the May 22 issue . . .but catch you next in the June 5 issue, just in time for Pridefest, a prime cultural exhibition indeed.

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