Midsummer’s Night Dream & Spectacle – The most magical night to be held at Fort East Martello

 

Florida Keys artists and dreamers of all ages take heed.  On Saturday, June 20 from 5-11 pm, historic Fort East Martello will be aglow with the magic of a family-friendly evening steeped in ancient belief, celebration, and ritual that surround the power of fairies, spirits, and the celestial.

 

The 9th Annual Midsummer Night’s Dream & Spectacle, co-produced by the Key West Art & Historical Society and Michael Shields’ Java Studios, is a night of creative expression, feasting, dancing, singing, and theatrical antics celebrating the art and artists of Key West.

 

“Midsummer’s Night Dream & Spectacle was created to celebrate the Keys creative community—to give artists a voice and platform to share the power of their visions,” says community and arts leader Shields.  “Everyone attending is invited to be a co-creator.”

 

The colorful festivity is an annual favorite among locals who revel in the interactive art projects and spontaneous celebration, many costumed for merrymaking in attire ranging from Key West cool and casual to Midsummer’s magical vying for the title of Solstice King and Queen.

 

This year, multiple stages throughout the grounds will feature artists of local and national renown—including musicians, face-painters, singers, dancers, sculptors, actors, poets, illusionists and storytellers— coming together in celestial celebration.

 

Highlights will include:  the Dream Poetry Wall, the Grand Dream Mural facilitated by artist Kate Peachey and 50 participants, ambush poetry with the Key West Poetry Guild, dance performances by the fabulous Key West Comparsa, The Southernmost Shimmies, and the Southernmost Dance Theatre Youth Company, sculptural works by historic artist Stanley Papio, Shakespearean scene performances by Key West Fringe actors and tarot card readings by Mary Beth Hurd.

 

Music will resonate throughout the fort’s historic brick walls with performances on the main stage emceed by Jenna Stauffer and orchestrated by Skipper Kripitz to include:  Lopez Family Key West Soul Revue, Zack Seemiller & Son, Larry Smith Ensemble, Ray Sigismondi Band, Pro Magnum, Mike Emerson, Tyler Smith, Bubba Lownotes, Ross Brown, Gary Rivenson, Christine Cordone and many more.

 

Libations and Caribbean food will be available throughout the annual fundraiser, which this year benefits Key West Art & Historical Society’s Education programs.

 

“The Society is very excited to host this year’s event,” says KWAHS Executive Director Michael Gieda.  “As part of our growing educational offerings, what better way to celebrate the art and history of the Keys than to offer a family-friendly event showcasing the islands’ many talented artists with the historic Fort East Martello as the backdrop?”

 

Children of all ages will delight in good faery Joyce Straiton and friends, who will create glittery enchantment in faery-land with stardust and face painting, faery wings and hula-hooping.

 

Key West Art & Historical Society & Java Studios invite everyone to be a part of this playful and spontaneous celebration that tips hearts and hats to the summer solstice and the power of dreams.

 

“It all begins with a dream,” says Shields.

 

Fort East Martello is located at 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West. (PARKING?)   Tickets will be available at the door for $15 or $10 in advance by visiting www.KWAHS.org.  KWAHS members pay only $10 at any time, children 12 and under admitted free.  For more information and to volunteer, contact Christine Nottage at 305. 295.6616  x 111.  Interested artists contact: [email protected] / 305-394-3804.

 

IMAGE CAPTIONS:

Joyce Straiton: Good fairy Joyce Straiton welcomes all with glitter and flower blossoms to the 9th Annual Midsummers Night Dream & Spectacle, Saturday, June 20 at Fort East Martello in Key West.

Midsummer’s Night Dream Producer Michael Shields with “Booster Signal’ creator Steve King and his lovely assistant Svetlana Seredin at a past year’s event.

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