A Weekend in Key West Brings Music to Our Ears!

When it comes to music, have you ever wondered about the talented musicians and songwriters behind your favorite stars?

Well, when they aren't writing hit songs, these top music makers gather in Key West for the annual Songwriters' Festival, taking place this year between April 29 and May 3!

Songwriter Alissa Moreno plays at the Songwriters' Festival in 2008.

Every year, dozens of the nation's best songwriters get together and perform at venues in Key West. We're so excited about this year's slew of upcoming concerts that we picked some of our favorites, and paired them with the perfect Classic Harbor Cruise! Here's our list of what you simply shouldn't miss:


Thursday, April 30
Lounge on the Adirondack II for its Classic Day Sail from 1:30 to 3:30. Afterward, take an afternoon nap, because our recommended concert is a late one!

Why we're excited: The concert at the San Carlos Institute starts at 8 p.m. with Dennis Morgan, who has written music for Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin and George Michael. The last performers, on at 10:15 p.m., are Scotty Emerick and Paul Overstreet. Overstreet has written music for Kenny Chesney and Randy Travis, including his hit "Forever and Ever Amen!" Tickets are on sale to see this show at the SongWriter's Festival.

Friday, May 1
After a Champagne Sunset Sail, head to Green Parrot to see James Dean Hicks at 10 p.m.

Why we're excited: Hicks has written for country star Kenny Chesney and pop star Jessica Simpson!

Saturday, May 2
End a Mimosa Morning Sail with an intimate show featuring Anna Owens at Southernmost on the Beach – Poolside at 2 p.m.

Why we're excited: Anna Owens is a star on the rise, and she has the best-looking music myspace website we've ever seen!

Sunday, May 3
Kim Tribble is slated to play the Southernmost Beach Cafe - In the Round at noon, just before our Classic Day Sail.

Why we're excited: Tribble has written for Martina McBride and Gary Allen!

A complete schedule for the 2009 Key West Songwriters' Festival can be found on their website.

We hope to see you there!

Join Us on the Adirondack II for Your Corporate Event!

You don't have to be a boating enthusiast or a seasoned sailor to enjoy a trip on the Adirondack II. In fact, some of our best reviews come from people who joined us unexpectedly - for a birthday or work event!

"We chartered the Schooner Adirondack for a 2 hour corporate group sailing event for the 2nd year in a row. We had a fantastic time. The crew was friendly and helpful. The views were amazing. Thank you!"
-A corporate charter review of the Adirondack II in Key West


Taking out the schooner for a private charter is the perfect way to thank your staff for their hard work without all the fuss of dressing up for a fancy dinner and renting a banquet hall. When you charter the Adirondack II, we cater to specifically to your needs and are happy to serve dinner and drinks on the sail!

A ride on the schooner is both exciting and relaxing, and offers the perfect, elegant but low-key experience that so many businesses look for in a corporate event. Some of our previous charters include:

-Conde Nast
-Deloitte & Touche
-Dolce & Gabana
-Google
-HBO
-Martha Stewart
-Pepsi
-Vogue Magazine
...and more!

To learn more about private charters on the Adirondack II in Key West, call 305-890-6485 or e-mail privatecharters@sail-keywest.com.

Get Ready for Taste of Key West!

Don't miss the Taste of Key West! Monday, April 20th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Key West's 50 most popular restaurants will set up at the Truman Waterfront Pier to win over your taste buds. And to wash it all down, experts from more than 100 vineyards and wineries will be there to promote their favorite wines, all for $1 a glass!

Many of the wines at this year's Taste are organic, and their vineyards pride themselves on sustainable growing practices. King Estate in Oregon is one organic wine vineyard specializing in Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris that will have a booth at The Taste of Key West. The diverse food menu includes Italian, seafood (of course!), key lime treats, French and much more!

Admission to the 14th annual event is free, and food tickets are $1 plus just $3-$8 for a "taste," depending on the restaurant. All proceeds go to benefit AIDS Help, Inc.

The Taste offers a unique chance to sample many cuisines in one night, but true foodies also won't want miss the Vintners’ Dinner on Sunday April 19 at the Casa Marina Ballroom. Seven of the Island’s top chefs prepare a seven course meal at the Casa Marina, and each table has a Vitner to pair wines with each dish and teach guests about each wine. The cost is $150 per person and a place can be reserved by calling (305) 296-6196.

Volunteers will begin selling food tickets at the Truman Waterfront at 5 p.m., but the gates to the Taste don't open until 6 p.m. Old Town Trolley Tours have volunteered free shuttle services starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Pier House, with stops at the Westin Key West Resort, the La Concha, the corner of Simonton and South Streets and the Casa Marina. The last return leaves Truman Waterfront Park at 9:00 p.m.

To buy advance food tickets, call AIDS Help at (305) 269-6196 and get $26 worth of tickets for $25 before The Taste of Key West is the perfect way to start your week!