LenoreTroia.com: NEWS

The weather looked like it was going to return to the balmy weather we have been used to, but a cold snap has continued to linger here in Key West...odd to see folks on Duval Street with coats, hats and gloves...what a winter...,

And of course many of you are really suffering through the freezing cold up north, so I am wishing you warmth and a speedy spring...

But dispite the unusual temperatures, it hasn't stopped the throngs of tourists visiting the island. It was wonderful to see Sandy and Vicki from Detroit and meet their good friend Cindy who joined me in song at the piano at La Te Da...also Randy and Cheryl found me at the Gardens, La Te Da and then joined me in crashing a private event in Islamorada at the beautiful Pierres Restuarant...also there were Laurie and Jerry who I had not seen for quite a while...thanks to Bob White and his lovely wife for inviting me up to play for their friends...also good to see Kate and Kathy from New Hope as well as Geri and Marilyn and other friends from the area...and as always all my great local friends who come and support what I do...I am grateful for all the love...!

This month I will be hosting and performing in a show I put together called "Hot Havana Nights" at the beautiful Botanical Gardens, helping out my good friend Mojito Sharky aka Carol Ann. We had schemed doing a mini Tropicana show after our trip to Cuba, so this should really be fun. I am bringing down some salsa stars from Miami as well as including some Key West stars, musicians, dancers and singers.

Also, I will be the musical director for the Womens Hope concert at the Tennessee Williams Theatre Caberet. This show also includes an all star cast and is sure to be a memorable event for a great cause.

So... I am hoping tomorrow when I sing "Suntime" I can back it up with some real sunshine and warmer weather around here! I know it's still one of the warmest places in the country, but the 70's would be nice!

Wherever you are, I hope you are warm, and hope to see you soon!!

Lenore

 

We are finally returning to our beautiful weather here in the fabulous Florida Keys. It is "season" and the town is packed with people from all over the country and all over the world. Folks are enjoying one festival after another and "Suntime" is in full force...

And...so is my schedule! In addition to La Te Da, Aqua and the Gardens Hotel, I was asked to play at two other venues. One is the beautiful, and relatively new, Beachside Marriott "Tavern 'n Town". You can find me there on Saturdays from 5-9 PM. The other is the most popular piano bar in town, and every Tuesday I will be tinkling the ivories at the "Keys" on Duval Street, also 5-9 PM.

My full schedule is listed at the "SCHEDULE" link above.

For those of you visiting or already living here, now you know where to find me...

Here is a little extra for you....if you want a glimpse of the beauty of flying over the Florida Keys, check out this link for a real visual treat: http://www.edtruthan.com/tileproxy/keys/floridakeys.htm

Hope to see you soon!

LT

 

"When we share, we become one. To share is the most important thing in life; it is the opposite of posessiveness. To give everything, to give one’s life, that is Dana. When we are one, there is no trouble. As soon as we become two, duality exists. In true Dana, giver, given, things given are all forgotten."—Gyomay Kubose, Commentaries on the Heart of Wisdom Sutra

For me, it is always something to marvel at...when there is great need through tragedy, human beings rise to the call and help people in the most profound ways... 

I have struggled with my ability to help others because I am often gripped with fear which keeps me from moving quickly, and I have missed opportunities in fulfilling my capacity to help others. This is why I admire the people and the side of human nature that responds quickly and gives so much to helping others. The worldwide effort to rescue Haiti is human behavior at its finest...

Although we have nations, borders and individual cultures, the human race is connected by its ability to give.

I am hoping that the Haitian crisis will become the event that seeps into our conscienceness, reminding us that our true purpose in life is giving to others. When we cross our borders and experience the oneness of our existence, we are living at our fullest potential...and I believe it is what is considered unconditional love...

For me, that is where hope truely lies...and it inspires me to do better...

GIVE!!!

LT

 

I really didn’t expect New Years Eve at La Te Da to be such a momentous occasion…I guess the emotions behind our farewell to 2009 snuck up on all of us, and it was coupled with the one year anniversary of La Te Da’s colorful owners’ passing, Mark Barouk.  Of course so much has changed in the last year with this famous (or should I say infamous) establishment in Key West, but its history still lingers, and I would have to say, was repeated on this New Years Eve. The high energy on the crowded dance floor brought back the spirit of “the old days” as many had commented during the moments leading up to the midnight hour. But most agreed that it had been a tough year and were very glad to bid good riddance to 2009…

                                        

I was joined by the fabulous Christopher Peterson and together we sang Donna Summers “Last Dance” before bringing in the New Year. As part of a tradition, I also had the wonderful JC Costello blowing harp all night and helping me rock the house until the wee hours… and Sassy and King Ralph, behind the bar, finally shot me a look that said “please stop the music Lenore so we can get out of here!!!” But what a great crowd was there and I thank all of you who joined the party with us that night…!

   

Just a few blocks down the street, CNN was broadcasting live, in front of Bourbon Street, Sushi being hoisted down in her Red Slipper at midnight…of course I only got to see it in the silence of the next day on my way in to play at Aqua on New Year’s Day…

And of course Sloppy’s was dropping a conch shell while Evalina was being dropped as a sea wench at Schooner Wharf…all the while tourists and locals were dropping lots of dollars on champagne and cocktails…

So I anxiously, although optimistically, look forward to what awaits all of us in this new year of 2010…it truly has been a transformative decade, and I am wishing you all peace, enjoyment and prosperity now and for the months throughout it…

Happy New Year…and hope to see you soon!

Lenore

Thanks to everyone who sent me the pictures included here!

The resurrection of Mistletoe Madness proved to be an evening of silliness keeping in line with the campy humor of shows gone past…from the pajama party to Waltz of the Flowers, bringing well known Key West entertainers together with locals never on stage before…I was told by some that great belly laughs were had and they are already looking forward to next years show!

Tracy Reynolds and Tony Staub from the Keys Piano Bar helped me out in spoofing the “Three Tenors” which got reduced to “One Tenor, One Alto and One Soprano” going from the sublime to the ridiculous with “God Rest Ye 'Mary' Gentlemen” to a Beach Boys Medley.

 

Teri Johnston (commissioner at large) stole the show as Grandma (Got Run Over By A Reindeer) and then transformed into Sarah Palin, ex-governor and hunter at large…and those granddaughters were just too adorable….

The dancing “presents” displayed an Alvin Ailey professionalism unmatched by any other dancing boxes south of US 1, and unwrapped in time to close the show with fun and frolic…

I was thrilled to see how many ornaments were created and donated to GLEE (Green Living Energy Education) which was part of the benefit for this show. Erica Biddle did an outstanding job and I believe it all helped in bringing more awareness to this program.

Thanks to Rebecca T. for the photos, and to all who participated in Mistletoe Madness; Spot, Magda, Martha, Sue, Naomi, Teri, Tracy Reynolds, Tony Staub, Postal Wendy and dancers, Michael Thomas, David Black, Nulita Loder, Laurie Breakwell, Charlie Lindberg, Green Queen Vicki, Erika Biddle and GLEE, the staff at La Te Da and friends who helped, Dar, Lisa, Betty,Glenda,Geri and Doug. Thanks to all who attended and....Happy Holidays!!!!

You can also check out video excerpts (thanks to Marty Stonely) under EXTRAS (above).

May you all enjoy this holiday with family and friends surrounding you….

Peace, Joy and Love to Everyone….

Lenore

 

 

I never got around to writing about my Thanksgiving…I can say I was very grateful for the time I spent with my family…precious time indeed….and time does march on with big changes happening, but time with loved ones is time spent well indeed…..!!!

Someone wrote a song claiming this is the most wonderful time of the year…I guess that depends on where you are….all I can say is that…it’s a bit cooler here in Key West which for us is wonderful…but those of you north of Georgia, that may not be so wonderful….

Anyway, speaking of cool, I have a really interesting cause behind my Mistletoe Madness Holiday show this year…part of the proceeds will be going to a local Florida Keys organization called GLEE, no not the hit TV series about talented high school kids, but rather Green Living Energy Education (think globally, act locally!). Erica Biddle, who heads up the Key West chapter is hoping to raise some much needed funds for this important organization. I thought a good way to raise money would be to have everyone make a tree ornament out of recyclable materials….so run to your recycle bin and see what you have to work with…I can’t wait to see what creative things people come up with!!

The Mistletoe Madness show will be held in the Chrystal Room at La Te Da on Monday Dec. 14th at 7:30 PM….it will be a mix of seasoned professional entertainers and a variety of amateurs as well. It has been a real local’s holiday party in the past and this year it is being brought back after a five year absence…so I hope some of you, although I know many of you are out of town, can be there.

I recently did a re-print of my Mistletoe Island Magic Holiday CD since they were sold out…so if you don’t already have a copy of it, you can order it at the following link either as a digital download or full packaged CD.

It's a holiday in the islands! A tropical rythymn adds spice to those traditional favorites...plus an original song destined to become a seasonal classic! Spinkled with calypso, soca and reggae the island spirit is captured in this festive collection....a holiday delight!!

Happy shopping…. Lenore

I was pleased to be part of a great party in New Hope PA that celebrated a collective creative project spearheaded by friends Geri Delevich and Marilyn Cicchowski.  Immerging from this collaborative venture was a film called Embraceable You, a book called Embraceable You, We’re All Part of the Story, and a CD which I was asked to produce called Embraceable You, We’re All Part of the Music…and from all of this, a message about diversity, within a unique community in the middle of Pennsylvania, came to fruition. The premiere for the film was preceded by a presentation of songs from the CD and excerpts from a book of stories about this very quaint and legendary historic town on the Delaware River. The show was held at the famous New Hope Bucks County Playhouse with a red carpet entrance of all who were involved. A huge party followed at Havana’s club across the street and the heart of New Hope was beating loudly….what a great time…and congrats to Geri and Marilyn and everyone who contributed to this event…check it all out at http://www.upriverproductions.com

A big thank you goes out to Bob Egan who invited me to perform in his show case at the Stockton Inn and then continue with my own show…I was so happy to see friends from the area, some of whom I had met in Key West on their vacations...special thanks also to Ashley who did an ace job on lights and sound…

John Danaher did a great job on the Bucks County production but also played some fabulous music at John and Peters…what a great line up of musicians in his group the “Quiet Men”. Got to get this band down to Key West for all to hear…

Also wanted to mention how great it was to see Sue and Ken from Orlando when I played at the Deland Songwriters Festival last Sunday…

Thanks again to Paul and Mary Ann Albee (who took all these photos) for their gracious generosity…you two are the best!!!!!

I’m home for the holidays!!!! I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy yourselves and your families!

Hope to see you soon back in Key West…..

Lenore

The Parrotheads roamed Duval Street all week and trop rock was heard from beach to sandy beach...but the most enthusiastic island music man of all is DJ Mad Marty from Chicagos "Big Burrito Radio". He visited us at the Gardens Hotel Sunday Jazz gig where we, me, Rich on drums, and another Marty on sax, conjured up as much socca, calypso, and samba as we could...and oh yeah, trop rock too...

Listen to Mad Marty with Johnny on Big Burrito Radio, every Saturday morning at 10AM CST on www.bigburritoradio.com

I'll be heading up to New Hope PA for the premier of the Embraceable You project held at the Bucks County Play House. The project encompasses a film about the diversity of the greater New Hope area, a book of over 50 stories and poems, and a CD of area musicians that I produced called "Embraceable You, We're All Part of the Music". It will also debut a new song that I wrote called "We All Love".

Since that show sold out so quickly, I am also playing at another New Hope area venue, the Stockton Inn. Info about that show is listed on my calendar. www.lenoretroia.com/calendar

Hope to see those of you from the PA and NJ area there if you can make it!!!

'til next time....

Lenore

Fantasy Fest 2009 was chock full of fun....and I am still recovering from the non-stop activity with all of my friends...I played in some great events and got to meet and greet some fabulous people...

The parade was loads of fun, and a black out during the middle of it left some of us really spooked on Halloween night...but the electric company scared off the goblins that caused it just in time for the party to carry on into the wee hours of the night....Check out some of my photos courtesy of Mary Ann Albee. http://www.lenoretroia.com/photos

Welcome Parrotheads...see you all soon....

Lenore

In the midst of this crazy week here in Key West I sadly announce that Captain Timmy, who was the recent and previous King of Fantasy Fest with Queen Kate Miano, has passed away unexpectedly. For sure there will be many tears as the Royal Float makes its way down Duval Street Saturday night....

Another big loss to the Key West community was the passing of Leslie Leonelli, co-owner of Pearls guest house for women here in Key West. A beautiful memorial was held last Saturday in her honor at the Southernmost Cafe. more info:http://keysnews.com/node/17243

No community feels the highs and lows of life more than Key West...and life not only goes on...but so does the big event this week...

So, in their honor, Key West will continue to have a bunch of folks living life to the fullest!!!

Check out the photo page with picture from the Coronation, the Pinktober Bra Auction, the Headdress Ball and the Pet Parade. I will be adding to it for all the other events from the week...

Trick or Treat???????????

Lenore

It's official...last nights coronation at La Te Da crowned Key West's new King, Ralph Garcia, and Queen, Vicki Gordon...it was a night of jubilance and fun with a cast of characters putting on a great show...

Don't forget to check out the official Fantasy Fest schedule in my previous news below as well as my performance schedule.

Lenore

First and foremost...this is the link for the official Fantasy Fest schedule for all events all over the island:

http://www.fantasyfest.net/schedule.cfm

Check out my own performance schedule for the month and Fantasy Fest Week at:

http://www.lenoretroia.com/calendar

or just go to "SCHEDULE" at the top of this page...

It's getting down to the wire for all the King and Queen candidates and in just one week we will see who will triumph. The coronation will be held at La Te Da on Friday October 23rd.

Hope to see some of you here during this wild time in Key West...if you can't make it, I will have a report in the coming weeks...

Don't forget that October is also Breast Cancer awareness month, so ladies don't forget your mammograms....

I'll be squeezing into my Vixen outfit shortly...And this year the parade actually falls on Halloween......

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!  

Lenore

 

Local Key West political campaigns produced an unseating of incumbent Mayor McPherson (you may have remembered his debut on national television a week after his term began and Hurricane Wilma hit the island) with new mayor elect Craig Cates. It might have been local scandles that triggered the change...but change the people saught and got...

But all of this was going on while the real campaigns for king and queen were underway with Green Queen Vicky (Gordon) and Lacy Stacy (Stahl) competing for the Queens crown which will be given up by Kate Miano, and Ralph Garcia (come blow a conch) and the Markeys (Patterson and Blackburn) sparring for the Kings crown currently worn by Captain Timmy.

With the weather cooling down ever so slighty, Fantasy Fest around the corner, a new mayor, and hurricane season just about over without incident, I believe this October is appearing to be off to a fabulous start...

I gotta go now and start getting my costume ready...time to get pump(kin)ed up...

See you soon....

Lenore

Well imagine that, an entire week of events was completed without any interuption, evacuation, cancellation or even a drop of precipitation this Womenfest 2009!!! I got to play music, listen to music, see independent film and even meet celebraties who inspired and entertained!!

The most fun I had this past week was jamming with some great women performers...I was asked to play the opening and closing party and both were well attended not only with the women visiting the island but the entire mix of tourists and locals that know how to enjoy life all together (now!). Fiddler, Gwen Bishop, wowed the crowd with her "Orange Blossom Special" kind of performing...and she can sing and play the guitar quite well also...

Also part of the jam was Laura Black and Michelle Dravis who really sang her butt off at the piano bar afterwards...too much fun girl!!!!

One of the surprising moments of the week was a luncheon honoring Kelly McGillis. The well known screen star who once got lost in the vortex of Key West partying returned to the island and shared her remarkable story of her journey back to sobriety...very courageous, inspiring and filled with hope...thank you Kelly...

Also, Sharon Gless (of "Cagney and Lacey" and "Queer as Folk") graciously presented her new movie "Hannah Freed" at the Key West Tropic Cinema...from start to finish this women is a class act, a shining star and a great role model. She was a pleasure for all of us to hang out with before and after the movie, and especially at the fabulous party following....

Great to see all the women musicians visiting the island from Jennifer Corday and her band from LA, to Connecticut based Sister Funk...they all worked hard in the heat and kept the party going...great job ladies!

Now what's that noise I hear...oh yeah it's the Harley parade...onto bike week and the Poker Run...

Check in next week for info on the Fantasy Fest candidates...

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Lenore

 

It's hard to believe September is actually here...and it may be a half degree cooler, but we are still in the hurricane zone...just have to make it to November somehow....sorry for all those affected by the bad storms that have gone north in the Atlantic...and prayers to those on the west coast of the US getting hit...

Thanks to Geri and Glenda for sending pictures of my shrimp boat gig with Marty Stonely on sax. It was one of the more unusual locations that I've ever played....check out this photo, and more on the photo page...

It'a also Fantasy Fest event time, and I am playing lots of show in support of the king and queen candidates...singing in a show this evening for Ralph Garcia. His theme is "Come Blow a Conch"!!! Of course this is adult entertainment after all...and I'll have more about the other candidates next time...

Looking forward to the traditional end of summer this Labor Day weekend with a full schedule, Aqua Friday, La Te Da Saturday, and the Gardens Sunday....then on to Womenfest next week as I will play the opening party on Tuesday with some fabulous women for the first all star "girl" band....stay tuned....

Hope to see you around the neighborhood....

Lenore

Happy August....still pretty hot down here in this Southernmost city...the standard greeting this time of year is "Hi, I'd give you a kiss, but I'm covered with sweat!"...but that didn't stop the crowds from enjoying Lobster Fest...a very packed Duval Street for that....and the Midsummers Night Dream Party at the Botanical Garden was a ball...we still know how to have fun down here heat and all....great line of musicians that went on all evening...

I now have my radio interview with a couple of cool guys out of Chigago up on this site....you can access it by clicking "Extras" on the naviagtion bar (last one on the top of this page). Then click "MP3 play whole song" to download.

You will have to save it by uploading it (shouldn't take too long)....I've been told it is entertaining and I tell lots of tales about Cuba, so it might be an interesting listen for you...

Aqua has now blossomed into a great Friday happy hour, La Te Da is wild and crazy as ever, and the Gardens Hotel is fabulous...so if you are in town, check out one of these shows and please come and say hello!!!

The New Hope project is almost complete and the film part of it will be headed to Sundance Film Festival in September. I am producing the CD for it, and we will be putting together a big show at the New Hope Playhouse in November...stay tuned for that...

Happy Birthday to all my Leo friends...

Later Alligator(s)...

Lenore

Feeling hot, hot, hot....yes it's a hot one here in Key West, and the air conditioners are at full force... and so are the electric bills!! We are all trying to stay cool while having fun doing it...

I have been trying out different colors for this website, and if some of you noticed me changing them in the last week it's because I have been getting reports that some colors are more readable than others....so I have settled on this lavender thing and hope that works for most of you...

The reason I changed the site to begin with is that I had a lot of people getting confused with how my schedule was set up thinking the date was not lined up with the place I was playing...so I thought a change might do some good...lets hope this one is more readable...

And speaking of my schedule, it has really turned into a fun one...the Friday Happy Hour at Aqua, with Dave behind the bar, has really grown and it's great to see my friends from all over showing up there mixing in with the local crowd so nicely....and Saturday nights at La Te Da are as wild and crazy as ever with Sassy at the bar....occasionally Ralph or Robin will fill in...and it's a whole new crowd joining in there as well...

The Gardens on Sundays is a wonderful hang out for everyone  and I get a chance to play as a band with Richie Chevilino on drums and Marty Stonely on Sax...two great players and great guys! And I just found out that Richies' Dad was a famous musician in Atlantic City, and Martys' Mom was a famous actress in England...show biz family guys...well my Dad used to sing in the shower....

So far not a hurricane in sight...so lets keep it that way I say...I am a little nervous about August...

I am working on a Cuba presentation with all the photos and video from my trip, but have been quite busy with other projects....still working on the finishing touches of the New Hope CD and also my new CD that I hope to have finished in the fall...

That's it for now...hope to see some of you here in Key West really soon...check out some of the great deals the hotels are giving out...Duval Street is still hoppin' dispite the economy...

hugs to all,

Lenore

 

Trying out a new look to the website....it's a work in progress...Lenore

A mixture of mellow moods and summer sizzle greets the beginning of July here in Key West...a note of sadness to the passing of Michael Jackson, Farah Fossett, Ed McMann, Billy Maize, and the hundreds if not thousands of other people who never got the gazillions of hours of media attention who also passed away during this same time period, and are just as important as the rest of these folks...and I'm sure have made their mark in life, obscure or otherwise but equally as meaningful. And it just goes to show that fame and fortune do not equal happiness....

So even though missiles are being tested in North Korea, the Taliban is rearing its ugly head, governors are creating scandals and resigning, people are still fighting for equality and others are trying to figure out how God fits into the government, we still live in the most amazing country on the planet, flaws and all, and this 4th of July should be a celebration of all that...and so much more...

Happy hot dog eating, beer drinking, family and friend gathering and fireworks watching....be grateful...and safe....!!!!

After the fireworks I'll be playing for the late night party...I'm anticipating a night filled with patriotic pandemonium....

Sparkle up and fly right....
Lenore

I've been so busy these past few weeks...I finally have a moment to write about what a great time I had in New Hope, PA...so much fun playing at the world famous John and Peters, a place loaded with musical history....loved hanging out with John and thanks for making me feel so welcome! Great to meet so many new people at the show...and see folks I haven't seen for quite a while....Beth and Ann, thanks for being there and for all the love and support....

And the follow up to that was playing at Karla's on Tuesday...what a night that was! All the music legends of New Hope showed up as did very old friends from yester year, legends themselves, in my eyes....my PA-Atlantic City friends...Jill and Kim an Sandy and Terry and new friend Laura...so great to see again...and jam with every one...check out the pictures at this link:
http://www.lenoretroia.com/photos.html
Many thanks to Mary Ann (already miss our long conversatons) and Paul for their gracious hospitality...from New Hope to Key West these fine folks will be my friends for life....and wonderful to get to know Matt, a gem of a guy....thanks for all your help....and speaking of help, many many thanks to Jon Danaher....what a guy...
and....thanks for providing all the PA equipment with your expertise, your musicianship...and the unique home you have...Jon, you are in a class of your own...great to meet you...

Great to talk to Bitsy, although you will always be Elizabeth to me....is that OK Doc?

and...

Aside from performing in New Hope, I have the pleasure of being a part of a production about New Hope which includes a movie, a book and a CD (of which I am producing)...and the creators of this venture are also, part of the Key West connection...Geri and Marilyn whose company, Up River Productions, is working hard on a project about the diversity of this small town on a river that has a rich history of writers, artists and musicians with a unique blend of people with different lifestyles living peacefully in this quaint community. Watch for "Embraceable You", it's title, and should be out in the fall.

I came back to play the Survivors Party in Key West...great fun on the Southernmost Beach...a traditional party that celebrates the end of season here on the island....And what a great surprise to see Joanna and Scott there, after seeing them in New Hope...you guys get around...and the noodle wrestle withTeri...left me speechless...I'm wondering how you were feeling the next day????

Lot's of fun places to play as this "next" season unfolds...hope to see some of you at some of those...

One more thing from last month....Thanks Chris for the Koala Bear (and baby bear) from Australia !!! Oh, for everyone else...they are stuffed...but very cuddly....

And...I still have lots more on Cuba coming up...I've been soooo busy, I have not been able to even look at my video yet...more pics will be up soon...

Also, I enjoyed doing an interview with a couple of great guys out of the Chicago area, Marty and John, that I will try to link here next time as well...like I said, I've been busy...so bare with me.....

So let me catch my breath....I know there is so much more that I'll remember...but that will have to wait til the next time...

hugs,
L

Hi folks,

Cuba was so much more than I imagined on so many different levels. You'll have to bare with me for a little bit of time while I organize the over 2000 pictures and several roles of video that I took and will present in the coming weeks.

Cuba is a land of music, art and dance, and what the people who live there lack in material wealth and the conveniences of our modern world, they make up in their intense cultural education and respect for artistic achievement. It is a land where time stood still in the late 1950's and as an isolated island in the middle of the Caribbean, it managed to find a pathway of survival all its own.

As an American who grew up during the cold war, I was overwhelmed to finally witness this forbidden society and see for myself how people live in a world where the ideology is diametrically opposite to that of the US...but of course, that is always what divides people, government, since the people of Cuba are as full of love and life as any in the world despite the circumstances of their existence.

I saw bread lines and heard of food rationing, and was frustrated to not see one grocery store of any kind anywhere. There were no electric tools of any kind…men cut down trees with machetes, no tractors for plowing, except broken down and abandoned on roadsides, plow and oxen in the fields. Of course old cars from the 30’s and 40’s were everywhere along with old Fiats, horse and carts, motorcycles and bicycles. The most amazing thing to see for me first off the plane after our bus got on the freeway was hundreds of people hitch hiking, men, women, children, families’ together, young and old waving pesos in the air hoping for someone to stop and give them a ride to town or the next province. This freeway was a road like I-95, with no center lines, no lanes…and a concentration of people would huddle under overpasses, (which were frequently bridges that were abandoned sections of highway that never were finished), to shelter from the sun or rain. Mostly, large open trucks would stop and people would climb aboard and get packed in like cattle before heading to their destination. I was mostly impressed to see so many young women using hitch hiking as a means of transportation.

Our tour was meticulously crafted, created after several trips taken by Carolann Sharkey who is the woman responsible for resurrecting the Key West Botanical Garden. Aside from being my new hero, in Cuba she is known as Mojito Sharkey, and I believe that the rum influence had something to do with us having the time of our lives on this trip!! She has been developing the cultural exchange program with the Cuban botanical gardens over the last several years. Along with “Havantours” guides Alexis and Yovanni, and driver Ivan, we had the most phenomenal tour imaginable of the eastern half of the island . Nonstop information was provided on the bus, like a college course of the history of Cuba featuring the revolution past and present. But best of all, when we weren’t learning, we were enchanted by our ‘men of Havana’ as they sprang one surprise after another on us.

There is so much to tell about this trip of a life time...so as I said, it will take time to get it all together. I’ve put up just a few pics for now…will do more in the coming weeks…http://www.lenoretroia.com/photos.html.

The hot weather is upon us here in Key West!!! So…stay cool ‘til next time……
Don't forget to check out my performance schedule...
http://www.lenoretroia.com/calendar.html Lenore

It's early Saturday morning and this is the last time I will write or even use the computer for the next ten days....so....I had such a great time playing at Aqua last night that I had to write about it....

What a great surprise to see Don and Becky Roman and receive such a beautiful gift....a special coin that they created to describe their vessel with info and emblem....they are the folks that had the sail boat the Andante, of which I learned the song from Sand Dancing....so good to see both of them...then Teresa and Connie from Orlando stopped by and had been too many years since I saw them...both looking fabulous and celebrating I think they said their 11th year together?? Wow, very impressive...

Joe and Amy got in earlier than expected...fantastic to see them since I have missed them for the past couple of visits....really wonderful old Key West friends....and Denise and Glen, who I re-connected with at the Southernmost parade the night before, also stopped by....and Emilio sported a great Italia shirt that he promised to do....don't forget to read his story on Sicilia in this Sundays paper...and of course my favorite locals, Dar and Teri, Naiomi, Lisa and Evie, Terry, Teresa, Nina (Martha R's sister), Mary Lou and Charlie, the fabulous pianist Charlie Lindburgh, P & E's illustrious leader, Wendy, a bunch of gentlemen and women who's names I do not know....Jill, Sandy, Shaun,Dave at the Bar, Inga, Randy Thompson, and please forgive me if I've forfotten anyone...when I remember, I'll come back and fill in the blanks...

Off to the airport...I'll have a full report about Cuba in about a week and a half....
Love to all.....
Lenore

To begin with, today is Gabriels' birthday...some of you know him and for those of you who don't, he is my Yorkshire Terrior and loyal companion who has lived and travelled with me to so many places....although he can't see a thing, and is also loosing his hearing, he is doing really well and has been enjoying his return back to Key West where he grew up....today he is 12 years old....

Also this month, I will be travelling to Cuba with the Key West Botanical Garden on a cultural exchange/humanitarian trip....and it is very timely that the island that is only 90 miles from Key West is now getting major international attention...so as I will be touching down in Havana on this coming Saturday afternoon, CNN will be doing a special on Cuba airing at 4 PM....I can't express how excited I am to finally be travelling to a place that has been such an enigma to me during all the years I have been a part of the Key West community......

I am also headed for Walgreens to stock up on a few things to bring and give away while in Cuba....it seems that they need things like aspirin related products, bandaids, and other drug store items....a thank you goes out to Rolando Rojas who is giving me a pack of guitar strings...apparently a shortage of those for musicians there...and to Marty Stonely for his donation of saxaphone accessories...all and all a true lesson in reminding me of what we take for granted here in the US...

This month Key West has once again prooved to be a town like no other....A Taste of Key West, held this past Monday down at the Truman annex Waterfront, is an event that has grown so much it is staggering. I can remember when I performed for the event years ago when it was held in the parking area of the Pier House with mostly locals....it now attracts seemingly thousands of people from everywhere....I thought I was in Times Square....what an amazing crowd....

This week is the islands' Conch Republic Days celebration...I will be helping out a new friend Mary Sporacio, film and TV producer and owner of LPTV.....going to film the parade on Duval St. and join some more new friends from the Sons of Italy Group ...another in the "who knew" catagory of surprises here in Key West...

Aqua has been so much fun this month with Postal Wendy making an appearance and bartender David reaching the big 27...so nice to make new friends, Brenda and Eddie (just like the Billy Joel song), and see some old freinds like Sue with her new sweetheart Ann...
Great to see Laura and Russ from Black and Skabuddah at La Te Da before their trip to Sedona....also, the Key West Symphony presented an amazing event, "Songs for a New World", with an amazing cast of singers and musicians...truely a ground breaking musical venture.....

Stay tuned for next months news surely filled with tales of Cuba and more adventures south of the border....
Spring is in the air.....enjoy!!
Lenore

Before coming back to Key West, a good friend told me that economic recovery would happen faster here than on the main land. So I wondered if this would be true....

Well, I can tell you that Duval street was jammed with the usual throngs of sun and fun seekers, spring breakers and local Key Westers...and all the clubs I have been playing in have been packed with folks from everywhere....so I can say with certainty that things are very good on the island, and it seems that people will still seek out the good life even faced with these economic times....

I may be tie-ing in a bit of February here, but wanted to mention new friends as well as visitors who spiced up the scene and added fun and frolic to the mix. Of course Kentucky made an appearance with Kathy who lured Becky into taking a vacation here finally, and when she did she dazzled some newbies (such cuties) Deb and Deanna from Pensyltucky....say what?....and Pearls would never be the same...or was it the Southernmost...oh well, all on the same street...never the less, even Mary Jo had a peice of the action at the new piano bar while the crew stayed out til the wee hours of songdum...thank goodness Kathy was there to chaperone....and Betty too...

A couple of other lovely ladies wondered down from Toronto, Audrey and Carol...always great to see new found love for the island in these faces....

But veterans also appeared...two old and dear friends who were the first folks I hung out with when I hit these islands so long ago...Pamela and Victoria...and did they have stories.... so fab to remember the old while the new was being created...

My musical adventures this month have been many...back at Aqua for another jamming happy hour with the great crowd that regularly stops by, thanks Jill!!...A fabulous auction for the Key West Symphony had me on stage playing my island tunes as I got auctioned to play at a party for someone (You better hope Debbie Meitz invites you to the party!!), and then got me involved with buying a spectacular painting that I couldn't resist. Glad to help raise money for these great musicians and Sebrina Alphonsos' great efforts (even though I had to give up my coveted ticket at the Waterfront to see my dear friend Vanessa McCaffrey with Randy Roberts and Christopher Peterson in the show of the year, Bitch Slap!!)...Also, playing with Marty Stonely has been a joy...not only a world class player, but a true gentleman...looking forward to many more gigs with him....always love the setting at the Key West Botanical Garden, one of our gigs ( and loved hearing Skipper and Gordy there too!..), and a place that is an amazing achievement on the island....and another first for me was performing under the Virgo full moon at the wonderful Island Alchemy, a haven hosted by my good friend Carol Morin, masuese extrodinaire and spiritual inspirer ...
Another highlight for me was sitting in at the Sunday "Sound Check" at the Green Parrot. I was invited by the fabulous drummer Richard Crooks to join in with the band that hosts this afternoon gathering...great players like Lonnie Jacobson on bass, Gordy Michaels on keys, and some other greats who were there for the ride....and a special mention about my good friend Peter Diamond, the ultimate jazz crooner who can tell a story more interestingly than anyone I know, accompanied by his lovely Holly...always a pleasure....and loved hanging out with my good bud Martha R....

One other mention is meeting yet another amazing new friend Michael McCabe...so talented is he...and his show at the Red Barn with Tracy Reynolds and Teri White, was incredible!!! Watch him for more great things to come!!! Also, loved working with his other half, Ralph Garcia, at La Te Da behind the bar!....

Then an emergency phone call from Patrick of Debra and ... called to have me fill in, and lo and behold there I was again for the first time in a long time, back on stage at La Te Da....dance floor packed and a great night had by all....

So...."Life is Good" has been the theme this month in Key West as the town continues to carry the 'escape capital' flag....

I am so looking forward to April....lots of playing for me and travel too....a trip to Cuba is in the mix and will surely be at the top of my adventure list....look here for stories about that next month.....

Til then, take off those shoes and hit the sand somewhere....even if it still is a little chilly...

hugs to all....
L

It's a great time to be in Key West....balmy weather and cool breezes abound....and new and old friends are gathering for great parties and events....hope to see more of you here soon!!!
hugs,
Lenore