LenoreTroia.com: NEWS

December 10th usually means there are only 15 days left 'til Christmas, but this year it meant something more for Key West. It was the culmination of 2005's long awaited Fantasy Fest celebration. And for Key West not to have had Fantasy Fest would have been like the world not having Christmas. But it finally happened, and in a great way it seems to have brought real closure to a miserable hurricane season and prooved also that 'lil 'ol Wilma couldn't forever rain on that parade.
(Check out the pics on the photos page.)

I had a good talk with Doug Stripp who was coronated as Fantasy Fest king this year, (he's also my house mate) and he gave me a good run down. From his vantage point, which was a great one being a star in the parade, spirits were high and though a little more subdued than previous years, the energy from the crowd was wonderful. He also said that about half the amount of people who usually show up for the event were there this year and some folks enjoyed the ability to have fun without the excessive debauchery that usually occurs.

It seems Key West is up and running almost at full throttle again which is music to my ears. Hopefully all the merchants on Duval street will enjoy some good and badly needed business during the rest of this holiday season.

I still have many friends going through Wilma recovery and I wish them all the best. I'm thinking about you all every day....

11.5 more shopping days....

Keep sand dancing......
Sending love and hugs,
Lenore

Here is a letter I cut out of the Key West Citizen for all of you to read. One reason is for all my Parrot Head friends to see, and the other is that it is a good description of what happened to one of the homes out of many in Key West after Hurricane Wilma. I still think some folks didn't get from the mainland media just what happened on the island...

"Parrot Heads, community

generous after Wilma"

"In a time of grief and rebuilding I would like to relate a story of kindness.

I am a Parrot Head and a local for six years now. In the aftermath of hurricane Wilma, my fiancee and I lost everything we had. Four feet of water invaded our home, destroying as it came mementos of our separate and joint pasts. Along with all of our appliances and furniture, 90 percent of our clothing and personal belongings were lost to the flood waters.

I am not sure how it happened but one moment we were fleeing our home, wading through chest-deep water, and the next we were at the Fairfield Inn on the second floor watching our things float down Patterson Avenue. The one moment that I do remember was watching my Tiffany, who was carrying our dog over her head, slip and go under the water. She was safe at the end, but I have no idea how.

Chris Majchrowicz, the general manager at the Fairfield Inn, was kind enough to open his heart and his hotel for all of the families on Patterson, as well as others in the area who fled their homes. He provided food and drink, shelter and an attitude that let us know it would all be OK. I still owe him a 12-pack (I haven't forgotten).

When we returned to our homes days later, the daunting task of removing our destroyed belongings and dragging them to the street was before us. I broke down crying more times than I can remember and still do, but I knew that the people in the neighborhood would band together to help, and they did. We lugged dressers and refrigerators, we hugged and cried and pledged to stay and rebuild our shattered homes. My instant family had grown overnight by 50 people.

After two weeks of hauling debris, clearing out mud and tearing out walls, I got my chance to unwind. The Meeting of the Minds was scheduled a bit shorter this year, but went full steam ahead. Over the course of three days of events, I was awestruck time and time again by the kindness of my fellow Parrot Heads.

People from clubs all around the country and even Canada had heard of the destruction and wanted to help. Strangers that only knew I was one of their own sought me out to give me money, clothes, food and assurances that they would do whatever it took to help me back onto my feet again. A special thanks to Chestine Harris of the Cincy club.

Before, I had enough in my savings to stay for two weeks at the Fairfield and then I was done. FEMA and the Red Cross promised help, but the need was immediate and the Parrot Heads came to the rescue. I have never known better friends and family in my life.

So the next time you think of Parrot Heads, think of them as kind and generous. And remember that they are human and they give as they receive.

And the next time you pass your neighbor in his or her yard, wave and say hello. They might be all you have one day."
Dustin Sanders,
Key West"

Well said Dustin!!

Keep on sand dancing...
hugs,
Lenore

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I certainly feel thankful for sooooo many things!! Yes we are still recovering from hurricane season, but we are still here to recover! Another one of lifes challenges....and perhaps one of the things that go along with the wonder of spending time in paradise.

I am also feeling thankful for having so many great friends....and I actually got to hang out with some of them on my short trip to Key West last week. Love you all...stopped in to see my good friends Sue and JC in Key Largo, and they got me up to jam with Jimmy Hawkins and his son Felix, some of the finest musicians on the planet, (and of course JC).. and then enjoyed the stay at Pearls (thanks again Teri and Dar!...and great to see some of the rest of the gang, Terry and Robin and Mary Jo and Donna and Babs and Deb and anyone else I may have missed)...felt like a tourist in my own town! I also had the opportunity to spend time with my great family as well. I decided to be a part of a good old fashioned family get together...no performing on the holiday itself for a change. It was real quality time with Mom and Dad and the rest of the gang. Very relaxing after days of travel and clean up work in Key West.

I did perform the weekend before for a really special show which took place at Carefree Resort in Fort Myers. These ladies made us feel right at home and were a great crowd to play for. Looking forward to going back at some point in the future. Thanks gals!!!

Also had a great gig at the Hudson House for the Cold Spring by Candlelight Celebration Benefit for PARC in New York where I am at the moment. It's been a great experience connecting with new audiences in new places...

I'm also thankful for having the chance to record a new CD, (You Asked For It!)inspired by my audience! Don't forget to check it out on the "Buy CD's" page...and don't forget that CD's make great stocking stuffers!

Where ever you are spending the holidays, I hope you all enjoy them to the fullest!!! I'll keep you posted as to where I might be performing....

Keep on sand dancing......
hugs,
Lenore

IT'S OFFICIAL...Doug Stripp is the new king, and Helen (Redd) Smith aka Helen of Troy the new queen! Key West has now added two more to the Fantasy Fest royal court. ( Check out photos on my photo page, taken from Neil's photos on P&E).
Congatulations to both of them and many thanks to all their hard work and outstanding contributions after such a long campaign.

Also to be congratulated are the other canditdates, Gina for Queena Masserati and Cowboy Ken, who both worked extremely hard as well to raise money for this annual cause.

As Quoted from the Key West Citizen today:
"Robert Walker, executive director of AIDS Help, could not say enough about this year's four candidates and their heroic efforts, and although each candidate agreed to suspend fundraising efforts as the town dried itself off, a coronation was still a must. "

"Outgoing Fantasy Fest King Jean-Claude Gosselin happily pointed out that he and his Queen Ginger King are the longest-reigning Fantasy Fest royalty. "This has been such a rewarding experience," Gosselin said. "And we thought we had it bad last year with four storm threats — these guys had to do it with four actual storms. But the clients at AIDS Help are more in need than ever now, and I hope people keep that in
mind."

Jeane-Claude and Ginger did an extraordinary job during their reign this past year! They will be missed, but never forgotten!!

Also to be recognized are the campaign managers for the candidates. In particular Teri Johnston, who headed up the team for Doug Stripp. I had the pleasure of working on some of their events and witnessed the tireless devotion they had in raising money for AIDS Help of Key West. It was an honor to participate with them.

For more details about the coronation please visit:
www.keysnews.com

I will be performing at the following benefit that two wonderful guys , Rhett and JT, have organized to help hurricane Wilma victims in Key West. Please come and show your support if you are in the area!!!:

The Hurricane Wilma/Sister Season Benefit

Friday November 11. 2005
8 PM
O.W.'s (Oscar Wilde's)
58th ST between 2nd and 3rd in NYC

A bunch of businesses have donated great things for the silent auction (Including a free 3 night stay at Atlantic Shores, including breakfast!), and we want to thank everyone...If anyone else is able to donate any items/packages to the auction, it's not too late...contact me, or JT by friday afternoon, and we will add it to the fundraiser (and we will make sure every donor is VERY well publicized!)

The Owners of O.W. Bar (Scott and Paul) have been a HUGE help...they have contacted HUNDREDS of donors, and philanthropists who have supported O.W.'s fundraisers in the past (including Fran "The Nanny" Drescher, Christian "TRICK" Campbell, and Harvey Fierstein!)

So sorry to be missing the coronation....but I will have info about it posted here by the weekend......Hope to see some of you soon!!!!

Hugs,
Lenore

I'm feeling very somber about this last week spent cleaning up my home in Key West. Some friends were left homeless, some people are struggling about money, and the vision of blocks and blocks of the insides of peoples homes out on the street was quite heartbreaking. No it wasn't as bad as New Orleans or Misssissippi.....but it was bad.
My house was flooded from the bay side of the island. We were actually lucky in one sense because the water that flowed through the house was clean and clear. Cleaning up reminded me of cleaning out the beach bag after a day at the beach....only it was a giant beach bag with lots of compartments! It was a continuous job and Susan and I finally left the house after three days to have dinner with some friends. A nice break after dining on MRE's. (Pringles and more pringles...) Other houses were flooded with mud and muck and there were stories of snakes and other sea life passing through. Then to add insult to injury, we had a monsoon type thunder storm hit a few days ago flooding the island again. At that point people were getting really demoralized. It has been yet another test in strength and resilience.

The best news was that no injuries occured as a result of the storm, and since there were few who evacuated Key West, that was great news.

I will be back in Key West at the end of the month to continue the clean up and repairs on the house. I didn't have a chance to see many of my friends this time, so for those of you that I missed, I hope you are OK and please know that I have been thinking about you. I am going to try and write to you individually......

The day before I left the island I was running some errands in town and as I came out of the post office I was hit with a moment of reality that stopped me in my tracks. It was the reality of a gorgeous day with picture perfect weather....and for a moment I truely forgot that Wilma had ever been there. I looked around at this incredible place called Key West and felt a deep sense of joy. It was as if the island was saying "Don't worry, I'm still here!" This too will come to pass. In time we will hopefully see this hurricane as something cleansing...and as we replace the floors, walls, appliances and furniture in our homes, we will be reminded that the paradise we wish to possess is a precious place indeed...and it owes us nothing....and it's us that owes it gratitude for letting us inhabit it.

And it did (check out photo page). Now I've always encouraged sand dancing in the living room, but I didn't really mean to literally invite the jelly fish....

So folks, the thing I feared most about a hurricane, aside from the roof blowing off, actually happened in Key West. Yes the gulf and the ocean decided to have a meet and greet in my house and all I can say is that I'm sure glad I didn't waste time vacuuming the day before. But in all seriousness, it was very serious....and very scary for those who hunkered down in their homes and rode out Wilma.

Now, just to be clear, I was not one of those folks. No, I didn't evacuate, I just didn't happen to be there this weekend because I was scheduled to be in NY for a concert with some wonderful musicians and folks in this part of the world who came together to raise money for the Women's Resource Center of Putnam County. It was great fun and a big success.....but I watched anxiously and uncomfortably from afar as my friends back on the island dealt with the mess....and I salute my two incredible housemates, Doug and Kevin who endured it all, and helped to minimize the damage. They managed to keep their heads above water with a ring side view of the event from the roof top of the house.....and then made quick and smart decisions all the rest of the way. I am grateful that neither were injured.... and that my other friends in Key West who have suffered material losses are still with us in body and soul.............

So I shall return to Key West on Thursday Oct. 27th with Susan, and the two of us will pick up where our weary freinds left off, and hopefully give them a break from the never-ending hurricane haze that they have been embroiled in. "Seaweed on my sofa, looks so lovely...."
(sung to the melody of "Sunshine on my shoulder..." I know it's about as bad as the house is going to smell......)

Oh, I may pick up a gig somewhere...but that all depends on the electricity... Keep an eye on the schedule page....

I know we saw the agonizing footage from the gulf coast....but when it happens to you personally....well you know what I mean.
So it has been a historical week in Key West, not only because of Wilma, but also because Fantasy Fest has been postponed. I'm not sure when it will be, but I do know one thing.....it's going to be a hell of a party.......

For more info about Wilma and Key West check out
www.keysnews.com
Keep on sand dancing..........
hugs,
Lenore

Here we go again. Another nerve wracking hurricane season......but there is a big difference for Key West with this one. This is the beginning of Fantasy Fest week.... and already the coronation for king and queen has been postponed. I have many freinds who have been working tirelessly to raise money for AIDS Help over this past summer and right up until this week. They are very anxious (as am I) to see who will be crowned.....but this will have to wait another week.
Hopefully, it will be an opportunity to raise even more money.
But the tension builds with the unknown path of WILMA!!!!! (Where's Fred? and Pebbles for that matter??) I've been in Key West for years and I always remember Fantasy Fest being a week of great weather...sunshine and a decent temperature. Let's hope by Wed. of next week it will be another typical Key West forecast.....and to all the candidates, hang in there........
Don't forget, there is still time to buy a "Sing for the King" CD at:
www.dougstrippforking.com (or check out my BUY CD'S page)
It is a wonderful assortment of performers from the Florida Keys and it is a win-win purchase. You buy it and enjoy the music, and you give to an important organization, AIDS Help of Key West. Believe me, they'll appreciate it more than you can imagine!!!!..... And for all of you planning to visit Key West and for all my dear freinds who are there right now, I am sending a message to the great spirit of the sky to please go easy with this one.
And thanks to all of you who have written or called and offered your home to me if I needed to evacuate.

However, I am very fortunate to be in New York at this time. And I am looking forward to performing at the Womens Resource Centers' annual concert this Friday, Oct. 21st at the Town Crier in Pawling, NY. It is a wonderful night of music by a variety of performers. Percussionist, guitaris/vocalist Laura Wood will be joining me, and she is also one of the artists on the "Sing for the King" CD and was a part of the Key West concert as well. For those of you in the area, check my schedule page for more info.

Don't forget to sign my guest book to let me know you stopped by!

And 'til next time....keep sand dancing!
Hugs!
Lenore

I've been back in Key West and what a week it has been. Last night the Sing for the King concert was a great success....thanks to all who supported the show...and a very special thanks to the musicians who performed....Larry Smith and Christine Cordone, Laura Wood, Bobby Nesbitt, David Feder, Tyler Everett, J.C. Costello, Micah Gardener,and Yankee Jack...and of course the Blinkettes!!! It was especially rewarding since all that fun went to a good cause...AIDS Help of Key West, and the campaign for Doug Stripp for king.......

And now I am headed back to the northeast to do some shows..... hope to see some of you at the Town Crier in Pawling, NY. I will return to Florida in November...look for my shows posted on the schedule page.

Til next...keep on sand dancing........
Hugs!
Lenore

Hi folks!

Back on line again and ready to point my self south on I-95. Been spending some wonderful time in the northeast, escaping from those hurricanes, but I'll be back in Key West by the end of the month (Sept) and I'm looking forward to some fun shows that are scheduled in early October.

I've got a new CD called "You Asked For It" that will officially be released on the internet very soon...and another CD that I produced which is available now (with all proceeds going to Key West's Aids Help) in the tradition of the Fantasy Fest fundraiser. It's called "Lenore Troia and Friends (Sing For the King)" and you can purchase it at www.dougstrippforking.com (Doug is running for Fantasy Fest King this year!) or check out the "Buy CD" link on this web site for more info.

This site is still under construction, so I will be adding lots more for you to check out. Don't forget to leave your email address or sign the guest book if you like!

I'm looking forward to seeing you at one of my shows real soon!

Keep sand dancing.........

Hugs,
Lenore