Six Keys Cultural Gems to Treasure

FLORIDA KEYS — In the easygoing Florida Keys, vacationing is an art form. And visitors seeking cultural experiences to supplement the Keys' subtropical "fun and sun" lure will find arts offerings in virtually all genres.

Visitors can satisfy their cultural cravings with unique visual art in galleries from Key Largo to Key West, quality events and festivals that spotlight the island chain's rich creative heritage, and performances by talents ranging from local to national.

While the Keys' cultural offerings are so varied and appealing that it's hard to single out just a few, here, in no particular order, are six can't-miss gems to enjoy and remember.

ONE: Humphrey Bogart Film Festival. In Key Largo, an island that shares its name with the title of a Humphrey Bogart classic (and was one of the film's settings), the actor's legacy takes center stage on the cultural calendar. Scheduled Oct. 18-22 this year, the unique festival typically is co-hosted by Bogart's son Stephen Bogart. Visitors can enjoy screenings of the late actor's films and others, parties and gatherings, and the chance to book canal cruises on the restored African Queen — the original boat from John Huston's 1951 film starring Bogie and Katharine Hepburn — which is docked at Key Largo. The 2017 festival commemorates the 75th anniversary of the iconic film "Casablanca."

TWO: Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration. Playwright Tennessee Williams lived in Key West from 1949 until his death several decades later. Williams fans honor his legacy with a multiweek series of "birthday" events each spring. With a Feb. 28 kickoff this year, the events are organized by the founders of the acclaimed Tennessee Williams Key West Exhibit that spotlights the playwright's life on the island. Highlights for 2017 include a March 26 reception recognizing the 106th anniversary of Williams' birth, screenings of films adapted from his plays, a theatrical evening titled "Tennessee Williams: His Words in Letters," a production of his masterful play "The Glass Menagerie" and contests for writers and artists.

THREE: Morada Way Arts & Cultural District. One of the Upper Keys' most popular regular arts events is the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District's Third Thursday ArtWalk in Islamorada. Scheduled the third Thursday evening of each month, the festivities feature national and Keys-based artists and art galleries at Morada Way between mile markers 81 and 82 — plus a blend of culinary art from local eateries and performances by local musicians and entertainers. But the district's enticing attractions are definitely not limited to art walk evenings. Morada Way's rich blend of visual artistry, fine crafts and great food can be enjoyed virtually any time. Upcoming special events include the March 19 Islamorada Seafood and Arts Festival staged with the Islamorada Moose Lodge.

FOUR: Key West's Unique Entertainment Experiences. As well as high-quality theater productions and musical performances, Keys audiences also can enjoy three unusual entertainment experiences: performances by Key West Burlesque and showcases at La Te Da's cabaret by female impersonators Christopher Peterson and Randy Roberts. Key West Burlesque, now in its 10th season, incorporates the art form of burlesque (currently enjoying a worldwide revival) into original full-scale theatrical productions with imaginative story lines, costuming, sets and choreography. Peterson's EYECONS shows feature the talented impersonator singing live in breathtaking and sometimes hilarious parodies of icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli and even Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. In "Randy Roberts Live!" the brilliant Roberts offers a live multimedia tribute to some of the world's most beloved female performers, including audience favorites like Cher and Bette Midler, while depicting them all himself.

FIVE: Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Outdoor Fest. Each spring, nature and wildlife enthusiasts, birders, photographers and adventure-oriented families can enjoy an intriguing exploration of four Florida Keys national wildlife refuges: National Key Deer Refuge, Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge and Key West National Wildlife Refuge. The action-packed family-friendly festival, set for March 11-18 this year, focuses on the diversity and richness of the Keys ecosystem. Attractions include guided birding and nature walks and boat trips, nature photography workshops, wildlife fairs, kayak excursions and Big Pine Key's Run with Deer 5k.

SIX: Papio Kinetic Sculpture Parade. Fans of "outsider art" stage an offbeat parade each May to celebrate the life and work of renegade metal sculptor Stanley Papio. Inspired by the late Key Largo folk artist's extraordinary creations, the Papio Kinetic Sculpture Parade is a lively procession of quirky mobile sculptures — all powered by human effort alone. Colorful sculptural floats, exotically decorated bicycles and other moving works of art begin at Key West's Custom House Museum and follow a route through the island's historic downtown. The parade and its associated events are scheduled May 5-7, 2017.

Florida Keys cultural information: fla-keys.com/arts-culture/

Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS

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