The annual Parrot Heads’ Meeting of the Minds officially kicked off today in Key West — at least for me and my Wharf Rats. Started off the day with an impromptu performance at Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe. We stopped in to sample a piece of their key lime fudge (delicious, I highly recommend it) on the way to Irish Kevin’s. From the guitar case I was carrying, it must have been obvious that I was one of the trop rock artists in town for MOTM. I’ve always admitted I’ll play for gumbo. Apparently I’ll also play for key lime fudge.
Headed over to Duval to see my new friends, Michael Armstrong and Dave McKenney at Irish Kevin’s. A lively group of young ladies from Florida requested Mustang Sally, which gave me an excuse to join them on stage. While it’s not trop rock, I’ve always loved that song. After singing Pirate Looks at 40, it was time to head south to visit Koz, one of trop rock’s greatest supporters at Koz’s Green World Gallery.
Lunched at the Southernmost Cafe overlooking a turquoise blue sea, before heading back to Duval to perform in the Tropical Songwriter’s Showcase at T’s Bistro & Bar. Ran into some of my fellow trop rockers, Key West Chris Rehm, Dani Hoy, Swim Skinny and Loren Davidson, which is one of the best parts of participating in events like this. I love being able to kick back and listen to some great trop rock! 
Tomorrow it’s back to Duval for the Margaritaville Street Fair, then to Koz’s for my CD release party at 2pm. Hope you can join us!
…Schooner
Rich McGuire Music 