Key West The Newspaper

The local Singing Iguana Productions LLC was established in 2011 for the specific purpose of producing the first Key West Musicians Festival and founders Ken and Laura Floyd and Steve Mellette couldn’t be happier. Coming up on the fifth annual festival, set for Sept. 19-20, 2 p.m. till 9 p.m. both days at Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, the company has successfully showcased local musicians and entertained locals during the slow season. Admission is free.

Even better, through sales of commemorative CDs and T-shirts the company raises funds for Sister Season Fund, the “locals helping locals” charity that in barely more than a decade has raised and distributed more than $210,000 to locals in the entertainment and hospitality industries to keep a roof over their heads and the lights turned on when they can’t work through no fault of their own.

“Laura and I came to Key West in 2009 from Texas on vacation and like many others before us we stayed,” wrote Ken. “Music has been a part of my daily life since I was around 10 and Laura has always been into art. We met Steve Mellette by chance at the Bottle Cap where he is a bartender. Steve is a major musical supporter in town. . . .Early in 2011 during one of our frequent conversations regarding the Key West music scene, I asked Steve what he thought about starting a Key West Musicians Festival, local musicians and song writers playing for locals in one intimate setting . . . without all the hoopla and aggravation of the tourist season. Steve said that was a great idea and we started to work on making it happen.”

Sister Season Fund was Laura’s idea. She “thought it would be a good idea to use the festival to raise money for a local charity and she felt she had the perfect one–Sister Season Fund,” Steve wrote. “They were a good match for the festival,” Laura said.

“With the help of another friend and musician, Jeff Shenandoah, we convinced Charlie Bauer to host the festival at Smokin’Tuna Saloon the third weekend of September 2011. It was a big success and we decided to make it an annual event,” Ken continued. “I handle the legal and financial aspects, Laura marketing, and Steve handles booking and scheduling. The local musicians and songwriters who have already confirmed to play the 5th annual festival is fantastic and more to come. Many new players too,” said Ken. “This year’s festival is really going to rock!”

Key West Musicians’ Festival has been both an artistic and financial success. The festival raised over $5,000 for SSF last year, Ginger King, SSF president emeritus reported.

For additional information phone King at (305) 849-0991.