Key West The Newspaper

Donavon Frankenreiter concert will be a wave the whole family can drop in on.

At the beginning of this month, acoustic-smooth Donavon Frankenreiter kicked off his East coast tour and will amble down beach towns to land amid the southernmost city on Sunday, August 30 for his East coast finale concert at the historic Fort East Martello’s parade grounds located just steps away from the Atlantic.

Frankenreiter first rocked his chops to the roar of the waves while still a boy living in Southern California and Hawaii, sponsored by the surfing lifestyle brand Billabong. Since then, he’s toured with the likes of Jack Johnson, launched a solo singer-songwriter performance career with 11 albums under his surf trunks, and is raising a family both on and off the road, typically in locales synonymous with surfing.

Though our local seas are not the stuff of surfers’ dreams, Frankenreiter’s music and charismatic attitude are sure to send waves of energy out into the crowd. His concerts are known for his intimate, “feel-good” music and relaxed atmosphere that at times ramps up for upbeat dancing in front of the stage. The famed musician with a legendary moustache will perform from nearly ten years of solo hit recordings including his recent release “The Heart”. The event also features young Australian Cody Simpson and his recent record release “Free”, an effort Frankenreiter contributed to. Simpson’s style blends the acoustic smooth surf sound with a catchy, pop rock flair.

The event is part of the Music at Martello Series— a program established by Key West Art & Historical Society to promote the arts and bring live music to the Keys— and is produced by KWAHS in partnership with Key West Concert producers Evan Haskell and Marky Pierson.

“Donovan’s music is a great fit for our community,” says Haskell. “His folky, island vibe and ability to entertain and connect with an audience makes him a very popular performer among a wide span of ages. Even my kids really like him.”

Frankenreiter chuckles at being billed “a family kind of rock star.”

“I didn’t really start (doing solo recording and performing) until I was thirty, and by then I had a wife and two kids,” he says.

But tell him that your favorite song on his new album is “Little Shack” and he’ll laugh even more.

“That’s great,” he chuckles again. The song was culled from an evening when his son Hendrix, 12, was jamming on his electric guitar and Frankenreiter took interest.

“He taught ME the chords to that song,” he says. “Both of my sons are getting into playing music now,” he says of Hendrix and Ozzie with a hint of pride. (It goes without saying who some of Frankenreiter’s musical inspiration comes from).

In fact, Frankenreiter says he is “most proud of finishing this album, of being a father, of being a husband.” Which makes him a perfect fit for KWAHS and Key West concerts, who look to embrace quality, family-friendly programming where it can.

The concert will also feature a “festival-like” atmosphere with artist vendors, food vendors, and a “kid’s zone” complete with a bounce house, sprinkler station, face-painting, castle-making, an art area along the parade grounds and a “backyard casual” setup for the early-evening concert. There will also be an exhibit and picnic prior to the concert inside the fort’s citadel, featuring art made by children who attended this summer’s ArtCamp!, the oldest-running camp in the Keys, started by KWAHS decades ago.

Frankenreiter’s current tour launched the same day his new album, “The Heart”- an intimate, 11 song contemplation of love and life— was released. Their initial release is making “Big Wave(s)” across the airwaves with its catchy, upbeat groove and soulful lyrics of love, proving that “The Heart” has the beats and rhythms synonymous with his famed feel-good anthems.

Surprisingly, Frankenreiter says that “songwriting doesn’t come easy” for him. The musician leaned into collaborations with friend and co-writer Grant-Lee Phillips on many of the album’s songs. But Frankenreiter also says Phillips encouraged him to bring it back to simplicity and honesty, and the songs flowed out “with heart.” Four of the 11 “songs for lovers” are written solely by Frankenreiter, who is not only a father and husband but was also a son to his own supportive and loving father who lost his battle to leukemia very shortly after Frankenreiter finished recording the album. The last song on the album, “California Lights,” is dedicated to him.

“That was really emotional,” he says, reflecting on the recording time in the studio. “There were a lot of heart-opening experiences happening for sure with that.”

KWAHS has been hard at work innovating ways in which to bring back the essence of family and tradition in its initiatives. Music At Martello is one such program helping to invite the community back into the fort where KWAHS began.

“The goal of Music At Martello is dual,” says Gieda. “It underscores the Fort’s tradition as a local community gathering point and brings large events and concerts to Key West while supporting the mission of the Society by promoting the art, history and culture of the Florida Keys.

“And of course we are thrilled to be hosting Donavon as part of the program,” says Gieda. “His music reflects the laid-back vibe of the Keys.”

Frankenreiter expresses interest in the historic venue and the fact that it is an event where all ages are welcome.

“I want my music to be for everybody,” he says. “It’s pretty cool to think about families gathering together like that for the show.”

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for the “backyard casual” setup that will include some hay bale seating, food, and libations. Portions of the concert’s proceeds, sponsored in part by Pirate Radio, Florida Keys Media, We Cycle, WonderDog Productions, Ecoscapes, Help Yourself, and Shipyard Brewing, will help fund KWAHS educational programs and initiatives. The concert is expected to sell out; advanced discounted ticket purchase is available at www.KeyWestConcerts.com for $25.

Doors open from 3:00-4:00 for the ArtCamp! exhibit and picnic and at 4:30 for the concert grounds; the opening show with Cody Simpson starts at 5:45 and Frankenreiter will continue through twilight. Tickets purchased on site are $30, children under 12 are free. Key West Art & Historical Society members can call 305.295.6616 x 106 for special member-priced tickets and to join KWAHS to receive member benefits.

Parking will be available for $5, bike parking is free. For more information call 305.295.6616 x 106 or visit KWAHS.org.

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