Public Chalk

Key West: The land of Jimmy Buffet look-alikes, neon-colored drinks & run-away Cubans – oh, and a music scene. Who would’ve thought? While wandering down and off the beaten path of Lincoln Street, I stumbled (literally) upon some unique treasure in Key West (pun intended):

Suenalo

I discovered they were a local favorite(even though they are from Miami), when I was referred to them 3 times in a  few hours. The Green Parrot hosted this diverse group of musicians which had the crowd jumping, clapping, romping, etc etc. And they showcased a rapper that could battle Eminem and win – he was that fast. All in all, great band with a feel good vibe that you can only find in the Florida Keys. Wailing music for any age.

http://www.myspace.com/suenalo

Nick Norman

Don’t think he is an island treasure compared to Suenalo, but I fell in love with his voice while sipping cocktails in the tucked away Virgilio’s lounge. Yes, he played the standard acoustic guitar line up: DMB, Ben Harper, Allman Brothers…however, his voice was pristine. He had that uncrackable voice that didn’t strain when it gracefully sailed into the higher notes. His voice could outsurf our recently announced American Idol any day.