Micah: Journal

It's been a strangely wonderful year playing music. Time for a little recall and writing time. My last gig in town before taking a break will be at the Island Grill on Monday the 4th. If you can make it to the Outback on Sunday make sure you stick around until the last set. Martiney, Trevor and Tom from the Sea Base have been showing up and adding some extra flavor. Cheeca Lodge on Saturday. This is a very relaxed gig...I feel like I should be doing Don Ho covers. Fun Gig.
Sharkey's on Friday night. I need a band for that gig...Friday night.
Thursday at Rum Runners's
Wed...diving for lobsters with Tidalwave Dave and Nina down around Bahia Honda. Today is a Pepper Day. Grabbing the hound and heading to the beach to finish reading Hemingway's To Have and Have Not. Peace

Hey everybody, this weekend we will be raising money for two friends of the Keys.
Veronica's benefit is on Saturday at Bud N Mary's starting at 5. Veronica passed away last week and we are helping her 6 year old.
Jesse Kelsa is a local musician and a great person. His benefit is on Sunday at the OV. He needs money for his operation. I know that times are tough but as a community we have always been good to one another. I'll see you there.

A word of Congrats to our buddy Sean..aka...Shaggy!
Everybody should own a bar, Shaggy picked Luperon Harbor in the Dominican Republic and will cater and focus on traveling sailors from around the globe. I'm looking forward to getting down there soon and jamming out the session.
See you soon Shaggy.
PS. Stop getting thrown out of airports.

Last Saturday, traveling musician Hugo Duarte and his singing partner Emily stopped by Bud N Mary's Marina to play a very intimate concert inside of all places, the boat barn. The show was outstanding and Hugo's performance left no doubt in anyone's mind as to why he has been successful for over 30 years.
Thanks to those who bought tickets to a BYOB party and endured the rain storm to have a listen. I had a great time and hope it took the locals back to the earlier days of Islamorada.
Special thanks to everyone who helped make it happen.
Tom Smith "The Grape Guy" of the Upper Keys Wine Guild!
Mike Wilcox for playing the middle man with several projects, Meeja and Claudia Miller artist and journalist, Angela over at Breeze Palms, Chef George over at Holiday Isle for the killer fish dip, thanks to Richard Stanzick the owner of Bud N Mary's, Little Mike and Diane and of course The Mighty Sparrow.
"Don't be fooled by the hat"
Best of travels Hugo and Emily!

If it rains we are going to move the stage into the boathouse.
Hope to see everyone there!
Peace

If it rains we are going to move the stage into the boathouse.
Hope to see everyone there!
Peace

Last night at Rum Runners was the last of the Barstool Sailors. Great 1st set, Nick is funny as hell. Thanks to those who showed up.

Islamorada late night is a wonderful place.
Hermit crabs crawl out in search of food and drink, only to leave their signatures on top of the sandbar. Meanwhile, Henry's Ghost train continues South Whistling at Dead Animals...Purple Insomniacs.


Cheers to all of those who buy the rounds and rack the tables until the lights come on and Spring's (664-4331) taxi arrives.

Special Solo Concert with Hugo Duarte
Saturday, July 12
7:30 PM
Sparrow’s Nest at Bud and Mary’s Marina
BYOB
Limited Tickets: $15
Available at Bud and Mary’s or from Micah Gardner

Turn the clock back to 1976, and you’ll find Hugo Duarte playing at Whale Harbor in Islamorada. In those days, he would come down from Charlotte, North Carolina to play over eighteen weeks a year. Now, he lives in Wilmington, North Carolina and travels all over the United States with the Full Sail Band.
On Saturday, July 12, Duarte will be stopping in for a one-night solo performance at Sparrow’s Nest behind Bud and Mary’s Marina. Duarte said that he is looking forward to this concert because it is going to be like a homecoming.
“This is a rare treat,” he said. “I wrote a number of tunes while I was in the area of Islamorada, Plantation Key, Tavernier and Key Largo. People are going to hear some great stories about how these songs came about.”
Born of Cuban, Chinese, and Scotts-Irish ancestry, Duarte’s music is as diverse as his origins.
“My music doesn’t fall into one particular genre,” he said. “There’s some influences from country, bluegrass, Afro-Caribbean, rock and others. I’m very proud that we’re not easily pigeon-holed. It reminds you that the world is a big place and that there are a lot of different artistic things available to you.”
Duarte promises a night of original favorites from his three CDs Another Day in Paradise, Places Along the Road and Don’t be Fooled by the Hat, as well as newer songs that are steeped in American history.
He said that the title track of Don’t be Fooled by the Hat is a statement about taking a moment to listen to something different without making a snap decision based on appearances. Duarte is known for wearing his signature cowboy hat, but anyone who stops to listen for a moment will find a myriad of musical styles other than country music in each song.
“Most of the time people come out of a show saying, ‘Dang, this is really good. We didn’t expect to hear something that was going to grab us.’ We love all the times that people get it, and they didn’t plan to get it when they got there. But they got it anyway. It’s real nice.”

Some happenings...Full Moon Parties, Shaggy, Latitudes and Attitudes, Bud N Mary’s, Kayak Shack, Otherside Kiteboarding, Rum Runners, Nomadic State of Mind, Cheeca Lodge, Scobles!

Next Wednesday, June 18th is the Morada Bay Full Moon Party. I'm playing from 5 to 9 under the Tiki Hut. I haven't played too many of Full Moons but I’ve partied at as many possible over the years. Good Times...
On a side note...my girlfriend Nina will be next door working the bar at Pierre's. I’m encouraging everyone to stop by and wish her a Happy Birthday at midnight! Her shift starts at 6pm and finishes around 6am. Hardcore.
Speaking of Birthdays...Thanks again to everyone from Bud N Mary's who came by Outback to help me celebrate. I lost count after 9 JAGGER bombs. The 3rd set must have been wonderful to listen too...the evening was washed down with one huge bottle of champagne. Someone call Spring...I need a Taxi! Thanks for not letting me take the boat out when we got home.
I have a new fish bone necklace compliments of Charlie and Denise Scoble. I retired the last one that was on the cover of Days Go By a couple of years back. Thanks.
Got some new duds to wear to my gigs from Nina...I am still in my favorite shirt after 3 weeks. A fedora and a pair of checkered Vans from newly engaged Brother Greg and Sister Sarah...Congratulations!!!
What else...For the Seasoned Sailors who might find themselves out on the ocean for some long voyages you can now hear Pepper Dog Music on Latitudes and Attitudes Radio Station. Thanks to Steve Hall from the Eric Stone Band for grabbing the wheel and promoting indie troprock artists on Latitudes and Attitudes internet radio station. Listen for Rob Mehl and The Eric Stone Band. Laid Back.
How did all this happen...A couple of months back a good friend "Shaggy" sailed off to the Dominican Republic’s Luperon Harbor. He took a couple of copies of The Backside of Sunrise with him and made sure that all of his sailing buddies got a listen. Somehow "Shutters" ended up on the local radio station during Hurricane Felix. If you go to LINKS you can navigate to
Latitudes and Attitudes Radio.
Sending out the love to Chris at Nomadic State of Mind. Happy Festivals and Bonnaroo!
The Summer months are hear...time to get on the water...Thanks Zombie for the fishing.
The Backcountry Cowboy and Kayak Shack are both great places to start if you are traveling through Islamorada.
I am picking up some nights at The Cheeca Lodge in town thanks to the new food and beverage manager Todd.
July 12th, ....well you’ll have to come back to read up on Hugo. Mark your calenders...
Finally, Thursday nights haven’t been the same without Nick Kimball and a few other good friends who have left for the summer. The music is missing a couple of ears. Peace everyone.

I haven't had a chance to download the pics from last Saturday's party at the marina so check out Bud N Mary's Website to get a peek.
Thanks to everyone who come out...Sparrow, Diane and Tom Maher for making it happen.
Chris Miller and Jimmy Lozar played some great tunes with Luke and Alex sitting in on drums and bass.
I can't wait for the next one.
Pictures should be up soon.

Finally have a myspace account...um...islandmicah
Groovy

Hey Everyone,
We are doing an end of the season party Saturday at Bud N Mary's Uncharted Bar...it isn't a real bar but a place to jam and eat some fish taco's with pirates and poets. It is byob. Starts around 6 and goes until around 10...jammin

Life and Music

Theodore W. "Ted" Kimball
ORRINGTON - Theodore W. "Ted" Kimball, 65, died unexpectedly in his sleep, with his wife by his side May 23, 2008, at his home. He was born Sept. 13, 1942, in the same home, the son of the late Ernest and Ivy (Linden) Kimball. Ted was a loving, sensitive and compassionate man, who was loved and respected by a world of friends from all walks of life. He loved his family more than anything and left a piece of himself with each of us. He was an innovative and creative man of many talents. He was always there with a smile for anyone who needed a hand. He shared many laughs and good times with countless people. His spirit and drive to make life better for others was an example for us all. Ted had a soft side for animals, rescuing many, and will be missed by Midnight and Patches. Ted was a dedicated union man and was to receive his 50-year membership award this year. He was a business agent for International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen Local No. 7-ME from 1969 to 1989. Ted was a strong voice for the working man and dedicated his life fighting for workers' rights. Ted's favorite topic of conversation was politics. He was patriotic to his country and a true believer in democracy. Ted ran for state Senate in 1980 and state Representative in 1984. Ted was a past officer of Orrington Democratic Town Committee and participated in many civic and volunteer organizations. He frequently voiced his strong Democratic Party convictions. Ted had varied interests from car racing and restoration, motorcycles, snow-mobiles, an avid sports fan and camping to name a few. He found a deep connection to nature and peace when hiking on his land. Ted loved to cruise in his 1956 Chevy Bel Air, his "pride and joy." Ted was a member of the Exiles M/C for many years. He will be sadly missed by his brothers. Ted was a founding father of United Bikers of Maine and their Political Action Committee. He was an organizer and past pre-sident of Eastern Maine Snowmobile Association He was also an officer of "Life in the Past Lane" Nostalgia Auto Club. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jan (Hurd) Kimball of Orrington; six children, Nick Kimball of Orrington and Tavernier, Fla., Katie Rose Kimball of Orrington, Jill and her husband, Neil Cross, of Sandy Point, Holly Kimball of Islamorada, Fla., Kathryn and her husband, Scott Randall, of Bangor, and Theodore Kimball II of Orono; brother, Walter Kimball and Debbie White of Islamorada, Fla.; two grandchildren, Erica Smith and Austin England; two great-grand-children; his "favorite sister-in-law," Dale and husband, Tim Quimby, of Orrington; brother-in-law, Craig Hurd of Rockland; mother-in-law, Shirley Hurd of Orrington, and late father-in-law, Walter C. Hurd; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

Not sure what to write today...
Last night after the gig Nick's father Ted Kimball passed. He lived up in Maine but would visit the Keys for weeks at a time. Ted was the coolest of the cool and at 65 the picture of health and humor. One of the funniest and most positive people I have ever hung out with. He is going to be missed by thousands of us lucky enough to have spent a conversation and even more for those whom he passed along some good life lessons. He was that kind of Dude. Nick is heading back home in a few hours, back to Maine to be with his sister and mom. Please say some prayers if thats your thing.
Nick and I played the season as the Barstool Sailors and had a lot of great jams on and off stage. Last night we played Rum Runner's as the Karma Truck band and the harmonies and guitar licks were awesome. Seems like the gig was months ago already in light of everything. Love ya like a brother. Peace Ted.

Recovering from a week of partying with family and friends...did a couple of gigs in there too...
Bartender's weekend is always a great time to let the guard down and drink furiously. Free booze 11 to 1 on Tuesday ...I found myself at Holiday Isle trying to keep up with the best trained livers in South Florida's. Competitive Partying at it's best followed by a boat ride to the sandbar.
We finished the day with Nina wake boarding back to the house....

This last weekend was about as full as it can get. Thursday night at Rum Runner's! The last of the acoustic duo gig..."Barstool Sailors" at least for a while. Nick Kimball and I played Rum Runner's over the year and I thought we had our best performance...peeked you might say?. Thanks to all of you who came out to take it all in...hear comes The Karma Truck. Luke Ptomey and Alex Caldwell are the best bass drum section in Islamorada. So... Instead of playing as a duo, we'll get about 6 weeks to play as a band. Come on out on Thursday night to Rum Runner's. Nick will be heading up to Maine for some family time mid July...then the Truck heads back to the shop for some fine tuning.

Special thanks to Poppa French and his annual fishing on The Reel McCoy with Capt. George. 5 Permits released over 40 pds each!!!
Happy Birthday Guggy! Great to see you Fox and Sanford! Jon we'll keep in touch and see where the music leads...everyone check out "Jinglelicious.com"

Making it all happen...Tidalwave Dave brought his boat "Burning Daylight" up from No Name Key for a second day of fishing and he managed to land a huge tarpon right off the dock at the end of the day. Nice boat work William!
Friday night I surprised everyone including myself by playing the Green Turtle (covering for Dave Feder who was busy preparing for Nyan Feder's Bar Mitza!) What a great venue with incredibly cool vibe. The food kicks ass and people that work there are some of the best in Islamorada.
Saturday...Karma Truck pulled into Holiday Isle and played it's first gig since Bayjam. It was an appreciation party for the Volunteer Fire Dept of Ocean Reef. Thanks Susie!
Lots of gatherings...
Of course it all ended with Sunday afternoon at the Outback. The topic of the night was the 850 pound Mako caught on The Reel McCoy. So how big was that tarpon in it's belly...40 or 90 lbs...
Life in the Keys is never boring...Monday and Tuesday we had The Hospitality Expo...or Bartender's Weekend...number 12!
No Comment...

Last weekend was the Taste of Islamorada annual event.
Thanks to the Chamber of Commerce here at home, it was a great success.
Congrats to Pierre's Mike Hupka and Nina Smith for "Best Bartenders" and for a wicked Rum Punch.

Fingers Taylor jammed out on Sat after some local guy played for an hour of so...hope everyone like the new tunes.
Good jog to Big Daddy at the Elks Club for raising money for the troops.
Troy Allen and Bongo Dave put on a nice performance at the Nick Sheahan Fishing Tournament later Saturday night...
At finally, a Big Happy Birthday to Nick Kimball...28 years young. Looking forward to the month of May. Lots of new songs and a Thursday night the 15th we are back at Rum Runner's as the band Karma Truck.

It's a sunny Tuesday and that means volleyball at Founders Park and a little yard work before company arrives. Tonight Morada Bay!
Peace

Well, it looks like I will be recording some tunes this summer with some good friends. We will be playing the summer as the band Karma Truck with Alex Caldwell on bass, Nick on guitar, Luke on drums and all of us singing in some sort of way. The plan in to play and rehearse for several weeks then hit the studio in late June. Should be fun...we will start with the band on Thursday nights at Rum Runners around the first week of May. Time for a snooze....Peace

Mon -Island Grill/6 to10/MM 85.8
Tue -Morada Bay/6 to 10/MM 82
Wed - Tasty Iquana/5 to 8/ MM 81 Happy Hour
Thr - Barstool Sailing at RumRunners/7 to 11MM84
Fri -Sundowners/6 to 10/ MM 104
Sat - Barstool Sailing at Smuggler's Cove/6 to 10/MM 84.5
Sun -Outback/ 5 to 9/MM80 Islamorada...Sparrowland!!! R