Key West Chorale Arts will perform ‘Songs for the People’ at Key West United Methodist Church, on Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m. The 60+ singers directed by Tim Peterson and accompanied by Lou Ann Steely will give a concert that recognizes and celebrates the musical gifts of women composers, arrangers and artists. CONTRIBUTED
February provided a bounty of cultural highlights. The month started with another first-rate Impromptu Classical Concert performed by the Dorian Wind Quintet at Tennessee Williams Theatre, followed later in the month by the Horszowski Trio.
Also in February, the South Florida Symphony Orchestra under musical director Sebrina Alfonso returned for its second concert of the season and performed a selection of works celebrating Black History Month as well as works by Mozart and Rimsky-Korsakov.
The March cultural lineup looks equally promising.
March 8 & 9: Hometown favorite Bobby Nesbitt returns for the 21st season of Bobby in the Lobby at the Tennessee Williams Cabaret at 7:30 p.m. with “The Sweetest Sounds — the Songs of Richard Rodgers.” Joining Bobby are Broadway veterans Susan Powell and Richard White as they celebrate Rodgers’ timeless music. Tickets available at keystix.com.
March 11: The all-string Key West Community Orchestra presents a free spring concert, “Music for the Young at Heart,” at St. Peter’s Church, 800 Center St., at 7 p.m. All are welcome.
March 11-21: Fringe Theater, 600 White St., presents Beth Henley’s “Crimes of the Heart.” The show depicts three delightfully dysfunctional Southern sisters who reunite after a tragedy. Their discussions devolve to “ovaries, lemonade and dead cats.” For tickets, visit keystix.com.
Through March 21: Waterfront Playhouse presents “Once,” the Broadway musical about a chance meeting that changes lives, starring Jillian Todd and Brendon Daugherty with an ensemble of actor-musicians.
Through March 21: Red Barn Theatre’s “And the World Goes ’Round — The Music of Kander and Ebb” blends love songs, torch songs and comic numbers, showcasing the talents of Lauren Thompson, Jeremy Zoma, Claire Caplan and Arthur Crocker; directed by Joy Hawkins and Lauren Thompson, with musical direction by Michael Fauss. A shoutout to Ms. Thompson who, when delivering a comic number, can chew the scenery with the best of ’em.
March 14: Maestra Alfonso and the South Florida Symphony return for the final concert of the 2026 season playing works by Dvorak, Sibelius and Schubert at Tennessee Williams Theatre.
March 15: The Carr-Petrova Duo on violin and piano will round out the Impromptu Classical Concert series at Tennessee Williams Theatre. The duo has played Carnegie Hall, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw and Lincoln Center.
March 20-21: The Studios of Key West’s First Look series, which offers “staged readings of new American plays and musicians,” features “Mom’s Best Friend,” a mother-daughter drama by Dan McCabe.
March 27: Key West Chorale Arts presents “Songs for the People” at Key West United Methodist Church, 600 Eaton St., at 7 p.m. The 60+ singers directed by Tim Peterson and accompanied by Lou Ann Steely perform a concert to recognize and celebrate the musical gifts of women composers, arrangers and artists. Renowned guest soloist Amy Yekel will be featured on some well-known spiritual selections. Tickets are available at keystix.com.
Ongoing offerings
The Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House presents its recently opened exhibit in a partnership with the Smithsonian Institute. “Food: Celebrating Conch Cuisine” is an, um, appetizing exploration of how Indigenous know-how, local Afro-Caribbean heritage, Cuban and Bahamian migration, as well as maritime trade routes, all contributed to the bold, resourceful and flavorful food traditions of the Keys. The exhibit runs through Jan. 3, 2027.
In addition to the lively live music scene on Duval Street, the Key West Cultural Center at 803 Emma St. schedules shows throughout the week. Mondays feature Larry Smith on piano accompanied by Skipper Kripitz on percussion and Joe Dallas on bass. Female vocalists take the stage on Wednesdays accompanied by Smith. Thursdays are dedicated to jazz, blues and soul featuring Terri White and Larry Baeder. Saturdays are an open forum with live music. For more information, check out Legion Post 168 on Facebook.