The Key West Fest was held at the opulent Hotel Utica. A historical landmark, it was built in 1912, but has been renovated to 2012 standards, in every way. FM radio 92.7, The Drive, presented KWF in behalf of Utica's Stevens-Swan Humane Society. Tom and Bob from the 92.7 morning show were gracious, humorous, and enthusiastic hosts.
An electric 'festival atmosphere' prevailed, with all the usual fund raiser activities, and hundreds of Parrot Heads in full party adornment. The Boat Drunks band from Champagne, Illinois, provided the entertainment for the nearly 400, attendees in the chandelier adorned, grand Ball Room.
After the first couple of songs, The Boat Drunks owned the crowd. Band originator and lead vocalist Jake Tatar, pictured with da Pyrate, led the band through 3 raucous and lively sets guaranteed to make permanent fans out of the trop rockin' audience. Nobody sat while the Boat Drunks were playing, and the number of dancers was limited only by the size of the dance floor, which was packed from downbeat to final note. The venue and performance were both excellent.
During the evening, we learned of an embarrassing development. The Boat Drunks had traveled all the way from IL, to play in Utica, with an agreement that another upstate NY gig would be arranged. They were set to play at the Westcott Theatre in Syracuse, Saturday the 24th. 3 days before Friday's Utica gig, the Westcott cancelled the show. Few kind words were spoken of the disturbing failure of the Westcott to uphold it's end of the bargain. In true Parrothead style, a collection was taken. When the hat passed this writer, it was obvious the outpouring of sympathy for the band was enormous.
It was rewarding to see Central NY fans doing what they do best; supporting the music they love, and the bands that play it. Hats is off to the Utica fans, and to 92.7 "The Drive", for presenting such a great evening, and demonstrating how much they care about the music we love so much.
da Pyrate's recommendation: Go see The Boat Drunks in concert. It will be one of the best Trop Rock music experiences you'll have.
