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If you look for jazz you can find it, sometimes even in most unexpected places and at
unusual times. In this case, it was while honeymooning in Key West, a tropical party
town that rivals New Orleans for its partying spirit, but not the depth and breadth of its
music. At least that’s the perception of some outsiders.
Kathie and I found it a block from Key West’s so-called Duval crawl – the stretch of
bars and clubs along Duval Street, which crosses downtown from the Gulf of Mexico
a dozen blocks or so to the Atlantic.
“Jazz in the Garden” is a Sunday evening series that runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
amid the lush tropical flora at the Gardens Hotel, a 17-suite former estate at the
corner of Angela and Simonton Streets.
On May 1, singer-pianist Lenore Troia was featured in a trio format with saxophonist
Marty Stonely and drummer Richie Ciavolino. The music was laid back more often
than not, with a tropical and Brazilian flair as Troia blended originals, a few Jobim
tunes and some standards. Her clever originals included “Sand Dancing,” “Symptoms
of Love” and "Point Me South I-95.” There was also a spirited jazz cover of The
Doobie Brothers’ “Takin’ it to the Streets.”
This is a free hang for the area’s jazz cognoscenti who no doubt appreciate its lack of
cover, its homey ambience, innovative wine bar and, for at least one woman, a
chance to cool off in the hotel pool a few steps away.
Troia, who was raised in Connecticut, has called Key West home since the early
1990s. In addition to performing regularly at Jazz in the Garden – and many other
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About Ken Franckling
Ken Franckling is a veteran arts writer and
freelance photographer specializing in
music photography. Since the early 1980s,
he has covered the jazz scene throughout
the Northeast with occasional journeys to
other regions in pursuit of essential
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clubs in various contexts, she also books the Gardens Hotel series.
“I get the cats in here who can really play,” she said between sets.
Troia and others who play or dig jazz can also be found most Monday nights for a
weekly jam at the nearby Green Parrot Bar on Whitehead Street. The Green Parrot
also features the blues on Sunday nights.
Keep both venues in mind next time you’re in the area - Jazz Times
Discography
Lenore Troia CD's:
Jetset to Sunset
Fishin' You Were Here!
Wild Island Night Key West
Mistletoe Island Magic
Sand Dancing
You Asked for It
Symptoms of Love
Lenore Troia is also the producer of the following compilation and sound track CD'S:
"Embraceable You, We're All Part of the Music" (CD soundtrack for "Embraceable You", an award winning film from New Hope, PA about community diversity).
"Songs for Autism" (Compilation CD of artists benefiting the "Autism Research Center" of Putnam County, NY State).
"Sing for the King" (Compilation CD for Fantasy Fest candidate, all proceeds going to AIDSHelp, Key West, FL).
Photos
Bio
Tasteful and contemporary, smooth vocals and pop/jazz keyboards are Lenore Troias' trademark. From the bossa and samba sounds of Jobim to the trop rock sensibility of the islands, Lenore covers the songs everyone knows and can include entertaining originals that blend into the theme at hand. She can keep it mellow so the guests can talk without intrusion, or she can pick it up when the party starts to swing.
Howard Thompson of the "New York Times" called her "A mini jewel of and entertainer", and June Keith of the Miami Herald wrote that Lenore was "experienced entertaining folks from all over the globe!".
Lenore is also highly experienced in music studio and stage production with an extensive list of recordings and shows.
Her versatile song list keeps up with the demands of todays diverse audience settings. Lenore Troia is a full time working musician aimed to please and accommodate the particular needs of your musical event or establishment.
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