Rum Barrel featured artist: Black and Skabuddah

Formed 15 years ago, acoustic duo Black and Skabuddah are originally from New York City, where they opened for major acts with their original band.  They've been described as "acoustic rock with an edge."

Black and Skabuddah

Russ Scavelli's guitar playing is unforgettable--he has performed with a wide range of artists, from Jimi Hendrix's bass player to world renowned musician/composer David Amram--and Laura Black's throaty vocals are unmistakable. Black also plays guitar and percussion while Scavelli plays bass with the Paul Cotton Band (from POCO).

Known for their upbeat and  lively performances, the duo has also won numerous songwriting contests, including Julie Gold's Women in Music Award for From A Distance; a Billboard award; and Nashville Songwriters Award. They were also asked to perform their interpretation of a Joni Mitchell song at her CD release party at the Bitter End in Greenwich Village.

In 1997, Black and Skabuddah moved to Key West and won the Key West/ASCAP Songwriters Contest. From there, they were awarded a publishing deal from Jimmy Buffet's producer, Mac McAnally, and Ralph Murphy, president of ASCAP Nashville.

These days, they perform four or five days a week at Key West venues like Conch Republic Seafood Co., Sloppy Joe's, Lateda, Margaritaville,  Rick's, Rum Barrel, Capt. Tony's Saloon, Sugarloaf Tiki Bar, Lazy Gecko, Finnegan's Wake, Geiger Key Marina, Boondocks and Hog's Breath.

You can find Black and Skabuddah on Facebook HERE and HERE.

Black and Skabuddah perform on The Rum Barrel Quarterdeck this month on Saturday, August 13, 20 and 27. See our events calendar for more and future performances.