Rum Barrel featured artist: Shaun Peace

Mixing the roots of rock n roll, blues, and alternative music, Shaun Peace has a uniquely blended sound of acoustic and electric music that has been cultivating since his days as a young boy. Born in Texas, but moving several times before the age of 5, he landed in Virginia and was raised on rock n roll. He picked up the guitar at 12 and caught on very quickly.

He has been in several bands in the Virginia area and he records music in studios all over the world. Peace has made quite an impression on ACDC front-man Brian Johnson, who is a family friend helping get his music out to the masses. With music being his deepest passion, he just wants people to enjoy it and spread it on for others to enjoy. Spread PEACE.

Shaun Peace performs at The Rum Barrel on November 23 at 7 p.m.

Pat Croce's Rum Barrel to host Hurricane Sandy benefit, Key West is Jersey Strong

KEY WEST, Fla. (November 8, 2012) -- Local businesses have come out en masse to pitch in for Key West is Jersey Strong--a benefit for those affected by Hurricane Sandy in the New Jersey shore areas.

Created by four former NJ shore residents who now live in Key West, the Boardwalk-themed event will kick off at 6 p.m. at the Rum Barrel on Tuesday, November 13, with live music, dozens of raffle prizes, and a "boardwalk fare" style menu. Just follow the "Welcome to the Jersey Shore" sign up to the Quarterdeck...

Reuters photo of storm damage along the beach in Sea
Bright, NJ, from International Business Times

"It's so hard to watch from thousands of miles away as our friends and families go through this," said organizer Brooke Joensen. "Key West is such an amazing town and we're all doing what we can from afar."

All proceeds will go directly to helping the neediest families through the Toms River Police Foundation (TRPF), a NJ non-profit previously formed to aid the community.

Along with the Rum Barrel regular menu, food and drink specials include boardwalk favorites like crab cakes, cheesesteaks, pork rolls, fried Oreos and funnel cakes served up to live music from six local bands. Prizes for the 50/50 and door raffles and silent and regular auction include a helmet, football and jersey signed by the Philadelphia Eagles team as well as dozens of items from local businesses.

Performances include:

• 6:00-6:45 p.m.: The Prime Movers
• 7:00-7:45 p.m. Chris Thomas and Skipper
• 8:00-8:45 p.m. Muse Gurus
• 9:00-9:45 p.m. The Lofis
• 10:00-10:45 p.m. Caffeine Carl and Rusty Lemmon
• 11:00-11:45 p.m. Jeff Clark, Osker Deko and Tony Baltimore

"My family and I faced clean-up after Sandy, too, so we know her effects all too well," said Pat Croce, Rum Barrel owner. "Help us help those who've lost everything but the shirts on their backs, who still don't have power, especially in this weather."

Monetary donations can be made by check payable to "Toms River Police Foundation Inc." For more information on the event, visit www.keywestisjerseystrong.org or contact Rob Phillip at 732-503-9863 or Brooke Joensen at 609-309-3232.

What a Rum Barrel weekend!

It's a HUGE weekend at The Rum Barrel this weekend! Check out our stellar line-up!

Jimmy and the Parrots - November 2, 2012, at 7 p.m.

Jimmy and the Parrots

From the West Indies and Jamaica to cities all over the U.S., Jimmy and the Parrots have been playing to delighted crowds for over 10 years. On November 2, 2012, from 7 p.m., they'll perform on the Rum Barrel Quarterdeck.

One of the most requested Jimmy Buffett cover bands in the country, Jimmy and the Parrots perform all the great Buffett songs as well as new and classic rock 'n roll and outstanding original songs written by lead singer/guitarist Jimmy Maraventano. Their cover songs include favorites by the Beach Boys, Zac Brown Band, Toby Keith, Jerry Jeff Walker, Harry Belafonte, and Bob Marley, among many others.

The band has performed at the annual Meeting of the Minds Parrot Head conventions in Key West, Florida, at top venues across the island. Internationally, the band has traveled to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic, and the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. They've been part of two Yea Mon cruises on board and in Nassau, Bahamas.

The title track from their debut CD, "Yea Mon," was included in a beach music compilation CD entitled, "Thongs in the Key of Life, Vol. II." In October 2004, they released their CD of all-original tunes, "Better Than New," to rave reviews. In March 2006, they released "Island Jam," a 3-CD set, which has already sold over 40,000 copies nationwide. That was followed up with another 3-CD set, "Sun Jams, and most recently, the band released another CD of original tunes, "Back to the Bayou."


November 3, 2012

Calypso Nuts

Calypso Nuts - Noon

Audiences from Key West to Put-In Bay and throughout the Caribbean have been delighted by the duo with the island twist. "Sure it's steel drums," says Robbie Meade, "but we look at them a little differently. We take the drums where we want them to go instead of allowing the drums to force our musical hand."

Sponsored by Corona Extra, Corona Light, and Kokomo Island Traders, The CalypsoNuts are more than just a steel drum act. No shows identical are identical. The nightly menu consists of Pop and Rock, Reggae and Soca, Acoustic and Electric; all different, but all the perfect ingredients to a great bowl of musical gumbo.

At 11 years, The CalypsoNuts are the longest running act at "The Meeting of the Minds", the week-long National Parrot Head Convention. The CalypsoNuts CDs "Six More Weeks" and "No Lifeguard on Duty" and rare live shows receive regular air play on Radio Margaritaville and several other internet and satellite radio stations.

Tall Paul - 1 p.m.

Taul Paul brings his mix of island music, blues, country, rock, and folk to The Quarterdeck at 1 p.m.
 
Kristie Bobal - 3 p.m.

Kristie Bobal

Kristie Bobal has been surrounded by Music all her life. From church choir to marching band, college bars to concert stage, this natural progression has led to Kristie's first solo CD.

Drawing from her love of Country music as well as an extensive Rock background, this CD travels from the rollicking Country of "If you Don't Know" to the all out Rock assault of "Green Light". With the help of several friends, many of whom are top session players in her home of Nashville, Tenn., "Blissful Magic Moment" is destined to find a frequent place on your playlist! Keep an ear out for appearances by Will Kimbrough, Andy Wood, Tall Paul, Tim Carter, Milan Miller & Brent Truitt all the while being mesmerized by Kristie's wonderful vocals.

Captain Nick - 6:30 p.m.

Captain Nick

Capt Nick is a Trop Rock entertainer from Flagler Beach, Fla. His show consists of classic Buffett tunes along with covers of Jerry Jeff Walker, Kenny Chesney, Willie Nelson, Eagles and Guy Clark. He also performs original songs from his albums "Wakin up under the Pier" and his latest release "Call Of The Sea", regularly performing for Parrothead clubs, restaurants, beach parties and house concerts from Orlando, Jacksonville, Cocoa and Key West to Puerto Vallarta and Martinique.
His soulful country sound and guitar skills make him a Parrothead Favorite wherever he performs. Often sitting in with other artists as a lead guitarist, he is a tireless and emotional performer, engaging his audience with heartfelt songs and ballads, intermixed with fun upbeat tunes for all ages. Along with his wife Dana on percussion, they provide quality Trop Rock entertainment.

PLUS!
 
Offshore World Power Boat Championship - November 7-14, 2012

The Rum Barrel team will be at the Outer Mole for the Offshore World Power Boat Championship Race all day on Nov. 7, 9 and 11 with a fully-stocked satellite bar of beer, wine and liquor. The field of an estimated 60 powerful boats will turn back toward open water before reaching Mallory Square and waterfront hotels. Key West is recognized by the offshore racing community as one of the top venues in the world. Not only does it provide exceptional viewing opportunities, where boats scream by spectators within a stone’s throw, the subtropical island’s position at the convergence of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico can make for extremely challenging sea conditions.

Drink Pink! Have a wild strawberry mojito at The Rum Barrel!

Drink Pink for the cause continues this month at The Rum Barrel! 

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're serving up Sweet Revenge drink specials all October long. A portion of all proceeds from every Sweet Revenge pour goes to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. 

Try the Wild Strawberry Mojito, $8, pictured left. It's your favorite cocktail with Sweet Revenge, a 77 proof wild strawberry sour mash!

Reggae band Chillakaya brings real island vibes to the Rum Barrel

KEY WEST, Fla. (October 10, 2012) — Reggae band Chillakaya brings its rich blend of reggae culture and creative vibes from Jacksonville by way of Antigua to Key West.

Chillakaya

The band will perform on the Rum Barrel Quarterdeck on Friday, October 19, and Saturday, October 20, with both performances at 7 p.m.

Born in the village of Old Road in Antigua, vocalist Kemwa has been expressing his love of music through Reggae since he was six years old. Inspired after attending a Junior Reid concert, Kemwa realized it was his life’s dream to follow Reid’s path and become a cultured Reggae artist. Kemwa's entire family was already deeply rooted in the Reggae community, so the inspiration was alive in Kemwa throughout his life.

Kemwa left the beautiful island of Antigua and relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where he formed the band Chillakaya, a rich blend of Reggae and pure  vibes.

Rum Club at The Rum Barrel samples the Rums of Barbados

KEY WEST, Fla. (October 9, 2012) -- Join The Rum Daddy Paul Airtrip and rum connoisseurs from across Key West for FREE rum tastings and FREE cocktail samples of the Best Rums of Barbados with the Rum Barrel's Rum Club on Oct. 9.

From 5:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m., Rum Club tastings on the Rum Barrel scenic open-air Quarterdeck will feature the lovely Mount Gay Rum Girls, Mount Gay 1703, Cockspur 12 Year, Malibu Black, Mount Gay Extra Old along with classic rums and colas, and cocktail specials.

For the ultimate rum tastings, the best in cane spirits cocktails, and just some plain fun, check out the Rum Barrel Rum Club. Food and drink specials are available during Rum Club meetings. 

Also at The Rum Barrel next week:

• Tuesday, October 9: Bradd Shadduck, acoustic musician, at 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 10: Tony Roberts, Key West singer/songwriter, who plays a mix of folk, reggae and rock, at 7 p.m. 
• Thursday, October 11: Open Mic Jam with guitar blues legend Larry Baeder and Dora at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, October 12: Jonathan Williams at 7 p.m. 
• Saturday, October 13: Lo Fi's, a three-piece rock band, at 7 p.m.

Rum Barrel Features Artist: The Personal Legend

The Personal Legend

Made up of Brazilian guitarist, songwriter and vocalist Luciano Souza Menezes and singer, songwriter, and acoustic guitar player singer, son writer, and acoustic guitar player Ibere Maravalha Fortes, The Personal Legend is a blend of Menezes’ classical music, jazz, bossa nova and rock influences and Fortes’ sense of Bob Marley and Zeppelin. 

Formed in 2002 on a Brazilian rooftop, the duo moved to Pompano Beach and then Miami Beach, recording and performing at warehouses, local parties, on the streets and at open mic nights. Once known as "Eclepnopcia", the band changed their name to The Personal Legend after reading The Alchemist. They released their first single "No Blame" in March 2011, and then in April, "Life on Fire." They released their first album this year. 

The Personal Legend will perform Friday, October 5, 2012 at 7 p.m. on The Rum Barrel Quarterdeck. Check out the week's line-up.

Taste of the Rum Barrel Rum Bible: Caicos Cooler

2 oz. Rum
1 oz. Cointreau
1/2 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. Banana Liquor
2 oz. Orange Juice

Combine ingredients with ice in cocktail shaker and shake well. Pour into cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a pineapple wedge.

Rum Barrel's Hops Review Board convenes Sept. 5

The second meeting of the Rum Barrel Hops Review Board will convene on September 5 at 7 p.m. at the Rum Barrel.

Photo courtesy letspartymagazine.com

The rotating 5- to 7-member panel of Rum Barrel regulars, fans and beer connoisseurs meets every quarter--or three to four months--to decide what bottled beers and beer on-tap will be served at the bar for the next quarter. The panel does blind taste tests on up to a dozen beers and rates each one. The top four or five beers are selected for future serving.

A How-To Guide to Beer Tasting

"We wanted to provide customers with a rotating selection rather than the standard fare because there are a lot of new beers always coming out. We also wanted people to feel part of the process," said bar manager Robbie Riley.

To join next week's panel, leave a comment on the Rum Barrel's Facebook page saying why you'd like to be a panel member. To join upcoming panels, email Robbie Riley at Robbie(at)rumbarrelbar(dot)com with a brief paragraph on why you'd like to be a member.

Rum Barrel featured artist: Rock Solomon

Take one slightly insane cult-icon folk singer, mix in a zany old school saxophone player, simmer nine months, season to taste, let stand three more months, then come up with a cool name and you have Rock Solomon.

He performs Friday, August 24, from 8 p.m. on the Rum Barrel Quarterdeck

From a nomadic childhood traveling the Pacific Northwest living in old panel vans, trucks and buses with five siblings and a schizophrenic mother, Rock trained in piano, flute, drums and trumpet in his early teens, later becoming a well-known wild child.

He joined a high school metal band as a drummer, before dropping out of school, getting in trouble with the law and going on the run shortly after his 18th birthday. After a couple years of running from place to place and taking odd jobs, he abandoned everything and fled to Key West to start over. He arrived with no money, no friends, and slept on the beaches.

In a few short years, he enrolled in college and studied art, music, photography, acting and more. He won several art grants including the highly coveted SFCC grant for media. He landed leading roles in The Glass Menagerie, Sordid Lives & Incorruptible that won him great accolades and sold out performances. He won a music contest on MTV and modeled in ads in the New York Times. He wrote a play and a movie, built a recording studio, recorded three albums, made several short films and a feature, discovered romance and new friends, and changed the entire course of his life through sheer passion and determination.

Rock Solomon now lives part time in Key West and part time in Los Angeles where he works exclusively in music, film and acting.

Pat Croce’s Rum Barrel the new home of the Key West Gator Club

KEY WEST, Fla. (August 13, 2012) -- The Southernmost Philly sports bar takes on the University of Florida's orange and blue as the new official Key West Gator Club.

Owned by former Philadelphia 76ers president Pat Croce, the Rum Barrel welcomes the Gator Nation from the Sept. 1 season kick off for the first season game against Bowling Green State University scheduled for 3:30 p.m. with the traditional Rum Barrel tailgate on Front Streetwith free beer and hot dogs in the lead-up to game time.

"We're excited about our new headquarters for southernmost Gator fans," said Greg Oropeza, KWGC president. "We're encouraging all UF alumni, fans, and friends to come out to the Rum Barrel on game days to cheer on the Gators."

Visitors and fans alike can view all University of Florida football games with like-minded allegiance at the Rum Barrel, complete with food and drink specials. A signature Rum Barrel/Key West Gator Club T-shirt will also be available for purchase at the bar, its online shoppe and via the fan club website, events and its members.

"We're very happy to host Key West Gator Club, especially with Island Dogs across the street hosting the Seminoles. It's going be great rivalry--the Front Street battle of college ball," said general manager JC Picco.

The Rum Barrel will team up with the KWGC for the Aug. 26 Conch Cup Golf Tournament between local clubs from the University of Florida, Florida State University and the University of Miami.

Specials... Because You're Special!

RUNNING ALL THIS WEEK!

Bottled Beer Specials
Magic Hat Vinyl - $4
Shipyard Applehead - $4
Kalamazoo Stout - $4
Turbo Dog - $4

Grey Goose Vodka Specials
Orange Crush - $7
Sweet Summer Pear - $7
Lemon Drop Martini - $8
Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini - $8

Food Specials
Pan Seared Snapper topped with chimichurri and gazpacho salsa. Served with mashed potatoes and veggies: $20

Tequila Lime BBQ Shrimp Skewers topped with pico de gallo. Served with rice and veggies: $18

Rum Barrel owner Pat Croce hides treasures aboard soon-to-be-sunk USCG Cutter Mohawk

Divers tasked with finding stash on Mohawk Veterans Memorial Reef

KEY WEST, Fla. (June 20, 2012) -- Rum Barrel owner Pat Croce pillaged his own Pirate Museum for 17th century booty, raided Rum Barrel's Pyrate Rum stash and snuck aboard the soon-to-be-sunk U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk to hide the treasures for some lucky diver's discovery.

The 165-foot World War II cutter will be deployed one last time on July 2 in full fighting trim with replica guns, depth charges and a lifeboat on deck, roughly 28 nautical miles west of Redfish Pass off Sanibel Island on Florida's southwest coast--an unusually decked-out burial at sea. "Mighty Mo's" final duty is as the Mohawk Veterans Memorial Reef, honoring veterans and creating a world-class fishing and diving experience in Lee County, home to over 40,000 veterans.

Antique bottle with 17th century Port Royal
shot and hand-drawn map hidden aboard
USCG Cutter Mohawk

"It's not every day you see a ship of this caliber sunk with so much effort and attention to detail, and we wanted to ramp up the excitement by making it a true adventure for divers," Croce said.

Croce pirated authentic 17th century shot recovered from the former pirate stronghold of Port Royal, Jamaica, as well as an antique rum bottle from his St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, which he moved from Key West to St. Augustine, Fla., in 2010. With a case of Pyrate Rum stolen from the Rum Barrel stash also up for grabs, the first intrepid diver to find the treasures can also claim dinner and drinks for two at The Rum Barrel and passes to The Pirate Museum via reef organizers.

The effort to sink the Mohawk and create the artificial reef is led by Reefmakers shipwrecker Joe Weatherby, who also sank the U.S.S. Vandenberg off of Key West in 2009, and Mike Campbell, executive director of Lee Reefs, a nonprofit foundation that works to enhance the marine environment and protect natural reef ecosystems. It came after time and salt water took their toll on the old ship and the cost of keeping her afloat proved too much for the Miami-Dade Maritime Museum, led by Captain Bill Verge.

"We want veterans who served on the Mohawk to feel honored," Weatherby said. "It's the right thing to do for American history, for the environment and the economy, and its means the Mohawk's legacy will live on in every diver's experience."

The quality of the reef itself, the diving experience, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities and marine wildlife interaction are central to its creation, Weatherby added.

The Mohawk will lie in 90 feet of water with a 35-foot clearance over top. Most divers will be able to explore the replica guns, a huge smokestack, crow's nest, bridge, deckhouse and massive propeller, while trained and equipped divers can descend the smoke stack into the Mohawk's enormous engine room where the giant engine's inner parts and reduction gear will be uncovered. Who will find Croce's treasures, that's anyone's guess.


ABOUT THE MOHAWK

USCG Cutter Mohawk.
Photo credit: U.S. Coast Guard

Built in Wilmington, Del., in 1934 as an ice breaker, she was called to serve during WWII as part of the Greenland Patrol, protecting vital allied shipping throughout the war. The Mohawk fought in 14 U-Boat engagements and rescued hundreds of allied sailors torpedoed from the frozen North Atlantic. She is credited as the last ship to radio the weather to General Dwight Eisenhower before he green-lighted the D-Day invasion. After the war, the Mohawk was converted from steam power to diesel and functioned as a lightship, University of Delaware research vessel and Delaware Bay Pilot Boat. She languished in a New York scrap yard before being rescued 15 years ago by the Miami-Dade Maritime Museum, towed to Miami and converted to a museum. Six years ago, the museum was moved to Key West, Fla. But keeping her afloat proved too costly for the group, led by Captain Bill Verge, and the decision was made to reef her. As an artificial reef honoring veterans and providing Southwest Florida's newest diving and fishing attraction, the Mohawk should last 70 to 100 years.

Featured Artist: Anthony Picone

LoFi's with Anthony Picone

Anthony Picone is the lead vocals and guitar bass for the LoFi's, a 3-piece rock band that performs throughout Key West and the Keys. With Tony "Baltimore" Durante on lead vocals and guitar and Dave Baron on drums/percussion, they've built quite a following after just a short time playing together.

Originally from New York, Picone is a singer/songwriter and also performs as a solo artist in Key West where he recently relocated. He writes and records his own songs and will occasionally perform his material with the LoFi's. 

The band keeps things loose and spontaneous on stage, welcoming requests from the audience. Their song list includes music by Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, The Beatles, Foo Fighters, The Cure, and Red Hot Chili Peppers as well as 70's funk, 80's pop and 90's rock.

Most of the LoFi's shows are acoustic with Picone splitting lead vocals and guitar solos with Durante. When it's time to "amp it up", Baron plays his full drum kit, Picone switches to bass and Durante plays the electric guitar.

Anthony Picone plays live on the Quarterdeck this month at 7:30 p.m. on June 19 and with the LoFi's on June 22 and 30. Check our music calendar for times.

Taste of the Rum Bible: Castaway

If you're stranded on a desert isle, this would be the cocktail you'd want to have with you. Well, this and water and a tent, food and clothing supplies and a scheduled cruise ship pick-up.

Castaway

CASTAWAY

2 oz. Dark Rum
1 oz. Banana Liqueur
1 oz. Cream of Coconut

Combine ingredients with ice in cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain into an ice-filled old-fashioned glass.

This drink is taken from the Rum Barrel's Rum Bible, a rum tome compiling a comprehensive listing of the finest rums in the world.


FUN RUM FACT: Although some rum is bottled directly from the still, most rum is aged and then blended before it is bottled for consumption.  Once the spirit is bottled, the aging process is arrested and little change occurs.

Mel Fisher Celebration Carnival w/Rum Daddy

Join The Rum Barrel on Saturday, July 14, at the Mel Fisher Celebration Carnival on Duval Street from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m! We're teaming up with Paul Artrip, The Rum Daddy, serving our famous Philly cheese steaks and cocktails featuring Atlantico, Cockspur and Diplomatico Rums!

We're excited to be part of the fun, and to support the Mel Fisher folks as we celebrate the life and accomplishments of Mel Fisher and his famous treasure discovery of the Spanish treasure ship Atocha, one of the richest shipwrecks ever found off Key West.

Taste of the Rum Bible: White Shark

White Shark drink

WHITE SHARK

2 oz. Light Rum
1 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Sambuca
2 oz. Cream of Coconut
1 Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

Blend ingredients with ice until smooth. Pour into a chilled hurricane glass. Dust with coconut shavings.


This drink is taken from the Rum Barrel's Rum Bible, a rum tome compiling a comprehensive listing of the finest rums in the world.

The Origin of Rum

There's so much more to rum than meets the eye. And sometimes it's good to know a little bit of history of what's in your glass. (Also good for making good impressions at the bar.)

rum n. (r m)
1 : an alcoholic beverage distilled from a fermented cane product (as molasses)
2 : alcoholic liquor <the demon rum>

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

The origin of the word rum is unclear. A common claim is that the name was derived from the word rumbullion, meaning, "a great tumult or uproar." Another claim is that the name comes from the large drinking glasses used by Dutch seamen known as rummers, from the Dutch word roemer, a drinking glass. Other theories suggest that it is a contraction of the words saccharum (Latin for sugar) or arôme (French for aroma).

Regardless of the original source, the name had come into common use by May 1657 when the General Court of Massachusetts made illegal the sale of strong liquor, "whether knowne by the name of rumme, strong water, wine, brandy, etc., etc."

In current usage, the word for rum is often based on the its place of origin. For rums from Spanish-speaking locales, the word ron is used. A ron añejo indicates that a rum has been significantly aged. Rhum is the term used for rums from French-speaking locales, while rhum vieux is an aged French rum.

Some of the many other names for rum are rumbullion, rumbustion, Barbados water, rumscullion, devil's death (or "Kill-Devil"), Nelson's blood, and rumbo. A version of rum from Newfoundland is referred to by the name screech, while some lowgrade West Indies rums are called tafia.

For more cool facts on rum and more, check out our Rum Bible!