Musical talent abounds in Key West!

For a 2×4 mile island, Key West is full of musical talent: From newcomers to longtime Conchs, our musicians are passionate about their craft. From buskers to bar regulars to superstars, Key West has it all!

You will likely hear the buskers up and down Duval Street and in Mallory Square. These interesting characters always have a story to tell, so stop, listen, and introduce yourself! You could see a Jimmy Hendrix or Elvis look-alike, or a Batman playing the sitar. There is a gentleman in Mallory Square who plays and sings skits while his Irish Setter, dressed in oversized sunglasses and a diaper, picks up dollar bills from the crowd and places them in a hat. Buskers often make a living from your tips, so please give generously.

In case you want to perform in Key West and take out your guitar on the street corner, you should know that due to city regulations, buskers must have a license and liability insurance. Obtaining the required license is not an easy task, as there is a limited number of licenses available and a waiting list. The good news, though, is that buskers don’t need a license to play Mallory Square during the evening sunset celebration. To play during the sunset celebration, show up at Mallory Square about an hour and a half before sunset and put your name in the lottery, along with other musicians and street performers. You will receive a numbered token. Tokens are drawn in order of seniority … Habituals, then Snowbirds, then Newcomers. When your token is withdrawn, you choose from the available places to play at Mallory Square. There are only a few places with electricity, so don’t count on being able to plug in an amplifier. There is no guarantee that your token will be withdrawn, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t play your first time! There’s no payment involved, but if you’re entertaining, hopefully you’ll walk away with a bucket full of tips.

The most organized musicians regularly perform in more than 100 bars and venues in Key West. City favorites The Doerfel Family, a band made up of extremely talented brothers, are in high demand and perform in the Keys. Newcomer KMAC (American Idol’s Kristen McNamara) recently moved to Key West and can be found regularly performing on Island Dogs. Other notable musical celebrities Paul Cotton and Howard Livingston live and perform in Key West regularly.

By our count, there are over 700 musicians / bands performing regularly in Key West, not counting the buskers. In a population of about 25 thousand people, this is a staggering number!

On your next trip to Key West, spend some time on the music scene. You’ll find the musicians friendly and kind, and you’ll probably have a great story to take home with you!