https://www.rwdepalma.com/ en-us (C) Ralph De Palma Photographer rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:20:11 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:20:11 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/img/s/v-12/u335116477-o62544933-50.jpg https://www.rwdepalma.com/ 113 120 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p619902390

]]>The Key West Fantasy Fest is a 10 day pageant of the extreme. Its also a photographers dream, with the colors, imagination, and creativity of the participants.

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Parade Festivals Lifestyle and Recreation Fantasy Fest Parade 2011 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p619902390 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:20:11 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p1018302197

]]>One of the more colorful weeks in Key West is Gay Pride Week which ends with a colorful parade down Duval Street.

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Pageants Special Events Lifestyle and Recreation Pride Parade 2011 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p1018302197 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:20:11 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/snipespoint

]]>Snipes Point is a beautiful beach about 6 miles NE of Key West. On May 15, 2011 Howard Livingston held a concert from a boat for a large crowd of fans of the Mile Marker 24 Band. It was a special day.

Check out my new book - THE SOUL OF KEY WEST
This is the first book about the Key West Music scene. The story is told by Howard Livingston and 45 musicians along with over 200 color photographs available at:

Ralph De Palma website link:
http://www.rwdepalma.com/shop

https://soul-of-keywest.com/

Pre-Order The Soul of Key West, Vol. III (which includes a Jimmy Buffett centerfold) Here:
https://soul-of-keywest.com/volume-3-pre/
Check out more photos & stories:
https://soul-of-keywest.com/

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Music and singing Lifestyle and Recreation Howard Livingston Snipes Point 2011 https://www.rwdepalma.com/snipespoint Mon, 20 Oct 2025 18:52:27 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p10959035

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]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Foliage Scenic Painting the Town Red 2015 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p10959035 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:19:37 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/royalpoincianas2020

]]>Royal PoincianaThe Royal Poinciana.

The Official Tree of the City of Key West.

From Wikipedia:
Delonix regia is endemic to the Madagascar's dry deciduous forests, but has been introduced into tropical and sub-tropical regions worldwide. In the wild it is endangered, but it is widely cultivated elsewhere and is regarded as naturalised in many of the locations where it is grown.

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Street Scenes City Scenes Royal Poincianas 2020 https://www.rwdepalma.com/royalpoincianas2020 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:49:54 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p853682855

]]>Every Spring Key West becomes the most beautiful town in the country.

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Foliage Scenic Painting the Town Red 2012 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p853682855 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:49:08 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p823141698

]]>My favorite time of year in Key West.

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Street Scenes City Scenes Royal Poinciana's 2010 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p823141698 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:49:07 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/royalpoincianas2019

]]>Royal PoincianaThe Royal Poinciana.

The Official Tree of the City of Key West.

From Wikipedia:
Delonix regia is endemic to the Madagascar's dry deciduous forests, but has been introduced into tropical and sub-tropical regions worldwide. In the wild it is endangered, but it is widely cultivated elsewhere and is regarded as naturalised in many of the locations where it is grown.

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Street Scenes City Scenes Royal Poincianas 2019 https://www.rwdepalma.com/royalpoincianas2019 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:47:53 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p245840493

]]>The exhibit at The Studios of Key West features compelling images of our homeless community by photographer Sheelman. Also on display are a variety of multimedia images, films, poetry, quilts and the art-heart connection book, combining the work of established local artist with the poetry, drawings and written words by homeless people. A raw and revealing exhibition giving a human face to what is typically ignored.

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Groups Portraits People Hidden In Plain View https://www.rwdepalma.com/p245840493 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:34:43 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/carlito

]]>My good friend Carlos Bustamante is renovating a home that was his grandfathers. In a suburb about 10 miles west of Havana called Nautico (Club Nautico in the 50s). He is a licensed Palador bed and breakfast welcoming guests to his oceanfront paradise.

He is also a licensed art dealer and built a studio next to his home which will also house a beautiful upstairs restaurant with a panoramic ocean view. His chef is extraordinary serving classic Cuban cuisine. If you are planning a trip to Havana give Carlito a call or email him at: bustamantestudio21@gmail.com

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Parties Special Events Lifestyle and Recreation Carlito's https://www.rwdepalma.com/carlito Wed, 28 May 2025 08:03:05 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p705570877

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]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Foliage Scenic Painting the Town Red 2013 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p705570877 Mon, 19 May 2025 19:15:21 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p450590465

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]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Paradise Big Band 3/24/2024 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p450590465 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:50:29 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p44123999

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]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Paradise Big Band 1/25/2025 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p44123999 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:37:59 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p290938763

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]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Paradise Big Band 1/16/2022 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p290938763 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:32:11 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p144364351

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]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Paradise Big Band 1/26/2020 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p144364351 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:32:11 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p582208632

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]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Paradise Big Band 3/31/19 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p582208632 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:32:11 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p822437419

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]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Paradise Big Band 1/27/19 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p822437419 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:32:11 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p454957974

]]>The 18 member Paradise Big Band is celebrating its 14th season this year. Its a great band with a great sound and everyone should try to see this group perform. They bring the best out of everyone young and old.

This concert featured "The Great American Songbook", with songs by Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Gershwin, and many other Big Band era composers.

The Group is led by Joe Dallas Jr. who is accompanied by Joe Dallas Sr. - like father like son.

Check out my new book - THE SOUL OF KEY WEST
This is the first book about the Key West Music scene. The story is told by 46 Key West musicians along with over 200 color photographs available at:

Ralph De Palma website link:
http://www.rwdepalma.com/shop

Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Soul-West-Ralph-Palma/dp/061587889X/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1386095961&sr=8-10&keywords=books%2C+the+soul+of+key+west

Margaritaville link:
http://www.margaritavillestore.com/soul-of-key-west-book.html#.UqC2M-KahIQ

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Performances Lifestyle and Recreation Paradise Big Band 1/15/12 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p454957974 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:32:11 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p16859624

]]>The Key West Paradise Big Band presented a tribute to Billy Holiday, March 18, 2012 at the Tennessee Williams Theater.

The Group is led by Joe Dallas Jr. who is accompanied by Joe Dallas Sr. - like father like son.

Check out my new book - THE SOUL OF KEY WEST
This is the first book about the Key West Music scene. The story is told by 46 Key West musicians along with over 200 color photographs available at:

Ralph De Palma website link:
http://www.rwdepalma.com/shop

Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Soul-West-Ralph-Palma/dp/061587889X/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1386095961&sr=8-10&keywords=books%2C+the+soul+of+key+west

Margaritaville link:
http://www.margaritavillestore.com/soul-of-key-west-book.html#.UqC2M-KahIQ

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Music and singing Lifestyle and Recreation Paradise Big Band Tribute to Billy Holiday https://www.rwdepalma.com/p16859624 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:32:11 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p1006204564

]]>Check out my new book - THE SOUL OF KEY WEST
This is the first book about the Key West Music scene. The story is told by 46 Key West musicians along with over 200 color photographs available at:

Ralph De Palma website link:
http://www.rwdepalma.com/shop

Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Soul-West-Ralph-Palma/dp/061587889X/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1386095961&sr=8-10&keywords=books%2C+the+soul+of+key+west

Margaritaville link:
http://www.margaritavillestore.com/soul-of-key-west-book.html#.UqC2M-KahIQ

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Music and singing Lifestyle and Recreation Paradise Big Band 1/13/13 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p1006204564 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:32:11 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p290024595

]]>The 17 piece Paradise Big Band paid "Tribute to the 1940's" with old sounds like "A String of Pearls", "As Time Goes By", "At Last", "Goody Goody", and ten others.

They finished the evening off with the 1940's Glen Miller tune "In the Mood".

Check out my new book - THE SOUL OF KEY WEST
This is the first book about the Key West Music scene. The story is told by 46 Key West musicians along with over 200 color photographs available at:

Ralph De Palma website link:
http://www.rwdepalma.com/shop

Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Soul-West-Ralph-Palma/dp/061587889X/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1386095961&sr=8-10&keywords=books%2C+the+soul+of+key+west

Margaritaville link:
http://www.margaritavillestore.com/soul-of-key-west-book.html#.UqC2M-KahIQ

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Music and singing Lifestyle and Recreation Paradise Big Band 3/10/13 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p290024595 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:32:11 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p120876466

]]>Check out my new book - THE SOUL OF KEY WEST
This is the first book about the Key West Music scene. The story is told by 46 Key West musicians along with over 200 color photographs available at:

Ralph De Palma website link:
http://www.rwdepalma.com/shop

Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Soul-West-Ralph-Palma/dp/061587889X/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1386095961&sr=8-10&keywords=books%2C+the+soul+of+key+west

Margaritaville link:
http://www.margaritavillestore.com/soul-of-key-west-book.html#.UqC2M-KahIQ

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Music and singing Lifestyle and Recreation Paradise Big Band 1/12/14 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p120876466 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:32:11 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/p445882464

]]>Every time I walk out of a Paradise Big Band concert at the Tennessee Williams Theater I think to myself - wow they'll never be able to top this. What music, what vocalists, what a night - they can't beat this one. They do every concert just gets better.

The theme for this concert was "Big Band Time Machine" which took an imaginary trip back in time to the 1920's Big Band Era and onward through the 30's, 40's, 50's all the way up to 80's. The Concert started with "The Saint Louis Blues" and ended with "Sing, Sing, Sing". In between the Big Band played some great arrangements.

Check out my new book - THE SOUL OF KEY WEST
This is the first book about the Key West Music scene. The story is told by 46 Key West musicians along with over 200 color photographs available at:

Ralph De Palma website link:
http://www.rwdepalma.com/shop

Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Soul-West-Ralph-Palma/dp/061587889X/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1386095961&sr=8-10&keywords=books%2C+the+soul+of+key+west

Margaritaville link:
http://www.margaritavillestore.com/soul-of-key-west-book.html#.UqC2M-KahIQ

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Music and singing Lifestyle and Recreation Paradise Big Band 3/9/2014 https://www.rwdepalma.com/p445882464 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:32:11 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/pbb_1_2015

]]>Check out my new book - THE SOUL OF KEY WEST
This is the first book about the Key West Music scene. The story is told by 46 Key West musicians along with over 200 color photographs available at:

Ralph De Palma website link:
http://www.rwdepalma.com/shop

Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Soul-West-Ralph-Palma/dp/061587889X/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1386095961&sr=8-10&keywords=books%2C+the+soul+of+key+west

Margaritaville link:
http://www.margaritavillestore.com/soul-of-key-west-book.html#.UqC2M-KahIQ

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Music and singing Lifestyle and Recreation Paradise Big Band 1/11/2015 https://www.rwdepalma.com/pbb_1_2015 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:32:11 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/pbb_3_15_15

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]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Paradise Big Band 3/15/2015 https://www.rwdepalma.com/pbb_3_15_15 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:32:11 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/pbb_1_17_2016

]]>The 17 member Paradise Big Band performs two concerts per year at the Tennessee Williams Theater. Its a great band with a great sound and everyone should try to see this group perform. They bring the best out of everyone young and old.

The Soul of Key West Vol. I & Vol. II are available in most gift shops, The Island Book Store, and online at:

http://www.rwdepalma.com/shop

Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Soul-West-Ralph-Palma/dp/061587889X/

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Music and singing Lifestyle and Recreation Paradise Big Band 1/17/2016 https://www.rwdepalma.com/pbb_1_17_2016 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:32:11 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/oldphotos

]]>Read more about Din Allen, the Survivors, Bill Blue & the Nervous Guys, and the Key West music scene in my book The Soul of Key West.

The Soul of Key West Vol. I & Vol. II are available in most gift shops, The Island Book Store, and online at:

http://www.rwdepalma.com/shop

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Music and singing Lifestyle and Recreation Old Photo Slideshow https://www.rwdepalma.com/oldphotos Wed, 29 Jan 2025 21:45:27 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/trinidad_vistas

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]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Trinidad Vistas https://www.rwdepalma.com/trinidad_vistas Tue, 02 Jul 2024 22:00:56 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/mariel

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]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Mariel https://www.rwdepalma.com/mariel Tue, 02 Jul 2024 21:59:46 GMT https://www.rwdepalma.com/finca_vigia

]]>Lookout Farm was bought by the Hemingways two years after he arrived in Havana. They lived here from 1941-1960. I was vacant for years but always protected by the government.

Hemingway and Castro only met once and there is know definitive record of Hemingway's consideration of Fidel Castro but there is a large record of Castro's admiration of Hemingway. The Castro government has protected the dwelling and its contents for years and finally restored the main house in 2012 allowing the production of the film "Papa" inside the residence.

Heminway's 35ft Wheeler fishing boat the "Pillar", named after a nickname for his second wife, was also restored and put on display on the property.

]]> rwdepalma@gmail.com (Ralph De Palma Photographer) Cuba Caribbean Travel and Places Finca Vigia https://www.rwdepalma.com/finca_vigia Tue, 02 Jul 2024 21:59:45 GMT