# Event Details - **Event Name**: Stories with Friends: Author Showcase & Book Signing - **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 05 Sep, 2026 at 11:00 am – Sat, 05 Sep, 2026 at 01:00 pm (-04:00) - **Event Description**: 📚 Stories with Friends: Author Showcase & Book Signing Author & Photographer Showcase + Book Signing 📅 Saturday, September 5, 2026 ⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM 📍 The Studios of Key West · 533 Eaton St, Key West Step into an intimate afternoon of storytelling, laughter, inspiration, and island culture as Just a Few Friends presents A Few Stories with Friends — a curated showcase featuring authors, historians, photographers, and storytellers whose work has been inspired by Jimmy Buffett, Key West, and the spirit of life lived just a little differently. Rather than a traditional lecture, this lively moderated experience brings together a fascinating mix of voices from across the Parrothead world — from longtime Key West historians and music writers to novelists, photographers, and fans whose lives were forever shaped by the music, community, and mythology surrounding the island lifestyle. Featured guests include: 📖 Scott Atwell – Buffett Backstories series 📖 J.T. Simpson – Jimmy & Me 📖 Kara O’Kane – Going Back to Key West 📖 H.R. Gordon – Beach Bum Books series 📖 Daniele Benvenuti – Cheeseburger in Paradise 📖 Chris Lauber – Thank You Jimmy Buffett 📖 Ralph De Palma – The Soul of Key West series 🕒 Event Schedule — 11:00 AM — Welcome & Introductions — 11:10 AM — Moderated Author Showcase Begins — 12:15 PM — Meet the Authors & Book Signing Each featured guest will share stories behind their work, personal connections to Key West and Buffett culture, and the inspiration behind the pages and photographs. Guests will have the opportunity to: 📚 Purchase books ✍️ Meet authors and photographers one-on-one 📸 Have books personally signed 🌴 Browse a themed display of island-inspired titles from Books & Books Come for the moderated discussion and stay for the signing and chance to personally connect with the authors — or simply stop by during the final hour to browse, shop, and enjoy the meet-and-greet portion of the event. Whether you’re a lifelong Parrothead, an avid reader, a lover of Key West history, or simply someone drawn to stories of adventure, reinvention, music, and the sea, this special gathering offers a rare opportunity to connect with the creatives helping preserve and expand the culture that continues to bring people together from around the world. Free to attend. “All events not affiliated with or endorsed by Jimmy Buffett’s Estate or Margaritaville Enterprises.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kara O’Kane Featured Book: Going Back to Key West Kara O’Kane is a debut novelist, lifelong Parrothead, and storyteller whose work is deeply inspired by the music, spirit, and sense of belonging associated with Jimmy Buffett and Key West. Her novel Going Back to Key West follows a young woman whose unexpected connection with Jimmy Buffett leads her to a family cottage on the island, where she discovers healing, friendship, and a renewed sense of home. Illustrated by beloved Key West artist Karen Beauprie, the book serves as a heartfelt tribute to the people and places that have made Key West a refuge for so many. A portion of proceeds from the book supports The Studios of Key West. J.T. Simpson (pen name of Mike Torino) Featured Book: Jimmy & Me: Semi-True Stories of One Parrothead Writing under the pen name J.T. Simpson, Mike Torino is the author of Jimmy & Me: Semi-True Stories of One Parrothead, a memoir inspired by music, memory, and the moments that shape our lives. Drawing from his experiences as a firefighter, father, and lifelong Parrothead, his storytelling blends humor, heartbreak, and personal reflection against the backdrop of Jimmy Buffett’s music and culture. Through his writing, his Mangrove platform, and his upcoming podcast Stories Between the Songs, Simpson explores the connections formed through storytelling, shared experiences, and life lived just slightly off the beaten path. H.R. Gordon Featured Works: Beach Bum Books series, Latitude Adjustments H.R. Gordon is the founder of Gordon Publishing Collective and the author behind the Beach Bum Books series, a collection of novels inspired by the escapism, storytelling, and tropical spirit associated with Jimmy Buffett’s world. Set throughout the Florida Keys, her books combine romance, mystery, humor, and island adventure while capturing the colorful personalities and laid-back rhythms of coastal life. Gordon’s interconnected stories celebrate reinvention, friendship, and a little bit of mischief, all while embracing the “party with a purpose” philosophy that inspired them. Proceeds from all Beach Bum Books sales benefit Save the Manatee. Daniele Benvenuti Featured Book: Cheeseburger in Paradise Daniele Benvenuti is an Italian journalist, writer, and music historian whose work focuses on American music, culture, and storytelling. Based near Trieste at the northern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, he has spent more than four decades studying non-mainstream American music and attending concerts around the world. His book Cheeseburger in Paradise introduced many Italian readers to the world of Jimmy Buffett, Key West, trop rock culture, and the spirit of island escapism. Benvenuti brings a unique international perspective to Buffett’s legacy, connecting audiences across oceans through music, stories, and a shared appreciation for life lived a little differently. Chris Lauber Featured Work: Thank You Jimmy Buffett – My True Adventures as a Superfan Photographer for 50 Years! (forthcoming) Chris Lauber is a lifelong photographer whose career has spanned sports, entertainment, and live events for more than two decades. His professional work has included assignments for organizations such as the Boston Celtics, Kawasaki, and MTV’s Spring Break coverage in Daytona Beach. A devoted Jimmy Buffett fan since the 1970s, Lauber has spent decades documenting concerts, fans, and unforgettable moments tied to Buffett’s music and community. He is currently completing a photo-rich memoir, Thank You Jimmy Buffett – My True Adventures as a Superfan Photographer for 50 Years!, which chronicles his experiences behind the lens and within the Parrothead world. Ralph De Palma Featured Works: The Soul of Key West Volumes I, II & III, The Soul of Havana Ralph De Palma is a Key West photographer, author, and longtime music journalist known for documenting the island’s vibrant live music culture. Through his Soul of Key West book series and weekly music column for the Key West Citizen, De Palma has spent decades capturing the personalities, performances, and stories that define the local music scene. His published works feature photographs and biographies of more than 160 Key West musicians, preserving an important piece of the island’s cultural history. His work reflects a deep commitment to celebrating the artists and creative spirit that continue to shape Key West. Scott Atwell Featured Works: Buffett Backstories: Fifty Years, Fifty Songs, Buffett Backstories: Fifty Years Fifty Songs Plus One, Buffett Backstories: The Pirate Edition Scott Atwell is a Key West native, author, and historian whose work explores the intersection of Jimmy Buffett’s music and the island culture that helped shape it. Growing up in Key West during the 1970s as Buffett established his signature tropical sound, Atwell developed a lifelong interest in the stories, people, and places behind the songs. His acclaimed Buffett Backstories series offers deeply researched insights into Buffett’s lyrics and inspirations, featuring interviews, historical context, and rare photographs. In addition to his writing, Atwell continues to document and preserve the legacy of Key West and Parrothead culture through speaking engagements, research, and his ongoing Buffett Backstories platform. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/key-west/stories-with-friends-author-showcase-and-book-signing/200030205209430 - **Event Categories**: art, literary-art, music, entertainment, nonprofit, trips-adventures, storytelling, photography, concerts, sports, live-music, fine-arts, meet-and-greet, parties, meetups, spring-break - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 24 ## Ticket Details ## Event venue details - **city**: Key West - **state**: FL - **country**: United States - **location**: Books & Books at The Studios - **lat**: 24.55774 - **long**: -81.8025399 - **full address**: Books & Books at The Studios, 533 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040-6801, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Stories with Friends: Author Showcase & Book Signing - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events8/banners/587a05b931e7a09e5c3aeed0929d92f1e915e0650f1c81788d0cbd10f8db76a3-rimg-w1200-h629-dc182828-gmir?v=1787941247 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Stories with Friends: Author Showcase & Book Signing being held? - **A:** Stories with Friends: Author Showcase & Book Signing takes place on Sat, 05 Sep, 2026 at 11:00 am to Sat, 05 Sep, 2026 at 01:00 pm at Books & Books at The Studios, 533 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040-6801, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing Stories with Friends: Author Showcase & Book Signing? - **A:** Stories with Friends: Author Showcase & Book Signing is organized by Just A Few Friends Key West. - **Q**: What has been the experience of attendees at Just A Few Friends Key West's events? - **A:** Attendees have given Just A Few Friends Key West a rating of 5/5 based on reviews from early attendees on AllEvents. Just A Few Friends Key West has a verified profile on AllEvents where you can read reviews and explore their upcoming events. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Stories with Friends: Author Showcase & Book Signing is ideal for art lovers, collectors, creatives, and anyone inspired by visual arts, installations, and exhibitions. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Key West, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Stories with Friends: Author Showcase & Book Signing sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast. ## Structured Data (JSON-LD) ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Event", "name": "Stories with Friends: Author Showcase & Book Signing", "image": "https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events8/banners/587a05b931e7a09e5c3aeed0929d92f1e915e0650f1c81788d0cbd10f8db76a3-rimg-w1200-h629-dc182828-gmir?v=1787941247", "startDate": "2026-09-05T11:00:00-04:00", "endDate": "2026-09-05T13:00:00-04:00", "url": "https://allevents.in/key-west/stories-with-friends-author-showcase-and-book-signing/200030205209430", "eventStatus": "https://schema.org/EventScheduled", "location": { "@type": "Place", "name": "Books & Books at The Studios", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "533 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040-6801, United States", "addressLocality": "Key West", "addressRegion": "FL", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": "24.55774", "longitude": "-81.8025399" } }, "eventAttendanceMode": "https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode", "description": "📚 Stories with Friends: Author Showcase & Book Signing\nAuthor & Photographer Showcase + Book Signing\n\n📅 Saturday, September 5, 2026\n⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM\n📍 The Studios of Key West · 533 Eaton St, Key West\n\nStep into an intimate afternoon of storytelling, laughter, inspiration, and island culture as J", "organizer": [ { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Just A Few Friends Key West", "url": "https://allevents.in/org/just-a-few-friends-key-west/23649708", "description": "New annual celebration in Key West celebrating the legacy if Jimmy Buffett with events, a second line memorial parade, music and a few friends." } ] } ] ```