40th Fantasy Fest Parade Grand Marshal

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Legendary Key West Musician and the Grand Marshal of the 40th Fantasy Fest Parade – Coffee Butler

Coffee Butler rode in the lead car of the 40^th Key West Fantasy Fest Parade, Saturday night October 26, 2019. This year’s parade theme “In Tune Out of Key”. Followed by 40 floats including the first float behind the Grand Marshal included his “Soul of Key West Band” playing their hearts out.

Members of the “Soul of Key West Band” at sound check.

The rhythm section.

Soul of Key West Band vocalists.

The eight piece band and six vocalists played all of Coffee Butler’s favorite hits including his signature song “Who Put the Pepper In the Vaseline”.

The band musicians included Larry Baeder lead guitar and Music Director, Clayton Lopez on funk guitar and vocals, Larry Smith playing keyboard, Paulie Walterson on drums, Bubba Lownotes, bass, James Buck Newton, second bass, Henry Fuller on congas, Joe Dallas, trombone, Tony Elitcher, baritone saxophone, and Marvin Perry, tenor saxophone.

Kicking into gear as the parade started.

Hitting the high gear as we turned onto Duval Street.

Our inspired vocalist included Cliff Sawyer, smooth & easy vocals, Robert Albury, King of Key West Soul, Mina Lopez-Martin, high vocals, Victoria Horne, the real deal, with Michelle Dravis and Christine Cordone – souloists. They covered the music of Coffee Butler, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, Ben E. King, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Prince. The float was rocking down Duval Street.