We are particularly chuffed as The Big Idea has been one of our very favourite websites for some time... Thanks Guys!
May 28, 2008
Lorenzo on The Big Idea!
Props to Cathy and the crew at The Big Idea, for posting an article about Lorenzo's recent residency.
We are particularly chuffed as The Big Idea has been one of our very favourite websites for some time... Thanks Guys!
We are particularly chuffed as The Big Idea has been one of our very favourite websites for some time... Thanks Guys!
Lorenzo Farewells the Studios of Key West
On May 15th, just before his departure, Lorenzo farewelled the Studios of Key West community by performing at the Walk on White reception. When you see this many lampshades on people's heads, you know it's a party!
The Exit Interview....
As his month long residency comes to a close, Lorenzo is interviewed by Eric Holowacz, Director of the Studios of Key West.
Q: What were your impressions or ideas of Key West before you first touched down in the Conch Republic?
A:
Before coming to Key West, I was finishing up an album and had little time to reflect on the adventure that was upon me. I did however look in a world Atlas and was intrigued and excited to find Key West practically in the Caribbean, and very close to Cuba. I’ve never been to that part of the world, and I had no idea what to expect.
Q: You arrived just before the 26th Conch Republic Independence Day celebrations.
Did you experience any of the revelry?
A: Yes, I did! We went out on Guy De Boar’s catamaran. I didn’t know that I was about to be involved in battle! At first I was a little skeptical but it turned out to be a real blast. We celebrated the annual Conch Republic patriotic fight for freedom by throwing wet balls of bread at other boats and watching a passing planes drop toilet paper on a defenseless Coast Guard vessel. I walked home absolutely drenched.
Q: Tell us about your recent music projects, and inspirations.
A: Most of my musical career was spent playing punk music, so it was a big change for me about 10 years ago when I tried experimenting with different genres. Having grown up in Naples, Italy, I found myself singing the music of my childhood, and my family.
Just before coming to Key West, I finished my second album entirely in Italian, Buon Giorno.
Q: You are among the first to become artist-in-residence at The Studios of Key West.
Can you describe how that experience went, and
was it fruitful creatively and personally?
A: Being at The Studios of Key West helped me grow as an artist. I realized how much work I can do when I am in the right environment - isolated, undisturbed, and removed from daily responsibilities.
Being an artist at the Studios of Key West also increased my confidence. For the first time in ages, I experienced the freedom to let go. I had all the time, space, and privacy I needed to experiment. I realized the potential I have, and the lovely surrounds and supportive artists environment provided me plenty of inspiration.
Q: Did you have a chance to connect with local musicians and artists in Key West?
A: Eric introduced me to quite a few artists and musicians, among them Skipper Kripitz, a local Key West drummer. We got along well and he invited me to perform in between sets, and I sat in on many of his performances. Through him, I was able to meet quite a few other local musicians. Skipper and I now have forged a friendship that will continue long after my residency.
Q: What were the 3 highlights or major memories from your time here?
1. Having the time and space to think and create.
2. Playing with local artists and have started collaborating with TSKW’s other artist-in-residence, Mike Lash.
3. My personal encounter with a manatee and a mangrove iguana!
Q: Did any new creative work come out of your TSKW residency?
After I arrived ideas flowed immediately. I wrote 19 songs, more than enough to do a full CD project. The inspiration is purely from my experiences of the local culture. In fact, I have decided to call my next CD “Cayo Hueso” in honor of my stay there.
I also began a collaboration called “The Geiko Project” with TSKW’s other artist-in-residence, Mike Lash.
Q: What are the first 3 things you'll do once you get back to Wellington?
1. Be with my family
2. Work on my new Key West material
3. Repeat steps 1 & 2.
Q: What will you miss most about our small, hot, tropical island?
A: The new friendships, the warm weather, swimming, the food, time alone working, bucci, Duval St, and interacting with the other artists and stellar staff at The Studios of Key West.
Q: What were your impressions or ideas of Key West before you first touched down in the Conch Republic?
A:
Before coming to Key West, I was finishing up an album and had little time to reflect on the adventure that was upon me. I did however look in a world Atlas and was intrigued and excited to find Key West practically in the Caribbean, and very close to Cuba. I’ve never been to that part of the world, and I had no idea what to expect.
Q: You arrived just before the 26th Conch Republic Independence Day celebrations.
Did you experience any of the revelry?
A: Yes, I did! We went out on Guy De Boar’s catamaran. I didn’t know that I was about to be involved in battle! At first I was a little skeptical but it turned out to be a real blast. We celebrated the annual Conch Republic patriotic fight for freedom by throwing wet balls of bread at other boats and watching a passing planes drop toilet paper on a defenseless Coast Guard vessel. I walked home absolutely drenched.
Q: Tell us about your recent music projects, and inspirations.
A: Most of my musical career was spent playing punk music, so it was a big change for me about 10 years ago when I tried experimenting with different genres. Having grown up in Naples, Italy, I found myself singing the music of my childhood, and my family.
Just before coming to Key West, I finished my second album entirely in Italian, Buon Giorno.
Q: You are among the first to become artist-in-residence at The Studios of Key West.
Can you describe how that experience went, and
was it fruitful creatively and personally?
A: Being at The Studios of Key West helped me grow as an artist. I realized how much work I can do when I am in the right environment - isolated, undisturbed, and removed from daily responsibilities.
Being an artist at the Studios of Key West also increased my confidence. For the first time in ages, I experienced the freedom to let go. I had all the time, space, and privacy I needed to experiment. I realized the potential I have, and the lovely surrounds and supportive artists environment provided me plenty of inspiration.
Q: Did you have a chance to connect with local musicians and artists in Key West?
A: Eric introduced me to quite a few artists and musicians, among them Skipper Kripitz, a local Key West drummer. We got along well and he invited me to perform in between sets, and I sat in on many of his performances. Through him, I was able to meet quite a few other local musicians. Skipper and I now have forged a friendship that will continue long after my residency.
Q: What were the 3 highlights or major memories from your time here?
1. Having the time and space to think and create.
2. Playing with local artists and have started collaborating with TSKW’s other artist-in-residence, Mike Lash.
3. My personal encounter with a manatee and a mangrove iguana!
Q: Did any new creative work come out of your TSKW residency?
After I arrived ideas flowed immediately. I wrote 19 songs, more than enough to do a full CD project. The inspiration is purely from my experiences of the local culture. In fact, I have decided to call my next CD “Cayo Hueso” in honor of my stay there.
I also began a collaboration called “The Geiko Project” with TSKW’s other artist-in-residence, Mike Lash.
Q: What are the first 3 things you'll do once you get back to Wellington?
1. Be with my family
2. Work on my new Key West material
3. Repeat steps 1 & 2.
Q: What will you miss most about our small, hot, tropical island?
A: The new friendships, the warm weather, swimming, the food, time alone working, bucci, Duval St, and interacting with the other artists and stellar staff at The Studios of Key West.
May 9, 2008
Solares Hill
Thanks to Solares Hill for their article on Lorenzo.
Double click the article and it will enlarge so you can read it.
Mike Lash & Tennessee Williams
I have been working on an lyrical/musical idea that happened a couple nights ago.
A bunch of us out of towners had a BBQ at the Mango Tree House where Chicago's Mike Lash, Artist & Provocateur, is staying as an artist in residence.
After some food, a few drinks, and a few laughs, we went out for some local hand rolled cigars. We stared at the "Duval St. Scene" in awe and, then we made some noise.
During all this, Mike's shoe laces came undone, he tripped, fell face down and hit the ground pretty hard. One side of his glasses shattered. He scraped and cut his face slightly and bled - it sounds worse than it looked.
I went home and started writing a humorous song about it.
Next day I was on my way to the post office when Mike dropped by to visit.
I told him about the song idea, and he liked it. So while I ran errands, he stayed behind and typed his version of the story.
Our first collaboration.
Chicago's Mike Lash, Artist-in-Residence at TSKW
Tennessee Williams
Let me just say that I am absolutely blown away by "In The Cities Of Winter," a book of poetry by Tennessee Williams.
The language and the candor are extraordinary.
A must read, especially if you are a writer.
I got so excited I immediately wrote music to accompany "The Fox Cried."
Wishing you well,
Lorenzo
A bunch of us out of towners had a BBQ at the Mango Tree House where Chicago's Mike Lash, Artist & Provocateur, is staying as an artist in residence.
After some food, a few drinks, and a few laughs, we went out for some local hand rolled cigars. We stared at the "Duval St. Scene" in awe and, then we made some noise.
During all this, Mike's shoe laces came undone, he tripped, fell face down and hit the ground pretty hard. One side of his glasses shattered. He scraped and cut his face slightly and bled - it sounds worse than it looked.
I went home and started writing a humorous song about it.
Next day I was on my way to the post office when Mike dropped by to visit.
I told him about the song idea, and he liked it. So while I ran errands, he stayed behind and typed his version of the story.
Our first collaboration.
Chicago's Mike Lash, Artist-in-Residence at TSKW
Tennessee Williams
Let me just say that I am absolutely blown away by "In The Cities Of Winter," a book of poetry by Tennessee Williams.
The language and the candor are extraordinary.
A must read, especially if you are a writer.
I got so excited I immediately wrote music to accompany "The Fox Cried."
Wishing you well,
Lorenzo
May 7, 2008
Key West Heat
To put it mildly, my stay here in Cayo Hueso (Key West) has been awesome. The director Eric Holowacz and staff are thoughtful and helpful, making sure everything we artists need is at hand.
Eric Holowacz at Work
I have spent most of my time writing music and lyrics (english is my second language therefore, an arduous task for me).
My stay at the House by the Mango tree was great. I came up with lots of fun musical ideas and finished at least 2 songs. The first one is titled "I Smell Cuban Coffee." Very Carmen Miranda, as in old 50's movies, she's the one with a fruit bowl for a hat, plays the maracas and sings with a thick hispanic accent. If you have a hard time picturing that, then think of Peter Allen doing "I go to Rio" "de Janeiro My oh Mio" etc... Anyway, a manic and fun song. The other song I've written is "Making Music" which is about hooking up.
I am currently residing in Jeannie's Cottage by The Heritage House, across from Robert Frost's Cottage. The houses share a common garden but because no one else lives here at the moment, I am the only one using the pool!
The house is filled with lots of quality art and antiques, as well as out of print books. I am not lacking any inspiration here, nor perspiration - since it's pretty hot and humid here.
Last night while smoking my first local hand rolled cigar, I stumbled across a poem by Tennessee Williams called "Everyman"...I love it! I wrote it next to a chord chart I had scribbled down earlier in the day. I will pass around at my next jam with Skipper Kripitz and friends, at whichever local gig of the moment he might be doing. I might recite it or just start singing it, what ever feels right at the moment.
Skipper Kripitz is a local drummer/musician. He can only jam at around midnite since he's always working or catching up on his sleep. I don't think he's had any for sometime. He calls me up on the phone, invites me to sit in and play a couple of my songs, gives me directions and hangs up.
No fusing about, and lots of fun!
Cheers
Lorenzo
Eric Holowacz at Work
I have spent most of my time writing music and lyrics (english is my second language therefore, an arduous task for me).
My stay at the House by the Mango tree was great. I came up with lots of fun musical ideas and finished at least 2 songs. The first one is titled "I Smell Cuban Coffee." Very Carmen Miranda, as in old 50's movies, she's the one with a fruit bowl for a hat, plays the maracas and sings with a thick hispanic accent. If you have a hard time picturing that, then think of Peter Allen doing "I go to Rio" "de Janeiro My oh Mio" etc... Anyway, a manic and fun song. The other song I've written is "Making Music" which is about hooking up.
I am currently residing in Jeannie's Cottage by The Heritage House, across from Robert Frost's Cottage. The houses share a common garden but because no one else lives here at the moment, I am the only one using the pool!
The house is filled with lots of quality art and antiques, as well as out of print books. I am not lacking any inspiration here, nor perspiration - since it's pretty hot and humid here.
Last night while smoking my first local hand rolled cigar, I stumbled across a poem by Tennessee Williams called "Everyman"...I love it! I wrote it next to a chord chart I had scribbled down earlier in the day. I will pass around at my next jam with Skipper Kripitz and friends, at whichever local gig of the moment he might be doing. I might recite it or just start singing it, what ever feels right at the moment.
Skipper Kripitz is a local drummer/musician. He can only jam at around midnite since he's always working or catching up on his sleep. I don't think he's had any for sometime. He calls me up on the phone, invites me to sit in and play a couple of my songs, gives me directions and hangs up.
No fusing about, and lots of fun!
Cheers
Lorenzo
May 5, 2008
Lorenzo's New Album Is On Its Way!
"Buon Giorno," Lorenzo's second solo album in Italian, has just been finished and is being pressed.
Like his 2005 release "Sotto Sopra," Lorenzo's new album is a true family collaboration, using lyrics by his father Giuseppe and his brother Paolo. Many of the albums tracks were laid down at Paolo's recording studio in Sydney, FDI.
Buon Giorno explores new musical territory, combining traditional Neapolitan melodies with Brazilain, Arabic, and pop influences.
Lorenzo mastered the tracks last month at Catasonic Studios in Los Angeles.
The layout and design is by Mark from White Fungus, and the album features the artwork of Dunedin collage artist, Peter Lewis.
Buon Giorno will be released in New Zealand, with a limited number of copies available in the United States at www.cdbaby.com.
Live on the Back Porch....
Live on the back porch of the Goldman residence... Saddlebunch Keys, Bay Point.
May 4, 2008
Moving Day: Lorenzo at the Heritage House & Robert Frost's Cottage
May 2, 2008
Lorenzo moves into a cottage at the Heritage House, only one block from that action of Duval Street.
Dispatch from Eric:
KP,
It's a really nice spread...a cottage with pool, and old rickshaw, in the garden in back of the Heritage House...opposite the cottage where Robert Frost lived 15 or 16 winters of his life. There's a story that Frost penned "The Gift Outright," now a famous poem,on his way to Key West. Late in his life, a few years before he died, Kennedy called on Frost to read a poem for his inauguration. He had a new poem that he had just written, and hadn't committed to memory. The snow and sun were blinding, and he had trouble beginning the President's new poem. After a pause, he gave up, and from memory recited The Gift Outright. The original hand-written version hangs inside the Heritage House...
The land was ours before we were the land's.
She was our land more than a hundred years
Before we were her people. She was ours
In Massachusetts, in Virginia.
But we were England's, still colonials,
Possessing what we still were unpossessed by,
Possessed by what we now no more possessed.
Something we were withholding made us weak.
Until we found out that it was ourselves
We were withholding from our land of living,
And forthwith found salvation in surrender.
Such as we were we gave ourselves outright
(The deed of gift was many deeds of war)
To the land vaguely realizing westward,
But still unstoried, artless, unenhanced,
Such as she was, such as she would become.
Cool, huh.
Eric
Lorenzo moves into a cottage at the Heritage House, only one block from that action of Duval Street.
Dispatch from Eric:
KP,
It's a really nice spread...a cottage with pool, and old rickshaw, in the garden in back of the Heritage House...opposite the cottage where Robert Frost lived 15 or 16 winters of his life. There's a story that Frost penned "The Gift Outright," now a famous poem,on his way to Key West. Late in his life, a few years before he died, Kennedy called on Frost to read a poem for his inauguration. He had a new poem that he had just written, and hadn't committed to memory. The snow and sun were blinding, and he had trouble beginning the President's new poem. After a pause, he gave up, and from memory recited The Gift Outright. The original hand-written version hangs inside the Heritage House...
The land was ours before we were the land's.
She was our land more than a hundred years
Before we were her people. She was ours
In Massachusetts, in Virginia.
But we were England's, still colonials,
Possessing what we still were unpossessed by,
Possessed by what we now no more possessed.
Something we were withholding made us weak.
Until we found out that it was ourselves
We were withholding from our land of living,
And forthwith found salvation in surrender.
Such as we were we gave ourselves outright
(The deed of gift was many deeds of war)
To the land vaguely realizing westward,
But still unstoried, artless, unenhanced,
Such as she was, such as she would become.
Cool, huh.
Eric
The best transportation to a gig....
Lorenzo and guitar pedal to a film screening at The Tropic Cinema, then on to a live gig at Virgilio's.
April 29, 2008
Lorenzo performs his first Key West song...
...the early version of a new Key West song emerges, as Lorenzo Buhne rehearses in the main hall of the Historic Key West Armory, on the campus of The Studios of Key West.
Mango Man on Smather's Beach
Stopping to select mangoes from Key West's Mango Man, at Smather's Beach...
Key West is legendary for many things, not least of which is its abundance of unique characters and people. On our way to meet the manatee, we noted the appearance of the well-known Mango Man, an older Cuban guy who pushes a bicycle and fruit cart, shielded by a large canvas umbrella. We decided to stop and visit him on the way back, and Lorenzo was connected to yet another fine aspect of life in Key West. After all, it is the people, unique and singular and detached from the American mainland, who make this place so special.
Lorenzo makes friends with a mangrove iguana
Lorenzo makes more new friends - this time its with a mangrove iguana!
Following the manatee/mermaid adventure, Bill swam over to the nearby mangroves and flushed out an iguana, and then introduce Lorenzo to another local critter found in the trees, yards, and waters of Key West. A baby reef shark also decided to swim by, accompanied by a small baracuda, as our lunch break seemed to turn into an episode from Animal Planet. We returned to Old Town, Key West, and Lorenzo retreated to the Mango Tree House to write a few more songs about this wild, wonderful place.
Lorenzo meets a Manatee!
Lorenzo meets a Florida native, the manatee, at Key Haven Canal
Just as Lorenzo was planning to play a few new songs for the TSKW staff, a call came in from neighbour BIll Yankee, that a large manatee (sea cow) was meandering through a local canal, and had stopped to drink water from a hose off the dock. We hopped in Bill's car and set off for Key Haven, a waterside community on the next island over. The manatee was at least 8 feet, and had a tail that looked as perfect as any mermaid's. There were some boat propellor scars along his back, but the beast was in otherwise fine shape (and drank for at least 45 minutes). Manatees are common in South Florida waters, and really are magical to see. - Eric
April 28, 2008
WPBT-TV, Miami
Many thanks to the public television station in Miami, WPBT-TV, for their great web page about Lorenzo’s stay at TSKW.
Pasta Night at the Mango Tree House
Lorenzo invites TSKW Director Eric Holowacz and his lovely family over to the Mango Tree House for a traditional Italian pasta, accompanied by not-so-traditional gin and tonics.
Pictured are Eric’s partner Mo Hickey, and daughters Eva, Mila, and Anais.
Nothing Happens Until Something Moves
"Nothing happens until something moves" - A. Einstein
I have sat at the laptop for about 3 hours,
Organising a very small part my life
I have not moved my fingers
Does that count?
Oh! My mind is juggling facts and fallacies
Neurons sparking
And sparkling
All over the place
April 27, 2008
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Check out these videos about the Conch Republic, I'm telling you its rich! Learn more about Key West's succession and declaration of war on the US Government....
Dispatch from Lorenzo
last night I went with this fellow who built his catamaran himself, Guy, and his girlfriend and another man to a mock fight,
a war against the US govt,
the US coast guard to be precise
and it was pretty good,
the coast guard got into it too
there were lots of boats, it got pretty physical,
suprisingly no accidents
aereoplanes dropping toilet paper onto the coast guards vessel and
real big sail boats with cannons
shooting blanks and with hoses with electric pumps
that squirted salty water and reached quite far
we carried stale bread, wet it, made balls and threw it to the other boats,
i was super drenched, much fun!
boiled eggs (no shells) and tomatoes were also present
apparently the govt sent a couple cannons and blanks which they set up on the pier and were shooting
i walked home all wet
Sambucca at the Irish Pub, Buskers at Mallory Square
April 26th, 2008
last night i went with Eric to meet his visiting cousins at a pub
he ordered 20 chicken wings to die for
25 cents a piece
a beer and later a sambuca to top us up with
we then went to the conch parade
-LB
Dispatch from Eric to Kedron
KP,
Lorenzo has been working by day in the Mango Tree House, and is very industrious over there. We live next door, and work on the other side, and have managed to take him out whenever he gives himself a break. I had some long-lost cousins come into town yesterday, so Lorenzo and I joined them at a nearby Irish pub, then we explored the island by night: Sunset Celebration and buskers at Mallory Square, Conch Republic independence day parade, the lively bar scene at Schooner Wharf, and then a meander through Old Town to home. I think he was enchanted by the fragrant, tranquil ride back to the Mango Tree House.
We might take him to lunch today, at a funky place a few islands over, on a working marina...and Martha, my colleague, has offered to take him on their boat to observe the re-enactment of the Conch Republic's naval battle with the US Government...all in jest, of course, but cannon will be fired.
You might want to pack up and get over here too!
More soon,
E
TV on the Porch
25 April 08
a nice and busy day in a Key West kind of way
last night I was up till 1am and translated to english all the new song's lyrics
I will work on them while here
and today I got up before 8am
practiced and got ready to appear on "TV on the Porch"
which is as it sounds, it went very well, I did one song
this one lady with a dog that was coming on after me
saw it and hired me to play for a fundraiser SPCA on May 2nd
and I will earn my keep
Eric treated me to lunch it was delicious
came back and listened my new recordings in the big reception room
haven't ventured out much here, i just want to work
a nice and busy day in a Key West kind of way
last night I was up till 1am and translated to english all the new song's lyrics
I will work on them while here
and today I got up before 8am
practiced and got ready to appear on "TV on the Porch"
which is as it sounds, it went very well, I did one song
this one lady with a dog that was coming on after me
saw it and hired me to play for a fundraiser SPCA on May 2nd
and I will earn my keep
Eric treated me to lunch it was delicious
came back and listened my new recordings in the big reception room
haven't ventured out much here, i just want to work
First Taste of Cayo Hueso
April 21 08
Lorenzo arrives in Key West to be the first musician in residence at The Studios Key West!
Lorenzo is jet lagged after a string of crazy flights from the South Pacific and an whirlwind three day stay in Los Angeles.
The Excellent Eric Holowacz, Director of TSKW, greets him and takes him to lunch at the classic neighborhood Cuban joint, El Siboney. That sandwich is a Cuban Mix all the way, and they had conch chowder to prime the well.
Then, the staff at TSKW greet him with a goodie bag including a bottle of Sicilian wine!
Media Release From The Studios of Key West
Singer-songwriter is first Musician-in-Residence at The Studios of Key West
New Zealand-based Italian musician writing new songs in Key West through mid-May; will perform at the Armory for May 15 Walk on White reception.
In January of this year The Studios of Key West opened its Mango Tree House, a temporary home for visiting artists from all over America and the world. Since then the cottage in back of the Armory has hosted photographer Curt Richter, Miami-based new media artist Charles Recher, culinary writer Crescent Dragonwagon, metal worker Thomas Mann, and a handful of visiting workshop instructors.
Lorenzo Buhne, an Italian musician who now lives in Wellington, New Zealand, recently became the first official Musician in Residence at the Old Town campus. Buhne’s artistic past crosses many genres, from 1980’s American punk rock to 16th Century Italian ballads. He comes to Key West after putting the finishing touches on his second CD, Bon Giorno, which was recorded last year in the Southern Hemisphere and mastered last week in Los Angeles.
“I might be going insane if I was not here right now,” says Buhne, “In my normal life, I was becoming desperate for quiet, contemplative time, and entirely new inspiration. This residency, on such a warm and wonderful island is affording me that, and more.”
Born in Italy, Buhne’s family migrated to Sydney, Australia when he was a teenager. There he learned bass guitar, and toured extensively throughout Australia, Vietnam and Singapore. After moving to Los Angeles in 1976, he played with legendary punk bands FEAR and the Dickies, performing on bills with such notable acts as Devo, Jane's Addiction, The Red Hot Chilly Peppers, Iggy Pop, The Ramones, Green Day, Tiny Tim and many more. His various bands and solo work have made the top 10 charts in Japan, England, and Argentina. And Buhne has also composed songs for Hollywood films, a ballet, an art installation, and has more recently turned his attention to producing.
After moving to New Zealand in 2003, Buhne began exploring old Italian and Neapolitan folk songs, and recorded the solo album, Sotto Sopra. That modern record incorporated pop, rock, sampled beats, as well as mandolins, strings, primitive Mediterranean instruments, and Italian lyrics composed by his father.
“It has been over three years since I produced that CD,” says the musician, who has been tweaking his next album from the visiting artist cottage at The Studios of Key West. “Over the coming weeks, I will continue to explore this remarkably musical island, the upcoming Songwriters Festival, Cuban music, fiddlers at the Green Parrot, and other new discoveries to feed my next project.”
Musician-in-residence Lorenzo Buhne will perform at the Armory as part of the May 15 Walk on White reception, which is free and open to the public. He can also be found, between now and mid-May, playing guitar and singing his songs around and about the island.
“Lorenzo is such a warm and genuine person, with a creative background that is incredibly diverse and interesting, and artistic ideas and output that just keeps coming,” said Eric Holowacz, executive director of The Studios of Key West. “He is the perfect kind of artist-in-residence for our growing organization, because he wants to explore and connect with our island, draw on indigenous influences, and craft something entirely new out of the experience.”
Buhne returns to New Zealand in late May, and other upcoming Artists-in-residence include Chicago-based visual artist Mike Lash, Canadian photographer and sound artist, Helen Verbanz, young writer Kristin-Paige Madonia, London-based graphic artist Michael Hawkins, and chief curator at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans, David Houston.
“As the season slows down and the lazy days of summer set in, we’ll try to keep things interesting,” said Holowacz. “With a new crop of visiting creative people on the horizon, we’ll continue to mine the artistic possibilities for Key West.”
To learn more about the visiting artist program at The Studios of Key West, or to enquire about future workshops, exhibitions, and special projects, please contact Eric Holowacz at 296-0458 or info@tskw.org.
New Zealand-based Italian musician writing new songs in Key West through mid-May; will perform at the Armory for May 15 Walk on White reception.
In January of this year The Studios of Key West opened its Mango Tree House, a temporary home for visiting artists from all over America and the world. Since then the cottage in back of the Armory has hosted photographer Curt Richter, Miami-based new media artist Charles Recher, culinary writer Crescent Dragonwagon, metal worker Thomas Mann, and a handful of visiting workshop instructors.
Lorenzo Buhne, an Italian musician who now lives in Wellington, New Zealand, recently became the first official Musician in Residence at the Old Town campus. Buhne’s artistic past crosses many genres, from 1980’s American punk rock to 16th Century Italian ballads. He comes to Key West after putting the finishing touches on his second CD, Bon Giorno, which was recorded last year in the Southern Hemisphere and mastered last week in Los Angeles.
“I might be going insane if I was not here right now,” says Buhne, “In my normal life, I was becoming desperate for quiet, contemplative time, and entirely new inspiration. This residency, on such a warm and wonderful island is affording me that, and more.”
Born in Italy, Buhne’s family migrated to Sydney, Australia when he was a teenager. There he learned bass guitar, and toured extensively throughout Australia, Vietnam and Singapore. After moving to Los Angeles in 1976, he played with legendary punk bands FEAR and the Dickies, performing on bills with such notable acts as Devo, Jane's Addiction, The Red Hot Chilly Peppers, Iggy Pop, The Ramones, Green Day, Tiny Tim and many more. His various bands and solo work have made the top 10 charts in Japan, England, and Argentina. And Buhne has also composed songs for Hollywood films, a ballet, an art installation, and has more recently turned his attention to producing.
After moving to New Zealand in 2003, Buhne began exploring old Italian and Neapolitan folk songs, and recorded the solo album, Sotto Sopra. That modern record incorporated pop, rock, sampled beats, as well as mandolins, strings, primitive Mediterranean instruments, and Italian lyrics composed by his father.
“It has been over three years since I produced that CD,” says the musician, who has been tweaking his next album from the visiting artist cottage at The Studios of Key West. “Over the coming weeks, I will continue to explore this remarkably musical island, the upcoming Songwriters Festival, Cuban music, fiddlers at the Green Parrot, and other new discoveries to feed my next project.”
Musician-in-residence Lorenzo Buhne will perform at the Armory as part of the May 15 Walk on White reception, which is free and open to the public. He can also be found, between now and mid-May, playing guitar and singing his songs around and about the island.
“Lorenzo is such a warm and genuine person, with a creative background that is incredibly diverse and interesting, and artistic ideas and output that just keeps coming,” said Eric Holowacz, executive director of The Studios of Key West. “He is the perfect kind of artist-in-residence for our growing organization, because he wants to explore and connect with our island, draw on indigenous influences, and craft something entirely new out of the experience.”
Buhne returns to New Zealand in late May, and other upcoming Artists-in-residence include Chicago-based visual artist Mike Lash, Canadian photographer and sound artist, Helen Verbanz, young writer Kristin-Paige Madonia, London-based graphic artist Michael Hawkins, and chief curator at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans, David Houston.
“As the season slows down and the lazy days of summer set in, we’ll try to keep things interesting,” said Holowacz. “With a new crop of visiting creative people on the horizon, we’ll continue to mine the artistic possibilities for Key West.”
To learn more about the visiting artist program at The Studios of Key West, or to enquire about future workshops, exhibitions, and special projects, please contact Eric Holowacz at 296-0458 or info@tskw.org.
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