February is bringing great groups of visitors to Key West — and for us locals, that means great energy across the island, lively nightclubs, events almost every week, fabulous live music in the bars, and an opportunity to show off our southernmost home.

Randy Roberts displays mega-talent during performances at Key West's beloved La Te Da.

For example, Pearl’s Patio is featuring Susie Comet, the Joe Tenuto Band and Chief Billy & Bob Paul. Stop in at 525 United St. and join the fun. Pearl’s Key West, a full-service resort just a block from the Atlantic Ocean, was originally a women-only property. Today, while it’s gay oriented, it now welcomes everyone at Pearl’s Patio and during guest hours.

Around the corner is La Te Da, one of our internationally famous meccas. Serving guests and locals for more than 30 years, La Te Da offers the streetside Terrace Bar, the By George Piano Par and the Crystal Bar in the upstairs cabaret.

When you’re enjoying the sounds of Dave Bootle or Debra and Patrick, you’ll want to hit the dance floor. While there you will be watched over by a 1905 tapestry of King George V hanging in a place of honor over the bar. Upstairs in the Cabaret at La Te Da, you’ll enjoy the talents of world-class impersonators during Randy Roberts LIVE and Christopher Peterson’s EYECONS. (Check the calendar so you can plan your evenings around some of the best entertainment on the island.)

Down the street, we will soon be crowning Key West’s Queen of Mardi Gras upstairs at the 801 Cabaret. At 7 p.m. Feb. 16, the pageant will kick off with great performances, gowns, and more fun than you can imagine.

Blog writer Steve Smith really sinks his teeth into Key West's activities and attractions!

Join in the Mardi Gras festivities across the street at the Bourbon St. Pub, our club that brings a taste of New Orleans to the island. After the Feb. 16 kickoff, the fun runs through a Mardi Gras Pub Crawl on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 21. As always, the event benefits a local charity, the Sister Season Fund.

If you’re looking for a slightly quieter spot for a romantic cocktail, stop by the Point5 Cocktail Club upstairs at 915 Duval. There’s a great balcony overlooking the Duval Street action, and you can savor $5 premium beverages and gourmet pizzas every day from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Then enjoy a leisurely evening on the side porch of the dignified Victorian house-turned-restaurant, sharing plates of tapas prepared by an award-winning chef who has served his specialties for the James Beard Foundation.

For another great Key West experience, stroll down Duval Street to tiny Charles Street and the Smokin’ Tuna Saloon. One of our unique restaurant and entertainment facilities, the Tuna serves a variety of fresh seafood, oysters, dinners and starters — while top bands play live music.

The girls of Mama's Black Sheep are headed baaaaa-ck to Shanna Key.

If you feel like crossing the pond (i.e., traversing the Garrison Bight Bridge), check out Shanna Key Irish Pub, Grill, and Sports Bar. Shanna Key is the spot to watch your favorite American and European sports on two big-screen and nine HD televisions.

On Wednesday, Feb. 22, the hot girls’ group Mama’s Black Sheep returns to perform till midnight in celebration of singer Ashland Miller’s birthday. Don’t know who Mama’s Black Sheep is? Take one guitar, a bunch of drums, two amazing voices, a dash of humor, a touch of love, and strong musicianship. Mix and stir, and you have this terrific group.

On a personal note, my husband Paul can often be found at Shanna Key enjoying fish and chips. An expat Brit, he chooses Shanna Key’s fish and chips as his island favorite.

So until next time, have fun, enjoy our watering holes and restaurants, and keep an eye out for me!