At watering holes from Key Largo to the mecca of tourism we know as Key West, we have some unique artists hard at work each day. These artists compose things a little differently, but they often influence our lives in very positive ways. They help us build fond memories, they offer up friendship, make us laugh, work complex and colorful chemistry projects before our very eyes and they do it all in perfect synchrony. Sadly, much of what they do is often completely overlooked. Many of these artists are also highly skilled at multitasking between the mixology, calculating mathematics at the point of sale system, and some even offer therapy sessions for the down-and-outers. As the live music cranks up nightly, as we smile and laugh with our friends and coworkers alike, behind those varnished wooden bar-tops, stand the artists hard at work. Sure, they create our libations, a simple means to an end at first glance, but there is something more we really must acknowledge. These so-called “service workers” are composing for us something requiring a unique skill set, and — dare I say? — a talent. This talent is a large part of what’s keeping our vital tourism industry alive and flourishing.
I have always enjoyed “people watching” during my travels and, prior to making the Keys my home, it was fun to do it at those things mainlanders call shopping malls. It is fascinating for me to watch humans doing what human beings do. One popular pastime for us here in the Keys is visiting the local bars and eateries. We get to soak up majestic sunsets and listen to live tunes while watching pink and white-striped tourists busy juggling conversations and smiles, slurping rum drinks down, and even dancing, or something resembling dancing. Aside from airport terminals, this is probably my favorite kind of people watching. Beyond the patrons, the artists are offering bar-side advice to strangers, telling jokes, pouring frosted pint glasses, doling out shots, and whipping up colorful mixed drinks. It is often a well-orchestrated performance and not far from resembling a Broadway show, drunken miscues by audience members aside. Our bartenders here in paradise are busy making art happen throughout the day, and then again at high speed when happy hour is upon us.
Perhaps the next time the tab comes to our table or bar, we can all remember, they are doing something we can’t realistically do for ourselves. Let’s be real here, not even in the man-cave or out at the she-shed. We tried self-bartending at home during the pandemic and it was just not the same. So when we go out to kick back and relax, watching them hard at work, what we see happening is something right there between magic and science. And that, my friends, is reason enough to label it Art. Let’s support these local artists every chance we can because without them, the Florida Keys would not be as colorful, the show could not go on, and this art form we love would be sorely missed. Let’s raise a glass to all our local “Bartists” and say thanks for sharing your talents with us.
