Coffee Butler Amphitheater: Key West's Premier Concert Venue
Where else can you watch world-class musicians perform while the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico? The Coffee Butler Amphitheater at Truman Waterfront has quickly become one of Florida's most unique concert venues, attracting legendary artists to the southernmost city in the continental United States.
Here's everything you need to know about Key West's premier outdoor music venue — including its remarkable namesake.
The Venue
Located at Truman Waterfront Park near Fort Zachary Taylor, the Coffee Butler Amphitheater offers something no other venue can match: world-famous Key West sunsets as your backdrop. The venue features stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico from its grassy lawn, creating a concert experience that's as much about the setting as the music.
Venue Details
- Address: 21 E Quay Road, Key West, FL 33040
- Capacity: Approximately 4,000
- Seating: Reserved seats up front, general admission lawn behind
- Season: Primarily spring through fall (outdoor venue)
- Presented by: Rams Head Presents
The atmosphere is quintessentially Key West — casual, tropical, and laid-back. Expect sunset views, ocean breezes, and that island vibe that makes everything feel a little more magical.
Famous Artists Who've Performed
Since opening, the Coffee Butler Amphitheater has hosted an impressive roster of legendary and contemporary artists. Here are some of the notable acts who've graced the stage:
Rock & Classic Rock
- ZZ Top — The legendary Texas trio brought their blues-rock to the island
- John Fogerty — Creedence Clearwater Revival hits under the Key West sky
- Foreigner — Classic rock anthems with Lou Gramm
- The Beach Boys — What better place for California surf rock than the Keys?
R&B & Soul
- The Temptations — Motown legends bringing classic hits
- Kool & The Gang — Funk and disco under the stars
Country & Americana
- Willie Nelson — The outlaw country legend in paradise
- Tyler Childers — Kentucky's finest bringing Appalachian soul
- Turnpike Troubadours — Red dirt country favorites
- Brett Young — Modern country hits
- Chase Matthew — Rising country star
Jam Bands & Rock
- Tedeschi Trucks Band — 12-piece powerhouse known for epic live shows
- The Revivalists — New Orleans rock with a devoted following
- Blackberry Smoke — Southern rock at its finest
- The Avett Brothers — Folk-rock favorites
Trop Rock & Island Music
- Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band — Carrying on the Parrothead tradition
- Slightly Stoopid — Reggae-rock perfect for the setting
- Rebelution — Cali reggae vibes
🎸 The Perfect Setting
Many artists have commented on what makes the Coffee Butler Amphitheater special — the intimate size, the sunset timing, and the energy of a Key West crowd. Shows often start around 7 PM to catch golden hour, with headliners taking the stage as the sun dips below the horizon.
Who Was Coffee Butler?
The amphitheater's name honors one of Key West's most beloved musicians. Coffee Butler (1932-2018) was a legendary local pianist and entertainer who performed in Key West for over six decades.
Born Cofielde Butler Jr., Coffee was a fixture of Key West's music scene from the 1950s onward. He played at venues throughout the island, from the historic Bamboo Room to sold-out shows at the Key West Theater. His smooth jazz and blues piano style made him a local icon.
Coffee's Legendary Encounters
Coffee Butler's career included some remarkable brushes with fame:
- The Beatles (1964): When Hurricane Dora forced the Beatles' plane to divert to Key West en route to a Jacksonville concert, they stayed at the Key Wester Motel. Coffee was invited to jam with them — one of Key West's most legendary music stories.
- Tennessee Williams & Tallulah Bankhead: The playwright and actress came to see Coffee perform at the Bamboo Room. Tallulah, known for her wit, reportedly told Coffee, "If you made love to me, you would have been dead a long time ago."
Coffee performed into his 90s, with his final concerts selling out weeks in advance. The amphitheater naming honors not just his talent but his role in establishing Key West as a music destination.
Attending a Concert
Getting Tickets
Tickets are available through the official venue website (thekeywestamp.com) and authorized sellers. Popular shows sell out quickly, so book early. Prices typically range from $55-150+ depending on the artist and seating.
Seating Options
- Reserved Seats: Closer to the stage, numbered seats with better sightlines
- General Admission Lawn: Bring a blanket, grab a spot on the grass, and enjoy the view
- VIP Packages: Available for select shows with premium perks
What to Know Before You Go
- Arrive early: Gates typically open 90 minutes before showtime — sunset watching is part of the experience
- Weather: It's outdoor Florida, so prepare for heat and possible rain. Shows rarely cancel for weather.
- Food & Drinks: Concessions available on-site. Most shows are 21+ to drink.
- Parking: Limited — consider rideshare, bike, or walking if staying nearby
- Lawn chairs: Check specific show policies; low-back chairs often allowed for GA lawn
Key West's Live Music Scene
The Coffee Butler Amphitheater is the crown jewel, but Key West's live music scene extends far beyond one venue. The island has a deep musical heritage:
- Green Parrot Bar — Legendary dive bar with live music nightly
- Hog's Breath Saloon — Three sets of live music daily
- Smokin' Tuna Saloon — Local favorite for rock and country
- Key West Theater — Indoor venue for intimate shows
Local legends like Caffeine Carl Wagoner, Ericson Holt, and Michael McCloud carry on the tradition that Coffee Butler helped establish. On any given night, you'll find world-class musicians playing intimate venues throughout the island.
Plan Your Key West Trip
Combine a concert with sunset cruises, snorkeling, and more Key West adventures.
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