Barry Cuda brings eclectic ‘pianimal’ style to island

PUT-IN-BAY – Key West pianomaster Barry Cuda is bringing his mix of jazz and rock ‘n roll piano music to Put-in-Bay this weekend.

Known as the “Pianimal,” Cuda is performing at the Reel Bar, 461 Catawba Ave., Thursday through Sunday. Times are:

• 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

• 9:30 p.m. Friday.

• 1 p.m. Saturday.

Cuda brings a mix of New Orleans jazz and Jerry Lee Lewis to his performances.

A Florida native, he studied jazz and classical music as a youngster and began exploring American roots music after discovering a sheet of ragtime music in the 1960s. His musical influences include Sunnyland Slim, James Booker, and Jon Cleary.

Cuda has been playing professionally since the 1970s and has been part of several bands, developing a cult following in Scandinavia. He regularly plays at well-known Key West clubs including Sloppy Joe’s and the Hog’s Breath Saloon.

The Tampa Tribune has described Cuda’s show as: “More outrageous than professional wrestling, more fun than Saturday morning cartoons.”