Channing Lynn at Blue Heaven

When: Tuesday, Jun 11, 2024 - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: 729 Thomas St, Key West, FL 33040


The Ballad of Channing Lynn: Key West’s Music Maestro and Therapist Extraordinaire

Key West is known for its vibrant sunsets, free-spirited vibes, and colorful characters. But few embody the island’s essence quite like Channing Lynn, a multi-talented musician and certified music therapist whose life is as melodious and layered as the tunes she plays. From finding solace in the clarinet as a young girl to using music as a transformative force for others, Channing’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and melody.

The Clarinet’s Rescue: A Musical Beginning

Born into a disciplined military family in Pensacola, Florida, Channing and her identical twin sister Jillian grew up in the shadow of a strict Marine Corps father and two older twin brothers. Life wasn’t always easy, but at age 10, Channing discovered her saving grace: the clarinet. Inspired by Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, she fell in love with the instrument and threw herself into classical training. By her teenage years, she was competing in orchestras and ensembles, finding confidence and identity in every note.

A Serendipitous Detour to Key West

Channing’s path wasn’t a straight line. After high school, she felt adrift and sought meaning in odd jobs and day labor. At 22, she made a life-changing decision: she sold almost everything she owned, packed a clarinet, a djembe drum, and a tent, and pedaled her bicycle to Key West. Here, she busked on Duval Street, earning $20 a night by playing her one-song repertoire, “You Are My Sunshine.”

Her big break came when she met artist and sailor David Wegman, whom she calls her “Captain.” Wegman taught her to sail, cook, and expand her musical talents. Over four years, they explored the Caribbean and northeastern U.S., with Channing learning guitar, banjo, and vocals aboard his handmade schooner. This period of nautical adventure and musical apprenticeship laid the foundation for her unique sound.

A Musical Gypsy’s Evolution

From sailing with Wegman, Channing transitioned to performing with the Sun Mountain Fiddler, Dick Solberg. As the band’s bass player, she toured the Virgin Islands and the Northeast, adding clarinet, saxophone, and vocals to her repertoire. These years of relentless gigging—over 2,700 performances and counting—cemented her versatility as a musician.

But Channing wanted more than just performance. At 30, she returned to academia, earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Florida State University. Here, she discovered the profound connection between music and healing. Working with elderly patients and individuals with disabilities, she witnessed music’s power to unlock emotions, memory, and communication in ways words often cannot.

Key West’s Jazz Gem

Channing’s love for music from the 1920s to 1940s—an era when melody reigned supreme—shines in her current work. “Those old jazz songs don’t usually require a vocalist to be overpowering or emoting strongly,” she explains. “Who can’t whistle the melody of ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’?” This passion led her to form the Sweet Petronias, a quintet dedicated to reviving the artistry and storytelling of vintage jazz.

A Community Connector

For Channing, music isn’t just about personal expression; it’s about community. Whether performing at local haunts like the Schooner Wharf or teaching music lessons, she’s a fixture in Key West’s vibrant musical scene. Her accolades, including the title of “Instrumentalist of the Year” at the Key West Music Awards, reflect her impact both on and off the stage.

The Legacy of Music’s Power

Channing’s life is a tapestry woven with threads of discipline, adventure, and a deep love for melody. From a young girl finding solace in her clarinet to a music therapist bringing harmony to others, her journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional.

As she sums it up: “Music is not just something you hear; it’s something you feel. It connects us, transforms us, and reminds us that we’re not alone.” And in Key West, with Channing Lynn leading the way, the music never stops.

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