an DeCosmo and Mike Lewis of the Funky 'Taters will grace the stage at the Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library Thursday, February 13 at 6:00pm. Jan is originally from Apalachicola and has spent her career as a Professor in the Department of Visual Arts, Humanities & Theatre at Florida A&M University where she taught for 37 years before retirement in 2008. Her research and publications include two books, a film and numerous articles on a variety of subjects related to Creole cultures in the Caribbean, in Bahia (Brazil) and in Southwest Louisiana. She is an avid collector of music, film and art (the latter primarily from Cuba, Haiti and Bahia) who has traveled to over 29 countries, 17 of them in the Caribbean. Now that she is retired, she plays in the Funky ‘Taters band, and produces events at her gallery in Railroad Square and at the Moon in Tallahassee. Mike Lewis is the leader and founder of the Funky ‘Taters. Formerly a computer programmer, today he is a singer, guitar player, band leader and songwriter. After Mike and Jan married they formed a band called "The Common 'Taters & the Turn-Ups" playing their Zydeco type music. The band changed the name to the Funky 'Taters and has traveled to Cuba to play in an international jazz festival. When asked how he became interested in music, Lewis says that he “always was...as long as I can remember, music has been the magic of the world, the thing that stirs my soul.” When asked about his songwriting, he said “I try to write fun songs that make you smile, and that make you want to dance. I don’t want to write dramatic, sad songs. There is enough sadness in the world today." The Winter Music and Art Series is free thanks to Porch Fest Apalach and PALS. It is held in the listening room at the Library at 80 12th Street. Come early as seating is limited.