Meet the Pirates: Rascal Robert~Pirate Magyke

The Cedar Key Pirates in Paradise "Meet the Pirates" column is a continuing series of articles to introduce Cedar Key to the pirates and pirate groups who are attending the Cedar Key Pirate Invasion September 13-15, 2013.

When Mark Pettey slips on his pirate garb he transforms into Rascal Robert~Pirate Magyke...This talented entertainer from Naples, Florida combines magic, puppets, storytelling, and music to create a character that evokes laughter and wonder from young and old alike. His pirate character is based on his actual family history. Pettey`s great, great, great uncle was William Marsh the English privateer turned pirate.

With almost 40 years of experience as a professional trumpeter, Pettey has toured the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean. Pettey has performed with a diverse list of artists such as opera diva Beverly Sills, Aretha Franklin, and has even toured with the legendary southern rock group The Marshall Tucker Band.

While working in the Caribbean, he learned the art of steel drumming. Pettey in the persona of his character Racal Robert will be playing the steel drums and performing his unique magic act in the courtyard of the Island Hotel during the Cedar Key Pirate Invasion Weekend September 13-15, 2013. .