Salli Squitieri

Salli Squitieri was born and raised in Princeton New Jersey and has an extensive background in performing, visual and healing arts that reaches as far back as her early teens. 

 

Salli organized and produced at a young age one of the first environmentally themed "Art & Music Festivals" in conjunction with the mayor of Princeton in the late 60's. She has been a positive force in supporting the arts since the age of twelve.

 

Although leaving home at an early age to pursue her adventures, independent studies and life callings while still in Princeton she studied Dance with Mila Gibbons of the esteemed Aparri School of Dance, at the Princeton School of Ballet and with Z'eva Cohen at the Princeton University.

 

In the late 60's to early 70's she majored in art and psychology at Mercer County Community College and audited various classes particularly art at Princeton University. Throughout the sixties and early seventies Salli participated in an array of 'Arts and Crafts' and Music Festivals in New Jersey. Salli then moved to NYC and continued dance with assorted local teachers and worked multiple jobs too ensue her travels and studies.

 

Later traveling across country to British Columbia Canada Salli spent time with the "Carrier Tribe" in Fort St James BC Canada and camped and hiked the remote backcountry of British Columbia researching and identifying the herbs and wildflowers of the region. Salli continued her studies in Art, Dance and herbology in Vancouver BC. She studied Art, Dance, Tai Chi and other various programs at the "Free University of Vancouver"; and moved on to in depth studies of multiple dance styles at "The Synergy Dance Center" often attending classes six days per week and eleven hours per day. Also while in Vancouver, Salli became an apprentice to a well-known Jeweler becoming her leading jewelry maker and sales representative, which led to her becoming an independent distributor and vendor. Salli received the privileges and honor of being the sole crafts vendor in the "Gas Light District" of Vancouver, which enabled her to finance and continue her independent studies and endeavors.

 

Also while in Vancouver Salli partnered with an "Old Time Style" recorded Fiddle and Banjo player--'John Butler' and danced her way throughout the country at countless festivals. Salli and John established a small home based studio in Bolinas California where she taught dance and he rehearsed and further developed his art. Salli became Butler's promoter and arranged for shows and events for their music and art projects. They were pursued for their one of a kind products and acts for special events throughout the states and parts of Canada. They were soon sought out by Elementary and High Schools as well as Colleges and Art Centers to provide historical presentations and shows on the Banjo and Fiddle styles and folk instruments and toys.

 

After returning to the East Coast in the seventies Salli did the entire East Coast Festival circuit from Maine to Florida with her business Gypsy Crafts. Later teaming with an artist (Jon Marshall) and assisting him with the construction of a 30x30 foot Log Cabin built from scratch on a 125 acre farm. This project entailed the hand cutting of select trees, the making of chink from clay, lime and salt, hauling the logs with the help of a mule and lfting the logs with a hoist system. Additionally, Salli helped establish five major gardens and a variety of Herb beds. Nature trails were created throughout the property as well as corrals for various farm animals and three bee hives were worked and maintained harvesting honey for personal use and for sales purposes.

 

Also during this time Squitieri managed the Shady Acre Ranch just outside of Roanoke Virginia where she handled and tended all the details of 15 race horses, 2 Stallions, 10 brood mares and foals, 2 retired and disabled horses and 5 unbroken horses. Squitieri was responsible for assistance with hands on maintenance and necessary repairs, assistance to the veterinarian and blacksmith, turning out and exercising, feeding and bathing and more. Duties also included the bailing and loading of hay requiring her to run behind the bailing truck in open fields and lift and toss 65 pound bales of hay onto a field trailer to then be loaded onto a flatbed truck, transported and relocated to the lofts of the barn. Her rigorous tasks began at 6 am and often did not end until very late at night. At a later time she worked part time at the Ranch and part time as an assistant manager at Fiesta Cantina a popular local Mexican restaurant.

 

During one of her east coast tours while at "The Avant-Garde Festival" she met members of "The Olduvai Music Ensemble" and was instantly incorporated as a family member into this network of performing artists by the request of band member Jim Richards  and she assisted with creative ideas, promotion and artist endeavors. Salli and Jim Richards--drummer for "The Olduvai Music Ensemble" were ultimately a creative inspiration for each other. In 1976 they began their travels together to a variety of of special events and in 1978 they had a much wanted child together--"Akia", who was delivered at a homebirth in NJ.

 

Salli's soul mate, Jim Richards passed away unexpectedly two years later. Salli's daughter is now 36 years old and is married to drummer extraordinaire--Frank Molina. Akia is the founder and artistic director of her own performance company--"The Rising Sun Performance Co."  Additionally among many other endeavors Akia is the company Manager for "The Blueman Group" in NYC. 

 

Salli's daughter has been an integral part of of every endeavor she pursues.

 

During the same time period while back in NJ Salli taught at the University National Organization of Women (N.O.W.) Day Care and then began working as a writer, illustrator, paste up artist and distribution manager for several newspapers one of which was the Women's Newspaper of Princeton and was highly sought out by companies and organizations as a reporter. Salli was also a distribution manager for the Holistic Magazine and Guide and later worked as an artist for Peterson's Guides.

 

As an art major and owner of numerous galleries--including the Calabash Galleries & Cultural Center, Caribbean Market Place, Roots Shop etc.. Salli has organized and produced arts, crafts, health and environmental and culturally educational events nationwide from the sixties to present day.

 

Salli has established cultural centers, taught an array of programs for all ages and has attended art shows an exhibitor and program leader for well over thirty years. Additionally, she was one of the first vendors and performers in the early seventies on the renowned Mallory Square Pier in Key West Florida as part of the worldwide know "Sunset Celebrations."

 

Salli Squitieri has also been involved with the study of herbs since the age of twelve when she began making and selling herbal scented candles and natural fiber jewelry from seeds, pods and plant parts.

 

Later Salli began teaching workshops and assorted programs incorporating the study of culinary uses, history, folklore, "identification, preparation and use", as well as the medicinal and craft realms of the herbal world.

 

As an Herbalist, Salli has also spent time with members of the Carrier, Seneca and Caribe tribes learning herbal identification, alternate names, traditional uses and natural remedies of regional plants. She studied a short time with the Platonic Herbal Academy, later studying with "C.F. Grey" - at that time an 80 year old third generation Virginian Herbalist, and also "Catfish" a third generation West Virginian Mountain Herbalist. Additionally, Salli attended assorted "Herb Walks" and nature study programs with various national herbalists.

 

Much of her study has been independent and self-taught, leaning towards the natural old fashioned ways. Salli has also worked a little bit with health specialists, special diet programs and nutrition. Salli will always consider herself a "student" of herbology.

 

She is the creator of "The Frog and The Hummingbird Co." which began as a home-based business producing nostalgic and traditional herbal products. This business is currently being reproduced after the loss from an onslaught of numerous back to back hurricanes that struck Southern Florida throughout 2005 and followed by the floods that began with Tropical Storm Debby in 2012.

 

When Salli and her daughter Akia lived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines from approximately 1984 to 1990, she had the opportunity to meet some reclusive mountain dwellers known as "Bush Doctors", she also worked and assisted countless makers of traditional arts and crafts, as well as spent a great deal of time with various Caribbean Musicians. Salli worked in conjunction with specific "Vincentian" Government Ministries with a proposal for assorted projects. For approximately seven years Salli dedicated herself to preparing and presenting proposals for the establishment of a Cultural Center and International Exchange.

 

Upon her return from St Vincent in 1990 Salli opened up her Galleries, Caribbean Market Place and Performing Arts/Cultural Center in New Hope PA as a means to revive and preserve the lost arts and help keep alive the many dying and primitive arts of various cultures.

 

Salli was within a very short time voted as secretary of "The Mechanic Street Merchants Association", "Director of Entertainment", and "Head of Fundraising". At the same time she was the proprietor of the "Calabash Gallery" and "Roots Shop."

 

Salli was then approached by multiple performing artists requesting that she become their manager, promoter and booking agent. Before she knew it she was the manager and consultant for approximately 10 up and coming bands that she handled promotions and bookings for. Some of these included "The 20th Century Steel Orchestra", "Futu Futu", "Rock of Ages", "Lygia Barretta", "Private Project", "Winston Grennan", Gabriel Butterfield and many more...During this same time she featured a vast array of Fine Artists and Crafters at her Galleries. Salli became a focal point of New Hope PA presenting a vast array of cultural programs, workshops and special events and featured regularly in the press.

 

Salli then moved to Woodstock NY as an advisor to help an associate on the concepts and development of a home based gallery where she immediately became an influence in the art and music communities.

 

(During this time she also partnered with an associate and developed a roofing company--"Creative Alternatives", specializing in power washing, refurbishing and installation of Cedar Shake roofs.)

 

Withing a short time after her relocation to Woodstock she was pursued by bass player--"Junior Ellis" (son of the renowned jazz musician "Pee Wee Ellis") to manage, promote and book for the band that he was a member of called "Futu Futu";  which was one of the top bands in the tri-state area.

 

(At this time there was a transitional period where Salli commuted regularly between New Hope PA and Woodstock NY tending her Galleries, as well as her partnership with Rob Davis with Creative Alternatives in New Hope and her assorted creative endeavors and developing businesses in Woodstock.)

 

While reviewing the music of Woodstock's local band 'Futu Futu' and interviewing the band members, Salli was introduced to Gabriel Butterfield (freelance drummer) son of the famous harmonica player and Blues musician Paul Butterfield (of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band). Salli and Gabriel were instant friends and she was requested to assume the role of Manager for Gabriel Butterfield. Salli soon exclusively managed, promoted and booked Butterfield and by his request handled all matters of his Fathers estate for him. By 1994 they shared a home and studio together and Salli became the fiancée of Gabriel Butterfield. 

 

Until 1999 Salli and Gabriel resided together just outside of Woodstock NY on an 18 acre wildlife preserve pursuing their creative endeavors. There Salli set up companion planted vegetable and herb gardens on the grounds and 40 foot wrap around deck. The attached 30x30 studio was utilized for a vast array of activities and became a forum for art, dance, music and herbal projects drawing visitors from near and far.

 

During her time in the Woodstock area Salli also set up a small business called "Heaven Sent Home Care" an all-inclusive and custom tailored home care service, which led to the postion as Estate and Property Manager for multi-millionaire Lee Mills.  Salli handled all aspects of the grounds, home, spa, guest house and all his personal affairs from designing & decorating, head art curator, insurance, housekeeping, catering, and special events, gardening, security, general chores, overseeing of multiple crews, construction "walk-throughs", floral selections, purchasing of all household affects, upkeep of all antiques, development of his pagoda style spa, was his personal assistant for travel arrangements, meetings/agenda, receptionist and much more...

 

Additionally, Salli worked with the Albany Bridge Company as a laborer for all aspects of bridge building in the Catskills region. After attending a Land Rover Rally with her 1969 Series IIA 88 Model Land Rover, her enthusiasm resulted in a phone call from Rover Works requesting her assistance and offering her an employment opportunity. This led to her role assisting with Land Rover assemblage and restoration and as their parts manager.

 

During 1990 to 1994 the Woodstock Music scene was active. It was a bustling cloister for both upcoming and renowned musicians. Salli kept Gabriel busy performing nightly as a freelance drummer at clubs throughout the vicinity. During the time period of 1993 to 1997 Salli orchestrated several small east coast tours with their own band--"The Butterfield Band"

 

The band included such well known members as Ted Ore (of Swollen Monkeys, Children of the Earth) David Castiglione (of The Zen Horns, Otis Rush, Grace Jones) Harvey Sorgen (of Hot Tuna, Paul Simon, The Memphis Pilgrims) Peter Buettner (of Karl Berger, Abdulah Irrahim, Gary Windo) and Mike Windfield (who toured with the Paul Butterfield Band, Led Zeppelin, Mothers of Invention, Muddy Waters) Several of the tours also included drummer Frank Molina who performed with countless renowned artists and worked as a studio and freelance drummer. Salli handled all creative aspects as well as the business details for this band and tours.

 

Salli was instrumental in organizing, producing and promoting local events; particularly Woodstock Community fundraisers and benefits where she gathered musicians, dancers, artists and enticed local businesses to donate fundraising prizes and food, putting on some of the best local extravaganzas and all for good causes.

 

In 1999 Salli Squitieri and Gabriel Butterfield , prompted by Salli's health condition, moved to Key West Florida where they resided until 2008. They bought their home--a "1921  2 level 43 foot Trumpy Style Wooden Pilot House Motor Yacht" and began to pursue their creative endeavors. Salli picked up where she left off in Woodstock by organizing and participating in assorted benefits and fundraisers and was actively involved with the art community creating new forums and opportunities for both performing and visual artists.

 

Again, Salli had a great effect on the art community continually creating these new forums. She was a featured writer for "Key West the Newspaper" and the "Key West Weekly Paper" showcasing a different artist each week. Likewise, she submitted to the other newspapers various press releases and promotional materials. Her articles and columns spotlighted the arts, travel, festivals and special events as well as herbal and health topics. Salli later became involved with an independent project with Fine Art magazine initiating the first time ever free forum for artists in an internationally distributed coffee table style magazine. As a result of her efforts Salli was designated the South Florida representative for Fine Art magazine by the owners--Jamie and Victor Forbes.

 

Her involvements during this time also included a custom built display with a local co-op, the "Artist's Market Place" --featuring her herbal products. Word quickly spread of the uniqueness of her display, wares and educational presentations and demonstrations and she was then recommended to travelers by the cruise ship directors. Additionally, she presented an eye catching display at the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square and was commended by the Sunset Celebration Jury Committee.

 

Further, Salli assisted with all aspects of the opening and operation of Henrietta Weaver's "Art of Baking", a restaurant and cafe in the Bahama Village of Key West Florida; which was featured several times on the Food Network Channel.  In addition to the structural improvement of the restaurant, decoration, window displays, promotion and press, cooking, special events and more; Salli assisted with producing and marketing Henrietta's original recipe for Coconut Strips. Later, Salli helped Henrietta with the designing and writing process for the Art of Baking Cook Book.

 

"Music and Art to Benefit Children" a 14 day fundraising effort held at multiple venues was dedicated to the support of three separate children's organizations and featured on "Point to Point" a local TV show, was an event which Squitieri orchestrated gathering performing and visual artists from around the country for this fundraising cause.

 

Salli in one month during Key West's slow season set out on foot to procure publication support via advertisement, enabling this Special Edition to become a first time free forum for artists in an internationally distributed coffee table style magazine.  She successfully and miraculously obtained $10,000 in advertising support from local businesses in support of the arts and the project. The special edition was showed cased at the NY Art Expo and was placed within the Library's and Florida History depts.

 

August 11th 2002 Salli was flown from Key West FL to Long Island NY where she on the final stages of her project with "Fine Art Magazine" and assisted with the Grand Opening of the Jamie and Victor Forbe's "Blue Poodle Gallery" and Music and Art Festival. Gabriel Butterfield arrived August 17th 2002 and was taken directly to radio, magazine and video interviews which Salli assisted with. This event was  a four day multi-media tribute exploration on the Bob Dylan/Paul Butterfield connection and a benefit for the Waterkeepers Alliance.

 

Immediately, upon her return to Key West in early September 2002, Salli began gathering artists and donations for a local children's organization (The Boys and Girls Club of the Keys) as part of her production the "Fine Art Extravaganza, which featured world class performers and received donation support from 250 local businesses that Salli single handedly met with.  As a result of the success of this event she was requested to sit on the board of the Boys and Girls club of the Keys.

 

Salli and Gabriel from April 2000 to December 2004 were involved with the restoration of their 1921 historical vessel "Cotton in Augusta" with Salli extensively researching her history and working towards bringing it back to full glory. 

 

In mid 2004, having gone through hardships themselves as a result of medical problems, Squitieri and Butterfield with the assistance of Dan Aykroyd and his wife Donna Dixon-Aykroyd and the sponsorship of "Fractured Atlas" a NYC non-profit arts service organization, established he "Paul Butterfield Fund and Society" (PBFS) an educational and charitable entity in honor of Butterfield's departed father.

 

PBFS was dedicated to the preservation and revival of the legacy of Paul Butterfield and to the richness of the Blues style of music the support of the arts and those involved with the arts. PBFS strived to assist struggling artists with emergency relief, project support and cultural enrichment, particularly those creative endeavors with focus on projects dedicated to cultural enrichment for underprivileged and at risk children.  Salli was the backbone of this entity and received global interest within a very short time initiating and was solely responsible for the creation of such projects as 'care packages' for struggling artists and for on tour musicians, the 'PBFS Educational Archival Exhibit', educational resources for performers, and the Free CD Blue Library among many others.  Salli dedicated 20 years of her life and invested her own funds, personally gathering Paul Butterfield artifacts for the exhibit. The PBFS Educational Archival Exhibit represented segments of Paul's life and career and included memorabilia--posters, handbills, tickets, artwork, photographs, music, videos and personal artifacts of Paul's and likewise represented the band members and the arts and artists of that era.

 

Also in 2004 Salli was selected to be an Ambassador for the Blues Hall of Fame.

 

On December 17th 2004 Squitieri and Butterfield unveiled the PBFS Educational Archival Exhibit as part of a three day multi-media extravaganza at the Key West Hard Rock Cafe on Paul Butterfield's birthday, which was also a day when radio stations nationwide regularly joined together in memory of Paul Butterfield and in support of PBFS, by playing Paul Butterfield's music throughout the day. Salli campaigned for this endeavor via a grass roots effort and in addition to her contacting stations also had music industry reps, fans and PBFS members contact local radio stations. Salli also set up live radio and TV interviews with Paul's son--Gabriel.

 

The December 17th event was followed by a series of successful benefits for the community once more incorporating music and art and receiving phenomenal public support.

 

On December 26th just shortly after their community benefits Squitieri and Butterfield along with family members returned to their home--their 1921 vessel to find it had been vandalized and deliberately sunk, thus losing everything they owned including their career materials and Squitieri's partially completed works and formulation of an herb book to be titled "Herbs--A Tradition" and her Caribbean Cook Book "A Taste of the Tropic's; which she is resuming work on.

This tragic episode triggered a relapse with Salli's health.

 

Squitieri and Butterfield were close to getting back on their feet and replacing their belongings when they encountered the blows of 5 back to back hurricnaes in 2005, with the final blow of Hurricane Wilma resulting once again in the loss of most of what they owned.

 

With this said, Salli knowing first hand the devastation of unforeseen events and circumstances and having tasted more than a fair share of adversities she was driven hard with passion and directed this to her many projects assisting those in needs through the Paul Butterfield Bund and Society.

 

The Paul Butterfield Fund and Society Care Packages for Struggling Artists established in 2005 became a signature projected brain stormed by Squitieri, and is a project that she is very proud of and one that is particularly close to home and heart for her. It was designed to assist artists with fundamental needs and special gifts items intended to help lift the spirits in times of hardships. Also letting these struggling artists know that someone does care and does understand and what the rest of the world was enjoying was not unreachable to them. It was designed in hopes of bringing a smile and a moment of hope to someone who was in a time of desperation.

 

September 2007 Squitieri produced a 5 day gathering drawing musicians and industry people from around the country. The PBFS Annual Staff Conference and Gathering in conjunction with Gabriel's Butterfield's Birthday Blues Jam was held in the Blues Mecca of Clarksdale Mississippi from September 6 to 10th.

 

The event was a means to bring PBFS staff from around the country to one location to brainstorm new ideas, finalize projects and review the progress and evolution of PBFS. It likewise was a means to enhance public awareness for PBFS and hopefully increase membership support, as well as to present a networking forum for Artists, Blues Lovers, Performers, Industry, Blues societies and more...

 

Over the next couple of years the gathering brought together musicians of all calibers to create and play incredible music, manifest new performing opportunities and network, enhance business for local establishments, merge local talent with national talent and brought forth an enjoyable time for guests from around the country. The event gathered people of walks of life to enjoy good conversation, good food and good music.

 

Also in September of 2007 Squitieri and Butterfield presented the First PBFS Award of Recognition which was designed and initiated by Squitieri. The award recipient was Alabama born legendary Bluesman--Sam Lay known for his double shuffle style of drumming and as the founding drummer for 'Howlin' Wolf' and the 'Paul Butterfield Blues Band'. Lay likewise toured with the 'Chicago Blues Reunion' and also the Siegel-Schwall Blues Band. It was announced at this event that Sam Lay and Gabriel Butterfield would be working on additional upcoming performances together under the promotion, booking and management of Squitieri.

 

On September 8th Salli was surprised with receipt of an "Award of Recognition for her outstanding commitment to the Paul Butterfield Fund and Society from PBFS Staff, members and friends of PBFS.

 

Squitieri also head of operations Film documentary, which was a project comprised of a team collaboration to produce the first time ever film documentary about the Legendary Bluesman and worldwide renowned harmonica player--Paul Butterfield.

 

The Film Documentary was developed with intent to preserve the legacy of a bluesman who changed the course of music making history and made it possible for many musicians to be where they are today. It was Squitieri's hope assisted by Staff member Steve Arredondo and Akia Squitieri to bring forth this legacy and the music of Paul Butterfield to a new generation by telling the story of a man and his musical journey. Salli was one of the executor directors of this project.

 

In 2006 to 2007 to name a few of the individuals interviewed and filmed were

Al Kooper, (of Bob Dylan, Michael Bloomfield), Sam Lay (Howlin' Wolf, Paul Butterfield Blues Band) Nick Graventies (electric Flag, Paul Butterfield Blues Band), Corky Siegel (Siegel-Schwall, Chicago Reunion), Barry Goldberg (Chicago Reunion), Rick Reed (Southern Pacific, Paul Butterfield Band), Jim Weider (The Band), Happy Traum ( Folk Artist, Founder of Homespun Recordings) and others.

 

In 2007, Salli began assisting famed bass player Rod Hicks who was originally Aretha Franklyn’s bass player and later was recruited by Paul Butterfield and known for his songs Highway 28 and Boxer. She worked with reviving his legacy, royalty recovery and orchestrated benefits for Hicks whose health was on a decline.

 

In the beginning of 2008 Squitieri and Butterfield moved from the Florida Keys to the Florida Panhandle in the north western section of Florida. They initially moved to Wewahitchka near the dead lakes regions on the western section of a national forest. They had their goals set on settling in Sopchoppy Florida on the eastern side of the National Forest set between the capital of Florida and the beautiful coastline. Within three months Salli located a cabin not far from the Sopchoppy river and just 4 miles to the town of Sopchoppy with a population of 400.

 

Salli soon found the perfect location for their 'business to be' and they rented a charming historical building in Sopchoppy. The 103 year old wood building abundant with stories was one of the original buildings of Sopchoppy and had a warm rich acoustical sound, perfect for their music and art forum and cafe. In July 2008 they opened this magical business that was an oasis in Sopchoppy. The Frog and The Hummingbird Co & Butterfield's Roadhouse became a destination point and soon drew people from near and far.

 

The Frog and The Hummingbird Co & Butterfield's Roadhouse was Sopchoppy's Eclectic Music & Art Forum featuring local, regional, national and international arts, crafts and assorted merchandise. Offering new and exciting merchandise all the time including but not limited to Herbal Products, Teas from Around the World, Healthy Snacks, Exotic Luxury Mosquito Nets, Kimono, Jewelry, Fine Art & Photography, Hammocks, Assorted Textiles, Scarves, Fused Glass, Wearable Art, Tote Bags, Woodwork, Paintings, Handmade Gift Cards, Candles, Honey, Coffee, Maple syrup, BBQ Sauces & Specialty foods, Handmade sculpted artisan soaps and body care products, Crafts, Recycled Art, Consignment work and much more...

 

It featured “The Paul Butterfield Fund and Society” and Exhibits, Special Gallery Showings, Mini Film Fests and Music Jams & Gatherings.

 

"Butterfield’s Roadhouse" another creation of Salli's was an old fashioned down to earth music venue for local and national artists, a special venue for traveling artists and performers, special events and jams. The forum was somewhat like a combined old fashioned Juke Joint/Listening Room/Coffee and Tea Room with an up close and personal atmosphere and noted for presenting high caliber performances and for showcasing and merging local, regional and national touring acts.

 

Salli manifested this forum as a “no smoking no alcohol’ establishment, which created a family friendly environment and listening room atmosphere. People came to enjoy the music and art, network and enjoy themselves. Creating this type of atmosphere enabled young people to attend and be exposed to a plethora of musical styles. Importantly, the emphasis was on presenting music and history of it, in order to carry it on to a new generation.

 

Special Events included but were not limited to: Music performances, Artist Showcases, Free Outdoor Art Market & Day of Music First Saturday of each Month, Blues Jams, Acoustic Jams, Poetry Nights, Cheese Tasting Nights, Book Signings, Participation and Special activities in Wild About Wakulla Music, Health and Art Workshops/Seminars & Classes, Annual Anniversary Celebration, Bike Day, Meet the Artist Nights, CD Release Parties, Conferences, Film Nights, Singer/Songwriter Showcase, Repeat Harmonica Workshops, Special Speakers, Environmental Lectures, Film Nights and more…

 

This unique forum was community supported and hosted an array of fundraisers for regional organizations. It also was an official food drop off station for the local food bank, for pet needs for the local shelter and eye glasses for the Lion’s club.

The venue was also offered for private parties and celebrations, weddings, meetings, etc.

 

Salli created and/or sought out these events and handled all aspects from promotion, press, sponsors and in kind donations, procurement of funds, menu and food preparation, design of posters and signs, interior décor and displays, seating, emceed, handled customer service and relations and all needs of performing artists etc. Salli lived and breathed the business and it was a labor of love.  

 

The business was blossoming and surprise visits from travelers specifically selecting Salli’s business as their destination point arrived from Europe, Canada and from around the country. Within the first year the business was an award winning one receiving the People’s Choice, Business Excellence and Chamber of Commerce Award for establishment of the music and art venue and café-The Frog and The Hummingbird Co. & Butterfield’s Roadhouse and a Letter of Business Appreciation from the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Department.

 

In 2010 the tragic BP oil spill/disaster swept the Florida panhandle and impacted all regional businesses, likewise taking an immediate toll on ‘The Frog and The Hummingbird Co & Butterfield’s Roadhouse.’  Determined and tenacious Salli remained focused and with unwavering efforts and brought the business back around to an even stronger position.

 

In 2011 Salli and her daughter Akia traveled to the Honduras where they hand selected unique handmade wares to add to the existing lines of works.

 

In October 2012 Salli was struck by the brutal and unforeseen separation from her partner of 20 years and again determined not to let this crush her she closed her business, set up her little cabin the way she had always wanted to, invested in inventory for a new business and set up a small backyard stage lining up performers for a home concert series. 

 

In June of 2012, Akia swept Salli away for a birthday retreat to the Dominican Republic where they also selected new wares towards the redevelopment of the business.

 

Just months later Tropical Storm Debby hovered over Sopchoppy causing major floods that destroyed homes and trapped people for days preventing even news crews and emergency assistance to access remote regions. Salli remained trapped in her cabin floating on her dining room table with her cat and dog surrounded by venomous snakes and other creatures and was rescued 3 ½ days later by motor boat.

 

Salli spent six months mucking out the flooded cabin and grounds and lost home and business. She often camped out and worked around the clock trying to salvage possessions. With no options for a home Salli was then offered free use of a friend's unused Shack/Tree house set in the backwoods above the river. It had no electric, water or bathroom. She set up a 12 volt deep cycle marine battery and inverter that provided a small amount of power enabling her to use string lights and charge her lap top and cell phone. With use of a machete she forged a driveway back to the shack and hand sawed down large bamboo to build a bathroom and privacy room, set up a hoist system to lift water from the river and set up a rainwater collector barrel with spigot on a gravity fed system for showering along with solar bags. Additionally, she built a lower level outdoor kitchen and cooked over fire pit and grills.

 

During this time Salli worked at a Vineyard tending Muscadines, the farm animals and pets, farm equipment, fed worms used for castings that was sold to landscapers, cleared the grounds and did landscaping, handled all aspects of the farm, labeled the wine bottles etc.

 

Only months she was forced to evacuate as a result of Hurricane Isaac and then received news that her mother who was in her 90's was ill. A friend assisted her

in traveling north where Salli remained for three months. She returned to Florida to three more floods. Salli then set up a deluxe camp 10 miles into the forest.

 

She was then offered a position at a Bed and Breakfast and helped to restore a Carriage house built in 1897 and continued to live off the grid.

 

While in South Florida on business Salli was notified that her mother had passed away and returned north to attend to the funeral and family matters.

 

Salli returned to Florida several months later returning to her B&B position handling all aspects of operation including but not limited to Upkeep, Maintenance and Care of the B&B and grounds, Creation and Development of Special Events and also Assistance with existing Special events,  (wedding rehearsal dinners and parries, birthdays, holiday events, music events, tea luncheons,  ghost tours, promotion and marketing, development of online sites, deep cleaning, food preparation and service, customer relations, receptions, daily services, grounds work, gardening, decorating, sales, focus on venues and sales of antiques, research, obtaining supplies, social networking, decorating, aisstance with guess for area activities, organizing and remodeling, renovation of historic carriage house etc

 

In January 2014 Salli ended up with pneumonia and February her dog and companion Kenya was diagnosed with cancer and passed away 7 months later.

 

Through each misfortune Salli maintained her humor and positive outlook and was steadfast to improve the quality of her life.  Salli believes that with any negative a positive can pulled from it. She continues to help others and spreads joy along the way.. Salli laughs and states that the past two years she has been on an uphill climb and that she is simply turning sour lemons into sweet tantalizing lemonade garnished with a sprig of mint. As a result she is working on recipe book entitled "101 Ways to Sour Lemons into Lemonade"

 

Salli aggressively took on work doing pet sitting caring for rescued pets with special needs, housekeeping, vacation rentals, gardening, organic farming, tending 3 miles of organic blueberries, gardens, greenhouse, pets, home and grounds. She also did promotion, bookings and worked at a local health and fitness center as well as also selling her wares at area events.

 

Salli is honored to have be worked with music projects with Tarakon Records, Multi-platinum Soca Artist Kevin Lyttle, The Jancie Lyttle Foundation, Tarakon Cares, Award winning vincentian soca Artist Maddzart, Alston BECKET Cyrus a Caribbean Soca / Caypso / Ragga Soca Legend.

 

She has also been pursued by several other performers who she is working on project logistics with. Further, she is continuing with her handmade wares and hand selecting notable products to add to her line.  As well as becoming an official "tasker" with "Task Ribbit" and is working on development of websites and social networking sites for performers. and offering an array of services. Salli has now compiled a portfolio of artists, events and entities that she is invoved with in a variety of capacities. As well Salli worked with Horsetrade Productions--home of two historically rich funky chic east village flavored theaters, Rising Sun Performance Co and more...

 

Salli also held a role with Prep Camp Lifestyle producers of the hottest Caribbean rooftop events, as a consultant, liasion, onsite representative and  handled promotions and venue logisitics.

 

Since her time in New York she has created her many opportunties and loves tending her array of clients with a broad spectrum of tasks including garddening, landscaping,  packing jobs, research, home organizing, consulting, interior design and more. Salli has continued to assist performing artists with conslting, emergency relief outreach, and overall general advisor to their music projects.

 

Despite the recent Covid-19 pandemic Sall remains positive despite not having recovered from serious injuries.

 

Squitieri  has several other irons in the fire soon to be announced.

 

Salli is a survivor and her love for life and enthusiastic nature is contagious. Her approach is-- if you want something then go out and make it happen...for her the journey is as important as the end result and her motto is that "Dreams are not just for Dreaming but for Coming True."

 

Previous Professional Affiliations & Memberships: Suncoast Blues Society, San Diego Blues Society, Detroit Blues Society, Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast, Blues Foundation, Fractured Atlas.