Visitor's Ledger

Casey has more than 400 songs programmed in his computer generated system. A one-man show, Casey sings and plays guitar with the backup music.

On his acoustic 12-string, he plays favorites by Simon and Garfunkel, and America. He brings out his electric guitar for rock n’ roll numbers.

Variety, he said, is the key to pleasing at Quinn’s.

The Marriott is a family-oriented resort and Casey knows well he has to be adaptable to the varying tastes of adults, teenagers and children.

Conventioneers, too, frequent the upscale hotel throughout the year and Casey entertains them too. This past June, 900 attended the Florida Cattleman’s Association bash at the Marriott.

“We had cowboys and cowgirls stampeding all over the place,” he recalled.

Typically, he said convention guests come down from their banquet wanting to continue their fun. And he provides the music.

Whereas Casey doesn’t get many locals, he does have repeat visitors. He’s made friends with return guests from Germany, England and Brazil.

Casey began playing the drums 30 years ago. A guitar in the house was inevitable, according to Casey, because he grew up with four brothers. Originally from Detroit, he has resided in Florida for 20 years, 14 of them in this area.

His first real job was as an entertainer during the 80’s in south New Jersey. For the past 21 years, music has been his primary career.

“When I remember the original drum machines,” he said, “all I could think back then was how hokey they sounded. They sounded to me like someone kicking cardboard and hitting a tin can.”

Over the years, he’s changed his tune.

“They’ve evolved and become state-of-the-art equipment, giving the impression there’s an entire band accompanying you,” he said.

Casey performs at Quinn’s Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

“Musicians tend to find a room where they work the best,” said Casey. “I feel Quinn’s is very appropriate for my style.”

By Deborah Wight
Special to the Daily News

Tim Casey lets the audience drive him.

Whether it’s a song from “The Lion King” or a medley of favorites from the recently re-released 20 year old hit movie “Grease,” Casey caters to his crowd. But whatever he’s doing at the casual Quinn’s On The Beach, it seems to be working.

For the past five years, Casey has delivered year-round entertainment at the comfortable, laid-back and easy going eating and drinking emporium at Marriott’s Marco Island Resort.

On one evening during Easter week, young boys danced with their father to a familiar tune. When Casey changed the music and mood, the same man jitterbugged with his wife between the tables. And after Casey determined a polka wasn’t the preference of a half dozen elementary school youngsters, he switched over to the “Macarena.”

“I like to follow the crowd, and play what they like to hear,” said Casey, 42. “I try to get them moving.” The more involvement he gets from his audience, the less he has to perform himself, he added.

Apologizing for a few upcoming high notes, Casey accentuated his song at a recent performance with a shrill hoot, much like the late Tiny Tim. “Sorry to do it to you,” he kidded. But the kids loved it.