ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — The annual Bay Jam music festival is slated for Saturday, March 20, at the TIB Bank of the Keys Amphitheater at Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside on Plantation Key. Concertgoers can revel in the sounds of an eclectic range of musicians from midday through sunset and into the night from the hammocklike performance center set against the aqua waters of Florida Bay.
A Bay Jam–packed talent lineup includes nationally renowned musicians and favorite regional bands. Audiences can boogie to the Cajun-flavored swamp rock of Raiford Starke, Canada’s award–winning blues artist Michael Pickett, Key Largo’s soulful favorite Jimmy Hawkins, soloists Micah and Scott Youngberg, the roots, reggae and groove metal of 20 WT, punk and funk of Orlando’s Junky Rush, Sunny Got Money’s island electronica as well as the father-and-son duo David and Nyan Feder, slated to play in their popular hillbilly flamenco style.
Attendees can join the imaginary world of Barefoot Key and its cast of colorful Keys characters during “The Adventures of Humphrey the Manatee,” a two-act musical play that premieres during this year’s event.
“Humphrey the Manatee,” conceived and scripted by Islamorada musician Micah, unfolds on the docks of Barefoot Key, a close approximation of Islamorada. The experiences of this underwater giant are woven with spice and wit together with an old Keys critter, Lemme Fishmore, an inquisitive visiting sport fisherman named Henry Everyday, along with Wade and Shelly Waters, a friendly island couple who are on a mission to adopt a manatee. Their interest in the whereabouts of Humphrey builds to a climactic finish that delivers to young and old alike an all-important message: “Save the Manatee.”
Bay Jam’s festivities also include food and beverage vendors offering cool drinks and island edibles, and festival-goers can enjoy a swim at the bayfront beach. A highlight each year is an art show featuring works by local high school students; proceeds benefit the students through art and music scholarships.
Doors open at 11 a.m. and Bay Jam is to continue until 9 p.m. Admission is $10 per adult, with kids age 12 and under admitted free. Student admission is $5.
For more information, contact Island Community Entertainment at 305-394-2765, visit www.keysice.com or e-mail info@keysice.com.
To find out about area accommodations, call the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at 305-664-4503 or 800-322-5397, or visit the Florida Keys & Key West Web site at
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