BANDS DOWN BY THE BAY

Annual Music Fest Brings Rock And Celtic Flavor

Documentary debuts marking Keys’ 200 years for future groups. The sessions will be held every Wednesday in April from 5 to 6 p.m. at the St. James Garden Conference Room. Light refreshments and coffee will be served. Questions may be directed to Barbara Koch, St. James outreach committee, at 716-913-1061.

“The Florida Keys: 200 Years of Paradise, ” an hour-long television documentary that explores the history of the continental United States’ southernmost island chain, debuted on many Public Broadcasting Service channels across the U.S. on March 1.

Produced by South Florida PBS, the documentary’s nationwide airing coincides with the Florida Keys’ bicentennial year. The Florida Legislature established Monroe County, encompassing the entire 125-mile-long string of islands, on July 3, 1823.

During the program, viewers journey through the region’s dramatic history as told through the eyes of residents who live and interpret that history every day.

United Way scholarship open for marine science

United Way of Collier and the Keys has opened its 2023 marine science educational advancement scholarship for Monroe County residents pursuing marine science-related studies.

Celtic Sands brings the traditional Irish tunes. ICE/Via website

Local musicians, California rock and contemporary Irish music will take to the ICE Amphitheater at Islamorada’s Founders Park for the 28th annual Bay Jam Outdoor Music Fest on Sunday, March 19.

“We are so happy to be partnering with Founders Park and Florida Keys Brewing Co. this year as a part of the Beats on the Bay series,” said David Feder, president of ICE. “But we never forget our roots, so we’re featuring all-star homie bands from across the country with some favorite local Keys musicians.”

Among the bands set to rock the stage are the San Diego blues-rock band Gypsy Sally. Bay Jam listeners will hear old-school blues and rock with the occasional bossa and Latin twist. Celtic Sands, featuring Tracy Sands, is a well-known Irish traditional and contemporary vocalist from County Down in Ireland.

The Bay Jam lineup also includes the homegrown Key Largo Jam Band playing classic rock, R&B and jazz tunes; Uncle Rico’s pop, reggae, alternative, funk and grunge; Micah and the Carouser’s famous favorites with country, rock and bluegrass flavors; Lower Mat Cats, rock; and singer-songwriter Scott Youngberg.

Gates open at 11 a.m. and music starts at noon at the ICE Amphitheater. Admission is free but donations are encouraged.

Feder noted that the ICE website, keysice.com, has more information on these bands.

“This Bay Jam as always will be a truly unique experience,” Feder said.

Bay Jam has everything for a family day of music and fun in a spectacular setting on the Florida Bay. Concertgoers can enjoy a swim at the bay front beach just steps away from the ICE Amphitheater stage. Bay Jam also features food vendors, local craft beer and wine, and art vendors, soft drinks and snacks.

ICE is a nonprofit organization that’s dedicated to bringing quality entertainment and cultural events to Upper Keys residents and providing support for local music and arts programs.

— Keys Weekly staff report