NEW ACTS & CROWD FAVORITES

Island Fest Brings Strong Music Lineup

Island Fest is back again with a lineup that will appeal to music lovers across genres. Artists specializing in country, blues, rock, jazz, latin, reggae and more will take the stage at the 31st annual Island Fest, presented by the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce.

The two-day festival, which also features the Taste of Islamorada, a gourmet food competition, a vintage car show and roughly 100 artists from around the country selling their goods, will take place on Saturday and Sunday, April 1-2 at Founders Park.

The start of Island Fest’s live music line-up will come shortly after the event’s 10 a.m. kick-off on April 1. Among that Saturday’s daytime performers will be Toko Irie & The Newton Band, a Keys reggae favorite, and I Land Vibes who will be playing joyful beach tunes.

“We’re an island band,” said head musician Rayner Washington. “So, we perform popular American songs with an island twist. And we promise you’ll leave feeling happy.”

Sunday’s entertainment will kick off with faces that are new to the Island Fest lineup, Cortadito. Since its origins 10 years ago, the evolution of Cortadito has led them to become one of the torch bearers of a pop culture phenomenon that is two centuries strong. A traditional folk and acoustic band that focuses on performing one of the earliest styles of Cuban country music known as Son (pronounced sown), their sound can best be described as reminiscent of the famed Buena Vista Social Club.

The dynamic trio will be followed by the smooth sounds of the Pitbull of Blues Band. Renowned local painter Pasta will be painting to the rhythm of the blues. Attendees will enjoy the “Taste of Islamorada,” sampling food from the best restaurants in Islamorada (only on Sunday). Sunday afternoon would not be complete without some sing-along country performed by the Coconut Cowboys on the beach – from Hank to AC/DC, Skynyrd to Metallica, Waylon to Guns-N-Roses and everything in between.

Band frontman Dan Furmanik said, “We are honored and excited to perform our brand of entertainment for all the beautiful folks that will be attending Island Fest 2023 for the final concert on Sunday, April 2 starting at 2 p.m.”

Featuring music, art, food, classic cars and fun, Island Fest offers something for everyone. Admission is free and on-site parking is available for a $5 donation. The Islamorada Chamber of Commerce encourages the public to “Keep the Scene Green” and bring your own reusable water container. Make sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets for a fun-filled day at Founders Park. More information is available from the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at 305-664-4503. - Contributed

Keys Weekly

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

The Scoreboard

This Week In Keys Sports

Senior, Key West Baseball

On a team that stands out, it is difficult to be a standout player, but that’s just what Key West senior Jack Haggard has done with his bat this season. Haggard leads the Conchs in batting average (.465) and hits (20, three of which are triples). With a little more than half the season to go, he also leads the team in RBIs with 16. The threat he poses to opposing teams doesn’t end once he reaches a base; Haggard has successfully stolen seven this season, leading the Conchs in that category, too. For his dependability at the plate and explosive offensive play, Jack Haggard is this week’s Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

RAIN BANKS

Junior, Marathon

Banks has been a staple of Marathon’s varsity team since the sixth grade and only gets better each year. She was Marathon’s leading goal scorer as a defensive midfielder. Banks netted 20 goals and 11 assists as the top scorer in the FHSAA’s 3A District 16, made even more impressive by the fact that Marathon played fewer games than most other schools in the district. “Having Rain on our team is like having an extra coach,” said Marathon head coach Tracy McDonald. “She scored most of her goals under double- and tripleteam pressure and still managed to run our offense. Rain is truly a special player.”

JORDAN MacDONALD

Sophomore, Marathon

MacDonald scored nine goals and was credited with nine assists this season for the Lady Fins. With the ability to score with both feet from anywhere south of the 50yard line, MacDonald was a huge asset to Marathon. “Jordan has really developed into a more defensive player this season, which has helped us tremendously,” said McDonald. “She is completely unselfish, and her willingness to drop back and fight for possession has made us a far better team this year.”