February Florida Keys Rock ‘n’ Roll Concert Weekend to Raise Funds for Veterans and Keys Charities
MARATHON, Florida Keys — The 1980s were a “hair band” lover’s dream, and rock ‘n’ roll acts Great White and Slaughter are to join several other musical groups to raise money for veterans charities at the Middle Keys’ second annual Coral Head Music Fest set for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17-18.
The rock concert weekend, sponsored by the American Legion Riders Post 154, is to be staged at the Marathon Community Park’s outdoor amphitheater, mile marker 49 oceanside.
Initially established in 2017 to support American Legion Riders and veterans charities such as Project: Vet Relief, Coral Head Music Fest’s philanthropic mission expands this year to include a “Rebuilding the Keys” relief fund. Proceeds and donations from the festival are to help with much needed building supplies for Florida Keys residents impacted by Hurricane Irma.
Festival hours are 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Musical performances begin at noon Saturday and the two-day lineup offers sounds for every taste.
Live acts Saturday kick off with local mainstay John Bartus & Storm Watch, followed by performances of southern-style Fiddle Rock and Atlanta Rhythm Section, whose smash hits “Spooky,” “Imaginary Lover” and “So Into You” are likely to be recognized instantly by contemporary festivalgoers.
Saturday evening the music heats up with the nation’s premier arena rock party band, Lazy Bonez, whose tribute covers include Def Leppard, Van Halen, Guns n’ Roses, Bon Jovi and more. Billboard chart-topper Slaughter, whose hits include “Up All Night” and “Fly to the Angels,” keep the heavy metal pace going. One of hard rock’s favorites, Great White, is to close out the night and is sure to sing hits “Rock Me” and “Once Bitten Twice Shy” to screaming hair band fans.
Sunday’s stage opens at noon with contemporary and classic rock covers by South Florida’s Above the Skyline band and a newly formed group fronted by Joey Bravo, onetime lead singer for Lazy Bonez.
Music continues all day Sunday — the heartfelt vibes and groove of Rick Derringer, whose career launched at age 17 when his band The McCoys knocked the Beatles from the No. 1 slot with “Hang on Sloopy”; dueling guitar licks of Mitch Perry and Jimi Fiano playing with SUS4; and the rowdy Southern rock and country music of Confederate Railroad closing the festival.
Single-day admission is $30 per adult in advance or $45 at the gate. Multiday tickets are $45 in advance or $60 at the gate. VIP $150 single-day or $225 multiday tickets include preferred stage-front seating, drinks and refreshments. Children under age 12 are to be admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are available online at https://keystix.ticketforce.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1000.
Chairs and blankets are allowed, although pets and coolers are not permitted in the park. Parking is free. Food, beer, beverages and souvenir merchandise are to be sold during festival hours.
Event information: coralheadmusicfest.com/
Marathon visitor information: fla-keys.com/marathon or 1-800-262-7284
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Rock ‘n’ roll acts such as Great White and Slaughter are tp join several musical groups to raise money for veterans charities at the second annual Coral Head Music Fest.
Initially started in 2017 to support American Legion Riders and veterans charities such as Project: Vet Relief, the Fest’s philanthropy includes a “Rebuilding the Keys” relief fund.