Islamorada’s Outdoor ‘Bay Jam’ Returns to Its Florida Keys Roots April 8

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Favorite Florida Keys performers representing a wide array of genres are to play from midday into the evening Sunday, April 8, at Islamorada’s annual Bay Jam. The festival’s 24th iteration is expected to reflect its beginnings as a primarily local music festival, according to Keys musician Robbie McClung, one of the event organizers.

The outdoor songfest is to take place at the ICE Amphitheater at Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside on Plantation Key. Doors open at 11 a.m. and live performances continue until 7 p.m.

Among Bay Jam 24’s musical highlights is an appearance by the much-anticipated Matt Phillips & the Back Pocket band, whose “soulful pop with an essence of jazz” has been likened to the Dave Matthews Band. Audiences also are expected to love The Coconut Cowboys’ mashup of country and classic rock.

Veteran musicians include Keys musical mainstays Scott Youngberg; the Lower Mat Rats and Felix the Catt and Baga Tricks Band; The Usual Suspects Band with Allan Truesdell; Bill Todd Band; and Lady “A” Blues Band playing alongside the Eric Clapton tribute band Crossroads. The festival’s founder and energetic guiding spirit, Dave Feder, is to perform his signature Flamenco-infused folk music as well.

General admission is free.

New this year is a VIP Jam Experience offering attendees a comfortable tent lounge with food and sushi prepared by Keys culinary artisans Chef Emilio and Caribbean Catering; locally crafted beer from Florida Keys Brewing Co. and a selection of wines. VIP tickets include a souvenir T-shirt and stainless-steel pint glass. Tickets are limited and are available for purchase at $100 per person online at eventbrite.com.

Bay Jam festivities also include artisan booths and festival souvenir merchandise, cool drinks and island edibles. Coolers are not permitted. Attendees can bring lawn chairs and blankets or enjoy a swim at the bayside beach. Leashed pets are welcome.

Not-for-profit Islamorada Community Entertainment presents the daylong music festival. Parking inside Founders Park is available for a $5 donation.

Donations and proceeds from parking, food, beverage and vendor sales help fund in-school programs as well as art, music and dance scholarships to Upper Keys high school students. To date, ICE events have contributed over $300,000 toward these grants.

Event information: keysice.com

Islamorada visitor information: fla-keys.com/islamoradaor 1-800-FAB-KEYS

Social: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Youtube • Keys Voices blog