Musical Magic to Enliven the Keys Island Chain

FLORIDA KEYS — The easy, breezy atmosphere of the Florida Keys carries the sound of music across the island chain, with live musical performances, concerts and music festivals across many genres delighting Keys visitors with a variety of options.

While a number of notable musical happenings are listed here, a comprehensive calendar of offerings can be found at fla-keys.com/calendar/arts-culture/florida-keys/current/. 

For an outdoor bring-your-own-lawn-chair experience, the Florida Keys Community Concert Band hosts free public “Pops in the Park” concerts. The group's final spring concert is the “Sci-Fi Serenade” concert featuring space movie and other out-of-this-world music. The performance is set for Saturday, April 27 at 4 p.m.at Islamorada’s Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside. 

The annual Afro Roots Fest returns to the Keys Friday through Sunday, April 26-28, with a weekend of free musical entertainment highlighting Afro-Caribbean vibes in the beer garden at Florida Keys Brewing Company in Islamorada, 81611 Old Highway. Performances are to begin Friday at 6 p.m. with Jean P. Jam’s special blend of world beat music called Deep Roots, combining African, Soca, Caribbean and reggae influences into a unique amalgamation. Saturday at 6 p.m., Cortadito is to present traditional Cuban music of the early 20th century, followed by the Afro-Venezuelan rhythms of Venozonix and San Juan USA. Beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, Manny Swagg delivers his unique blend of Latin jazz, Afro-Latin beat, Caribbean folk and traditional Cuban music; followed by Stella Fusion’s smooth cumbia salsa funk from Colombia.

The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St., presents multiple opportunities to enjoy live music. Highlights include singer/songwriter Otis Gibbs April 16-17, singer-songrwriter and fiery dobro player Abbie Gardener April 23-24 and more. Times of shows vary. 

Rams Head Presents Key West brings several big-name acts to two separate venues as part of the Key West Concert Series:

• The Key West Theater at 512 Eaton St. offers a packed season of performances in an intimate setting. Upcoming shows include the Wallflowers with Jakob Dylan April 26, and renowned lyricist John Hiatt June 15. Performances take place at 8 p.m. 
• At the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, 21 E. Quay Road, music lovers can enjoy top names performing live in an open-air waterfront setting. Upcoming concerts star Cole Swindell with Restless Road and Mackenzie Carpenter appearing May 2 as part of the annual Key West Songwriters Festival. 

In May, the Key West Songwriters Festival is to showcase America’s foremost performing songwriters on multiple stages and venues in the island city. Set for Wednesday through Sunday, May 1-5, the highly acclaimed event typically includes more than 50 shows and over 200 country and pop music hitmakers. Now in its 28th year, the festival has become a tradition for top writers and musicians, while offering an unparalleled experience for music fans.