“If I hadn’t heard rock and roll on the radio, I would have had no idea there was life on this planet,” confessed musical superstar Lou Reed.
Audiences can savor sun, subtropical temps and iconic sounds at Marathon Community Park during the Middle Keys music festival. (Photo by Matt Prise)
Rock lovers don’t need radios to celebrate life on the planet Feb. 17-18 — they can savor the beat from morning till nearly midnight, while raising money for several good causes, during an open-air concert weekend in the Florida Keys’ typically balmy winter climate.
Rock-and-roll acts Great White and Slaughter will join several other musical groups to raise money for veterans charities at the Middle Keys’ second annual Coral Head Music Fest.
The rock concert weekend, sponsored by the American Legion Riders Post 154, takes place at the Marathon Community Park’s outdoor amphitheater (mile marker 49 oceanside).
The first Coral Head Music Fest was held in 2017 to support American Legion Riders and veterans charities like Project: Vet Relief. This year, the festival’s philanthropic mission has expanded to include a “Rebuilding the Keys” relief fund. Proceeds and donations from the festival are earmarked to help with building supplies for Florida Keys residents impacted by last September’s Hurricane Irma.
Rock acts such as Great White and Slaughter are to be among the headliners at the festival that raises money for veterans charities and others.
So who are the rockers scheduled to appear? Saturday’s live acts kick off with local mainstay John Bartus & Storm Watch, followed by performances of southern-style Fiddle Rock — AND the Atlanta Rhythm Section, whose smash hits “Spooky,” “Imaginary Lover” and “So Into You” are likely to draw instant cheers of recognition from festival attendees.
The music heats up Saturday evening 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,” keeps the heavy metal pace going.
One of hard rock’s favorites, Great White, will close out the night (and is sure to sing “Rock Me” and “Once Bitten Twice Shy” to screaming fans).
Sunday’s sounds begin with contemporary and classic rock covers by South Florida’s Above the Skyline band … plus a newly formed group fronted by Joey Bravo, onetime lead singer for Lazy Bonez.
Music continues all day — the heartfelt vibes and groove of Rick Derringer, whose career launched at age 17 when his band the McCoys reached the No. 1 chart slot with “Hang on Sloopy,” above even The Beatles’ “Yesterday” (yes, that’s actually true!).
Next, audiences can anticipate the dueling guitar licks of Mitch Perry and Jimi Fiano playing with SUS4. And the rowdy Southern rock and country music of Confederate Railroad is planned to close the festival.
Rick Derringer, who fronted the McCoys, is to perform iconic hits during the festival.
Festival hours are 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday — and obviously the two-day lineup offers something for every taste.
Rock fans can settle in for the duration and get comfortable, since chairs and blankets are allowed in the park (FYI, pets and coolers are not). Food, beer, beverages and souvenir merchandise will be available for sale during festival hours.
Tickets are surprisingly affordable given the strong talent lineup. Single-day admission is $30 per adult in advance or $45 at the gate, and multiday tickets are just $45 in advance or $60 at the gate. Kids under age 12 will be admitted free as long as they’re with a paying adult — and parking is free as well.
If you prefer a VIP festival experience, that’s available too. VIP $150 single-day or $225 multiday tickets include preferred stage-front seating, drinks and refreshments.
If you’re ready to rock (and reaffirm that there’s life on the planet) get your tickets by clicking here. They’re going fast, so don’t delay!
