Musical Magic Enlivens Keys Island Chain

FLORIDA KEYS — The laid-back atmosphere of the Florida Keys carries the sound of music across the island chain with live musical performances – both indoor and outdoor – 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/. 

The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St., presents multiple opportunities to enjoy live music. Performances include folk music’s “Rustic Renaissance Man” John McCutcheon (April15-16); and worldwide "Bluegrass Ambassadors" the Henhouse Prowlers (April 22-23). 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. delights music lovers with a packed season of performances in an intimate setting. Upcoming performances include Awaken: The Music of YES April 6; and Delta blues virtuoso Tab Benoit with Sierra Green and the Giants April 11. 
• At the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, 21 E. Quay Road, music lovers can enjoy top names performing live in an open-air, waterfront setting. Nate Smith with Chase Matthews are set to appear May 1 as part of the annual Key West Songwriters Festival. 

Also in Key West, the Tennessee Williams Theatre, located at 5901 College Road, presents a sparkling lineup of top musical talent including the “Buckets N Boards” comedy percussion show April 1st; and a trip back in time to the hottest entertainment of Las Vegas with “The Rat Pack - One More Time” on April 5th.

For an outdoor concert experience, the Florida Keys Community Concert Band hosts the free “Pops in the Park” series. The final concert this season it titled “Conch Classics,” featuring international music from throughout time April 19 at 4 p.m.  at Islamorada’s Founders Park amphitheater, mile marker 87 bayside. 

Islamorada Community Entertainment brings quality entertainment and cultural events to the Upper Keys including performances at the amphitheater in Islamorada’s Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside. The 30th annual Bay Jam takes place on April 13 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The annual art and music festival features a packed lineup of musicians with headliner Mishka along with Draa; Steve Venini; Shannon Battle, Robyn Fear and Billy Davidson; Scott Youngberg, the Lower Mat Cats and others along with art, craft and food vendors.

The annual Afro Roots Fest returns to the Keys Friday through Sunday, April 4-6, 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 feature Cortadito playing traditional Cuban folk music of the early 20th century, roots and reggae beats with Philip Montalban, Latin funk and fusion by Electric Piquete and more. 

The Key West Songwriters Festival is to showcase America’s foremost performing songwriters appearing on multiple stages and venues in the island city Wednesday through Sunday, April 30-May 4. The highly acclaimed event typically includes more than 50 shows and over 200 country and pop music hitmakers. Now in its 29th year, the festival has become a tradition for top writers and musicians, while offering an unparalleled experience for music fans.