Imagine floating among mystical mermaids and costumed musicians playing artist-sculpted instruments ranging from a “manta-lin” and “sea-phan flute” to a “trom-bonefish” and “fluke-a-lele.”
Well, now’s your chance during the 38th Annual Underwater Music Festival. Set for Saturday, July 9, from 10 am – 2 pm, this quirky concert takes place at Looe Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary which is approximately six miles south of Big Pine Key.
Festivities kick off on Friday, July 8, from 6 – 8pm, with an opening reception at Mote Marine (24244 Overseas Hwy, Summerland Key). You can tour the facilities, enjoy live music, lite bites, and a variety of tasty libations. If you’re not familiar with Mote, this is an excellent opportunity to get a first-hand look at their outstanding efforts to restore our endangered reefs.
On Saturday, July 11, put on your favorite costume, grab your fins, and hit the water to revel in this unique ocean concert staged by Keys radio WWUS 104.1 FM. The station broadcasts its hit list underwater via Lubell Laboratory speakers suspended under boats positioned above the reef.
It’s a lot of fun, but on a more serious note, the concert also promotes preserving the Keys’ unique coral reef ecosystem by incorporating diver awareness announcements that offer tips on ways to enjoy the reef while minimizing environmental impacts.
Many divers and snorkelers launch their boats from public ramps and marinas in the area, but you can also reserve space on boats run by Lower Keys dive operators who have their own onboard costume parties.
It truly is an underwater concert that will blow your fins off! More info at 305-872-2411; lowerkeyschamber.com.
