With nine bands, plus some surprise guests, set to play at the 16 th Annual Bay Jam, this year’s outdoor music fest figures to be the best ever. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, March 20, at the TIB Bank of the Keys Amphitheater in Islamorada Founders Park.

A unique feature this year for kids and families is an original, two-act musical play “The Adventures of Humphrey the Manatee.”   With local adults and students as the performers, the play aims to raise awareness about the Keys’ favorite mammal – the manatee. The play, to be presented at 1 p.m., and was written by Islamorada musician Micah Gardner.

“Whatever your musical tastes or age, this year’s Bay Jam will have something for you,” said David Feder, board president of Islamorada Community Entertainment (ICE).

“Good old fashioned rock and roll, blues, jam band, swamp rock, even Hillbilly Flamenco assure great music and fun for all. Plus, kids and parents will love Humphrey the Manatee’s story.”

Scheduled to appear are: The Feder Band, featuring dynamic father and son guitarists David Feder and rising star Nyan Feder; Raiford Starke's Swapedelia –Cajun-flavored swamp rock; the Keys favorite blues musician from Canada – award winning Michael Pickett; back by popular demand from ICE’s wildly successful Bay Jama Reggae Fest last fall are 20 WT, with its unusual blend of ska, roots reggae, and groove metal; and Sunny Got Money, playing psychedelic reggae, punk, and island electronica from Miami.

Also playing will be the long-time heart and soul of the Key Largo music scene Jimmy Hawkins; soloist Scott Youngberg; and Junkierush of Orlando that plays a mix of rock, funk, punk, reggae/ska and world music . The band schedule will be posted on the ICE website by March 17.

“We’ll have quality music from start to finish, and at the end of the event, we will put together some real jam band music with the best of the event’s musicians joining for some unique musical combinations,” said Feder. He says the jam bands will follow the model of afterhours Merlefest and Bonaroo – noted national music festivals – where unusual mixes of headliners play together.

Bay Jam has everything needed for a day of music and fun in a spectacular setting on the Florida Bay. Concertgoers (especially families and kids who come early to see Humphrey the Manatee) can enjoy a swim at the bayfront beach just steps away from the TIB Bank of the Keys Amphitheater stage. A variety of food will be provided by well known local restaurants. Soft drinks, beer, wine, and snacks will be available. Commemorative T-shirts, designed again this year by local artist Michael Willcox, will be on sale. There will be an art show by local high school students, and a variety of vendors selling jewelry, crafts, Italian ice, etc.

Since its inception, Bay Jam has raised money for art, music, and dance scholarships for local high school and college-bound students. Bay Jam proceeds also support in-school art and music programs. Feder proudly notes that Bay Jam has awarded “thousands of dollars each year for the past 16 years in scholarships to local students. This is the community’s chance to have a great time while supporting the musical and artistic dreams of talented local kids.” In keeping with its commitment to area youth, ICE will utilize local students to help with the stage setup, sound systems, and event production.

With free admission for kids 12 and under, $10 for adults and just $5 for students, Bay Jam is affordable for everyone. Attendees can bring blankets and lawn chairs, but coolers are not permitted. For complete details, go to www.keysice.com.

ICE is a non- profit organization dedicated to bringing quality entertainment and cultural events to Upper Keys residents and provides musical and arts scholarships to local students.