Many summer music festivals vie for the title of "sublime," but only one can claim to be "submerged." The 16th Annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival, from 10 a.m.'til 4 p.m. this Saturday, July 8, brings the sound of music to the underwater world of the living coral reef.
The unique festival attracts more than 600 divers and snorkelers to Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, located six miles south of Big Pine Key. The underwater broadcast traditionally features ocean and water-themed selections, ranging from the Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" to reggae and steel drum music characteristic of the Caribbean.
Participants are often quite inventive. One year, a four-man group known as "The Snorkeling Elvises" made a surprise appearance to play underwater guitar, and a longhaired mermaid with a harp can be spotted regularly.
Divers and snorkelers interested in participating in the Underwater Music Festival can charter
space aboard boats skippered by Lower Keys dive operators. Visitors with their own boats can launch
from public ramps throughout the area. Info: 872-2411
ROCKIN' BLUES AND FUNKY REGGAE are featured this weekend at The Green Parrot
Bar. Saturday night, July 8, it's the return of popular Jr. Drinkwater and the Thirstquenchers. On Sunday,
July 9, get ready to dance all night long to Maasai, featuring Abdul Mateen.
For one day only, theatregoers can experience the final product of this summer's Young People's Theatre Project at the Waterfront Playhouse. The workshop production of "Wild Justice" will be presented this Sunday, July 9 at 3 and 8 p.m. Devised and performed by an ensemble of local teenagers, ages 14 to 18, "Wild Justice" explores what happens when people feel obliged to take the law into their own hands. Tickets are $6 for students and $10 for adults.
The Young People's Theatre Project is being sponsored by Key West Players under the Bahama Village Theatre Lab Project. Tickets: 294-5015.