Florida Keys Underwater Music Festival turns 25

By ROB BUSWEILER Free Press Staff

The silver anniversary of the Underwater Music Festival will be a decidedly yellow affair.

This will be the 25th time the Underwater Music Festival heads out to the waters of the Looe Key Reef. Each year has brought a different theme, and in honor of the 40th anniversary of an iconic Beetles album, the Underwater Music Festival will be paying tribute to the music of the Yellow Submarine. The event is held each year in an effort to raise awareness for the local coral reefs.

According to Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Carole Stevens, the lineup of this year’s underwater performers will include “Ringo Starfish,” “John Lemon-shark,” “Paul McCarpney” and “George Herringson.” She added that backup singer “Mako Ono” will also be making an appearance.

“We got them Beetles wigs,” Stevens said of the divers. Along with the costumed divers are the ubiquitous mermaids that have been a staple at the event.

Local artist August Powers will also have his handmade underwater instruments on display, and his newest sculpture, a set of drums, will be played by Ringo. The instruments are currently on display at the Artists in Paradise Gallery in Big Pine Key.

The tongue-in-cheek scuba diver depictions are nothing new for the event. Last year, mock ups of presidential candidates were under the waves entertaining the masses. It is all part of the 25-year history from an event that was only supposed to be a one-time deal.

“It’s hard to believe its been going on for that long,” said event co-founder and U.S. 1 Radio host Bill Becker. “Much like the Seven Mile Bridge race, we were just looking at it as a one time event.”

From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on July 11, the music broadcasting from U.S. 1′s radio towers will also be piped underwater at the reef via specialized speakers from the Lubell Laboratory. The four-hour set list includes the typical popular paradise tunes as well as performances from local artists both live and taped. Interspersed throughout the set are public service announcements on protecting the coral reef.

The event has garnered national attention in years past, as previous festivals have featured everything from an underwater restaurant setting to an underwater marching band. The well-attended event typically sees hundreds of swimmers in the water to listen to the music.

To participate in the Underwater Music Festival’s 25th anniversary, divers and snorkelers can reserve space aboard boats run by Lower Keys dive operators or launch their own boats from public ramps and local marinas. More information about area dive charters and accommodations can be found by calling the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce at 305-872-2411, or by going online to www.fla-keys.com or www.lowerkeyschamber.com.