Fest in the Lovely Keys This Weekend

Virginia Key, Florida

The very fine Virginia Key Grassroots Festival happens this weekend in a park just outside Miami. Expect a buffet of world-beat groove among the palm trees for this one.

The festival showcases musical roots and food in one of the most culturally diverse places on the planet. Plus, you get to camp by a little beach! Here's a look at the lineup:

·        * Afrobeta

·        * AJ Ghent Band

·        * Big Mean Sound Machine

·        * Bobbie Henrie

·        * Brendan O’Hara

·        * Chantil Dukart

·        * Consortes

·        * Cortadito

·        * Danay Suarez

·        * Dark Water Rising

·        * DJ Bill Kelly

·        * DJ Richard McVay

·        * Donna The Buffalo

·        * Driftwood

·        * Elastic Bond

·        * Electric Piquete

·        * Ephniko

·        * Fabi World Experience

·        * Jim Lauderdale

·        * Juke

·        * Keith Frank & the Solieau Zydeco Band

·        * Keith Secola & His Wild Band of Indians

·        * Lanzallamas

·        * Lobo Marino

·        * Locos Por Juana

·        * Marco Benevento

·        * MC Yogi

·        * Morikeba Kouyate

·        * Nag Champyons

·        * Nativos Orchestra

·        * Nikki Talley

·        * Osceola Brothers

·        * Preston Frank

·        * Richie Stearns & Rosie Newton

·        * Rubblebucket

·        * School of Rock

·        * Sihasin

·        * Sindy Rush

·        * DJ Le Spam & the Spam Allstars

·        * SUENALO

·        * Swear & Shake

·        * Tamboka

·        * Telekinetic Walrus

·        * The Applebutter Express

·        * The Baboons

·        * The Blind Spots

·        * Uma Galera

·        * Uproot Hootenanny

·        * Eru Chambo

·        * WildCat Creek

·        * Zey Ta Blan

    * Zona De Bomba

Tara Nevins of Donna The Buffalo

Four-day tickets are $100 advanced, $120 at the gate (not including tax.) There are small fees for parking and camping,so it's a good idea to check the ticket link for details. Single-day ticket options are available as well, there is a discounted youth ticket price, and the littlest festers -- kids 12 and under -- are free.

festgrrl has not been fortunate enought to attend this fest but has heard great things from  her many dance-tastic correspondents!

,