Barge Party V to be held April 28, 29 ‘on the water’

Music will fill Matlacha Pass at the end of the month during Sandbar Productions Barge Party V that will feature four bands performing during two days on the water.

Jim Frock said the idea of holding a concert on the water came about because he and a couple of other guys like listening to music.

"We thought it would be cool to listen to it on the water, so we decided to give it a go," he said.

The event, which was originally a birthday party for someone, grew into a bigger event the following year. Frock said they eventually had to get a bigger barge to put the bands on because of the event's growth.

"We got the idea to turn it into a benefit," he said. "It got bigger and more fun each time."

The proceeds of the event will go to the Pine Island Little League.

Last year, Frock said they raised $5,100 for the Pine Island Little League, which he hopes to double this year.

The Barge Party will be held on April 28, from 12-6 p.m., featuring FunkBone and the Captiva Band, and April 29, from 11-5 p.m., featuring Soapy Tuna and Soapbox.

"It's a full day on the water," Frock said. "We are not selling anything, they just need to bring plenty of sunscreen, whatever they want to eat or drink and be prepared for a good time."

The party will be held just inside the sandbar of the Matlacha Pass. Frock said individuals generally anchor their boats during the event. Floating devices are also brought to the event to enjoy some time in the water.

A nice sandy spot is also chosen for where the band plays, so individuals can have a nice sandy area to dance.

He encourages individuals to bring any kind of shade they can because a little shade goes a long way when on the water all day.

Kids from the Pine Island Little League will be floating on the water in their kayaks throughout the two-day event.

Although there is no admission fee, donations are encouraged for those who attend the event. Frock said those who donate either $20 per boat or $5 per person will receive a flag, to let everyone know they donated.

He encourages individuals to let the 30 sponsors know they appreciate their help in putting on the event. Banners will be placed on the houseboat for individuals to see who sponsored the event.

Those sponsors include Olde' Fish House Marina, www.jrmfish-house.com/index.html; Max Marine Insurance, www.maxmarine-insurance.com ; Low Key Tiki, www.lowkeytiki.com; Castaways Realty, castawaysrealty.com; York Road Marina, www.yorkroadmarine.com; Island Crab Company, www.islandcrabcompany.com; A-1 Marine Services; Lazy Flamingo, www.lazyflamingo.com; The Corn Bread Mafia; Wasted Seamen Fishing Co. www.wastedseamen.com; PAWS; Bert's Bar & Grill, www.bertsbar.us; Bubbas Roadhouse & Saloon, www.bubbasroadhouse.net; Traders Hitching Post, www.tradershitchingpost.com; Gulf Island Adventures, gulfislandadventures.com; Pine Island Printing Co., www.pineisland.net/busine_h/0041/0001/0001.html; Shoreline Lumber, www.shorelinelumber.net; Vitalcare Home Health; Marigold Roofing; Barrier Island Title Service, www.face-book.com/pages/Barrier-Island-Title-Services/165074893518820; Team Davenport; Miceli's Restaurant, www.micelis-italian.com; Wild Child Gallery, www.wildchildartgallery.com; Carmen's Kayaks, www.carmens-kayaks.com; Jensen's Twin Palms Cottages, www.gocaptiva.com/marina-accom.html; Costal Realty SWFL, www.coastalrealtyswfl.com; Q & O Photo House, www.face-book.com/pages/QO-Photo-House/169299359852473?sk=wall&filter=12; Ada's Natural Foods, www.adasnatural.com/retailer/store_templates/shell_id_1.asp?storeID=366980AF3CB84D1FA7052CC4A291C8E3; BMI Marine Construction, www.bmidocks.com; The Matlacha Hookers, www.matlachahookers.org/index.htm; and Seven Seas Bait & Tackle.

"If people let businesses know they appreciate it, we can keep it going for a while," Frock said.

The Barge Party is held in April and October because those months are generally drier than others. In case the weather turns foul, the event will be held at the Olde' Fish House Marina.