Special to the Eagle Strange Arrangement, featuring the Brothers Van Kirk, will be the headlining act at the second annual Fish Fest to benefit the Pine Island Food Pantry.

Pine Island is known throughout the county as “a community that takes care of its own” and several times a year, locals get together to do just that. Once again, islanders are asked to come out to support a good cause and have fun while doing it. On Friday, March 26, Matlacha resident Kip Lawrence has invited a few of his friends to perform during the second annual FISH Fest. This special concert will be staged at the Olde Fish House Marina in Matlacha and will commence at 6 p.m. Lawrence refers to this event as a “canned food drive to feed the hungry” and while there is no monetary admission, everyojne who attends is asked to bring at least one non-perishable food item to benefit the Pine Island Food Pantry. According to Lawrence, he views this as a way to help his community during these difficult economic times.

“This community has been so generous in supporting the local musicians and this is just a small way for us to give something back,” said Lawrence. “It is my hope that the kind people of Pine Island and Matlacha will come out and join us for a good time and help support a great cause.”

With a continuing need at the Food Pantry, Barbara La Plante, pantry treasurer, was very pleased to learn that Lawrence would present this fund raiser again this season.

“Demands at the pantry continue to grow each week and we expect it to become even more difficult to meet them as the snowbirds begin to return home,” said La Plante. “Events like this one will help us to continue to feed hungry families during leaner times like the summer months and we are extremely grateful for what they do for our community.”

Lawrence will take the stage with his new group, Skinny Water and will serve as emcee for the evening. Skinny Water is a group of seasoned professional musicians who recently have banded together to play what they refer to as Florida swamp music with well known covers as well as numerous original songs and rhythms. Playing various fund-raising events like the recent Breast Fest, Skinny Water also appears each Monday evening at Miceli’s Restaurant in Matlacha.

Also taking the stage will be the group Strange Arrangement featuring the Brothers Van Kirk. Twin brothers, Warren and Gregory, fill each stage with an energy that is electric, many times encouraging audience participation. Boasting a broad category of music with both covers and originals, fans of Strange Arrangement will be treated to a mix of hip hop, pop Latin and rock. The Van Kirk brothers also have been credited with a new dance step known as “the strange shuffle” making each of their appearances lively and entertaining. The award-winning, Strange Arrangement with the Brothers Van Kirk can be seen at area venues including Leapin Lizard, Miceli’s Restaurant, Stevie Tomatoes, Backstreets and more.

Food will be available for purchase on site and coolers and lawn chairs are welcome.