Rock and Roast combines favorites

Rock and Roast combines favorites - A group of people standing in a kitchen preparing food - Seafood

Local Music and Cuban Cookout highlight event

There’s something about a perfectly seasoned pig that’s been roasting all day in the La Caja box. There’s also something to be said for 15 boxes of them cooking on the back property of St. Mary’s Basilica school grounds. (And, 10 donated kegs of cold Islamorada Beer Company brew!)

The annual Rock and Roast event is made up of three parts – delicious Cuban cuisine, live entertainment and a silent auction.

Highlighting Café Sole Chef John Correa’s roasted pork, grilled chicken, black beans and rice, yucca, and a wide variety of homemade desserts, the event is music to the ears and taste buds. Especially when the tunes from local favorites like Larry Baeder, The Bubba System and The Doerfels round out the evening.

“I am really looking forward to the Doerfels returning,” said Basilica Principal Robert Wright.  “Last year, it was a monsoon and we missed them because of the rain, so I can’t wait for them to really jam out. The bands, including Larry Baeder and The Bubba System, are so good to us to donate their time to help us.”

Running from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4 on the St. Mary Star of the Sea school grounds, the event is also host to one of the island’s largest silent auctions. Kids’ activities will also be available, including face painting, a balloon artist and pony rides. 

“It’s such a great atmosphere,” said Doria Goodrich who graduated high school from St. Mary’s and whose children are middle school alumni. “The guys hang out all day cooking – it’s true togetherness, true camaraderie – to pull this event together.”

Tickets can be purchased at the school. They are $20 in advance and $22 at the gate for admission and dinner. Tickets for teenagers are $12; for 6- to 12-year-olds, $5, and free fo0r children 5 and under. $50 tickets include meal and open bar.

RAFFLE TICKETS AVAILABLE

Grand Prize: Jeep Patriot

(donated by Duncan Auto)

Tickets $50, limit of 1,000 tickets

Second is $100 and third is $500.

Drawing is May 21