Island residents and visitors won’t want to miss the next free concert to take place at the Olde Fish House Marina in Matlacha. On March 13 beginning at 6 p.m., two legendary performers will team up for a unforgettable evening of live musical performances. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to hear Jim Morris and Kip Lawrence swap stories about their songwriting experiences.

In an effort to bring back the popular free concerts once held at the hardware store in St. James City, Lawrence has coordinated the concerts that are held each Creative Coast weekend throughout the season.

While having built a successful solo career, Lawrence is perhaps best known as a member of the popular group Yard Dogs. A Matlacha resident, Lawrence has been writing and performing his own music for several decades and has received numerous accolades for his solo CD titled, “Alone with a Song,” which was published back in 2001.

Calling his music “Florida Cajun-style,” Lawrence has produced such memorable lyrics as “from debutant to trailer trash,” “I don’t wanna go and get a real job” and “it’s all about me.” From ballads to the comedic, Lawrence’s songs cover the gambit and have something for everyone in the audiences. In addition to writing, singing and playing his guit-jo, a rarely seen six-string banjo, alongside the Yard Dogs, Lawrence has shared the stage with the famed John Mooney, Annie Wenz and Johnny McKenzie, and has performed in venues such as the Mucky Duck on Captiva, the Lighthouse Tiki Bar at Fort Myers Beach, the Twisted Conch in Cape Coral and the Green Parrot and Schooner Wharf Bar in Key West.

Originally from Georgia, Morris’ former career found him traveling throughout the country with many locals inspiring his lyrics. After leaving the corporate world, Morris relocated to Southwest Florida and began writing in earnest. His musical style has been compared with that of Jimmy Buffet and most of his songs reflect his love for the Gulf of Mexico, the beach and the laid-back island life. In 1996, Morris released his first CD with Fish Head Music and each song reflects his transition from the corporate world to one of fishing, sailing and having a good time. His second CD, “Bocanuts,” served to launch his career as a singer/songwriter and is still popular among his fans today. Many CDs and gigs since that time have not gone to this musician’s head however, as he still performs in small venues such as Woody’s Waterside in St. James City and Bert’s Bar and Grill in Matlacha on a regular basis.

Morris has also played everywhere from Maryland to Las Vegas and from Belize to Miami, but still makes time to his loyal following here in Southwest Florida.

Much like the free concerts that were once held at the hardware store, attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and coolers are always welcome during these events. The Olde Fish House Marina will be serving fresh seafood dishes throughout the evening.

The Olde Fish House Marina is located at 4730 Pine Island Rd. in Matlacha. Ample parking is free and available on the Olde Fish House property during this performance.