Maine and Jamaica have a good deal in common, like sandy spots and coastal waters — even if Maine’s are much, much colder. In a way, they’re like long-lost cousins separated by a cruel Atlantic that thinks Maine is a bad influence on Jamaica’s affable “no worries” temperament.

And Jamaica isn’t doing any favors for Maine’s strict “drive on the right” traffic policies.

Despite the family drama, Maine likes Jamaica just fine. And Maine really likes the reggae.

Reggae Sunday on Peaks Island has become a summer staple, with ferry-loads of locals showing up on the island to pile into Jones Landing for an afternoon of reggae and beer specials.

The reggae was revived for the season last weekend and will continue on Sundays through August (excluding June 13, when the reggae takes a short hiatus for the Old Port Festival).

Doors open at 10 a.m., and entry is free before 11:30 a.m. Reggae revelers can keep themselves busy with breakfast pizza and beer bucket discounts until the music starts at 1 p.m.

The specials change weekly, but include $15 Bud buckets this Sunday, $2 Rolling Rock bottles on June 20, and $4 Absolut drinks on June 27.

Local reggae bands Royal Hammer and Stream alternate weekends, with Stream taking charge this coming Sunday. And amid the island sounds, reggae fans can partake in some Jones Landing entertainment, such as the bean-bag toss June 20 that’ll earn the winner $100.

July 11 boasts the Redhook limbo contest. Get low for a chance to win a Redhook Brewery trip.

But beer buckets and bean bags aside, Reggae Sunday is about the island experience — the get-out-of-dodge adventure without really going very far.

Of course, when the room is packed with tipsy, reggae-swaying locals on a hot summer afternoon, you might just forget you’re in Maine. Grab a mouthful of coconut M&M’s and you can take the Caribbean illusion to its peak.

 

Staff Writer Shannon Bryan can be contacted at 791-6333 or at:

sbryan@mainetoday.com