The Island has a full lineup of music on tap starting on Thursday night and continuing through the weekend. Many of the shows boast free admission, and one show is being staged to raise money for a good cause. Take your pick or hop from venue to venue — and don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes.

Steel drums play a birthday beat

A free celebration of Vashon Park District’s 25th birthday is planned for 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 18, with a concert in Ober Park by Ian Dobson’s Pan Leggo, a Caribbean-style steel drum group.

The evening, co-sponsored by the park district and Vashon Allied Arts, will also feature a cake competition, with the audience judging entries provided by several community organizations and programs.

See page A4 for more information.

Portage Fill plays a benefit

The Portage Fill big band will perform a benefit for Vashon High School student Jack Johannessen from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, June 12, at Red Bicycle Bistro & Sushi.

Johannessen will sit in with the band.

The 19-piece band, led by Tony Willing, recently began to mentor Vashon High music students who are interested in jazz, inviting them to sit in during performances.

One of those students, Jack Johnannessen, auditioned and was accepted to the prestigious “Sound of America” program, and will join 150 other young musicians on a six-country European concert tour this summer.

The cover charge for the show is $5, with additional donations accepted.

All proceeds will help pay for Johan-nessen’s travel expenses.

Prior to the show, at 7 p.m., Island dance instructor March Twisdale will offer free swing dance lessons.

Price is right at Luna and the Bike

Ken Jacobsen, a local guitar player, will bring some of his students and friends to play a free evening of acoustic and electric guitar from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at the Red Bike. All ages are welcome to attend the show.

Café Luna will offer two shows.

Matthew Moeller, also known as “Cap’n Matt,” will play a free show from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 12.

According to Victory Review critic Tom Peterson, Moeller sings “with a wink in his voice” about “old salts whose ships may never come in, gentle drunks, wise sailors and blind fiddlers.”

Cort Armstrong will perform a free show at Luna from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 13. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Armstrong performs country blues, bluegrass and old-time music.