vidalia &8212; Healing, peace and unity will be floating alongside the Mississippi River Monday at the Reggae on The Mississippi River festival.

The festival, at the Vidalia Amphitheatre on Riverfront Street in Vidalia, begins at 1 p.m. and runs until midnight.

&8220;I am very enthused to see reggae come to this area,&8221; said Jack Kelly lead percussionist of reggae band Henry Turner Jr. and Flavor. &8220;It&8217;s always fun to watch the audience because the music just pulls you in. It&8217;s compelling.&8221;

The event is free, but event coordinators are asking for donations of $3 to $5 or non-perishable foods. After 4 p.m. general admission/donation is $7.

Donations will go to benefit Feed the Hungry and victims of Hurricane Katrina from New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.

&8220;This music is all about healing, peace and unity of all the people in the world,&8221; Kelly said. &8220;It&8217;s a wonderful kind of music, and I&8217;m very proud of it.&8221;

This year&8217;s concert features top Reggae stars, cultural food presenters and traditional blues music. Jamaican/African and Native American arts and crafts booths plus a children&8217;s play area with reggae playing will also be part of the activities.

Various Reggae Bands, DJ Rasta and DJ Queen Mushiya will be playing music for the event throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased at Rasta Reggae Shop on Carter Street in Vidalia, or by calling 601-442-0588.