CORTEZ -- To celebrate one of the most important seasons for their commercial fishermen, the Cortez community is hosting its first annual Stone Crab Festival.

The event, which starts at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, features fresh, scrumptious stone cooked crab claws and live music.

The festival takes place at the N.E. Taylor Boat Yard, 119th St. W.

The blues/rock-centric music lineup includes RJ Howson and Steve Arvey on Saturday with TC and the Troublemakers among the acts scheduled to perform Sunday.

The Stone Crab Festival is sponsored by Swordfish Grill, Cortez Kitchen, N.E. Taylor Boatworks, Killer Bait and Cortez Bait & Seafood.

The 2012 stone crab season officially started last month and runs through May 15.Details: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 3-4, N.E. Taylor Boat Yard, 119th St. W., Cortez. Admission: Free. Information: 941-798-2035 or swordfishgrillcortez.com

Wade Tatangelo, features writer/columnist, can be reached at 941-745-7057. Follow Twitter.com/wtatangelo