As January cools down, festival season heats up. Tampa Bay’s annual Gasparilla Music Festival is coming back in early March with a fire lineup for two days of music and food galore at the historic Curtis Hixon Park. Over the years they’ve secured a variety of headliners from The Roots, to Cage the Elephant, to Ghostface Killah of Wu Tang, and Father John Misty. After a great year of coverage last year, we can’t wait for this year, so we put together the top five can’t miss acts.
Toro Y Moi
The singer, producer, and groove maker will be making his way down to Tampa with his full band to play through songs from his new album Outer Peace. A collection we’ve kept on replay since it dropped earlier this year. If you can make it out to this set you’ll be in for a dance party and disco vibes, he will be by far one of the most interesting artists you can catch this weekend.
The Pharcyde
The classic group will be bringing the 90’s vibe for the hip hop heads. They haven’t dropped much music as of late but the songs they’re old school vibe will keep the party alive, you’ll be head nodding and shaking to the boom bap. Come ready to see a group still pushing and performing music from a golden era of rap music, the style hasn’t changed and it still sounds fresh.
Tank and the Bangas
I suggest taking a listen to their 2018 live album, for a taste of what their performance will be like. The group has an electric sound with a band accompaniment, Tanks voice is commanding and beautiful, she’ll bring you in with slower ballads and blow you back with raps and speedy flows. She has major control of the room and sound and you’ll feel involved in her life as she tells stories through songs.
The Beths
Songs that sound like they should be in Scott Pilgrim Vs The World have a special place in my heart, The Beths have that sound. With their new album “Future Me Hates Me” you’ll probably start seeing them pop up more as they gain more of a following. You’ll want to catch them; they have a sound that isn’t going to stay unknown for long.
Magic City Hippies
A jam band that will have you rocking through layers of smoke. They’re smooth, cool, and having fun. They have a calm sound that takes you to a place mentally where you’re laid back in a hammock working on that tan. Bring a beer, bring your friends, and vibe out for a little bit as they play.