Tampa is gearing up for the one of the most anticipated events of the season: The 6th Annual Gasparilla Music Festival presented by Frontier (“GMF”) which returns to Curtis Hixon Park on March 11th & 12th.
The community supported non-profit event has become a must do for live music fans and the perfect addition to any Spring Break itinerary. Today, GMF reveals an initial lineup of performers that will be appearing at the music and culture gathering. Headlining on Saturday, March 11 is Grammy Award nominee Cage the Elephant. GMF’17 will mark the group’s first live appearance in the Tampa Bay Area in over two years. Closing out the festival on Sunday, March 12, the prolific, insurgent and multi genre favorite Ryan Adams will celebrate the release of his new album, “Prisoner,” with fans at the fest. Other performers in the initial lineup include Ghostface Killah, Moon Taxi, Chronixx, The New Mastersounds, The Marcus King Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs, Kelsey Waldon, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, Have Gun, Will Travel and a slew of locally grown favorites.
“Whether it’s getting to see a band you love, discovering new music, or just finding a groove, GMF offers music lovers intimate experiences within a fun festival setting,” said David Cox, GMF’s Executive Director. “This year promises to deliver a lot of memorable moments.”
GMF’17 will feature over 40 bands across 4 stages along downtown Tampa’s Riverwalk. Each year the festival has grown in size and breadth with an eclectic mix of music styles including rock, reggae, R&B, country, hip hop, gospel, bluegrass, electronic and latin. In addition to diversity of sound, the Gasparilla Music Festival offers diversity of experiences including a wellness kickoff on Saturday March with the first ever Dubb Tenn Yoga and Ride the Park, a stationary bike ride hosted by SOHO Cycles. The ride is a fundraiser for GMF's Recycled Tunes program whose mission is to enrich the lives of underserved children in Tampa Bay by ensuring access to musical instruments and music education.
GMF also continues to grow its popular Kids Fest which offers musical performances and interactive experiences for children of all ages each day of the festival from noon until 2pm and offers FREE admission to children 12 and under. This year, Kids Fest is expanding into the adjacent Glazer Children’s Museum on Sunday March 12. The museum will be open with FREE admission all day and will offer an immersive musical experience and live performances throughout the venue.
Tickets to the festival are available at www.gmftickets.com
$60 – 2 Day General Admission
$40 – Sat-only General Admission
$30 – Sun-only General Admission
$150 – 2 Day VIP
$100 – Sat-only VIP
$75 – Sun-only VIP
The 2017 VIP Experience is sponsored by Choice HR and includes 3 free drinks, premium stage viewing areas, special entrance into the festival, VIP bars, and air conditioned restrooms.
