FESTIVAL REVIEW: Gasparilla Music Fest

Alright, so it’s been quite some time..... I got away from the blog for a bit, but a recent trip to Music City (Nashville) has inspired me to get back on it. So it’s time for some rapid music blog catch up. Let’s go back to the first week of March to start.

Kicking off the official ‘Spring Concert Season’ was the respectful Gasparilla Music Fest, taking place in Downtown Tampa. This was probably year 4 for GMF, and they’ve built a solid following attracting approximately 10,000 attendees over 2 days. I have some great memories from GMF including a great set by Dawes, and the chance to meet Toby of Dr. Dog. (Full story here) I also reviewed their 2014 festival in its entirety here.

This year Gasparilla was in the spotlight a bit more than usual because they recruited Modest Mouse to be the Saturday headliner. This was the first concert of the year for the legendary indie band, and it was an even bigger deal since they were debuting plenty of songs from their first album in nearly 8 years.

The result was a packed and sold out Curtis Hixon Park for their Saturday headlining performance. The guys sounded great, playing new tunes but also highlighting all you would expect from their discography. Of course “Float On” was the most well received tune, but equal praise should be given to new lead single “Lampshades on Fire.” 97x promoted this new tune well and I think it’s one of the best singles I’ve heard in 2015.

So Modest Mouse was an appropriate and enjoyable headliner. I must say the guys don’t move around too much on stage. But I guess the quality of music makes up for their lack of so-called energy.

Also playing on Saturday was electronic rock duo Dale Earnheart Jr. Jr. These guys had super high energy and even came into the crowd at one point, getting everyone to bounce around and dance. (This worked for my friends and myself especially since we came straight to this set from silent disco.) But they sounded great and I’ll definitely be looking for them on their next tour. With just the two member setup they reminded me most of our beloved Cherub. (reviewed here and here) 

I also give nods to DeLand, Fl folk-rockers Roadkill Ghost Choir and veterans Gaslight Anthem who filled the gaps on Saturday. Overall it was a day of 4 solid bands and a few quick trips over to the Hub between sets.

SUNDAY: 

We were back at in Sunday for an afternoon set with a favorite of mine in Trampled By Turtles. I reviewed a full set by these guys last fall when I caught a show in a great venue in Madison, Wisconsin. (Full review here)

The Duluth rockers pretty much played a shortened version of that performance in the hot Florida afternoon sun. I was just as impressed seeing them for a second time. The group essential features 7 string players, highlighted by a sensational violinist. They passionately played for their full 90 minutes showing ferocity at times but also slowing the ability to slow things down and win over the crowd.

Trampled by Turtles set the stage well for Sunday headliner Gogol Bordello, who

 delivered one of the most surprising acts of the festival. I had no real idea of what to expect with this group. They're labelled a gypsy punk rock band, and I've heard they've received comparisons to Edward Share, Flogging Molly and even Weird Al. After their 90 minute performance I would have to agree.

The strange New York rockers provided definitely the most energetic and visually appealing set of the weekend. It was mesmerizing to watch the stage, as the large band constantly had different members running from the back to the front while performing. Front man Eugene Hutz had a very thick accent and so much life on stage. He jumped and swung an opened bottle of wine around his head several times throughout the performance.

After seeing a mellow Modest Mouse the night prior, this set really stood out. Highlight was top song "Start Wearing Purple" that had many festival attendees in the Sunday evening crowd stripping and holding up their purple attire. Overall, I think the proper genre for this band is 'pirate rock.'

So the energetic Gogol Bordello concluded another successful Gasparilla Music Fest. This weekend just keeps getting better. For next year, they already have announced plans to move the festival back a weekend. This seems like it only can help as it now will line up with South by Southwest for bands to stop in Tampa on the way out to Austin. Can't wait.