Quite often, people criticize the University of South Florida for being a culture-less commuter school. The university is relatively young compared to state university competitors University of Florida and Florida State University. However, the city of Tampa definitely has its own thriving cultures and traditions.
The Gasparilla Festival, initially named for the 19th century pirates that invaded Florida’s western coast, is an annual celebration of Tampa Bay history. The festival, typically lasting four to six weeks, has many fun components including a children’s parade, a Mardi Gras-style adult parade, a movie festival, and much more. The last and newest installment to the Gasparilla festivities is the Gasparilla Music Festival at Curtis Hixon Park. The festival is entering its second year, and the lineup will include Ozomalti, Dawes, Lord Huron and many more.
Check out our coverage from last year’s festival including our interview with Ra Ra Riot, Deer Tick and a review of the local food trucks.
Dawes is a folk rock band from Los Angeles. No stranger to critics, Rolling Stone describes their music as “authentically vintage.” After releasing several albums with Dawes, lead singer Taylor Goldsmith formed a ‘secret’ super group called Middle Brother with members of Deer Tick and the Delta Spirit at South by Southwest in 2011. Last year was also a great year for Dawes, as they helped headline the historic Newport Folk Festival along with Bright Eyes, the Black Crows and My Morning Jacket.
Earlier today, Dawes announced the track list for their new record, Stories Don’t End. Perhaps the most exciting news is that Gasparilla Music Festival is the first show Dawes will be playing since announcing the new material. Check out this profile on the new album on Rolling Stone. Stories Don’t End is meant to showcase the band’s ability to have a more modern sound, and is set to be released on April 9.