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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
A shirtless, sweaty Clay Frankel pretty much hit the weather on the head during his band’s mid afternoon set at the opening day of Gasparilla Music Festival in downtown Tampa.
“Yo, it’s so hot out here,” the young guitarist for Twin Peaks. I think I’m starting to hallucinate,”
Frankel’s Chicago based band — who kicked off their set by opening the gates to let GA attendees mix in with VIP to get a front row view — played what was easily the most rock & roll, freewheeling set on a day pretty much full of them. They covered the Stones, slammed PBRs, skittered and shook all over the stage in a youthful display of defiance and vitality. At one point bassist Jack Dolan, whose curls dripped with sweat, smiled at the crowd and exclaimed “everyone’s a VIP today!”
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Twin Peaks play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
It’s safe to say that, in many ways Twin Peaks — whose keyboardist (Colin Croom) and guitarist (Cadien Lake James) also joined headliners Cage the Elephant later in the evening — clearly give no fucks about preconceived notions surrounding how one should behave or misbehave at a springtime, family friendly music festival.
And that idea of misbehaving in face of how the world is telling you to act, in all of its audacity, is so apropos for the now sixth year old Gasparilla Music Festival.
A similar moxie ran through the veins of GMF’s founding members more than half a decade ago. The vision to create a vibrant, all encompassing singular event that serves every corner of the community is ambitious, but ask the nearly 100,000 people who’ve walked through those gates over the years, and they’ll probably tell you that no other downtown festival is getting it as right as GMF (a non-profit) has since their first single day event in 2012. Ask the hundreds of impoverished Tampa Bay students who’ve been handed refurbished instruments as part of the festival’s year long philanthropic mission, and they’ll probably tell you that no other downtown festival has been as good to them, either.
It was hard to find a complaint among the thousands who shuttled themselves between four stages in two parks yesterday, either. And while the sun may have sent many searching for shade during the daylight hours, so many finally came out to play as the moon rose over a set by Nashville rock outfit Moon Taxi. True, the Saturday crowds — even for Erykah Badu who headlined Saturday in 2016 — have yet to reach the levels they did when Modest Mouse returned from a seven year hiatus to kick off a world tour at Tampa’s little gem of a green space on the Hillsborough River, but what GMF lacks in sell out power they make up in their unwavering commitment to give Bay area residents an eclectic slate of national and local acts making music while the best local restaurants do what they do best, too.
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Amy Kate Anderson
Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church Choir plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
Per usual, St. Pete’s Mt. Zion Baptist Choir showed off their best for GMF in 2017. The group has opened the festival since year one, and their spirited, spiritual shouts, handclaps and hurrahs are a stirring, sometimes tear inducing, way to start a day the quickly unfolds into an adventure to catch as many bands as possible. Kids rock band Sugar Rush got the first encore of the day in the Kiley Amphitheatre (it was cute), and GMF favorites Have Gun, Will Travel pulled a fast one on fans by welcoming Texas is the Reason frontman Garrett Klahn to join them for a set of Americana where Have Gun debuted three new songs. Brooklyn eight piece Lawrence — fresh off an appearance at Okeechobee Fest in South Florida — opened up a fat can on soul at Kiley Gardens before the Twin Peaks boys all but blew the whole thing wide open.
An even bigger crowd would converge on Kiley as GMF renewed their vows with New Orleans by welcoming the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and Lady Nicole Wray gave a sneak peek into her own soul rebirth on the main stage. It was sweet to watch St. Pete producer Rogerthomas play his soulful digi-folk to a packed amphitheatre, but he really shined when he sat behind the drumkit and in the shadow of Bay area emcee QueenofEx Carter who delivered yet another rousing set of rhymes in the Amphitheatre’s sunset slot. Fellow Tampa rhymeslingers Mike Mass and Dynasty have delivered fiery sets on the same stage, while the same sun began its dip behind UT’s minarets, but Carter — looking menacing in her mirror tinted shades — possesses an assertive energy and command of the stage that set the table quite nicely for a rukus and rowdy performance from the Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah.
You read that right: a member of Wu-Tang Clan fired off a high energy set for another packed Kiley crowd that’s no come to expect world-class hip-hop, and electronic music at GMF’s second stage once the sun comes down. Mr. Killah even brought two fans onstage (including one inebriated guy he hilariously described as “soggy”) two spit the Method Man and ODB verses from “Protect Ya Neck.” The first fan — a female in a Wu-Tang tank top — faithfully delivered Method Man’s verse, and Mr. Soggy miraculously spit ODB’s as if he’d been to the Brooklyn Zu more than a few times.
It’s a stunt Killah has pulled at many appearances, but it didn’t make it any less special, and that kind of sums up the takeaways from day one of one of the area’s most important festivals. Rock & roll, rap and soul bands are truly a dime a dozen these days, but it takes care, a careful approach to a delicate budget and an army of volunteers to bring the best of it to fans who enjoy one of the best values in today’s music festival landscape (no layaway required to buy a GMF ticket). You could’ve bought a $40 early bird ticket, or maybe you’re part of the festival’s elite Higher Ground ticket buying group, but at the end of the day everyone's a VIP when they walk through those gates.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
QueenofEx play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
QueenofEx plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
QueenofEx play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
QueenofEx play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
QueenofEx play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
QueenofEx plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
QueenofEx play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
QueenofEx play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino
Twin Peaks play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Roger Lanfranchi supports QueenofEx playing Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino
Twin Peaks play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
QueenofEx play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino
Twin Peaks play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino
Twin Peaks play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Twin Peaks play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
click to enlarge Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Parrotfish play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
click to enlarge Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Twin Peaks play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Parrotfish play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino
Parrotfish play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Parrotfish play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Anthony Martino c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Parrotfish play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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John Weatherby c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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John Weatherby c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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John Weatherby c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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John Weatherby c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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John Weatherby c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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John Weatherby c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Dan Schuman c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Michal Menert & the Pretty Fantastics play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Dan Schuman c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Ghostface Killah plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Joe Sale c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs play Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Joe Sale c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs play Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Joe Sale c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs play Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Joe Sale c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs play Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Joe Sale c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Lawrence plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Joe Sale c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Lawrence plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Joe Sale c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Lawrence plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Joe Sale c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Lawrence plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Joe Sale c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Silent Disco at Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Joe Sale c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Joe Sale c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Cage the Elephant plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Joe Sale c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Bears and Lions play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Joe Sale c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Bears and Lions play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Joe Sale c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Bears and Lions play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Joe Sale c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Bears and Lions play Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Jonathan Nevius c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Sugar Rush plays Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Jonathan Nevius c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Sugar Rush plays Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Jonathan Nevius c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Patel Conservatory chorale plays Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Jonathan Nevius c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Parrotfish plays Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Jonathan Nevius c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Parrotfish plays Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Jonathan Nevius c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Parrotfish plays Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Jonathan Nevius
Lady Wray plays Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Kasey Makal c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Miroux plays Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Kasey Makal c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Ari Chi plays Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Daryl Bowen c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Twin Peaks play Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Daryl Bowen c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Twin Peaks play Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Daryl Bowen c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Twin Peaks play Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Daryl Bowen c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Twin Peaks play Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Daryl Bowen c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs play Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Daryl Bowen c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs play Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Daryl Bowen c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs play Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Daryl Bowen c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Lawrence plays Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Daryl Bowen c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Garrett Klahn joins Have Gun, Will Travel at Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Daryl Bowen c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Have Gun, Will Travel at Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Daryl Bowen c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Have Gun, Will Travel at Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Daryl Bowen c/o Gasparilla Music Festival
Garrett Klahn joins Have Gun, Will Travel at Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Amy Kate Anderson
Ghostface Killah plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Amy Kate Anderson
Ghostface Killah plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Amy Kate Anderson
Have Gun, Will Travel plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Amy Kate Anderson
Have Gun, Will Travel plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Amy Kate Anderson
Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Amy Kate Anderson
Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Amy Kate Anderson
Ghostface Killah plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
click to enlarge Amy Kate Anderson
Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church Choir plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Amy Kate Anderson
Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church Choir plays Gasparilla Music Festival on March 11, 2017.
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Amy Kate Anderson
Rogerthomas plays Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Amy Kate Anderson
Bangarang plays Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Amy Kate Anderson
Los Amigos Invisibles play Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Amy Kate Anderson
Los Amigos Invisibles play Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Amy Kate Anderson
Cage the Elephant plays Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Amy Kate Anderson
Cage the Elephant plays Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
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Amy Kate Anderson
Cage the Elephant plays Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on March 11, 2017.
