TAMPA, Fla. — Day two of one of Tampa’s biggest homegrown events wrapped up with strong crowds, high energy, and a sense of renewal.
The Gasparilla Music Festival is back in full swing, and organizers say this year marks a true comeback after several challenging years — now in a brand-new location at Meridian Fields.
It’s a brand-new beginning for the Gasparilla Music Festival — but the mission of this nonprofit remains the same.
A festival reborn
From live music to packed crowds, the atmosphere reflected a festival that hasn’t missed a beat.
Organizers say the road back hasn’t been easy. Over its 12-year history, the festival faced financial strain, was rained out twice, and even took a year-long hiatus.
“It’s been quite a journey. We had to take a year off because it was our physical responsibility as a nonprofit,” said Grymes Cannon, founding board member of the Gasparilla Music Festival.
Despite those challenges, thousands are expected to attend the three-day event, which features music across three stages, along with food and art vendors.
Community impact at the core
Beyond the music, organizers emphasize the festival’s deeper mission — giving back.
Through its “Recycled Tunes” program, more than $200,000 worth of instruments have been donated to local schools, helping support music education across the community.
“We’re here for a reason… we love to see events like this bring community and attraction and excitement to the area,” said Zeus Cordeiro, general manager of Coppertail Tasting Room.
Spotlight on local talent
The festival also serves as a platform for homegrown artists like Marc Anthony Little, local artist known as ‘MA’, who was commissioned to create this year’s festival poster.
“It just pays homage to all of the music that started here,” Little said.
For Little, the opportunity is especially meaningful.
“I used to own a limousine service… I used to take all the talent to and from, so it’s a full circle moment,” he said.
A new home, a fresh start
This year marks the festival’s debut at Meridian Fields — a reimagined space near Water Street and Channelside that organizers say offers room to grow.
“Letting everybody come and have this sense of discovery… we’re very excited about it and it was an absolute success,” said Cannon.
With more than 50 artists spanning multiple genres, the momentum continues through the final day Sunday — capping off a comeback year that’s striking a chord across Tampa.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source baynews9.com ’
