BY Chyrisse Tabone, ROCK AT NIGHT Tampa
Venue: Clearwater Sea-Blues Music Festival at Coachman Park, Clearwater, Florida–February 23–24th, 2019
It was a beautiful weekend in the 70s between February 23—24th, 2019, at the annual Clearwater Sea-Blues Music Festival. The annual festival is presented by Visit St. Pete Clearwater, and features top names in the blues industry, for two nights and days of food and fun. The festival is actually free to the public but a VIP area near the stage was available for a small fee.
Rock At Night attended Saturday evening, February 23rd, just in time to catch two-time Grammy winner and Rock At Night fav’ Fantastic Negrito. The lawn was filled with patrons sitting on blankets and lawn chairs, enjoying the show, as the odor of fried food wafted in the air. Many of the concert goers appeared to be familiar with Fantastic Negrito, mouthing the lyrics, and dancing along with the beat. Lead singer and songwriter Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz absolutely killed it, as he danced, sweated, and belted out songs like “Bullshit Anthem,” “Plastic Hamburgers”, and “An Honest Man”.
The final headliner of the night was Vintage Trouble, whom Rock At Night has been following internationally for a few years. The crowd appeared to be thinning by 9:30 p.m. when the band began. Ty Taylor was sporting close-crop hair and not the usual retro 60s hair cut. The band’s set appeared to be more sedate as Tyson did not do his usual leaps, splits, and microphone twirling ala James Brown.
Tyson noted the band was “celebrating nine years as a band” and that bass player Rick Barrio Dill is from the local area. During the set, the band was joined by a sax player, which added spice to the mix. Highlights included “Run Like a River” and “Can’t Stop Rolling”.
Saturday night at the Clearwater Sea-Blues Music Festival proved to be the “place to be” in Tampa Bay, with its top-notch entertainment.
PHOTO GALLERY
Fantastic Negrito and Vintage Trouble
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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