The 11th Rock The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival took over the sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach Park on April 5-7, 2024, bringing some of the biggest names in music to this idyllic setting. Tortuga Festival is unique in that it is primarily a country music festival, but it spices things up with the addition of legendary artists from other genres. The festival grounds are literally on the beach sand, with a massive VIP section constructed on the pavement next to the beach. There are tons of food and beverage vendors set up in a festival village, which is like a farmer’s market. Unique charities and merchandise have their pop-up shops. The festival works directly with the Rock The Ocean Foundation, raising not only awareness but funding to the tune of more than $4 million dollars in donations over the past decade. All in all, this is one of the best festival experiences that the world has to offer.
Tortuga Music Festival 2024 Day One took place on Friday, April 5, 2024. Country music megastar Lainey Wilson headlined a day filled with powerful women and soulful men. The Tortuga Music Festival 2024 was one rocking country music festival. Yes, rocking, as evidenced by bands with multiple long-haired guitar players rocking out. It was mostly country music, but it was definitely on the hard edge of the country music spectrum.
The full lineup for Tortuga Fest Day One 2024 was:
Sadie Bass played twice at Tortuga Music Festival 2024. After opening the festival in the Next From Nashville stage presented by Bacardi, she later joined festival creator / Rock The Ocean founder and CEO Chris Stacey in their tent for an intimate acoustic show.
Tigirlily Gold opened the Corona Main Stage with an easy grace and pleasant sound. It was a perfect introduction to a beautiful sunny day at the beach.
HunterGirl kept the chill vibes going in the tent. Plenty of fans dropped in for a listen, in between checking out the vendors, charities and corporate activations spread across the festival grounds.
Chase Matthew heated up the Sunset stage as the clear blue skies let the sun heat up thousands of country music fans. Chase has a very radio-friendly sound, and the songs also sound great live.
Priscilla Block was a pure joy to witness on stage. She has tons of style and attitude to go with her sweet and powerful voice.
The Castellows feature 3 sisters from Georgia who were playing their very first festival. These young ladies are new on the scene, but their musical talent and songwriting abilities are sure to take them far. Eleanor, Lily, and Powell Balkcom are artists to keep an eye on.
Boyz II Men was phenomenal. They came right out with mega-hits “Motownphilly” and “On Bended Knee”. They sounded so smooth and clearly enjoyed performing for a crowd which truly appreciated their skills.
Meg McRee had the Next From Nashville tent filled all the way out to the shaded beach sand behind the sound board.
Warren Zeiders really knows how to entertain. In addition to performing his awesome songs, he brought out Teddy Swims as a special guest. The two of them sang a spirited version of “Tennessee Whiskey” which sounded incredible.
Teddy Swims sings his heart and soul out with every song. The crowd really was into his show.
Turnpike Troubadours provided direct main-stage support. As the sun began to set over Fort Lauderdale Beach, the boys eased the crowd into the evening with their smooth sounds and stellar musicianship.
Ashley McBryde headlined the Sunset Stage, delivering one of the most entertaining sets of the entire weekend. Her sass and playful attitude were on full display. One of the only downsides of a festival is having to choose to walk away before a set is finished, in order to catch the opening notes of the next artist. There was a ton of Fear Of Missing Out as fans walked the beach all the way to the other side of the grounds to see Lainey Wilson.
Lainey Wilson proved that she is a true country music superstar with her headlining performance on Day 1 of Tortuga Music Festival 2024. Lainey Wilson’s guitarist was top-notch on Friday with impressive guitar solos. Lainey played hit after hit, including special versions of her collaborations with other artists. She ended the night with one of the best songs of the past few years – “Things A Man Oughta Know”. It was a fabulous ending to the beginning of an incredible weekend of music.
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Johnnie Crow is a lifelong music lover. He has photographed artists from every genre at concerts, festivals and cruises all across North America.
