Riptide Rolls Over Fort Lauderdale Beach

Sat., Dec. 2 & Sun., Dec.3

Cage The Elephant lead singer Matt Shultz and his brother, lead guitarist Brad Shultz light up the Riptide stage! (Photo by: Brian Doughty)

FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH, Fla. – A wave of outstanding live music washed over Fort Lauderdale Beach on Saturday, December 2nd and Sunday, December 3rd for the Riptide Music Festival. 

Festival organizer Von Freeman from 104.3 The Shark spoke with Local 10 ahead of the huge crowds that took over the sand once the gates opened.  He added a smaller, second stage for more intimate sets and this year's winner was Barns Courtney, who tore it up for an enthusiastic crowd on Saturday afternoon!   

Recommended Videos



This second year of the festival also featured an appearance by Ozzy the Rocktopus!  The gigantic blue and orange art installation grabbed your eye the minute you stepped onto the sand.  Ozzy's giant arms could also be seen enveloping the main stage.

Although South Beach park was packed, you could still get around easily between stages and beer and food was always near.  The layout of the venue is smartly done; with room up front for those who want to dance and be near the front of the stage and plenty of sand (with beach chairs!) for those who want to camp out and chill out towards the back.

Saturday was the day for the newer and up-and-coming bands.  Portugal, the Man., Saint Motel, Andrew McMahon (In the Wilderness), Weezer and Cage the Elephant had fans tearing up the sand and singing along to their favorite hits.  Weezer in particular went old school; opening up with "My Name Is Jonas" from the legendary Blue Album (their debut) as well as blazing through "Undone" (The Sweater Song) and "Buddy Holly"!

Sunday was the time for more established acts to take over the stages; with Morris Day and the Time performing a blazing tribute to Prince, along with South Florida native KC & his Sunshine Band, Loverboy and Lou Gramm all rocking the crowd!

Riptide is always a great weekend to hear live music on the beach (as if there is any BAD time!)  Here's to next year!

 

 

 


About the Author: