We cover a lot of culture and music in South Florida. And every year we think the Riptide Music Festival is one of the best events in South Florida. This year was no different.
What’s not to love? Great locale. On the beach in Ft. Lauderdale. Perfect timing. First week of December, beautiful weather, out of hurricane season, kickoff to our “snowbird” season. Super affordable. This year they had two-day tickets going for $69. Two-day tickets. That’s less than a round of drinks in Miami. Thank you Audacy for making that happen.
At Riptide, the music is mostly great and the people are always beautiful.
This is our review of the 2023 Riptide Music Festival.
Highlight of the weekend
Jelly Roll without question was the highlight of the whole weekend. His closing night performance on the main stage stole the show. He played a motley of songs, some covers, some of his hits, some rap heavy, others country. It was his 39th birthday too. On his birthday, he had the audience eating out of his hand. He held court between songs with stories. He had great energy and a positive attitude and messages. Then he sang the fuck out of his songs.
Jelly Roll is on fire this year. This dude could sell out arena’s. He’s there.
Keep it up big fella.
Also of note, local South Florida steel guitarist legend and all-around good guy Roosevelt Collier is in Jelly Roll’s touring band. We loved to see that.
Riptide Music Festival Lowkey Best Performance
We love Cannons and fully anticipate the LA-based trio will soon be playing larger venues and bigger stages.
As long as they keep putting out songs like “Hurricane,” “Loving You,” and “Fire for You.”
Formed in L.A. in 2013 (hard to believe it’s been ten years) when singer Michelle Joy posted an ad on Craigslist looking for a band, they’re so catchy and easy to root for. We know Joy is from Florida and attended Florida State but we don’t know where in Florida. Anyway, the indie-pop trio was an absolute delight at the small stage at Riptide.
Riptide Music Festival Lowkey Worst Performance
Not as delightful was the band Bleachers on the main stage. It was an awkward but okay set. Lead singer Jack Antonoff, who is an amazing and beyond successful writer / producer (Taylor Swift, Lana Del Ray, Lorde, to name a few) just tried too hard to get the crowd involved.
Everyone was just staring at him. It happened, man.
This Jersey bred is no Springsteen.
But beyond that, the set definitely had catchy moments. And they played all their hits.
Wrap Up
Headliners The Black Keys and Young the Giant also stood out during Day 1.
Other notables on Day two of Riptide included Sublime with Rome, Lovelytheband and Dirty Heads.
Day 2 had vibes.
Thank you Audacy. We’re lucky for this festival.
