Thousands of country music fans flocked over to Ft. Lauderdale Beach on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday April 13, to enjoy the sweet sounds of Tortuga Music Festival. From 11 a.m. until 9:45 p.m., country fans swooned over major headliners including (but not limited to) Train, Sheryl Crow, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Slightly Stoopid, Ziggy Marley, 38 Special and Cole Swindell.
Tortuga Fest is unique in that it pairs music with meaning in order to raise awareness for marine conservation. Working hand in hand with the Rock the Ocean Foundation, Tortuga Music Festival aims to raise awareness about issues impacting the worlds oceans and to support scientific research, education and ocean conservation initiatives.
The festival included a Conservation Village which provided exhibits offering a variety of interactive and educational experiences. This years exhibit topics included sea turtle rescue, saving sharks and coral reef rehabilitation.
The festival also provided activities for all ages. Festival goers had access to the beach and could take part in a slip-n-slide or create their very own package of Tic Tacs. Various food and merchandise vendors were also located throughout the festival grounds.
Not even Sunday’s rain could keep fans from enjoying the essence of Tortuga. Despite weather conditions, fans of all ages remained loyal and determined to see their favorite artists perform.
If you missed out on this years festivities, be sure to mark your calender for next year!
words and photos_melissa mallin.