6th Annual Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival- What a Party!

After what seems like an eternity of anticipation, the time has finally arrived when two of my most beloved things collide in my favorite place for one fabulous weekend. That’s right, juicy, giant succulent stone crab and live, local music come together on November 11th and 12th for the 6th Annual Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival.

It is the weekend to gorge on one of Florida’s finest delicacy in the relaxed fun atmosphere of the historic fishing village of Cortez, and more than makes up for the long months of crab deprivation. The claws served at the festival were literally fetched from the surrounding waters and only travel from the boats to your plate. It just doesn’t get any better or fresher to satiate the long months of awaiting their return.

There is more to love about the Cortez Stone Crab Festival than just the satisfaction of your hands dripping with butter with every delectable bite of the finest claw meat on the planet. This festival, now in its 6th year, is truly a celebration of what it means to be a “local”. As a proud part of the indigenous culture that is Cortez, I love that this festival features only local bands, local artists and of course local eats. The festival also serves as a vehicle to raise funds for the local non-profit organization Fishing for Freedom, comprised of commercial fishermen who actively fight to preserve the ecology of the area through coastal cleanup events year-round and are fighting for the reversal of the 1994 gill net ban which devastated the local mullet fishery. The men and women of Fishing for Freedom are a shining example of how this small community fights to preserve its heritage and remain the last working fishing village left on the west coast of Florida, and they deserve all of our support.

The music lineup this year is incredible, with a top-notch local lineup that crosses nearly every musical genre from Blues to Rockabilly, Country to Classic Rock and back again. Plan on attending both days so you’re sure not to miss a minute of TC & Randy, TH&C, Jason Haram Group, The Kat Crosby Band, Dr. Dave Band and Billy Rice Band. As if that wasn’t enough they’ve also got Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones, Alowicious, Berry Oakley’s Indigenous Suspects and Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio rounding out the weekend line-up.

Stone Crabs, great music, local artists and endless fun await at the 6th Annual Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival November 11th and 12th from 10 am to 6 pm both days, 4628 119th St W. Cortez, Florida 34215. There’s even a Kid Zone to keep the wee ones happy and free parking available next door at the FISH Preserve, so you have no excuse but to be there!!

Music Schedule:

Saturday November 11th:

12:00 PM – Billy Rice Band – Main Stage
12:00 PM – TC & Rand – Swordfish Tiki Stage
2:00 PM – Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones – Main Stage
4:00 PM – Berry Oakley’s Indigenous Suspects – Main Stage
6:00 PM – TH & C – Cortez Kitchen Stage
6:00 PM – The Kat Crosby Band – Swordfish Tiki Stage

Sunday November 12th:

10:00 AM – TH & C – Main Stage
12:00 PM – Jason Haram Group – Main Stage
12:00 PM – TC & Randy – Swordfish Stage
2:00 PM – Alowicious – Main Stage
2:00 PM – Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones – Cortez Kitchen Stage
4:00 – Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio – Main Stage
5:00 – Dr. Dave Band – Swordfish Tiki Stage

Sarasota Post Photos