Fortress Festival Day 1

Mother Nature smiled on Fortress Festival on Saturday, as the indie music fest unfurled its third edition on a brilliant spring day in Fort Worth’s Cultural District. 

Consider the idyllic weather day a bit of payback. 

Fortress Fest nearly floated into oblivion its first year, hampered by storms and washouts. But on Saturday, blue skies and bright sunshine created a beautiful backdrop for the eclectic mix of local and regional music, capped off by a few heavyweight headliners.

A few Cowtown favorites got things going in the afternoon, including Fort Worth rapper Solar Slim and dream pop purveyors The Cush. They were a satisfying appetizer for local music fans who are no doubt looking ahead to Day 2’s headliner, recent Grammy winner and Fort Worth favorite son Leon Bridges.

The Cush

Dallas was represented well on Day 1, too. 

Medicine Man Revival spiced up the dinner hour, delivering its distinct brand of soul and R&B just after promising Dallas rapper Bobby Sessions delivered a memorable set on the Dickie’s Main Stage.

Bobby Sessions

Speaking of R&B, sultry songstress Tinashe captivated on the main stage, too, pushing Fortress toward a strong Day 1 crescendo. 

Tinashe

The final two highlights were a high-voltage performance by The Bright Light Social Hour and the sweet harmonies of the Scottish trio Chrvches.

Chvrches

As Saturday’s headliner played just past 11:15 p.m., a rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance. By 11:30, the rain had begun to fall — a stark reminder that any spring music festival in North Texas is at the mercy of Mother Nature.

Here’s hoping she’s in a good mood again on Sunday.

fortressfestival.com
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