Already considered a hub for Latin, hip hop and electronic music, now Miami is going country.
Tickets for the Country Bay Music Festival went on sale Tuesday. The event is scheduled for Nov. 11-12 at the historic Miami Marine Stadium, just southeast of downtown on Virginia Key in Biscayne Bay. The event is already on the Village of Key Biscayne’s radar, police said.
“With an incredible lineup of the top country music artists and a picturesque waterfront venue that has a long history of iconic country music shows, including Jimmy Buffet and Kenny Rogers among others, we are confident that Country Bay Music Festival will be a must-attend event for years to come,” event organizer Tony Albelo said in a statement.
Headliners scheduled for the Country Bay Music Festival are Thomas Rhett, Sam Hunt, Chris Young, Lee Brice and Lainey Wilson. Other performers include Randy Houser, Chris Lane, LOCASH, Elle King, Restless Road, Blanco Brown, Josh Ross, Hailey Whitters, David J., Kat & Alex and Neon Union.
Besides hosting one of the largest country music events ever to hit Miami, the festival will include a country-themed bar, games, food, line dancing, a mechanical bull and a giant Ferris wheel. The festival will also give fans the opportunity to attend the event by boat or yacht with an anchorage access pass.
Concerts and other events on Virginia Key have long vexed Key Biscayne residents. Tuesday, police and fire department leaders responded to questions about emergency services when traffic on the Rickenbacker Causeway is congested after several recent jams on weekends.
Both assured council members that City of Miami and County police notify them in advance and that assets – including medical evacuation choppers — are available.
“Every time we have an emergency, we’re able to transport people hospital, every weekend, every holiday, whether the bridge has been open or closed, the bottom line is, we find a way to accomplish our mission every time,” said Fire Chief Eric Lang.
Village Manager Steve Williamson said the Village continues to work with Miami-Dade County on a master plan for the causeway, but conceded the long-term project won’t solve problems anytime soon. He said a traffic solutions task force is looking at shorter-term solutions.
The Associated Press contributed to this report