Movies

Desert Daze festival is canceled: ‘This is a tough year’

BBG News

Desert Daze festival is canceled: 'This is a tough year'

As a seasoned festival-goer who has witnessed the ebb and flow of the music scene for decades, I must say that the cancellation of Desert Daze 2023 leaves me with a bittersweet feeling. On one hand, it’s always disheartening to see an event that has become a cultural touchstone disappear from the calendar. On the other, I can’t help but think about the countless hours spent in the desert under the stars, surrounded by like-minded souls, lost in the rhythm and melody of some extraordinary music.

The extended psych-rock and avant-garde festival, Desert Daze, which was scheduled for Lake Perris in October, has unfortunately been cancelled.

About a month ago, Desert Daze revealed its lineup, featuring acts like Jack White, Cigarettes After Sex, and the Mars Volta. This festival, originally founded over a decade ago as a small roadhouse event that grew into a significant SoCal attraction attracting tens of thousands, is eager for a spectacular return after a hiatus in 2023.

Speaking on the phone a day prior to the announcement, Festival organizer Phil Pirrone explained that the last-minute cancellation was primarily because of financial issues, including steep production expenses and disappointing ticket sales not meeting expected numbers.

“We tried everything to avoid this, but this is a tough year for everybody. That goes from groceries all the way to production costs,” Pirrone said. “I think it goes beyond the music industry. I think just everything is too expensive right now. You know the cost of putting on an event, whether you’re a small festival or a big festival, nobody’s immune to it right now. If you compare the cost of putting on a festival even a few years ago, line by line, you’re just like, wow.”

As an ardent music enthusiast, I must admit that the diverse roster of top-notch arena rock, jazz, and electronic artists was truly enticing for the upcoming festival. However, despite the appealing ticket prices initially set at $299, it seems the sales didn’t generate enough revenue to cover the event’s expenses.

Various significant tours, like those of Jennifer Lopez, the Black Keys, and the Fugees, have encountered comparable issues. Despite the opening of extravagant new locations such as the Intuit Dome in L.A., Coachella this year did not sell out prior to the event for the first time in many years, and numerous global festivals are reporting similar decreases in a competitive, costly market.

Based on Pollstar’s data, the leading 100 tours in the U.S. experienced a decline of nearly 15% in ticket sales compared to 2023 figures, despite an increase of 9.4% in ticket prices.

“In the current market, things can be tough with so much competition, and it’s a fact that growth often comes with growing pains,” Pirrone explained. “It seems that some festivals thrive while others struggle, and there doesn’t appear to be any consistent pattern. However, Desert Daze attracts a specific type of artist who truly excels here, and the cultural importance of this event has always provided me with a strong motivation.”

Large sums of capital are flowing into the musical economy of the SoCal desert, with the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert and the extravagant Yaamava’ resort near Highland being some of the key contributors. However, these recent years have been challenging for Pirrone, a long-standing figure in the high desert music scene and the creator of rock group JJUUJJU.

The postponement of Desert Daze occurred about two years following a contentious legal dispute concerning the management at the cherished venue Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown. This disagreement involved the new ownership of the venue against Pirrone and his festival’s promotional partner, Knitting Factory.

According to Pirrone, the Desert Daze concert brand is here to stay, despite the need for significant changes within their main festival. Ticket refunds for the event are being offered to attendees through their original purchase locations.

As I ponder the future of our cinematic journey, I’m determined to maintain that same passion and dedication that has fueled us thus far. However, the path may take a new form. I hold deep sympathy for the countless individuals who have poured their heart and soul into this grand endeavor over a decade or more. It’s not just a job for them; it’s a labor of love. I yearned to honor their commitment, and though there may be temporary setbacks, rest assured we will rise again.

Read More

2024-08-30 20:31

Previous post 6 shows on Disney+ in September 2024 you can’t miss out on
Next post Nicole Kidman stuns in a dramatic nude corset and velvet skirt at the Babygirl premiere during Venice Film Festival – after admitting she’s not ‘brave’ enough to watch the movie after sex scenes left her ‘vulnerable’