The conglomeration of music festivals continues. AEG Presents, famous for owning Coachella promoter Goldenvoice and running venues such as Red Rocks, has bought Firefly Music Festival.
Four years ago, Goldenvoice teamed up with Firefly promoter Red Frog Events to organize and promote the festival. Now, AEG will fully own Firefly, adding to a festival roster that includes Coachella, Hangout, Electric Forest and more.
Firefly has taken place in Dover, Delaware the past seven years, bringing massive acts like Paul McCartney, Outkast, ODESZA and more to The Woodlands venue. AEG told the Delaware News Journal that no major changes will be made, but some adjustments may occur. These changes include upgrading camping facilities and potentially cutting its Thursday programming. The biggest change will be the new dates: Firefly has moved to follow the week after Bonnaroo on June 20-23 next year.
There may be an urge to label this as the Coachella of the East, much like how Panorama in New York was labeled when it began a few years ago (in other news, Panorama will return next year). AEG told the Journal that Firefly will remain a unique festival and not simply become a Coachella clone. Electric Forest talent buyer Alicia Karlin will be the new talent buyer for Firefly, but she reassured the Journal that Firefly’s lineup will remain as diverse as ever.
Photo Credit: Red Frog Events