McDowell Mountain Music Festival organizer cuts costs with change of venue

McDowell Mountain Music Festival organizer cuts costs with change of venue
April 23, 2010
by Chris Casacchia
Phoenix Business Journal

Blues fans and eclectic music lovers this weekend won’t have the serene McDowell Mountains as the backdrop to the music fest that bears its name, but its founder promises three nights of great music in an intimate setting.

“I don’t think it’s a downgrade,” said McDowell Mountain Music Festival founder John Largay, who moved the outdoor festivities from WestWorld to his new live music venue in North Phoenix to cut expenses.

“I had to take the cost down. I just didn’t have the sponsorships support to underwrite it. I got everyone to participate, but just at a lower price,” said Largay, who opened the Compound in November to fuse community and culture with reggae beats, blues riffs and extended jams.

In moving the two-day festival about 5 miles west, to 68th Street and Mayo Boulevard, he cut 70 percent of his budget so he can donate more to local charities. All of the festival proceeds are given to nonprofits, and this year Phoenix Day and Ear Candy will be the beneficiaries.

The festival has raised more $500,000 since it started six years ago. Largay, who also owns Westpac Construction, didn’t want to risk giving less by spending more.

“The whole thing is a charity,” he said. “If we had to cancel it if it didn’t accomplish that, we would.”

This year’s headliners include John Brown’s Body, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals -- not exactly household names in the Valley. But for Largay, a big fan of the Grateful Dead, that’s music to his ears.

“We’re trying to expose people. I think there’s a good buzz as it relates to the music we have,” he said. “We’ve always diversified our music mix. We have some of the best Arizona bands we’ve ever had.”

Those include Easton Ashe, Dirty Lingo, Black Carl and Sugar Thieves.

Largay expects more than 2,000 fans a day at this year’s festival. It remains to be seen whether the new location can attract that number, though the Valley has few options in terms of multiday music fests -- especially after the Tempe Music Festival was canceled this year because it couldn’t lock down talent, its organizers said.

“We’ve kind of been here for the long haul,” Largay said. “I’m optimistic.”

In the past, the MMMF has showcased high-profile acts such as the Flaming Lips, Los Lobos and Blues Traveler.

Advance ticket prices range from $35 for general admission to $100 for three-day passes. The “after hours” shows on Friday (Assembly of Dust) and Saturday (Steve Kimock Crazy Engine) require separate $25 tickets.

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