Maricopa Music Festival to return after 4-year hiatus

Mar 31, 2018

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Four years after its debut, Maricopa Music Festival returns on April 7.[quote_box_right]IF YOU GO
What: Maricopa Music Festival
When: April 7, 1-10 p.m.
Where: Copper Sky Regional Park, 44345 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
How much: $20/adults; free to children under 12 and military veterans
Info: MaricopaMusicFest.us[/quote_box_right]

The event, scheduled from 1 to 10 p.m. (and maybe beyond) at Copper Sky Regional Park, spotlights indie music, which itself stretches genres. Founder Chrystal Allen-O’Jon said more than 20 music acts are scheduled as well as other entertainment.

From pop and hip hop to reggae and a Jimi Hendrix tribute, performers are expected to bring the diversity to a concert organizers want to make an annual event.

“There will be two stages with three screens and a smoke machine,” she said. “Presentation is super important.”

The acts will have a distinct local flavor. Many are from Arizona with others coming from California, Florida and even one from Sweden. Allen-O’Jon said the musicians have been vetted to ensure quality.

As the music is playing, there will be an art walk, science walk, a glow-in-the-dark face painting contest, festival-wear contest, food and product vendors and a beer garden.

“Things will be going on all the time,” Allen-O’Jon said. “We would like to build it to be more like Coachella,” referring to a music-and-arts festival in California. She would like to draw around 1,500 music lovers.

The previous event four years ago was free, with organizers and sponsors footing the substantial bill. This time, there will be an admission fee.

At the gate, attendees pay $20, or they can purchase in advance for $15 from EventBrite. VIP tickets, which include dinner, are $45 in advance and $50 at the gate. Children under 12 and military veterans get in free. The first 20 low-riders who register their cars get two free tickets.

Charging stations will be available for electronic devices. Maricopa Police Department and private security are scheduled to be on site to maintain a safe atmosphere, Allen-O’Jon said.

For those wishing to indulge in True Grit Tavern’s beer garden, organizers have a Lyft code for a safe ride home. They have also partnered with a hotel for discount prices.

“We’re going to be honoring Bikers Against Child Abuse,” Allen-O’Jon said. “They’ll be our honored guests, and all the bikers can attend free.”

Scheduled Performers at Maricopa Music Festival

Jimi Hendrix Review By Derrick Cummings
Lighthouse Band AZ
The Sink or Swim Band
AlmostBlu
Somewhat Damaged
Pachamama LA
John Kelley
Eric Seats & The 333’s
Born Divine
Xavier Keyz
Jean-Dominique
Carmolina
Theolodge
SomeSay
Young Energy
Prothamaddmann
Taylor McLeod
Ida Divine
Elizabeth Pope
Tanta T
Posterwall Band
The PA System
Dance Glam
A-Mac & The Height
Maricopa Brothers Taekwondo