AEG Presents announced Wednesday (July 18) it has acquired the remaining ownership shares of the Firefly Music Festival, held annually at The Woodlands of Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware.
AEG Presents entered into a joint venture with Red Frog Events in 2014, where Red Frog Events continued to produce the festival in partnership with AEG and Goldenvoice, founders of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. AEG Presents decided to expand its ownership in the festival following this year’s successful Firefly, according to the company, while Red Frog Events has shifted its focus to other events and services.
“From day one, we have always believed that Firefly is one of North America’s most special festivals,” said Melissa Ormond, COO, Festivals, AEG Presents in a statement. “Combined with the full commitment of AEG Presents’ resources, including an unrivaled production team committed exclusively to festivals, there is no doubt that the best is yet to come for the Firefly Music Festival.”
Several members of the core team of people who have managed Firefly since its inception have joined AEG Presents to continue to manage the event, including Stephanie Mezzano, Firefly director and one of the festival’s founders.
“We have developed a strong relationship with AEG Presents over the past several years and I am thrilled to officially join the AEG Presents team, along with several members of the group that has built the festival since day one. We now have the opportunity to push Firefly in exciting ways and to work more closely with the best in the business,” said Mezzano in a statement.
Additionally, Alicia Karlin, a vice president and senior event producer for Madison House Presents (operated in partnership with AEG Presents), will become Firefly’s talent buyer.
“Alicia’s extensive festival background combined with her experience as a booking agent and artist manager has given her a unique perspective to creating original festival lineups that have been beloved by fans and artists alike,” said Ormond.
Karlin added: “The team that has built and supported Firefly has done an incredible job creating a unique and authentic experience and brand. I’m excited, inspired and honored to be on board, collaborating to usher Firefly into its next phase of evolution and growth.”
AEG Presents will also take over the promotion and production of the festival, which has hosted legendary entertainers such as Eminem, Foo Fighters, Paul McCartney, Chance the Rapper and more since its 2012 launch.
