SunFest just wrapped up its 25th year last weekend, boasting that 275,000 people crowded around its three music stages along the Intracostal in downtown West Palm Beach.
But for the few indie acts that played “Florida's largest music, art and waterfront festival” – SunFest’s own description – they might as well have played at a local bar. Astonishing acts like Augustana and Mat Kearney drew a mere 60 fans on Saturday afternoon, when hours later pop/rock band, the All American Rejects poured in thousands of people for their show.
This applied for Friday night as well, pop/rock act Daughtry drew thousands who endured sardine-like conditions and cheered even though they were so far away, they couldn’t see a thing. While playing directly after Daughtry was blues-rocker Jonny Lang, who endured a crowd of less then 200 people – where did they all go? The night was still young. In the blues world Lang has far surpassed the recognition that Daughtry has gotten, but yet fans will line up for hours to catch a glimpse of their beloved Ex-Idol.
SunFest needs to find that fine line between promoting overly promoting the pop world and not promoting the indie world at all. The general public is simply missing out on some breathtaking performances, because they don’t know any better. When someone looks in the pamphlet at SunFest all they see is a name, a name that means nothing to them.
This will be SunFest test for upcoming years - getting people to attend their indie shows.
For photos of the event check out my SunFest Photogallery
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