A Chat With Firefly Music Festival Promoter Matt Robinson
Matt Robinson from Chicago based event planning company Red Frog Events is one extremely busy man! The company which puts on events such as Warrior Dash and the Great Urban Race is making it’s first foray into live music entertainment with next weekend’s Firefly Music Festival. One look at the insane line-up: Killers, Death Cab, Jack White, Cake, Black Keys, and the Flaming Lips – to name a few; it’s evident, that like advertised, this will be the “East Coast’s Premier Music Experience”.
I ask Matt about putting on such a massive show as a first try at festival promotion.
“Red Frog never likes to do anything in a small way” he tells me. “The festival was a year and a half in the making and we got great support and assistance from the people at the venue and our charity partners at Red Frog.” Red Frog works with St. Jude’s Hospital and a organization called Green Sneakers that cleans up and re-distributes used sneakers to those in need among others.”
But, to get that line-up together for a new three day festival in the middle of the summer touring season had to be at the least a bit, shall we say challenging?
“It was absolutely a challenge. The band booking process moves at a different pace than the event planning or even the music business in general. The acts are all people whose music and principles we liked and respected. We got a lot of help from our partners and were able to present a festival that people would want to attend.”
People wanting to attend is an understatement as the 3 day passes sold out almost immediately. Some one day tickets are still available but are going fast. I ask Matt in closing if there is anything else he wants the folks to know about Firefly?
“It’s more than simply a music festival. There will be arcades, galleries, and numerous attractions on site as well. We just want people to come and enjoy and experience the first Firefly Music Festival.”
Sounds like a plan! The festival takes place in Dover, Delaware next Friday through Sunday, July 20-22nd. More info can be found by going to www.fireflyfestival.com.
Interview & Words by: The Randy Bee
