Published: June 12, 2006 12:05 pm      

Crowds slim at Acousticadia

EDMOND — Sometimes a music festival just can’t win for losing.

Last year’s Acousticadia was hampered by rains and high winds, causing logistical problems and lowered attendance.

This year, it certainly didn’t rain, but with temperatures at more than 100 degrees Saturday afternoon and other musical events going on across the state, Acousticadia once again suffered from low ticket sales.

Kathleen Patton, event chairwoman, estimated late Saturday afternoon that fewer than 500 tickets had been sold. Attendees estimated this year’s crowd at only one-third to one-half the size of last year’s.

“It’s a bit of a challenge,” Patton said, “but we feel like we met at least one of our goals very well, and that was bringing world-class musicians to Edmond.”

Festival-goers enjoyed music from a variety of acoustic performers, including headliners Michael Martin Murphey and Tom Chapin. Although the crowd was small, they were appreciative.

Edmond resident Tammy Voyles attended both days of the event.

“I really think Acousticadia is great,” she said. “I would just like to see a bigger crowd.”

Patton couldn’t comment on Acousticadia’s future after two difficult inaugural years.

“We don’t have any projections for next year,” she said. “We’ve worked closely with the Fish and Game Commission and the Parks and Recreation Department, and we will continue to work closely with the City Council and the mayor as well.”

Acousticadia and its parent group, the Edmond Arts and Humanities Council, ended up owing $16,000 to the City of Edmond and $8,100 to the Parks and Recreation Department after the 2005 festival.

Organizers worked out a plan with the city to repay the $16,000 loss in a long-term payback plan, and part of the proceeds of this year’s ticket sales will help defray the Parks and Recreation Department debt.

In spite of the problems, Patton remained optimistic about the festival.

“We’ve had good feedback about the food and the interactive music tents,” she said. “The musicians are very complimentary, too. Some of them are offering to assist us in a consulting capacity.”

Patton thanked the dozens of volunteers who helped at the two-day event, as well as the corporate sponsors.

“We brought a group of incredible sponsors together — AT&T, Edmond Electric, the Edmond Convention and Visitors’ Bureau and the Arts and Humanities Council,” she said. “They have all been very supportive with both people and money, and we have a host of other sponsors who are just as important.”

Patton said total ticket sales wouldn’t be calculated for some time, since tickets were sold through several vendors and online.

(Alice Collinsworth may be reached via e-mail at acollinsworth@edmondsun.com.)