Auburn Community buys stake in rock music festival company


A scene from the Aftershock festival. Photo from Danny Wimmer Presents

The United Auburn Indian Community of California has acquired a stake in a company that produces rock music festivals around the country.

Financial terms of the deal with Danny Wimmer Presents were not disclosed. But the company said it will be able to grow with the tribe's "significant investment."

“Music festivals now make up the largest growth sector in the live events industry, and the time is ripe for our business to expand,” Danny Wimmer, the founder and chairman of the company, said in a press release. “We’re thrilled to be working with the UAIC, whose understanding of the live entertainment business and experience as developers, investors and community leaders make them an ideal partner for us as we take our company to the next level and capitalize on the significant opportunities that exist in the music business. In fact, we’ve already gotten started and are looking forward to announcing DWP’s first strategic investment in the coming weeks.”

"DWP has set the standard for delivering amazing, innovative rock festivals to fans across the country, and the UAIC could not be more pleased to partner with such a phenomenal music festival producer as we work to expand and grow our presence in the live entertainment industry,” added Gene Whitehouse, the chairman of the tribe. “We are looking forward to helping DWP build on its vision and supporting the continued rapid growth of this very promising company.”

As part of the deal, two tribal leaders will join DWP's board. They are Danny Rey, the tribal secretary, and Calvin Moman, a council member.

DWP's events include Rock On The Range, Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK Festival, Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville, Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion, and LOUDER THAN LIFE.

Get the Story:
Native American Tribe Buys Stake in Rock Festival Producer Danny Wimmer (The New York Times 1/28)

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