Promotions expert from Kansas City shares unforgettable moments, including one strange encounter
In the ’70s and ’80s, Kansas City residents were well-acquainted with the promotional genius Chris Fritz. He held the prestigious title of president at New West Presentations and managed the beloved Azura Amphitheater, formerly known as the Sandstone Amphitheater located off I-70 in Bonner Springs.
Fritz’s legacy is closely tied to the rock shows he orchestrated at full-scale venues scattered across the city. Iconic acts like the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, and Dan Fogelberg headlined the Summer Rock II show in 1978, making it a memorable and euphoric experience. Fritz reflects on those days, recalling the magic and perfection that encompassed those events.
However, Fritz’s most notorious project, the Ozark Music Festival of 1974 in Sedalia, Missouri, stands out as a bold and ambitious endeavor. The festival, often described as “Missouri’s Woodstock,” gathered an unprecedented crowd of fans eager to partake in the music and festivities. Wild and chaotic scenes unfolded, including public orgies, overcrowding, heat-related incidents, and dangerous encounters with bikers. The uproar was such that Fritz is still reportedly banned from returning to Sedalia to this day.
Prior to his stint in Kansas City, Fritz made a name for himself in California, producing shows at renowned venues like the Hollywood Palladium and the Wiltern Theatre. His expertise in concert and event planning extends beyond rock concerts to sports events, comedy shows, and other entertainment ventures. Fritz’s unique creative flair, or as he calls it, “his sidekick,” assists him in dreaming up entertaining twists and special add-ons for his events.
The Ozark Music Festival paints vivid imagery of chaos and revelry, showcasing 30 bands and musicians including the Eagles, Ted Nugent, and Bruce Springsteen. However, the festival quickly spiraled out of control with reports of drugs, over-capacity crowds, and violent incidents multiplying. The mere act of attending the festival became a health hazard, with numerous medical cases and overdoses recorded.
Despite the chaotic reputation of the Ozark Festival, Fritz’s success as an event planner and producer continued to flourish through the years. From the Kanrocksas Festival in 2009 to managing the Azura Amphitheater in 2021, his career has been an event-filled journey chock-full of memorable moments and milestones. The amphitheater holds a special place in Fritz’s heart, having undergone various iterations and name changes over the years before eventually becoming Azura Amphitheater in 2021.
Sharing his insights on transforming the amphitheater into a premiere entertainment venue, Fritz describes the tireless efforts he put into revamping the entire space. From constructing backstage amenities and concession stands to cultivating lush lawns, Fritz’s dedication to providing a top-notch concert experience shines through. Despite the challenges faced in the industry, including management changes and contract complexities, Fritz’s passion for hosting spectacular events remains unwavering.