New West Presentations
New West Presentations, led by industry veteran Chris Fritz, is a prominent entertainment promotion company based in Kansas City. Founded with a rich history in organizing major music concerts, festivals, and live events, the company has played a vital role in shaping the regional music landscape since the 1970s. Chris Fritz, known for his pioneering work in event promotion, has orchestrated iconic concerts at renowned venues like the Municipal Auditorium, Memorial Hall, and Arrowhead Stadium. The company also manages the Azura Amphitheater, overseeing renovations and operational improvements to ensure top-tier entertainment experiences. With decades of expertise spanning music, boxing, lacrosse, and large-scale festivals, New West Presentations remains a key leader dedicated to advancing Kansas City’s cultural scene.
News Summary
Chris Fritz, a pivotal figure in Kansas City’s entertainment industry, is revitalizing the local music scene as president of New West Presentations and manager of Azura Amphitheater. His legacy includes organizing major events like the Ozark Music Festival and Summer Rock II. Despite challenges in the industry, Fritz continues to adapt and innovate, enhancing the concert experience and contributing to the cultural landscape of Kansas City. His journey reflects decades of dedication and evolution in event promotion.
Kansas City – Chris Fritz, a prominent figure in the music event promotion industry, has been revitalizing the local entertainment scene as the president of New West Presentations and manager of the Azura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs. Known as the promotions czar during the ’70s and ’80s, Fritz has organized numerous concerts and events that have shaped Kansas City’s musical landscape.
Throughout his career, Fritz has taken the helm of significant rock shows in the ’70s at notable venues including Municipal Auditorium, Memorial Hall, Royals Stadium, Kemper Arena, and Arrowhead Stadium. Among his most iconic events was Summer Rock II in 1978, which featured major acts such as the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, and Dan Fogelberg, drawing a tremendous audience to Arrowhead Stadium.
Another landmark event that marked Fritz’s career was the Ozark Music Festival held in 1974 in Sedalia, Missouri. The festival attracted an estimated 400,000 attendees and was widely dubbed “Missouri’s Woodstock.” It featured approximately thirty bands, despite Bruce Springsteen canceling his appearance. However, the festival faced intense public and governmental scrutiny due to chaotic conditions, which included rampant drug use, overcrowding, and violence involving biker gangs, resulting in over 2,000 medical treatments for attendees, most of which were drug-related; nearly 1,000 overdoses were also reported. Following the festival, the Missouri Senate Select Committee characterized it as an event filled with disorder, leading to Fritz’s ban from Sedalia due to its chaotic aftermath.
Early Beginnings and Diverse Career
Before relocating to Kansas City in 1972, Fritz honed his promotional skills at esteemed venues like Hollywood Palladium and the Wiltern Theatre from 1968 to 1971. His experience spans beyond music festivals, as he has also been involved in promoting boxing events and lacrosse leagues. Notably, he established the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League, which has since evolved into the National Lacrosse League, as well as leading the AND1 Mixtape Tour.
Fritz’s journey in entertainment began at a tender age of six, when he orchestrated a backyard circus, igniting a lifelong passion for event promotion. In 2009, he attempted to recreate the outdoor festival atmosphere with the Kanrocksas Festival, which faced its own set of challenges, notably crowd control issues.
Impact on the Azura Amphitheater
Fritz’s management of the Azura Amphitheater commenced in 2007, after the venue underwent several changes in ownership and names since its inception in 1984. He has overseen various renovations and upgrades, enhancing backstage facilities and concession stands, which culminated in the amphitheater’s reopening in 1993 following substantial improvements. In a move to expand the reach of the venue, Fritz sold the management rights to SFX Entertainment, now part of Live Nation, while successfully re-establishing management agreements with local government to maintain operational continuity.
Evolution of Concert Promotion
As the industry has transformed, Fritz has noted the increased reliance on data analytics and heightened production quality in concert promotion. At 75 years old, he continues to actively contribute to the entertainment industry, dismissing retirement notions and hinting at ongoing projects promising to be large-scale.
Legacy in Kansas City
With decades of experience and a lasting impact on the regional music and entertainment scene, Chris Fritz remains a key figure in Kansas City’s arts and culture community. His ability to navigate the changing landscape of event promotion, paired with his comprehensive experience, positions him as a deeply respected leader in the industry.
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Additional Resources
- We Heart Music: Upcoming Concerts in Kansas City
- Kansas City Magazine: Tales of Memorable Concert Moments
- Fox 4 KC: July Live Music Calendar
- KC Today: Upcoming Concerts in Kansas City
- KCTV5: Summer Steals on Kansas City Concert Tickets
- Wikipedia: Concert Promotion
- Google Search: Kansas City Concerts
- Google Scholar: Kansas City Music Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Concert
- Google News: Kansas City Concert Promotions
