Attorney General Investigates Music Festival Promoter After Capulet Fest Cancelled, Relocated

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Attorney General William Tong announced he is launching an investigation into Capulet Entertainment, the promoter behind a three-day rock and metalcore festival that ended abruptly this weekend in Hartford.

Tong made the announcement Tuesday afternoon after receiving 60 consumer complaints.

“What happened to people who paid for their tickets is outrageous, unfair and unacceptable,” Tong said. “What really worries me is that this festival was not planned and prepared enough and I also worry that it will happen again.”

Tong said his office has contacted Capulet Entertainment’s lawyers and sent a letter requesting information.

Capulet Fest was scheduled to take place at Thompson Speedway from June 28-30, but just days before it was set to begin, the venue changed.

Scott Mayo of Thompson Speedway told News 8, “There was a disagreement between the production company and the promoter regarding the money needed to get the event off the ground.”

Without the production company’s stages, Capulet Fest moved to the Webster in Hartford, a much smaller venue for a lineup of 50 bands.

Fans like Michael Seremet of West Hartford were surprised to learn the festival would be held elsewhere.

“They waited until Thursday night to tell us it was now at the Webster and everyone was wondering, ‘How are you going to fit 10,000-plus people in a place that seats 1,200 to 1,500?'” he said.

The Webster hosted the festival Friday and Saturday. Seremet was watching the headliner Saturday night when he learned from another band that Sunday was canceled.

“They continued to be very cryptic and not really tell us what was going on,” he said.

In a now-deleted Facebook post, Capulet Fest said: “Sunday is no longer an option.”

An announcement on their website reads: “Despite our best efforts and due to unforeseen circumstances, Capulet Fest came to a close on Saturday night with a spectacular performance by Skillet.”

Webster responded to a request for comment Tuesday.

Fans spent anywhere from $65 for a one-day ticket to $700 for three days and are now hoping to get their money back.

“Capulet Entertainment/Capulet Fest must be held accountable,” Seremet said.

Capulet Entertainment was launched in Connecticut in 2012 by Estevan Vega, according to its website. The company did not respond to multiple requests for comment Tuesday.