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The Student Newspaper of DePaul University

The DePaulia

The Student Newspaper of DePaul University

The DePaulia

The Student Newspaper of DePaul University

The DePaulia

Spring Awakening Music Festival announces age restriction

Spring Awakening Music Festival will be 18-and-up in 2015. (Greg Rothstein / The DePaulia)
Spring Awakening Music Festival will be 18-and-up in 2015. (Greg Rothstein / The DePaulia)

Spring Awakening Music Festival will be adults-only come June 2015.

The electronic dance music festival, which takes place June 13-15 at Soldier Field, announced it will only be permitting those who are 18-years-old or older to attend.

“SAMF truly appreciates the support from our younger fans, but we believe the festival is an experience for adults. This difficult decision was made to promote safety amongst our fans and ensure the best experience for our attendees and future attendees. We encourage everyone to attend the festival when they reach the appropriate age,” read the press release.

A representative from React Presents, which produces Spring Awakening Music Festival, could not immediately be reached for comment regarding the decision.

Last year Spring Awakening Music Festival launched SAMF Safe & Sound, an initiative which encouraged attendees to contact security or the wellness team if they felt unsafe. React was purchased by SFX Entertainment last February, according to WBEZ.

The decision comes after a handful of music festivals, primarily those centered in EDM, have recently come under scrutiny following drug-related deaths, injuries and arrests in the past few years. In 2013, two died at New York’s Electric Zoo Music Festival, which is also owned by SFX Entertainment. Earlier this year one died at Ultra Music Festival in Miami. Ultra has since implemented an 18-and-up policy.

Kari Semel, co-founder of DePaul’s chapter of Students for a Sensible Drug Policy, told The DePaulia last spring she believes that festivals are largely turning a blind eye to drug use.

“Music festival organizers have not been aiding in the harm reduction process at festivals, which has led to many unfortunate and dangerous situations,” she said.

React Presents also produces Summerset Music Festival in Somerset, Wis. and North Coast Music Festival in Chicago. Both were all-ages in 2014.

 

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