Murphy Arts District is already evaluating how the 32nd annual MusicFest played out and gearing up for next year.
Pamela Griffin, president and chief operating officer for MAD, said one of the changes for next year is already taking effect: bag sizes.
This year, there was a clear bag policy or patrons could bring clutches that had to be smaller than 4.5 by 6.5 inches. Griffin said MAD expanded the size of the clutch by an inch or two for the Mandisa concert, which was Oct. 10, about two weeks after MusicFest.
“I did not hear any complaints out of the Mandisa concert,” Griffin said. “I think that’s just one of those situations where we changed the policy and it’s going to take people a little bit of time to get used to that policy.”
MAD also scheduled two different genres each day for MusicFest: Friday was more pop and alternative music while Saturday was more country.
Griffin said MAD is still discussing if they will continue with the themes next year, but did see vastly different groups of people from Friday to Saturday.
“I think it was a mixed bag (of ages) both nights,” Griffin said.
Griffin also said the Murphy USA tent was packed Friday night.
She said it was nice to see how many people came from outside of El Dorado and the immediate area.
“As hard as it is to get people to El Dorado, once we get them here, they fall in love with us,” Griffin said. “We’re on a long-term path here on convincing the world why they should come to El Dorado.”
Griffin said MAD will also revisit the re-entry policy for next year.
All-in-all, Griffin said artists continue to be impressed with MAD and the amphitheater, and that those who attended MusicFest had a good time.
Griffin did not comment on ticket sales or attendance numbers for MusicFest 32.