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Iconic Kansas City Area Amphitheater Celebrates 40th Anniversary Milestone in 2024

Azura Amp continues its long-standing commitment to bringing live music to Kansas City & Surrounding Area

April 25, 2024
Bonner Springs, KS – Azura Amphitheater will celebrate a milestone anniversary concert season this year, when its season kicks off next Tuesday, April 30th with Sessanta, officials announced. The largest local independently run concert venue in the United States, Azura Amphitheater, enters its 40th concert season this summer, reaffirming its status as an iconic cornerstone of the vibrant Kansas City music scene.

Since its inception in 1984, Azura Amphitheater has hosted a diverse array of world-class performers, captivating audiences with unforgettable live music experiences. The venue's commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment has solidified its reputation as a beloved cultural hub in the heart of Kansas City. Over the past four decades, Azura Amphitheater has showcased a spectrum of musical genres, from rock and pop to country and hip-hop, attracting fans from all walks of life.

Past performances include Foo Fighters, Glass Animals, The Killers, Kid Rock, Mumford & Sons, Metallica, Celine Dion, Eagles, Kenny Chesney, Cher, Morgan Wallen, Aerosmith, Elton John, Lollapalooza, Grateful Dead and more. In total, over 1,000 major recording and touring artists have graced the amphitheater stage.

The venue's picturesque setting and unwavering dedication to providing an exceptional live music experience have made it a go-to destination for music enthusiasts. Venue management is always striving to improve the experience for fans. On the docket this year is a one-million-dollar facility upgrade with improvements to both the front and back of the house, which should please both fans and artists alike.

Another big addition to celebrating its 40th season and beyond, Azura Amphitheater is the new home of Country Stampede, which is set for June 27-29. The multi-day event features the hottest in today's country artists, as well as country legends. This event will mark a watermark moment for the venue as it encourages its first festival with camping options on the adjacent grounds.

As Azura Amphitheater celebrates this significant milestone, the staff reflects on the countless memories created within its hallowed grounds. From breakthrough performances by emerging artists to legendary acts that have graced its stage, the venue has become synonymous with musical excellence and community spirit.

Leading the way for the continued success of the venue is long-time legendary concert promoter and venue operator Chris Fritz, President of New West Presentations. His storied career in live event promotion includes concerts, co-founding the National Indoor Lacrosse League and the AND1 Mixtape Tour, motorsports events, comedy events, rodeo events, family shows, and more. Fritz has promoted shows in Kansas City since 1972 (Enigma Presentations, Chris Fritz Presents) and at Azura Amphitheater since its inception in 1984. The venue was the vision of Kansas Citian Gus Fasone, who initially worked with promoters Concerts West and Michael Cole. Then Feyline Presents, based out of Denver, spent a few seasons booking the venue. As a note of interest, legendary promoter Barry Fey was also the driving creative force behind the world-renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Then Fritz's company, New West Presentations, partnered with Contemporary Productions and spearheaded a new concert-going era in KC with the revitalization of the amphitheater (formerly Sandstone Amphitheater) and relaunched the renovated facility in 1993. New West Presentations then took over the venue's management in 2008.

"We are thrilled to commemorate our 40th concert season at Azura Amphitheater, notes New West Presentations President Chris Fritz. "This milestone is a testament to our community's enduring passion for live music. We owe our success to the incredible artists, dedicated staff, and, most importantly, the loyal fans who have made Azura Amphitheater an integral part of their lives. Here's to many more years of unforgettable performances and shared musical moments."

Mammoth, an independently owned entertainment company established in 2006, partnered with New West Presentations and has been promoting concerts at the venue since 2008. The company is co-owned by Jeff Fortier (former founder of Renegade and Avalanche Productions) and Josh Hunt (Hunt Industries), who together have over 65 years of combined music industry experience. Mammoth has deep-rooted ties to the local music community. Fortier is the President of Mammoth, Inc. His first involvement in the business side of the music industry was with The Outhouse in Lawrence, KS, where he managed operations from 1989 to 1993. Hunt, CEO of Mammoth, began his music career with Avalanche Productions, worked for House of Blues Club Network from 2000 - 2001, House of Blues Concerts from 2001 - 2003, and started Hunt Industries in 2003, which continued until 2006 when Hunt and Fortier officially joined forces starting Mammoth. The company has home offices in Lawrence, KS and Kansas City, MO.

Between Fritz, Fortier, and Hunt, the independent promoters have 100+ years of industry experience, which you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the US.

Owners Josh Hunt and Jeff Fortier have a soft spot for Azura Amphitheater.

"I cut my teeth on promoting shows in Lawrence and Kansas City, and Azura Amp has always been one of my favorites; I love outdoor shows," enthuses Fortier. "Mammoth and New West's partnership and mainstay as local independent promoters and venue for decades is something I am very proud of, and the future is bright!"

"It feels good when we can support and partner with other locally-owned or operated venues and promoters," adds Hunt. "We like to keep that spirit thriving."

As Azura Amphitheater embarks on its 40th concert season, it invites music lovers to join the celebration and experience the magic that has made it a standout destination in the Kansas City music scene. Already in this summer's lineup: Noah Kahan, Breakaway Music Festival, Hozier, Green Day and more.

The venue will be holding a job fair on Saturday, May 11th from 12pm to 4pm on stage. Please contact +1 (816) 853-9506 or info@newwestmusic.com for more information.

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About Azura Amphitheater: Azura Amphitheater is an open-air performance venue in Bonner Springs, Kansas, conveniently near the Kansas Speedway, Children's Mercy Park, Kansas City Monarchs and Legends Outlets. Since its inception in 1984 as Sandstone Amphitheater, the venue has provided music fans with great experiences and treasured memories for forty years. It is the place in Kansas City to take in a great outdoor concert. Azura Amphitheater can host up to 18,000 people, with various GA and reserved setups and multiple open-air seats. The venue is managed by New West Presentations, a locally-owned concert promotion company with a 50+ year track record.

Follow Azura Amphitheater:
Facebook @AzuraAmp
Twitter @AzuraAmp
Instagram @AzuraAmp
LinkedIn AzuraAmphitheater

Please direct Azura Amphitheater media inquiries to Tammy Fruits tc@tlcmarketingconsultants.com
Please direct Mammoth media inquiries to Carman Stalker cstalker@mammothlive.com

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Amphitheater Debuts New Name

May 3, 2021
Bonner Springs, KS – One of Northeast Kansas' favorite music venues is getting a new name as it prepares to welcome guests for the 2021 season. Azura Credit Union is the new naming rights sponsor for the former Providence Medical Center Amphitheater. The venue is now known as Azura Amphitheater at 633 N. 130th Street in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Transitions to the new name began early on May 3 with the debut of AzuraAmp.com and additional changes will continue through the coming months. New West Presentations, Inc. will continue to be the managing organization of the amphitheater and assures the same excellent service and memorable events.

"We are thrilled to be the naming sponsor of this iconic Kansas outdoor music venue. The Azura Amphitheater partnership provides a multitude of opportunities that include unique benefits for Azura accountholders, exciting potential for Azura events, future growth and substantial economic benefits for the community. This partnership allows Azura Credit Union to reinforce our commitment to the Northeast Kansas community and support an entertainment venue we are all excited to see open again," said Allyson Shove-Chard VP of Marketing at Azura Credit Union.

"We are proud to have Azura Credit Union as naming rights partner for the amphitheater. Azura Amphitheater is very appropriate for us since Azura means 'blue sky'. Azura and their staff have been wonderful to work with and we are excited to have a long and creative partnership with them for years to come. I'm also thankful to our former naming rights partner, Providence Medical Center, and the great partnership we shared with them. Providence is a community-minded hospital that is a great asset to the amphitheater and to Wyandotte County. We are looking forward to seeing you all this summer at Azura Amphitheater, "said Chris Fritz, President of New West Presentations.

Azura Credit Union is the third largest credit union in the State of Kansas with roots going back to 1939. With locations in Topeka, Lenexa and Fort Riley, Azura currently serves over 56,000 members and has over $680 million in assets. Azura's motto, Above and Beyond Banking, symbolizes commitment to member service, outstanding products, strong community ties and innovative services to provide the experience and service you need and deserve.

Azura Amphitheater first opened in 1984 welcoming guests and entertainers under the name of 'Sandstone'. The Amphitheater has grown in size and amenities over the years and now can host up to 18,000 visitors at events. Azura Amphitheater is located near a major tourism and entertainment district in Kansas City, Kansas, which includes Kansas Speedway, Legends Shopping Center and Children's Mercy Park along with numerous hotels and restaurants. The amphitheater is located near I-435 and I-70 in Wyandotte County. Azura Amphitheater is currently working closely with local government officials to open safely this summer by lowering attendance maximums and additional safety precautions.

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ABOUT NEW WEST PRESENTATIONS: New West Presentations, the managing organization behind Azura Amphitheater and led by President Chris Fritz, has been promoting events both nationally and internationally for over 40 years. Chris' rich history in Kansas City spans decades and he has promoted over 5,000 events, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Queen, Elton John, The Jackson 5, Fleetwood Mac, and The Eagles.

ABOUT AZURA CREDIT UNION: Azura Credit Union has been serving Northeast Kansas for over 80 years and is the third largest Kansas credit union. Azura Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution dedicated to delivering innovative financial service, education and value through personal and community engagement. Azura has ten locations located in Topeka, Lenexa and Fort Riley serving more than 56,000 members. Azura Credit Union is committed to going "Above and Beyond Banking" by delivering outstanding and innovative financial services, community engagement and by improving more lives. Find out more atABOUT NEW WEST PRESENTATIONS: New West Presentations, the managing organization behind Azura Amphitheater and led by President Chris Fritz, has been promoting events both nationally and internationally for over 40 years. Chris' rich history in Kansas City spans decades and he has promoted over 5,000 events, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Queen, Elton John, The Jackson 5, Fleetwood Mac, and The Eagles.
ABOUT AZURA CREDIT UNION: Azura Credit Union has been serving Northeast Kansas for over 80 years and is the third largest Kansas credit union. Azura Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution dedicated to delivering innovative financial service, education and value through personal and community engagement. Azura has ten locations located in Topeka, Lenexa and Fort Riley serving more than 56,000 members. Azura Credit Union is committed to going "Above and Beyond Banking" by delivering outstanding and innovative financial services, community engagement and by improving more lives. Find out more at www.AzuraCU.com or call (800) 432-2470.