Attorney General investigates music festival promoter after Capulet Fest cancellation, relocation

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 over the weekend in Hartford. 

Tong made the announcement Tuesday afternoon after getting 60 complaints from consumers. 

“What happened to the people who paid for tickets, it’s outrageous, it’s wrong and it’s unacceptable,” Tong said. “My very real concern is that inadequate planning and preparation was put into this festival and also my very real concern is that it happens again.” 

Tong said his office has made contact with Capulet Entertainment’s lawyers and sent a letter seeking information. 

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

Scott Mayo at Thompson Speedway told News 8, “There was a discrepancy between the production company and promoter about money that was needed to start the event.”

Without stages from the production company, 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 hear the festival would be somewhere else. 

“They waited until Thursday evening to tell us that it’s now [at] The Webster and everyone’s going, ‘How are you going to fit 10,000-plus people in a place that fits 1,200-1,500 people?’” he said. 

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

“They kept being very cryptic and not actually telling us what’s going on,” he said. 

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

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

The Webster did answer a request for comment Tuesday. 

Fans spent anywhere from $65 for a single-day ticket to $700 for all three days. Now they’re hoping they can get their money back. 

“Capulet Entertainment/Capulet Fest needs to held accountable,” said Seremet. 

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