Oceans Calling to launch all-inclusive Mexico fest
US festival Oceans Calling is set to launch an all-inclusive four-day event in Mexico, headlined by Fall Out Boy, Weezer, Incubus and Cage The Elephant.
The new event will build on the success of Oceans Calling in Ocean City, Maryland, which has sold out every year since its inception in 2022.
The Mexico debut, dubbed Oceans Calling Second Wave, will take place on the coastal paradise of Riviera Cancún at Moon Palace Resort between 19–22 January 2025.
Promoted by C3 Presents, Maryland-based rock band O.A.R. and luxury destination events producer Playa Luna Presents, the inaugural edition will also feature Rebelution, 311, O.A.R., Jack’s Mannequin, and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.
“The energy from the fans at the Maryland festival have always been incredible, and we can’t wait to bring that same vibe to Cancún”
Packages range between US$2,244 and $8,611 and include luxury resort accommodations, access to the custom oceanfront concert area, round-trip airport transportation, unlimited drinks, all-inclusive culinary offerings, daily pool parties, late-night performances, 24-hour room service, private white sand beaches, artist-curated activities and guided yoga sessions.
“Oceans Calling is all about delivering unforgettable music experiences, and we’re excited to take it abroad with Oceans Calling Second Wave,” says Tim Sweetwood, festival director for C3 Presents. “Inspired by the enthusiastic response and sold-out success of our Maryland festival, we’re collaborating with Playa Luna to deliver a non-stop, all-inclusive event.”
Marc Roberge of O.A.R adds: “Getting to play the beaches of Oceans Calling Second Wave festival in Mexico is a dream come true. The energy from the fans at the Maryland festival have always been incredible, and we can’t wait to bring that same vibe to Cancún.”
Oceans Calling will return to Maryland between 27–29 September with Blink-182, The Killers and Dave Matthews Band topping the bill.
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Hurricane Ian: Concerts and festivals cancelled
As Hurricane Ian continues to tear through the east coast of the US, promoters are being forced to cancel or postpone concerts and festivals.
At least 87 storm-related deaths have been confirmed since the Category 4 hurricane hit Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday (28 September).
The storm, which is reportedly heading for New York and Washington, is said to be one of the strongest and costliest hurricanes in American history.
Artists including Luke Bryan, Lynyrd Skynyrd and War On Drugs have been forced to scrap or reschedule concerts, while festivals including Oceans Calling, the Second Street Festival and Neptune Festival have been called off.
C3 Presents festival Oceans Calling would have taken place last weekend but was cancelled due to the anticipated impact of remnants of Hurricane Ian on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Dave Matthews, Alanis Morissette and The Lumineers were set to headline the Ocean City-based event. Cyndi Lauper, Logic and Grouplove were also due to perform.
Elsewhere, country music singer Luke Bryan rescheduled a trio of Florida concerts last weekend, including performances in Estero, West Palm Beach, and Tampa.
The storm is said to be one of the strongest and costliest hurricanes in American history
The shows are now slated to take place on 2 November at Hertz Arena (Estero); 4 Nov at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre (West Palm Beach); and 5 Nov at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre (Tampa).
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s concert, originally scheduled for 29 September at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, was rescheduled for 16 October.
The War On Drugs 29 September performance at the Live Oak Amphitheater in Wilmington and their 30 September performance – originally planned for Firefly Distillery and relocated indoors to the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center – were acancelled.
Meanwhile, Jason Aldean rescheduled his 1 October show at Savanna’s Enmarket Arena, with the performance now scheduled to take place on 16 October.
The 2nd St Festival, which was to take place in Richmond, Virginia, on 1 and 2 October, was cancelled, however, festival headliner Grandmaster Flash has moved his planned performance to Richmond’s Hippodrome Theater on 1 October.
The 48th annual Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach, planned for 30 September to 2 October, was also cancelled.
A concert by southern rockers Molly Hatchet, scheduled for the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall in Jacksonville on 30 September, was postponed.
While a 30 September performance by pop band Lucius at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre was cancelled and Gospel singer CeCe Winans’ sold-out 1 October concert at Trinity Baptist Church was postponed.
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