BeachGlow Switches Show to Atlantic City

WILDWOOD – The words of Will Morey, CEO of Morey’s Piers, encapsulated the feelings of many residents and Boardwalk business owners regarding the 2014 BeachGlow concert. According to Morey, in a previously-disclosed letter, the concert “was marred by repeated loud and offensive profanity. … That concert also exhibited widespread underage drinking, suspected illegal drug use, and other bad behavior.”
As another Fourth of July weekend approaches Wildwood, differences of opinion and feelings on the issue run high. The Board of Commissioners and Mayor Ernie Troiano have heard both sides and respective parties involved, including Heather Kunkel, executive vice president of BeachGlow: Concerts for Charity, Inc.
Kunkel, in a previously disclosed statement, responded to Morey by saying, “BeachGlow, being an outdoor event with a public address system, must deal with performers who may use foul language. All media outlets and public events face this challenge, and deal with it through policy and enforcement.” A 17-and-up policy has also been added for attendees at potential events.
At a recent council meeting, the public stepped forward and submitted its concerns and hesitation about another BeachGlow EDM (electronic dance music) concert for Fourth of July weekend, this year.
A possible rescheduling date was proposed, but according to Kunkel, “We’ve invested time, money, and manpower into this July 4 date.” When asked if the concert would be moved, Kunkel replied, “It would be economically devastating.”
Rumors that the EDM July 4 concert had been completely taken off the Wildwood event schedule surfaced after the last council meeting. Commissioner Peter Byron shed more light on what happened. “We agreed to not have any music event on the July 4 weekend,” Byron said. “It has nothing to do with the style of music. It was not a good idea.”
During the executive session of the last council meeting, Byron, Troiano, and Leonetti decided to propose a possible date in June, namely the 13th.
In a letter from Kunkle to Byron, Kunkle wrote, “…our number one reason [for not accepting June 13] is that it is during a big Senior Week in Wildwood. We do not want to be associated with the bad behavior that we heard is prevalent during Senior Week in Wildwood. We fear BeachGlow would end up being blamed for anything that might go wrong during that time.”
According to Byron, BeachGlow asked for a compromise date of June 27, stating that June 13 was “a little too early.”
Byron approached Chief of Police Robert N. Regalbuto and Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Speigel, and asked for their opinion on having the event June 27. Byron said he asked both, “Is this a problem?”
However, in light of another beach event, Beach Blast, (a weekend-long soccer tournament) being held June 27, both the chief of police and deputy fire chief agreed that having two events would prove difficult for emergency medical services and other public safety workers.
After hearing Byron’s report, commissioners and the mayor returned to the June 13 date.
As of March 2, BeachGlow announced its intentions to move the EDM concert to a new venue in Atlantic City.
“We had our home of Wildwood taken from us, but we have found a new home in Atlantic City, and we are beyond excited about working with such a tremendous and exciting shore town,” BeachGlow stated on its Facebook page March 1.
In a March 2 press release, Kunkle elaborated on the change of venue. “This change in plans comes after the City of Wildwood recently canceled its previously announced approval of BeachGlow’s bid to hold its 2015 festival on Wildwood’s beach on July 4 weekend. Last year’s event on the same weekend on Wildwood’s beach was a huge success, boasting a sold-out crowd of 7,000 and raising $40,000 for the American Red Cross.
“Unfortunately, some Wildwood business leaders unfairly equate BeachGlow with the negative stereotype of EDM music and don’t want us in their town, when in fact, BeachGlow actually stands for healthy, safe entertainment that supports worthy causes. This strong opposition forced us to make radical changes to this year’s festival after plans were already in place,” said Dane Kunkel. “But I’m so psyched to be welcomed to Atlantic City, where we have plans for an even bigger and better event – and the best part about it is that it’s for charity.”
Further details are posted on the organization’s Facebook page.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.