Boston tribute band Long Time is the headliner for Antioch’s final, free concert of the summer at Waldie Plaza in historic, downtown Rivertown.  Saturday’s concert begins at 6:00 pm; Long Time will play until 8:00pm.  The “Sunset Suppers” food trucks open at 5:00 pm and local restaurants are also available for meals and snacks.  Bring your lawn chair, blanket, and energy to Waldie Plaza Saturday night for something that is “more than a feeling,” it’s a great night for a rockin’ good time.

“Concerts by the River” is a free summer program that gives families and friends a relaxing time by the river; taking in summer sunsets and grooving to the music. The 2018 “Concerts by the River” was made possible by the City of Antioch with support from Foodie Crew.

Waldie Plaza is located across from City Hall on Second Street. There is plenty of free parking throughout downtown.  Adding a dinner from local restaurants or the food trucks makes it the perfect staycation night in Antioch.

To learn more about the 2018 Concerts by the River, please call 925-776-3050 or visit the City’s website at http://www.ci.antioch.ca.us

The planned headliners for the now cancelled festival.

By Luke Johnson

The XO Music Festival wasted an estimated $500,000, according to Director Sami “Styles” Habib.

The three-day event was canceled because World Class Entertainment did not provide proper insurance by this morning’s deadline, according to Joe Brengle, CEO of Contra Costa Event Park.

“We are the ones who are victimized here,” Habib said.

He added that his party supplied multiple sources for insurance, but they were rejected by Contra Costa Event Park. However, Brengle said those insurance agreements did not fulfill the park’s requirements.

The XO Music Festival faced several allegations online of being a scam over the past few weeks.

However, Brengle disagrees with those accusations and said the event’s management team was guilty of being too ambitious.

“I believe it wasn’t a scam,” he said. “I think they bit off more than they could chew.”

Brengle added that the negative media attention toward the event had nothing to do with its discontinuation.

The event organizers billed 100-plus artists — with marquee names such as T.I., Ludacris, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and the Bay Area’s own Mistah F.A.B. — to perform on seven different stages throughout the park. It also advertised stand-up comedy, carnival rides, roller skating and a foam pit, among other activities.

Habib said ticket sales were much lower than expected, but buyers were instantly refunded through the ticket agency, GrowTix.

Initially, Habib said the music festival lost approximately $750,000, but later said $500,000 was a more accurate number. He then said the financial loss was “definitely” in the six figures. He declined to comment when asked who provided those funds.

Brengle confirmed that Contra Costa Event Park kept $27,500 from the full rental agreement. He explained that money was already spent in preparation for this festival and it was too late to book another event for this weekend.

Habib is facing real estate fraud charges under the name Habidulla Qidar, according to CBS. He and his brother were identified by Fremont Police for being arrested in February involving a fraudulent home rental scheme.

Regarding the event’s authenticity, many people expressed concerns online about some artists’ performing schedules. Both Ludacris and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony are promoted for the Chalice Festival in Southern California this weekend. However, Habib said musicians often book two shows in one day and it was requested by their agencies.

Habib said he plans to eventually produce the XO Music Festival, but at a new location.

A promotion for the now cancelled XO Music Festival planned for this weekend in Antioch.

In a press release from Joe Brengle, CEO of the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) today, he stated, “Due to the promoters’ lack of fulfilling contractual obligations between the Contra Costa Event Park and World Class Entertainment, Event Park Management in the best interest and safety of our facility, event attendees and the City of Antioch we have no choice but to cancel the XO Music Festival scheduled to take place at the Event Park July 12 – 15, 2018.”

According to event organizer Sam Styles, a nickname for Sami Habib, the fairgrounds informed him at 8:00 a.m. today that their insurance was denied and that it was done “by another office.” He also said the Event Park will not refund their deposit.

All refund inquiries should be directed to the event promoter: World Class Entertainment, Inc. 39962 Cedar Blvd. #279, Newark, CA 94560, Attn: Sami Habib, sams@xoxomusicfestival.com or info@xoxomusicfestival.com.

Please check back later for  updates.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Stage Right Conservatory Theatre will hold auditions for “Heathers the Musical (High School Edition)” on July 16th and 17th at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, 213 F St. in Antioch.  “Heathers” is Presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. with book, music, and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy.

This dark comedy based on the teen film will be directed by Felicia Torrez, and there are many great roles available for actors ages 13-18.  No experience necessary!  To receive your audition time, you must register online at www.srctgrp.org.  Performance dates will be September 7th, 8th, 9th, 14th, 15th and 16th.  There is a $75 participation fee if cast.  For more audition and show information call (925) 216-4613.