Sheila E. Criticizes Festival Management After Concert Tragedy

Sheila E. has expressed strong criticism towards the organizers of a festival following the tragic passing of a woman during a concert. The musician was deeply affected by the news of Shari Sanders’ death at the Carson Jazz Festival, which occurred amidst extreme temperatures in Southern California.

Sheila E. took to social media to inform her followers about the critical situation in which a concertgoer died either “during or before” her set. She described the incident as unprecedented in her extensive career, emphasizing her emotional response. “This has never happened to me in my entire career,” she expressed. “It was devastating. Her name was Shari Sanders.”

The musician shared that the day of the event was marked by intense heat, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. She noted that by 7:30 a.m., concertgoers were already in line, eagerly awaiting entry. Organizers opened the event grounds 30 minutes ahead of schedule to accommodate the waiting crowd.

While preparing for her performance, Sheila observed emergency personnel “moving through the crowd urgently”. These scenes were observed from the dressing room, highlighting the challenging conditions outside. “We were thinking, it’s so hot outside… maybe people were dehydrated,” she reflected. The delay in sound check and production issues added to the chaotic situation.

Before performing, Sheila E. and her band noticed that the festival activities suddenly halted. She recounted being informed that Shari Sanders, who was reportedly saving seats for her family, appeared unresponsive. Witnesses reportedly asked Sanders if she was okay, but received no response, prompting medical intervention. “We then saw paramedics, but this was like 20 minutes later,” she recalled.

Sheila E. shared that they were informed about the incident during the festival. “The devastating part is she passed away,” she reflected. She also mentioned the inadequate provision of hydration stations, which may have contributed to the situation.

Sheila addressed Carson City, urging them to improve event conditions. She highlighted that despite boasting about their 40-year history, the festival’s handling was problematic, notably keeping attendees outside under extreme heat for prolonged periods.

During her performance, Sheila paused after the first song to dedicate the show to Shari Sanders, observing a moment of silence in her memory. “Little did we know, that after we were done performing, we went back to the dressing room,” she shared, expressing regret that Sanders’ body remained at the venue until after the show. “I am so sorry to the family. I am sorry that you lost a family member,” she conveyed.

Sheila further critiqued the decision not to halt the festival, expressing frustration over not being informed of the ongoing situation. “I should not have played. Someone should have told me that she was still there,” she stated emphatically.

Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes issued a statement expressing condolences. “Hearts are heavy following the tragic loss of a life at our community event,” she wrote. The Mayor urged the city to support the family with strength and peace during this difficult time.

Fox News Digital reached out to both the Mayor’s office and the city of Carson for further comments.