Sheila E. Criticizes Festival After Concertgoer’s Death
Sheila E. recently criticized the organizers of a festival following the tragic death of a woman during her performance. The event occurred at the Carson Jazz Festival in Southern California, where the temperature exceeded 100 degrees.
The well-known musician expressed her sadness upon learning about the death of Shari Sanders, who was attending the festival in sweltering heat. Through social media, Sheila E. communicated this “very important” incident, noting that the woman had died either “during or before” her set.
Addressing her followers, Sheila E. explained, “This has never happened to me in my entire career. It was devastating. Her name was Shari Sanders.” It was a particularly hot day, with attendees waiting to enter the venue early in the morning.
She described the scene, mentioning emergency crews moving quickly through the crowds. While waiting for her performance, Sheila noted, “We were thinking, it’s so hot outside … maybe people were dehydrated, and we could see that through the window of the dressing room.” She also pointed out that production delays and the lack of a sound check contributed to the chaos.
The situation halted unexpectedly when it was discovered that Sanders was saving seats for her family and appeared unresponsive. A bystander checked on her, which led to paramedics arriving approximately 20 minutes later.
After learning of Sanders’ passing, Sheila E. shared that both she and her band prayed for the deceased woman before their performance and dedicated the show to her memory. After the performance, Sheila was informed that Sanders’ body was removed 30 minutes after they had finished their set, which deeply upset her.
She expressed her grief, stating, “It made me sick to my stomach when I heard later on that … that her body did not get taken until after we were off stage. I am so sorry to the family. I am sorry that you lost a family member.” Sheila E. criticized the organizers for not providing adequate hydration stations or stopping the festival.
Carson City, you need to do better … It’s not good to have people sitting outside for three hours.
She emphasized the need for better management, highlighting the risks of long waits in extreme heat.
Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes also addressed the incident, expressing condolences to the family and urging the community to support them through their grief.
“On behalf of the City, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and everyone affected by this tragedy,” she shared. She reaffirmed her personal outreach to the family and encouraged others to offer their prayers.
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