Kingston Trio Sues Greek Theatre, Ticketmaster Over Alleged Contract Breaches and Age Discrimination

The Kingston Trio has filed a major lawsuit against Los Angeles's Greek Theatre, the City of Los Angeles, Ticketmaster, and Live Nation for alleged breach of contract and discriminatory practices. The lawsuit claims multiple contract violations by Greek Theatre management caused millions of dollars in damages during the group's August 2024 concerts. According to the complaint, the Greek Theatre management, sanctioned by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and her appointees to the Commission on Recreation and Parks, violated the Federal RICO Act by awarding Ticketmaster exclusive ticketing rights in violation of city mandates prohibiting such arrangements.

The lawsuit alleges this misconduct represents a pattern of improper contracting practices dating back to 1992, involving political corruption and preferential treatment of well-connected entertainment companies. The legal action highlights how Ticketmaster's ordering techniques created significant barriers for elderly concertgoers, who constitute approximately 85% of The Kingston Trio's audience. The non-user-friendly systems requiring apps and multiple portals effectively shut out senior citizens from purchasing tickets, allegedly violating the California Unruh Act that prohibits discrimination against the elderly in public facilities.

Greek Theatre management was reportedly aware of the demographic composition of the group's fanbase in writing before the concerts. Additional allegations include Greek Theatre's negligence in filming and delivering professional video and audio from the two-night concert production. The venue allegedly 'forgot' to record one full day of the two-day concert, resulting in the cancellation of a planned two-hour documentary film and double live album, along with future large-venue concerts for the folk group. This breach occurred despite a formal production agreement between the parties.

The lawsuit connects to broader industry concerns, noting that The Kingston Trio is not alone in challenging Ticketmaster's practices. The Federal Trade Commission and seven states are currently suing Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation Entertainment, for allegedly coordinating with ticket resellers and allowing them to harvest millions of dollars' worth of tickets for resale at significant markups. The FTC has accused the companies of misleading artists and consumers through bait-and-switch pricing and false claims about purchase limits.

The legal filing suggests these alleged breaches and fraudulent acts reflect a RICO conspiracy reaching the Mayor's office, marking what the plaintiffs characterize as the fourth major scandal involving city management in less than two years. The complaint references other ongoing issues including the mishandling of the Palisades Fire, a federal judge's criticism of missing millions intended for homeless services, and a class action lawsuit regarding accessibility for handicapped individuals at city recreation facilities. The full complaint detailing these allegations can be viewed at https://www.tropeandtropelawgroup.com/kingstontriocomplaint.

The case raises significant questions about public facility management, age discrimination in entertainment access, and the ethical responsibilities of venue operators and ticketing companies. As the folk music legends seek jury trial on all issues, the outcome could establish important precedents for how public venues serve diverse demographic groups and honor contractual obligations with performing artists.