A California federal lawsuit has set the stage for a dramatic showdown, as Trident Concert Productions LLC accuses Los Angeles, the Greek Theater, and Ticketmaster of orchestrating a scheme that derailed two high-profile Kingston Trio concerts in August 2024.

Filed Monday, the 110-page complaint alleges monopolization, fraud, civil rights violations, and even racketeering under RICO. At its core, the case argues the city violated public trust by secretly granting Ticketmaster exclusive control of the city-owned Greek Theater — an arrangement that allegedly sabotaged ticket sales for the Trio’s older fan base.

The Alleged Plot: Seniors Locked Out

Trident contends that Ticketmaster’s systems discriminated against the Kingston Trio’s largely senior audience. Fans were told concerts were “sold out” despite available seats, and many were blocked from buying tickets without smartphones or the Ticketmaster app.

“The Greek Theater failed to avail the Trio’s audience, who are mostly senior citizens, to alternative means by which tickets could be purchased,” the complaint says. Even phone and in-person box office purchases were allegedly denied before later being inconsistently allowed.

Behind Closed Doors: Exclusive Dealings

The suit claims that, under Mayor Karen Bass’s supervision, the Department of Recreation and Parks struck an “illegal financial arrangement” with Ticketmaster and its corporate parent, Live Nation. Though the venue’s 2018 management agreement with ASM Global required an open-venue model, Trident argues ASM “quietly” surrendered exclusive ticketing and promotion rights to Ticketmaster and Live Nation.

By doing so, the complaint says, the Greek Theater abandoned transparency and embraced “below the radar arrangements” that violated city policy.

Recording Debacle and Alleged Breaches

The concerts were intended not only as performances but as recordings for a documentary and live album. But Trident alleges the Greek Theater breached its production duties, failing to record the first night entirely.

“A record of the Saturday night show does not exist, and this was absolutely critical to the purpose of the entire set of shows,” Trident charged.

Wider Fallout and National Context

The promoter links its grievances to a broader pattern, calling this the “fourth major mess” of the Bass administration, citing prior controversies involving fires, homelessness spending, and park accessibility.

Adding to the heat, the complaint notes that the Federal Trade Commission and several states recently sued Live Nation and Ticketmaster over hidden fees and scalper-friendly practices.

Seeking $15 Million and Accountability

Trident is seeking $15 million in damages, alleging that 80% of the Kingston Trio’s fan base — seniors — were effectively shut out by Ticketmaster’s “cumbersome, confusing, complex” ticketing model.

“This case began as a simple but egregious breach of contract,” attorney Konrad L. Trope of Trope and Trope Law Group said. “But further investigation revealed RICO violations and blatant discrimination against senior citizens.”

Neither Ticketmaster, the LA City Attorney’s Office, nor Mayor Bass responded to requests for comment.