Sheila E. Slams Carson Jazz Festival Over Fan's Death

Sheila E. Condemns Carson Jazz Festival After Fan's Death

The percussionist says she wouldn’t have performed if she’d known the body of a deceased attendee remained on-site during the show.

By CutMirchi Desk3 hours ago2 min read

Current hype level72

Live site hype

around 3 reading right now · 133 today

Sheila E. Is calling out the organizers of the Carson jazz festival after a fan’s death left her shaken and furious. Shari Sanders, 48, was found unconscious in the VIP section of Anderson Memorial Park on Saturday during the city’s annual event. Despite efforts by Dr. Dionne Leslie, who administered CPR, Sanders was pronounced dead later that day. Her family cited heat-related illness as the cause, though the official investigation remains ongoing.

What’s drawing attention now is Sheila E.’s post-show statement. The legendary drummer said she learned only after the fact that Sanders’ body had not been removed until around 5 p.m., hours after the performance began. "I would have never, never gotten onstage if I would have known that her body was still sitting there with her family surrounding her," she said in a video statement. She added that the lack of water stations — reportedly just one for thousands, exacerbated the danger in triple-digit heat.

"Carson, you guys have to do better. This was horrible. Horrible," she repeated, expressing regret over performing. "And I’m so sorry that I played because I would not have gotten onstage knowing that she was still there."

City officials and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Carson station have not responded to requests for comment. No details have emerged about whether safety protocols were followed or if emergency procedures were triggered after the incident.

The backlash isn’t just about logistics. It’s about dignity. Fans and critics alike are questioning how a live performance could continue while a body lay unremoved in plain sight. Social media is buzzing with outrage, with many pointing to the emotional toll such a scene must have taken on attendees, especially Sanders’ loved ones.

This isn’t the first time a music festival has faced scrutiny over crowd safety. But Sheila E.’s public condemnation adds weight to growing concerns about oversight at public events in extreme weather. As the investigation continues, questions remain: Was the response delayed? Were protocols ignored? And what happens when art goes on, even as grief lingers?