Blues Festival

Kept my streak alive, of attending the Monterey Blues Festival.  Didn't go to the Arena shows this year, mediocre lineup.  Stayed with the cheaper entertainment on the side stages, which usually is as good as the main stage, but this year not so much.  But the  crowds were down. And that had to do with ticket prices going up and stage talent going down.   I peaked into the arena and it was hardly filled.  Why were arena acts also playing on the free stages?