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In St. Louis, there is a nice slogan for a local furniture store that ends with "because you like beautiful things". But as a place of insecurity, St. Louis and its people often end up tweaking this slogan whenever there is bad news and we concede can not to have beautiful things. "
It's another of those days in Mound City, and this time there was no other NFL team or embarrassing national rankings (STD rate, killings). , etc.). On this occasion, it is the cancellation of the music festival produced locally and loved LouFest, following a wave of negative attention during the holiday weekend regarding unpaid bills, tired contractors and un-built stages. The event was scheduled to start on Saturday, September 8 and continue on Sunday, September 9.
The festival organizer, Listen Live Entertainment, issued a statement Wednesday announcing the decision, citing "several financial hurdles" exacerbated by the loss of two major sponsors and a persistent debt related to previous events. The local and independent producer also said he was facing scheduling problems and contracts with major artists on the bill, but did not specify. This year's festival, held in the city's majestic Forest Park, was to feature a strong mix of rock legends (Robert Plant, Michael McDonald), country music (Kacey Musgraves, Brothers Osbourne) and indie rock (Modest Mouse, Moon Taxi). And T-Pain.
There was also a dedicated jazz scene, tons of food and craft beer (still to be consumed / consumed) and, as usual, a large selection of local bands. (Full Disclosure: The author is in one of these combos, Grace Basement, who had to play in one of these slots before noon before someone else showed up.)
The announcement of delayed programming and the absence of other organizational benchmarks have already created some vulnerability at this year's festival, but it is only late last week that It has become difficult to overcome obstacles. Friday night, St. Louis Public Radio reported that several suppliers contracted to perform critical work at the event had abandoned, citing the "persistent payment delay" of the proponent. Contractors included those for sound, stage lighting and waste removal.
"They did not fulfill their contract with us," said a salesman in one of the overwhelming quotes from the article. "We pulled out of the project, we think other suppliers have withdrawn from the project."
LouFest responded to the report by emphasizing that they were "100% good to do" and "everything goes as planned". On Tuesday, security barricades may have increased, but the four steps planned have not been.
In the announcement of the cancellation this morning, Listen Live said it would have been "on track" to overcome setbacks regarding lost sponsors and entrepreneurs, as well as financial difficulties related to the debt, though. "The company said the negative titles" have pushed many of our sellers and artists to demand immediate payment a few days before the doors open. LouFest simply could not do it. "
The company also indicated that another cancellation forecast was a bad weather forecast and said Front Gate tickets owned by Ticketmaster would provide refunds during the payment of debts. "We think it would be irresponsible to continue investing in an event that may not be able to realize its outstanding potential," they said.
Listen Live Entertainment has not specified what the future holds for the festival, launched in 2010. Its managing partner, Mike Van Hee, has not responded to requests for comment.
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Read the full statement:
Dear saint louis
We are sad to announce that LouFest 2018 has been canceled. We know that this is a great disappointment for many and that there has been much speculation around our event. We want to share what is happening directly with you.
First, and as is usually the case when this happens, LouFest has experienced several financial hurdles. The loss of two of the major sponsors of the event, scheduling and contract issues with top artists, and the existing debt of previous events all exerted tremendous pressure on the balance sheet.
Overcoming these difficulties while trying to grow the Fest was a challenge that LouFest was about to meet until a bit of timed media coverage forced many of our salespeople and artists to demand immediate payment a few days before open. LouFest simply could not do it.
Second, the bad weather in St. Louis made us extremely nervous. The number of tickets sold before the sale in 2018 has been fantastic, but the festival can only count on financial success. We know that a weekend soaked as our 2016 event kills this traffic and harms Forest Park. We think it would be irresponsible to continue investing in an event that may not be able to realize its outstanding potential.
Although we do not currently have the funds to pay, the outstanding ticketing company we selected, Front Gate Tickets, owned by Live Nation and Ticketmaster, will fully reimburse all fans while we strive to pay off our debts. .
We want to recognize the sponsors, suppliers, partners and fantastic team members who have worked tirelessly to support LouFest 2018. The production of this event has been a work of love for our family and our family. staff. to our city in love with music.
It was exciting to bring so much joy to the fans, to recognize St. Louis, to highlight its artists and to earn annual revenues estimated at $ 8 million. For that, we will always be proud.
Mike Van Hee – Managing Partner Listen to live shows
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