The event, which was to feature North Mississippi All-Stars, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic and Soulive, among others, was scheduled for Dec. 29 to Jan. 2.
But just a few days before the show and following several changes in venue, organizers posted news of the cancellation on Facebook.
“It is our deep regret to inform you all that the festival will be officially cancelled. FULL refunds will be offered, despite the negative comments we are FULLY prepared to refund all money gained from presale tickets,” they wrote.
Organizers later noted on Facebook that TicketBiscuit, which handled ticketing for the festival, would provide full refunds to customers who purchased pre-sale tickets. Fans who purchased tickets with cash were directed to contact the festival via email for reimbursement and those who needed immediate refunds could contact their banks to dispute the charges.
However, it appears TicketBiscuit never had the money to issue refunds.
TicketBiscuit marketing officer Eric Housh told Pollstar the company’s software was used to issue tickets for the event, but all funds were deposited directly into the promoter’s account.
“The promoter didn’t have enough in there to cover all refunds once the event was canceled,” Housh said “We’re encouraging those seeking refunds to dispute the charge with their bank.”
Meanwhile, fed-up fans began posting messages on the fest’s Facebook page after weeks of delays and no response from promoter Brian Dearing.
“I am calling the State Attorney’s office and will be filing charges against Brian Dearing and Bond Fire LLC for internet fraud,” one fan wrote on Jan. 4. “You need to address this issue of refunds immediately! You had no problem cashing in on the payments for advance tickets and then for reserving RV sites.”
The festival’s Facebook page was taken down at press time.