We here at Crossfade were so stoked about "summon[ing] the righteousness of reggae and Jah's blessedness" (and, uh, toking on that ganja) at tomorrow's second annual Bayside Rocks Festival.
But sadly, Bayfront Park's front offices have just contacted us to confirm that the 2011 editon of Bayside Rocks is officially canceled. At the moment, neither the park, nor the fest's producers ROCKAZ MVMT have provided the exact reason for the sudden cancelation.
But a source tells Crossfade that the fest has been called off because headliner Luciano has run into "visa problems" that will prevent him from performing tomorrow night.
This development, added to last week's announcement that Bunny Wailer's health had forced him to back out, eliminated two major acts from the festival's lineup. And so Bayside Rocks' producers have decided to cancel.
UPDATE Bayside Rocks president Alfonso D'Niscio Brooks has just issued the following statement via Facebook, which doesn't provide much insight into the exact reasons for the festival's cancelation. But it does confirm that the fest will be rescheduled as well as the fact that "everyone that bought an advance ticket" can receive a "complete refund" by "return[ing] to your point of purchase."
Bayside Rocks Cancelation Statement
It is with deep regret that I tell you all of my disappointment in having to postpone Bayside Rocks on Saturday. I feel defeated and know I have failed you all. I humbly ask that you accept my apologies and your understanding as I journey thru this trying moment.
Everything happens for a reason I am often told. In watching the things that have transpired I will only accept that the Most High has a different plan. I accept that my life is in Divine Order thus today I was only granted the best possible result that could have happened for my life. In moving forward please note that we will be in touch with everyone to handle any concerns or issues that need to be addressed. I thank you for supporting us in all the ways you did.
We will find another way to feed the hungry for Thanksgiving as we reschedule the event. Please everyone that bought an advance ticket you must return to your point of purchase for a complete refund. Thank you for taking the time to read this humble note.
One Love, Alfonso D'Niscio Brooks
CANCELED Bayside Rocks with Luciano, Wailing Souls, Venus Rising, Cultura Profética, The Original Wailers, and others. Saturday, November 19. Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. The festival begins at noon and ends at midnight. Tickets cost $35 to $55 via completeticketsolutions.com, plus two or more canned goods at the gate. Proceeds from ticket sales and food donations to benefit Curley's House. Call 305-763-4509 or visit baysiderocksfestival.com.
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