Organizers of Farfest 2012, one of the most eagerly anticipated progressive rock festivals of the year, announced this week that the festival has been cancelled.
“We regret to announce that we have made the very difficult decision to officially cancel Farfest 2012,” said the press release. “The execution of this event was challenging, and in the end, there was simply insufficient ticket sales to move to the next level of production.”
Individuals who have already purchased tickets will be refunded the full amount of their ticket cost plus the service charge as well.
Farfest was envisioned as a new music festival that would showcase legendary 1970s progressive rock bands that a lot of music fans only dreamed of ever seeing live and bring them all together in one festival. The line-up featured Alphataurus, Anekdoten, Atoll, Cathedral, Cressida, Latte E Miele, Locanda Delle Fate, Maxophone, Mezquita, Pulsar, SBB, Shylock, and Wobbler.
Plans for a 2013 Farfest are uncertain. “Some people have suggested that we reschedule the festival for the summer of 2013,” continued the press release. “Although we remain open to the idea, it is unclear whether another multi-day prog music festival in the US will be viable in the future.”
Two other progressive rock festivals are still scheduled for 2012, ProgDay and ProgNight.
ProgDay 2012 is the 18th edition of the longest running progressive rock festival in the world. ProgDay 2012 will take place on Saturday, September 1st, and Sunday, September 2nd, at Storybook Farm in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, near Durham and Raleigh. Artists scheduled to perform include Karcius (Canada), Accordo Dei Contrari (Italy) and Birdsongs Of The Mesozoic (US). For more information, go to www.progday.net.
ProgNight will take place at The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois, near Chicago, on 12th October 2012. Artist scheduled to perform include Three Friends featuring Gary Green and Malcolm Mortimore (Gentle Giant), performing the Music of Gentle Giant. Other artists scheduled to perform are Neal Morse featuring Mike Portnoy and District 97.