“Party in the Pines” Country Music Festival Abruptly Cancels
The 2nd Annual Party in the Pines Festival scheduled to occur in White Springs, Florida October 19th and 20th at the Bienville Plantation has been abruptly cancelled just 10 days before gates were set to open, leaving fans and artists in the lurch and looking for refunds and explanations. With performers such as Zac Brown Band, Little Big Town, Luke Combs, and Kip Moore scheduled to perform, this was set to be a major country music event.
“It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that Party in the Pines Music Festival has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control,” Bienville Entertainment posted Tuesday (10/9) evening. “We are working on a plan to compensate ticket holders and sponsors. Details will be posted to our website and social media pages soon. We realize this impacts people in many different ways. We apologize to our supporters and team members who have worked hard to bring this event to our community.”
Robert Morey, the owner of the Bienville Plantation, spoke to the Lake City Reporter about the situation late Tuesday. “There are a lot of forces in play beyond our control we don’t understand,” Morey said. “It will take a while to sort it out … all our funds are held by the artists’ agency. We beg for understanding … This was an event that was so impactful to the community.”
When asked if the event would possibly occur next year, Robert Morey responded, “I can’t be optimistic right now.”
“I bought 8 VIP tickets and rented 2 of the fancy tents with A/C. Just paid for the tent rental approx $2000 plus the 8 VIP tickets I’m out over $6000!!!!” Sonya Ellenburg Smith said in response to the announcement. “They better refund my hard earned $$$$!!!! Disappointed big time!”
Hurricane Michael scheduled to hit Florida Wednesday would have little impact on the event since White Springs is in north central Florida, and away from the hurricane impact zone. Budweiser, Jim Beam, and Bass Pro Shops were primary sponsors of the event. Other artists scheduled to perform were Dan + Shay, Granger Smith, The Cadillac Three, Lindsey Ell, Mark O’Connor Band, Casadee Pop, Drew Baldridge, Clare Dunn, and Raleigh Keegan.
October 9, 2018 @ 8:04 pm
Hate to see anyone loose their money but I have to wonder if it had anything to do with ticket sales. I guess I wouldn’t be following this page if I was the type of person that likes this particular concert. But still I just can’t see this lineup having enough quality to attract the type of crowd needed.
October 9, 2018 @ 8:10 pm
Too many amateurs putting on too many of these events.
October 9, 2018 @ 8:10 pm
This should be the 3rd concert or so that has been cancelled in recent times that was supposed to feature “big” stars. I guess people are speaking up more than these organizers are actually listening.
October 9, 2018 @ 8:37 pm
Seems like there’s a new festival popping up every time you turn your head, bidding up the cost of talent. It makes the news when one folds, but I wonder how many are actually operating at a loss.
Seems like this type of thing was a long time coming.
October 10, 2018 @ 4:24 am
Last year concert was really good. The ticket prices are a little high though. To bad they had to cancel .
October 10, 2018 @ 5:16 am
A shame to those impacted. I have to wonder about somebody shelling out $6000 for this lame lineup.
October 10, 2018 @ 5:25 am
How hard can you be working for your $ that you’re willing to spend 6K of it on Little Big Town?
October 10, 2018 @ 7:09 am
Too many fly-by-night promoters and event planners getting in over their heads with these festivals. There are so many moving parts to these things, and a lot of opportunity for disaster. Doesn’t surprise me that so many of these festivals get cancelled last minute, followed by protracted litigation from the various parties.
October 10, 2018 @ 7:18 am
it seems like festivals are dropping like flies. With how much country artist tour I’m not surprised that fatigue sets in. Speaking of festivals does anybody have an idea of how Dierks Bentley’s festival did?
October 10, 2018 @ 7:25 am
My husband and I went to the first PITP fest last year. We had such an amazing time. We stayed in our pop up camper. Just the two of us with a whole bunch of country music fans just like us. I’m telling you from the staff, to the food, to the music, to the second stage…I mean it was just a wonderful weekend. We were looking forward to the whole thing again this year. I have been trying to see Zac Brown for like 10 years. Every time he comes close for whatever reason I just couldn’t make it….I was so excited to see Little Big Town….I couldn’t wait to see Clare Dunn open the whole thing. I was sad when Runway June was pulled as an act, but they replaced them with LINDSEY ELL who I really love her stuff…..Lastly, I will miss seeing Luke Combs. You know he has sold out a bunch of venues for 2019 already. I was so looking forward to seeing him. I am totally sad this morning…..This festival was only 2 hours away which was just far enough to ‘get away’ for the weekend…..
October 10, 2018 @ 11:05 am
Look up Medicine Stone (for next year) or Mile 0 in Key West. Both MUCH better options IMHO.
October 11, 2018 @ 6:54 am
thank you I will look them up….for us PITP was only a 2 hour drive, and we like to camp. Also the festival was only 2 days, and the weather in Oct. here is usually pretty good for an outside concert.
October 10, 2018 @ 12:25 pm
We had tickets to Thunder on the Mountain in Arkansas when it folded 12 days prior to the start date. ALWAYS USE YOUR CREDIT CARD to purchase festival tickets. Your credit card company has your back. Our friends who used debit cards had a hard time getting a refund, and it took a really long time. I guess I should be grateful they got their money back period. Too many festivals/music cruises; too much competition for the festival dollar. Regardless, we love them and are holding tickets to Mile0. Purchased with a CREDIT card, of course.
October 10, 2018 @ 5:06 pm
“With performers such as Zac Brown Band, Little Big Town, Luke Combs, and Kip Moore scheduled to perform, this was set to be a major country music event.”
Should probably just consider the cancellation as a favor to avoid that 2nd Degree Assault on your ears.
December 7, 2018 @ 10:01 am
We bought 3 tickets totaling almost $600 after fees and taxes. Can’t even get anyone to return an email about a refund. They stopped updating the website also- been over a month. Never again will I buy tickets to anything unless it’s through Ticket Master or Live Nation- they have great refund policies if an event is cancelled. I feel for those that bought VIP tickets or paid for camping. They are out a lot more money.
December 17, 2018 @ 12:53 pm
I called FRONT GATE TICKETS (FGT) (who I purchased my tix through) and was originally told I would hear from someone in 3-5 days about my refund. Well I just called again today (after not hearing anything from FGT or PIP) and was given the run around by management at FGT. This is pathetic!
December 18, 2018 @ 12:05 pm
I also received a call back today from Front Gate Tickets and also from the
ticket insurance company “Broadspire”. Just got the run around also. I am out
over $3000 for 4 VIP tickets. I have also contacted Bienville Plantation and they
just say that they are sorry but not at fault and cannot give out any information to
help. Does anyone have any contact information to get answers about when or
if our money will be refunded?
December 19, 2018 @ 6:48 pm
I encourage all to pursue legal action against Bienville Entertainment, LLC. Please see Sun Biz.org (Florida’s Division of Corporations site) for contact information of registered owners of Bienville Entertainment, LLC:
John Laudenslager
1029 DELACROIX CIRCLE
NOKOMIS, FL 34275
Mailing Address
P.O. BOX 1460
NOKOMIS, FL 34274
…..and
WESTPORT CAPITAL BR, LLC
c/o Robert Morey
3811 65TH AVE E
SARASOTA, FL 34243