Due to inclement weather, the reminder of Jack Harlow‘s inaugural Gazebo Festival was canceled on Sunday (May 26). The Louisville, Kentucky, festival released a statement early Sunday afternoon after deliberating the day’s event’s status, opting to call things off for the safety of everyone involved.
“The safety of our patrons, artists, and staff is paramount. Due to continuing hazardous conditions throughout the early afternoon and a second wave of weather expected this evening, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the remainder of Gazebo Festival,” reads the statement. “All Sunday ticket holders will receive a refund in full. All Weekend ticket holders will receive a 50% refund. Refunds will be issued within 30 days.”
Harlow chimed in on the difficult decision of canceling the remainder of the festival via an Instagram Story. “Well. We have to cancel day two of Gazebo,” he wrote. “We are currently on a tornado watch. I know things cleared up a little bit, but the bad weather has damaged the site and there’s more storms and dangerous winds on the way. This means everyone on Day 2, including myself, won’t be performing anymore. I’m trying to focus on the positive because all I felt was happiness yesterday. I’m grateful for our flawless first day and for the way this city came together. Thank you so much. I’m sorry.”
Day one of Gazebo Fest featured several exciting performances headlined by SZA, Vince Staples, Majid Jordan, Larry June, Raven Lenae, Jordan Ward and a DJ’ing set by James Blake. With a blend of hip-hop, R&B and DJ sets, Gazebo Fest was off to a promising start, as the two-day event brought in thousands of fans, especially out-of-towners, excited to see Harlow’s vision come to life.
“It sucks. I always wanted to see Jack Harlow in person, and I was excited to see him. I’m pretty disappointed that the concert was canceled. Still, I understand that our safety comes first,” Olujimi Awoliyi, a fan who traveled from New York to see Harlow perform this Memorial Day Weekend, tells Billboard.
Sunday’s lineup initially featured a headlining performance by Harlow and buzzing acts such as Pink Pantheress, Amaraee and Omar Apollo, continuing the “Lovin on Me” star’s theme of eclecticism. And though Harlow didn’t exactly get to put a proper bow on his first festival tonight, he still thanked his city for showing out with him as he posted a picture of himself enjoying yesterday’s festivities on his Instagram Stories.
“Yesterday was a perfect day. Thank you, Louisville,” he wrote.
