Fredericton’s Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival won’t be celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. The festival, normally held in September, is the latest to be dealt a blow by COVID-19, and the furthest festival into 2020 to announce their capitulation.
The decision was made this afternoon by Harvest Jazz & Blues’ Board of Directors, following the measures the Province of New Brunswick announced to curtail any large festivals, concerts, or gatherings until the end of the year. In light of the prolonged circumstances that has already caused many festivals to announce either cancellation or alternative measures, Harvest’s organizers say they were already evaluating various scenarios under which we might proceed, but, “out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our community of musicians, volunteers, partners, and patrons – Harvest’s 30th anniversary will be postponed to 2021.”
“It is heartbreaking not to be able to present for you the incredible festival we had booked to celebrate our 30th anniversary” said Brent Staeben, the Festival’s Director of Music Programming. “After last year’s record-setting extravaganza, we had curated a bigger, deeper and wider array of talent that aimed to meet the expectations we raised sky high last September. We were so looking forward to sharing that lineup with you. Now we turn to protecting the incredible history we have all built together so that we can return to make indelible musical memories with you again in 2021”.
Festival organizers also noted the ongoing history Harvest has Fredericton’s major music festival in the announcement and their hopes that will continue into the future.
“The only reason Harvest has been around as long as it has, and has become the incredible community event it is, is because of key pillars of support that have not only sustained the festival, but allowed us to dream bigger each year: Council and staff from the City of Fredericton, our large and engaged sponsor community, the downtown businesses and our hospitality partners, the local community of musicians and artists, and of course – you, our patrons and our volunteers. Harvest is so lucky to have had the hardest of hardcore fans who have supported us every step of the way, and it’s for you we do this each year.
Thousands of volunteers have given millions of hours so that we’re all able to kick up our heels local legends and international superstars in Fredericton’s beautiful and historic downtown. That’s no small feat, and it’s only been possible because of their ongoing commitment to Harvest. We thank them for all they’ve done and continue to do to make Harvest a reality and to keep live music in our lives.
Our supporters have been with us for 29 years of incredible music and community celebrations, and we’re eternally grateful for that. We’re going to be here for you on the other side of this thing. One thing’s for sure: we’ll see you in 2021. It will be the best Harvest yet.”
Patrons who have purchased Ultimate Passes for the 2020 Festival may use their passes in 2021, or request a refund via Ticketpro.