Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger
March 30, 2015 6:54 p.m.
Editor’s Note: In an email addressed to staff and volunteers, Fort Clinch State Park Manager Benjamin Faure announced and explained his reason for the cancellation of a concert scheduled for April 10-11 at Fort Clinch. A copy of Faure’s email was sent to the Fernandina Observer by two individuals who volunteer at the fort. The Umphrey’s McGee band originated from the mid-west and travels throughout the country performing in popular venues located in Aspen, Las Vegas, Boston, and Los Angeles. Faure’s letter follows:
Dear Staff and Volunteers,
“I regret to inform you that the Umphrey’s McGee concert, scheduled for April 10-11, 2015, has been moved to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. I apologize if you are receiving this information late, however, out of respect for the band and production team, additional time was needed to allow them to secure another venue and location before making this public announcement. Information can be found online.
It is my understanding that all previous ticket holders will be honored at the new venue with some additional perks. Anyone wishing to cancel their park camping reservations may contact Reserve America and they will be able to do so with a full refund as the park has requested waiver of any cancellation fees.
I used the right to cancel the event at the park (per the booking agreement contract) due to concerns over the growing size of the production having potential adverse impacts on the site and our visitors enjoyment of the park. Let me be clear, that the event was not cancelled due to the genre of music or previous fictional rumors about the clientele coming to this event. The park regularly holds special events within the fort including music and stages.
When the concert was initially booked, the original plan for the size of the stage was adequate for the number of guests but the stage plans grew much larger. An off-site production company who was not aware of the terms of the booking agreement, and who later became involved in the production, requested closure of the site to the public on Wednesday and Thursday prior to the event, as well as requesting to utilize heavy equipment which was not previously approved and could potentially impact the drawbridge entryway and parade grounds.
I was not willing to accept either of the above conditions because they would interfere with public access and have potential negative impacts to the site, so I requested a different operations plan.
The company was unable to propose another plan which was acceptable to the park or the production company. Additionally, the Umphrey’s McGee website listed multiple camping locations which were not authorized by the city, and concerns were raised by local law enforcement regarding potential impacts to law enforcement resources. Based on these factors, early last week, I advised the original production company that the event was being cancelled at the park. This allowed them adequate time to make alternate arrangements and notify event participants.
I want to thank the Friends of Fort Clinch State Park, especially event coordinator Penny Sansbury, who works tirelessly with the park to make this and many other special events possible to provide direct financial support to the park. Unfortunately this cancellations results in a significant loss of revenue for the Friends of Fort Clinch and subsequently less financial support to the park, but I am sure that they will all agree, that no price can override the safety of the park visitors and cultural value of historic Fort Clinch.
Events such as these can be compared to other park operations, such as prescribed burning… Sometimes, you have the best plans prepared in advance and you are ready to start the show, but other factors, which may impact safety or operations arise which require you to cancel or change plans at the last minute!
I look forward to working with the Friends of Fort Clinch State Park on future events in support of the park and helping us educate our visitors about the Real Florida, the historical significance of Fort Clinch, and our mission of providing resource based recreation, while preserving, interpreting and restoring our natural and cultural resources.
Please feel free to contact me if I can assist you further.”
Respectfully,
Benjamin Faure
[email protected]
In addition, the following information was received from the Umphrey’s and McGee website.
A few Monday morning updates from Team UM:
Immediately following umVIP entry, all The Fort ticket holders will receive early entry into the venue and the first 600 will receive wristbands to allow for first access to the GA pit directly in front of the stage. In addition, The Fort ticket holders will also have access to 100 Level seats to make sure you have the best possible viewing location. While ticketing outlets appear to assign seats, it should be noted the entire venue will be General Admission (with the exception of a small portion of Section 102 reserved for umVIPs). Clickable seat map below.
The early access described above is in addition to the Welker event poster and the audio downloads for both UM and Lettuce shows. The Fort ticket purchasers not interested in these amenities can get a full refund of their tickets and purchase new tickets starting today. Refund info to come. Please note that the $150.00 The Fort ticket price was an all-in price including all service charges and fees. New ticket purchases will be subject to Ticketmaster service fees ($8.70 fee on $99.00 two-day tickets, and $7.70 on $49.50 single day tickets).
An appropriate decision by the Park Manager.