On May 6 Goldenvoice and AEG Live delivered the sad news that FYF Fest 2018 has been canceled and ticket buyers will soon be contacted to receive full refunds. "Our team of many women and men have worked tirelessly on this event for many years," their message read, "but felt unable to present an experience on par with the expectations of our loyal fans and the Los Angeles music community this year."
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According to Billboard, "Disappointing ticket sales in April are to blame for the cancelation." Tickets had gone on sale on April 6 for FYF Fest, which featured an impressive lineup anchored by headliners Florence & The Machine and multiple GRAMMY winner Janet Jackson.
Despite this year's setback, Jenn Yacoubian, who has been with FYF Fest since 2009, promised its signature "great experience" will be back. The festival's social media announcement also tantalized L.A. live-music lovers, saying, "We will be announcing some special local shows soon, featuring some of the amazing artists from the 2018 lineup."
Festivals provide some of the most enjoyable summer news and the strong women in FYF Fest's roster impressed everyone hungry for greater progress. Many factors must fall into place to make big events succeed so this strategic retreat is hopefully for the best. The smaller venues expected to be announced shortly may not add up to complete consolation, but they're bound to be worth seeing.
In the meantime, Jackson will be touring cross-country in July and Florence Welch & Co. begin their British tour with the Rolling Stones later this month. And of course, there are plenty of additional festival options still on the horizon in 2018.
