Sugarland Forced To Cancel Date Following State Fair Tragedy

Sugarland is dealing with the tragedy that occurred at the Indiana State Fair Saturday night (8/13). Just before the duo was scheduled to perform, high winds caused the stage to collapse, killing five people. [See previous report below].

The band, who is touring with opener Sara Bareilles, was forced to cancel its show the following night (8/14) at the Iowa State Fair. According to the Iowa Festival: “Aside from coping with the magnitude of the accident, the ongoing investigation prevents the band from getting what may remain of their stage equipment.”

In the wake of the disaster, Jennifer Nettles posted this statement on the band’s official website:

I am so moved. Moved by the grief of those families who lost loved ones. Moved by the pain of those who were injured and the fear of their families. Moved by the great heroism as I watched so many brave Indianapolis fans actually run toward the stage to try and help lift and rescue those injured. Moved by the quickness and organization of the emergency workers who set up the triage and tended to the injured. There are no words to process a moment of this magnitude and gravity. There are only prayers for peace in the hearts of the bereft, and prayers of thanksgiving for those who were spared or safe. A piece of our heart is left in that grandstand. May God provide peace and healing to the people of Indianapolis.

We wish to pass along our most sincere thanks for the messages of love, prayer, and support from our fan family. We’ll post any further updates here as they become available.

[Original post 8/14] Five people were killed and more than 40 others were injured Saturday (8/13) at the Indiana State Fair’s Sugarland concert. [Photos here.]

The stage collapsed during heavy rain and high winds before the start of the concert. The winds were estimated at between 60 and 70 mph.

“We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and the people of Indianapolis. We hope you’ll join us. They need your strength,” was Tweeted on Sugarland’s Twitter account after the accident. According to Sugarland reps, the band and its crew are safe.

A memorial service was scheduled for today (8/15) for those who died during the tragedy. The state fair was to re-open following the service.