Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Cancelled Due To Tropical Storm Hermine

Crew works hard to strike the stage as winds begin to blow.

Panama City Beach, Florida officials and the organizers for the 4th annual Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam have cancelled the popular music event, due to high winds and more than five inches of rain expected on Thursday night (Sept. 1). The three-day event was scheduled to welcome Eric Church, Brad Paisley, Jake Owen and more during Labor Day, Sept. 2-4.

Though the storm is expected to have passed Panama City Beach by Friday morning, there is not enough time to deconstruct the venue, secure the stage and festival tents, and then reconstruct the performance stage and venue. The construction of the festival village and performance stage takes nearly a week to erect. The festival is expected to return in 2017.

“Safety is the first concern for our visitors, country music fans and the festival organizers and sponsors,” said Panama City Beach Mayor Mike Thomas. “I truly appreciate all the planning and work that the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Producers, the Emergency Operations Center, PCB Police Chief Drew Whitman and city staff have done in preparation of having to make this difficult decision. We’re disappointed that we have had to cancel this weekend’s show, but hope all of the fans enjoy their weekend on the beach. We look forward to welcoming the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam back next year.”

“In 30 years of business, this is the first time I’ve even been a part of something like this,” said Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “The owners of Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam are devastated and deeply saddened but are also humbled by the enormous love and response from our fans and the city. Now we need to turn focus to the people who are in the direct line of the storm and pray for God’s direct protection over them. This doesn’t stop us or defeat us. We’ll see you in Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam 2017!”

All tickets purchased through official Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam ticket outlets are eligible for refunds. Fans also have the option of leaving their tickets in the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam ticket system and redeeming them at next year’s festival.

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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