Jane, I meant I had been impressed with the general organization of the fest... the line-up, the price, the nice website, the ease of buying tickets and low service fees, etc... and yes even the location seemed pleasant enough, even though I've never specifically been at this park, I don't think.
As for them contacting us... I had bought my tickets online and printed them at home, so first of all they should have my email address from that. Second, there's a place on their website (on the left side) to sign up for their email list to "get updates emailed to you", which I've done twice (while doing it the other day, I remembered doing it before). I had done the same on the Chesapeake Bay Blues Fest's site, and they'd sent me emails informing me of both The Animals cancelling and Blood Sweat & Tears taking their place. I have yet to receive anything from HAB. And third, for people like Jane who aren't in their system, they have a News page on their site, which finally was updated today. It doesn't say anything they didn't know a couple days ago (considering the band line-up part had been updated a couple days ago), and I'm guessing way before that even, but I personally think they wanted to put a little cushion between the early-bird deadline and their news post. I notice they remembered to post on 5/28 reminding us the early bird deadline was approaching. I gotta be honest, from a business perspective, and depending on how ticket sales were going, I might've made the same decision in their shoes... but it's still a little slimy. Anyway, here's what the News page now says:
Line-Up Change
Jun 3, 2009
A tour schedule change has resulted in the cancellation of Davy Knowles & Back Door Slams appearance at the 2009 Hot August Blues & Roots Festival. Although unfortunate, this opening in the line-up has afforded Hot August Blues & Roots the opportunity to add Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, recently nominated for the 2009 Americana Music Awards in the category of Best Album.
This is the first artist cancellation in the 17 year history of the Hot August Blues & Roots Festival and while we are disappointed by the cancellation from Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam, we are extremely excited to welcome Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and we are very confident that all Hot August Blues & Roots guests will undoubtedly enjoy another incredible day of music at this years festival.
2009 Hot August Blues & Roots Festival Line-Up:
The Derek Trucks Band
Joe Bonamassa
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Batala All Women Percussion Band
Chopteeth AfroFunk Big Band
Old Man Brown
Well anyway, at this point, I'm looking forward to checking out this replacement band, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit... I still haven't even taken the time to sample them online, but I will then.
And I still don't blame Davy one bit for the decision that was made. It's not like he had committed to opening a whole tour with one band and then pulled out because a better touring opportunity popped up... we're talking 2 relatively minor dates he cancelled. I feel it would be selfish of me to get pissed about MY show, when this is clearly a big opportunity for his budding career. Also, I'm betting he does do something to make it up to the areas where he had to cancel.
--Vik 
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