JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. — The Carly Pearce concert in Jeffersonville scheduled for Saturday has been canceled, and city officials are now claiming Pearce won't refund the money it paid her for the performance.
Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore called the situation "disheartening."
Pearce was set to perform during a free concert hosted by the city, called Jammin' in Jeff at the River Stage.
The Jeffersonville city attorney posted the following on the city's Facebook page:
"Carly Pearce has just informed city officials that she has cancelled her performance at tonight’s Jeff Goes Country due to her concerns of severe weather potentially developing later this evening. Unfortunately, Carly Pearce refused the city’s request to take the stage early as way to avoid any threat of severe weather and more importantly, so the show could safely happen. The city is disappointed in Carly Pearce’s decision."
Pearce's team sent WHAS11 News a statement saying:
"The overwhelming consensus and suggestion from officials – including local law enforcement and city staff – was to cancel out of an abundance of caution and concern for safety of everyone involved or attending. This was a collective safety decision made by all parties to cancel, and never was there any request made to Carly to go on early, as the weather was still a possible threat.
Also want to note that the weather forecast included lightning, which was a particularly important variable here as the stage itself is on a barge in the river.
Additionally, there has not been anything about future shows discussed with Carly or her team at all at this time."
The county music singer addressed the cancellation on Twitter.
In the post, Pearce said the cancellation was due to inclement and severe weather forecasts for the area.
"The safety of my fans, my band and crew is always my number one priority," Pearce said. "As a result, it’s become clear that performing tonight will not be possible. Please stay safe and I can’t wait to see you all again soon."
Moore said Pearce's team cancelled the performance just before 6 p.m.
After the cancellation, Moore said the city asked Pearce to return the $75,000 it paid her for the performance.
Moore said Pearce's team declined, citing the agreed upon contract which allows Pearce to keep the money given her cancellation was due to "an act of God."
When asked if she would return to Jeffersonville later in the year to perform, Moore claims Pearson's team declined.
Moore said the city paid an additional $20,000 or so for Pearce's team of writers. He said the city incurred additional costs with city police and fire working overtime for the free public concert.
According to Moore, the concert had strict safety protocols regarding if a severe weather event were to take place.
We will update this story with more information as we receive it.
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