Healdsburg Postponed

[David Wren]

Just received an email that the next Healdsburg has been postponed until 2016.

[drcmusic7]

I just got that email too. Very sad as it's a wonderful event. I'm looking forward to when they start back in 2016 and wish them the best as I'm sure it was a hard call.

Kindly,
Danny

[roberts]

Curious to know what the issues are....

[usb_chord]

Dang! Was really looking forward to picking up my Circa at Healdsburg next year. Hope everything is ok with them.

[Dru Edwards]

Really? That's a shame. And the Montreal show has been cancelled.

Do we know why it's been postponed?

[6L6]

My guess is the worst drought on record and the potential of severe water rationing had something to do with it.

[Archtop Guy]

Originally Posted by 6L6

My guess is the worst drought on record and the potential of severe water rationing had something to do with it.

I hope the non-Californians get your "dry" sense of humor.

[Trevor M]

Sad news for many, its do do with the humongous effort involved.

[Kent Chasson]

Originally Posted by roberts

Curious to know what the issues are....

Here's the full email...

Hello,

The Healdsburg Guitar Festival has been presented 10 times in three locations since 1996. In August, 2013 we enjoyed our most successful festival ever. Financially, personally and logistically, we couldn’t have been more pleased.

But after having taken a closer look at our investment, especially in the amount of hours which could have been focused on expanding LMI’s core business, it became obvious that our ‘labor of love’ had many intangible costs, especially to our overworked staff. For this reason we have made the tough decision to postpone the next festival to 2016. All other details are tentative at this point as we are still in negotiations with our hosts at the Hyatt in Santa Rosa. We’ll let you know when we have more information.

No doubt this will come as difficult news to many of you. It has not been an easy decision to make and we understand the ramifications. Besides being a great reunion of friends and colleagues, the festival has been successful in its mission of strengthening the marketplace for handmade instruments. We remain committed to this goal and are confident that after this longer than normal recess that the festival will return stronger than before.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best Regards,
Chris Herrod

[Tim McKnight]

Yes, we just got our email too. Bummer as we had several customers who were eagerly anticipating taking delivery at the 2015 show.

[Joel Stehr]

That must have been a tough call to make!! LMI did an amazing job running the last show. I look forward to 2016!

[iim7V7IM7]

All the more important forums like this become in establishing communication about the craft between luthiers and potential clients...

[Jimmy Caldwell]

I think a lot of folks will be disappointed, but I understand LMI's dilemma. I've displayed at the past 5 festivals and understand the behind the scenes work that it takes to pull one of these off. LMI has done a great job of staging this event and I'm sure that the drain on resources from their core business is driving this decision.

I'm certain that Chris and Natalie will come back as strong as ever for the 2016 event and I look forward to it.

[joe white]

On the positive side, at least it will be on the off year of the ASIA symposium. This might increase attendance at both events. Hard to go to both in the same year.

[theEdwinson]

Oh great, another whole year to get ready! I'll need every minute of it!
Seriously, considering what a gigantic amount of work it is to put a show like the HGF together, I don't begrudge the good folks at LMI a bit of a break. Maybe a real summer vacation for everybody!

And the Guild of American Luthiers is having their convention in Tacoma this summer. I'll be there. Wild, wild horses couldn't drag me away...
I hope all the usual suspects will be attending as well!