How we got here
The music network approached the city in 2021 to partner together and put on the Blue Sage Music Festival later this year, similar to the Kokefest country music festival held in Hutto each year. Toward the end of 2022, the city and the music network sealed the deal on the festival and entered into an agreement, including a partnership with the city's Economic Development Corporation.
The festival in Buda was set to be a one-day event with an expected expansion to a three-day event in the coming years, according to agenda documents.
Additionally, the city and the EDC had agreed to contribute a total of $95,000 to the festival.
Current situation
In June, Texas Music Network notified the city of its intent to cancel the contract and, subsequently, the festival.
The City Council approved the termination of its contract with the music network for the festival Sep. 5. A date had not yet been set, and tickets had not been sold.
The funds from the city and the EDC had not been spent and have been "released back" to other fund balances, according to agenda documents.
Lise Hudson, representative of TMN and market manager for Austin Radio Network, told Community Impact there is no comment or additional information about the festival's cancellation. TMN's Kokefest was also canceled without reason earlier this year.
What's next?
The city and EDC could still negotiate to bring forth a similar festival next year.
