'Sorry to see this': Memphis reacts to Beale Street Music Festival being suspended in 2024

Diana Leyva, Memphis Commercial Appeal
·2 min read

The Beale Street Music Festival, Memphis' three day music festival, has been suspended for 2024.

Kevin Grothe, vice president of sponsorships for Memphis in May, said the cancellation was due to financial losses, a decline in attendance, increasing artists fees and the $1.4 million bill to repair Tom Lee Park.

News of the cancellation drew a variety of responses on social media.

"Other music festivals are still doing well," said one Redditor. "Maybe the Memphis In May board needs to look at what they are doing wrong themselves."

Beale Street Music Festival's Facebook post announcing the suspension drew hundreds of comments, ranging from gratitude for past festivals to people upset that it won't go on. Here's a sampling:

"Very sorry to see this. Used to be such a great festival," said Tami Chandler. "I worked and attended many years. Hope you can find a way to restore it to its former glory."

"Y’all have brought us so much fun for so many years! Thank you for all the good times!" said Jan Papasan Mars. "I am so sad about this news and I hope it comes back in 2025."

"So sad! I enjoyed many years of music fest," said Abby Wallace. "I hope it comes back strong in 2025."

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"Knew it. Memphis always does this crap. One of our biggest tourist attractions run out by a project no one wanted. Been doing this festival every year for 23 yrs. We have friends who come just for this festival," said Julie Henley. "Ridiculous, memphis is supposed to be a music town."

"Don’t blame Tom Lee Park, the blame is on the organizers," said John Dillon. "Show me where that last lineup was a good idea? Take notes from MEMPHO Fest. 46 years, what a shame."

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service for The USA Today Network in Tennessee. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Memphis reacts to Beale Street Music Festival being suspended for 2024