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Wakarusa announces it will 'take 2016 off'
Posted on 12/17/15 at 4:55 pm
Posted on 12/17/15 at 4:55 pm
https://www.arktimes.com/RockCandy/archives/2015/12/17/wakarusa-announces-it-will-take-2016-off
Sorry if this is old news:
Sorry if this is old news:
quote:
An email from the folks at Wakarusa, the annual music festival at Mulberry Mountain, claims they'll be taking 2016 off due to financial problems. The letter makes reference to pending legal actions against "partners" who "lied" to festival management. So far, they're calling it a "hiatus" rather than a complete shut-down, so there's some good news.
quote:
It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you that Wakarusa will take 2016 off.
?#?Wakarusa? has been a labor of love for all of us these last twelve years. We have been defiantly independent and unique since our inception. Together we created a magical 5 day event that stood out from the rest. We've taken great pride in what we've created with you and for you over the last decade plus. The Waka community (friends, family, fans, musicians, artists, performers, volunteers, staff) has really been the heart and soul of what Wakarusa IS. This community shares a natural passion for what is truly genuine. Wakarusa is wonderfully original - it is organic, mystical and always marvelously weird, and like Wakarusa, you too are decidedly different and perfectly magnificent.
As such, you deserve to know the principal reason behind our hiatus:
Wakarusa was significantly damaged by partners claiming to share our vision. Sadly, they lied. They are being dealt with appropriately through the legal system. Further, we have found that the universe is often much more effective in dealing with these perpetrators than the legal system. Regardless, it is our sincere hope and anticipation that what we have built together - we will once again enjoy on our beloved and magical mountain.
For now, we shall dust ourselves off. We must take time to recharge our faith and our energy. Passionate people do not throw in the towel because of a bump in the road. We look brightly toward the future. We will bring more music and more art and many more wickedly unrivaled memories. We know the world is a better place when there is more music and more love.
Our scrape with the unsavory has lead us to realize what is most important to us, which is all of YOU (you and you...and you too). So in our brief absence, please stay in touch and look out for each other. Take special care to really nurture what is most important in each of your lives. There is simply too much to be down or discouraged about in this world. Be the beacon of joy and hope - we need more of that in this world. So now we do ask that you share your positive energy with us. We'll use it as our strength and inspiration to create an even better WAKA experience that is ever more magical. With your help, we will bring Wakarusa back to Mulberry Mountain.
Until then, be safe, spread your positivity and your light and remember to always remain marvelously weird!
4
Posted on 12/17/15 at 5:05 pm to whataboar
pipeline is toast. They've been in a legal battle for a year now and been able to make 0 revenue. I figured they were done for when they cancelled Phases. The lineup was a killer. Would have had travelling wookies from everywhere for it.
Posted on 12/17/15 at 5:33 pm to whataboar
Lover Wala when I went. I hope it makes a comeback.
Posted on 12/17/15 at 7:06 pm to whataboar
Damn, now I won't have worry about hippies on my property trying to hide their drugs a week before the festival.
They are like squirrels putting that shite in holes near trees, under rocks, etc, and it isn't there once they go back for it...
They are like squirrels putting that shite in holes near trees, under rocks, etc, and it isn't there once they go back for it...
Posted on 12/17/15 at 8:03 pm to DaleDenton
I laughed pretty good when I saw this earlier today. frick Mosiman.
Wakarusa was a net-negative in my view. I'm pretty sure there was little tax benefit to the state outside of people getting gas and buying food along the way. Few dollars in the form of traditional tourism revenue streams.
The ecological impact of the druggie campout didn't help the Mulberry or the Ozark Nat'l Forest.
The one thing it did do was help bring people here and for the most part gave them a nice experience and they'll visit again and again.
I think most of the illegal drugs that the event trafficked and created a market for should be legal so that's really never been my gripe w/ the event but rather that our state was getting taken advantage of and Pipeline was banking huge sales and none of that was taxed. The radius clauses also hurt Arkansas music venues as none of the artists on Pipeline shows could be booked for months before or after Waka.
I'm sad for the folks that love music and festivals as their lineups were typically pretty stellar and the private venue kept a lot of people from getting arrested and having their lives ruined over having a fun arse weekend, but frick their mgmt. It'll be alot harder for locals to see shows now, as it's a huge risk to promote music and the Amp kinda sucks.
Wakarusa was a net-negative in my view. I'm pretty sure there was little tax benefit to the state outside of people getting gas and buying food along the way. Few dollars in the form of traditional tourism revenue streams.
The ecological impact of the druggie campout didn't help the Mulberry or the Ozark Nat'l Forest.
The one thing it did do was help bring people here and for the most part gave them a nice experience and they'll visit again and again.
I think most of the illegal drugs that the event trafficked and created a market for should be legal so that's really never been my gripe w/ the event but rather that our state was getting taken advantage of and Pipeline was banking huge sales and none of that was taxed. The radius clauses also hurt Arkansas music venues as none of the artists on Pipeline shows could be booked for months before or after Waka.
I'm sad for the folks that love music and festivals as their lineups were typically pretty stellar and the private venue kept a lot of people from getting arrested and having their lives ruined over having a fun arse weekend, but frick their mgmt. It'll be alot harder for locals to see shows now, as it's a huge risk to promote music and the Amp kinda sucks.
Posted on 12/18/15 at 10:19 am to CtotheVrzrbck
quote:
I laughed pretty good when I saw this earlier today. frick Mosiman.
Wakarusa was a net-negative in my view. I'm pretty sure there was little tax benefit to the state outside of people getting gas and buying food along the way. Few dollars in the form of traditional tourism revenue streams.
The ecological impact of the druggie campout didn't help the Mulberry or the Ozark Nat'l Forest.
The one thing it did do was help bring people here and for the most part gave them a nice experience and they'll visit again and again.
I think most of the illegal drugs that the event trafficked and created a market for should be legal so that's really never been my gripe w/ the event but rather that our state was getting taken advantage of and Pipeline was banking huge sales and none of that was taxed. The radius clauses also hurt Arkansas music venues as none of the artists on Pipeline shows could be booked for months before or after Waka.
I'm sad for the folks that love music and festivals as their lineups were typically pretty stellar and the private venue kept a lot of people from getting arrested and having their lives ruined over having a fun arse weekend, but frick their mgmt. It'll be alot harder for locals to see shows now, as it's a huge risk to promote music and the Amp kinda sucks.
The guys that do highberry are far better people and it looks like Highberry will be on the mountain this year according to the facebooks. This will probably turn into a huge positive as those guys are more about good times and good music than just making the all mighty dollar.
Posted on 12/18/15 at 6:22 pm to whataboar
Never went, won't miss it. Dirty hippies!
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