New York, NY (January 29, 2014)—After making headlines last summer for skipping out on paying many of its vendors, the BottleRock Napa Valley music festival has announced it will return for a second year in 2014, under new management.
BottleRock Napa Valley, held May 5 to 9, 2013, welcomed many top acts for its inaugural year, including Kings of Leon, the Black Keys, Alabama Shakes and the Flaming Lips. However, after five days of headaches the festival caused for the area, news broke that the festival promoters, BR Festivals, had failed to pay many of its artists, employees, vendors and the rent for the Napa Valley Expo space.
In December 2013, a number of investment companies expressed interest in purchasing the BottleRock name and taking over the $5.5 million in debt accrued by the former promoter, BR Festivals. On Tuesday, January 28, it was announced that Latitude 38 Entertainment has purchased the BottleRock name and has signed a deal with Napa officials to hold a festival on May 30 to June 1, 2014. The announcement includes a strong emphasis that this new festival, labeled ‘BottleRock 2.0,’ has no ties to the previous owner, has not purchased the debts “and does not control how BR Festivals handles its debts.”
That said, the new owners are working to mend fences with various parties, according to reports. The Napa Valley Register confirmed that IATSE union Local 16 has agreed to work with Latitude 38, and last year’s audio vendor, Delicate Productions (Camarillo, CA) is also onboard to return for this year’s event.
Organizers say they plan to release a lineup for BottleRock 2.0 in Late February, early March. Tickets will become available around the same time.
