J. Cole's Dreamville Festival has been postponed amid ongoing coronavirus-related concerns surrounding large public gatherings.
"While this decision has been extremely difficult to make, the safety of our fans, artists, and staff is always our top priority, and nothing will ever take precedence over your well-being," a festival rep said in a statement on Friday, noting that the new date is Aug. 29. "We now encourage everyone to follow the guidelines and various preventive measures put forth by local and national health authorities."
The statement also notes that a lineup for the 2020 edition of the festival was originally slated to be announced this week. That announcement, however, is now expected “as early as next week” following re-confirmations and other presumed shufflings.
The second annual edition of the music festival was originally set for April 4 at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, where it will remain for the new August date. All previously purchased tickets will be honored, while those unable to make it in August will be offered refunds.
J. Cole's festival wasn't the only music event to take a hit today. The organizers for Pharrell's Something in the Water announced the annual festival will not take place this year due to concerns over coronavirus.
"After much consideration, in partnership with the City of Virginia Beach, we’ve sadly decided to postpone SOMETHING IN THE WATER 2020," organizers wrote in a statement. "We will return April 23-25, 2021 as part of our normal annual schedule. All tickets for 2020 will be honored for next year’s festival. Purchasers will be notified by Friday, March 20th on how to obtain a refund if they are unable to attend."
The Dreamville and Something in the Water postponements come after a wave of similar announcements from a swath of festivals, including Coachella—which will now take place in October—and SXSW. Multiple individual artist dates and tours have also been affected by coronavirus concerns.
If you're not privy on how to keep the hygiene vibes up, please consult this handy CDC guide. Also, it's recommended that everyone avoid listening to faux cure-peddling televangelists.
