As of 10 August, 2005 it appears that the promoter of the Rockabilly Revue Weekender has cancelled the show. We attempted to contact Shawn Swords of Character Driven Productions who was putting on the Rockabilly Revue Weekender and he was unavailable for comment to us here at Rock-it Radio. However Sheree Homer has sent the following message to us and our heart goes out to her for her dedication to Rockabilly and the time and effort in this event she put into it. Only to be cancelled at the last minute by Character Driven Productions. Below is a letter that Sheree had written.
Could you please post this on the Rockabilly Revue Weekender website as well? Thanks Bennie.
From the beginning, I wanted to do something good for rockabilly and its artists, to get the genre more exposure and hopefully gain an even larger fan base. I had the best of intentions, but unfortunately things didn't go as well as I had planned. I apologize to everyone. I really wanted the festival to not only happen but for it to be a success. I was hired as a booking agent and promoter. I worked on a contingency basis, which meant I would get paid at the end. It was more important for me to see the festival and documentary happen. The company that I worked with did not live up to their end of the bargain. They were supposed to handle the financial end of things: to make sure the artists and hotels were paid, the Municipal's fees were covered, and anything else that might need paying for. They assured me that whatever it took, the project would take place. I took that trust and was able to convince the artists to participate. Unfortunately, in the process a lot of people were disappointed. I was lucky that I got a lot of free publicity. I appreciate everyone who helped in regard to that, whether it was postings on websites, handing out flyers, or by word of mouth. I did not know that there wasn't any money for the project until it was too late. A month before show time didn't allow me enough time to find sponsors on my own. I have learned from this experience. I found out a lot of things about people. I perhaps am a little too trusting. I hope I get another chance to promote a festival, and I assure everyone that if I get that opportunity I will make sure that there is money up front (an actual budget), and I will make sure I know what I am going to get paid instead of taking someone's word. This has not soured me on rockabilly, not at all. I will continue to support it, promote it, and most of all love it.
As owner and operator of Rock-it Radio -- It is my opinion to see several hours of preparation that took place for this event -- To see it suddenly cancelled by Shawn Swords, and Character Driven Productions after giving his word that this event would be covered financially, and then cancelled a month left is inconceivable. Any recording artist that books with this organization in the future should be warned of those associated with Character Driven Productions. Rock-it Radio has promoted and advertised for this show out of Good Faith for the Rockabilly community. But our heart goes out to Sheree Homer who truly worked non stop on this project. And to have it cancelled just a month before the showing is nothing short of shameless.
If you wish to contact Mr. Swords and Character Driven Productions on this matter of cancellation at the following addresses:
The Character Driven Films Website (though there is no guarantee how long this will stay open). Click here for Character Driven Films website.
Character Driven Films Mailing Address:
Character Driven Films
Attn: Shawn Swords
1217 Walnut St.
Coatsville, Pa. 19320
Phone Number: (610) 590-0444
Those seeking Refunds and Reimbursements should attempt to contact these numbers and addresses for this event.
Or you can E Mail Mr. Swords at: Shawn@Characterdrivenfilms.com
FastCounter by bCentral