After 16 years of bay breezes, sunburns and pentatonic scales at Eureka’s Halversen Park, Redwood Coast Music Festivals has announced that it is suspending the 2013 edition of Blues by the Bay. The non-profit noted that “fixed costs for security, stage, sound and lighting, fencing, insurance and headline artists have been steadily increasing,”  but also stated that it hopes to bring back the annual September lickfest in 2014.

Read RCMF’s full press release below:

The Board of Directors for Redwood Coast Music Festivals Inc. (RCMF) announced today that the organization is suspending production of the annual “Blues By The Bay” outdoor concert for 2013. “We hope to be back, bigger and better than ever in 2014” added RCMF Board President Lynn McKenna.

The event has been presented at Eureka’s Halverson Park for the last 16 years, with the strong support of the City of Eureka, financial contributions from many community sponsors and business partners, and the assistance of hundreds of dedicated volunteers. “We would like to thank everyone who has supported Blues by the Bay,” said McKenna.

Over the last several years, the economic downturn has contributed to diminished ticket sales and a decrease in sponsor contributions, advertising revenue and other funding sources. At the same time, fixed costs for security, stage, sound and lighting, fencing, insurance and headline artists have been steadily increasing.

In planning responsibly for these effects, and considering the contingency of weather, the Board has regretfully decided to forego this year’s event.

McKenna stated: “The Board of Directors decided not to produce a shrunken Blues by the Bay event. Our friends, volunteers and attendees have come to expect a spectacular, two day festival, with nationally recognized headline Blues performers, lots of interesting vendors, and a safe, secure, family friendly atmosphere. After 16 years of successful productions, we do not want to stage anything less than an excellent event. Cost constraints and responsible revenue projections make that impossible at this time.”

RCMF is a non-profit, tax exempt organization, managed by an all volunteer Board of Directors. Revenues from staged productions go to support Senior and youth music groups and programs throughout Humboldt County.