Floydfest July 22-26, 2020

Ok, well, then there's that...

It is from deep reflection that I write to you today. I have given great thought to the many voices that were in opposition of CeeLo Green’s appearance at FloydFest 2020~Vision Quest. You see, as the talent buyer, I take the musical choices very seriously, for I truly love all forms of music. There’s a great power and message in music. A power and message that seems to transcend the world’s seeming negativity. However, there is also great consequence in our behaviors, both collectively and individually. When I booked CeeLo Green I had no knowledge of his past history outside of his incredible contributions to music. However, you have spoken, and I have listened. Listening is what I do for a living and make no mistake, it’s difficult to hear through the cacophony of noise in today’s world. FloydFest was created as a space where all voices are heard. We only wish to celebrate the incredible journey that is life. We seek to raise our spirits as we navigate our trials and tribulations in a dream made real so that we can and will overcome our lesser selves in order to dance and be grateful for this incredible opportunity. With that said, I have decided to remove CeeLo Green from the coming FloydFest’s lineup in hopes that we all give pause to forgive ourselves and each other as we seek to create a better and more peaceful world. I only ask that we all take time to love one another, for no one on this beautiful planet is free from making mistakes. Now, without further ado, let’s get this party started. Stay tuned, as we have many wonderful headliners and additions yet to be announced!

With so much love,

Kris Hodges

I'm sure that they didn't want to listen to the bitching for the next nine months but I think it sets a precedent that will be difficult to reconcile in the future. While I most certainly do not condone CeeLo's actions I do believe in redemption and second chances. God knows I've needed them myself. I guess that they will have to do thorough background checks on all artists in the future. Good luck with that.

Cancel culture has become pretty toxic. I don't really know Ceelo Green's story (or him, or his music, or whatever), but I think it's a bad road to go down to decide to shun a person from society for something they said, without any hope for redemption, contrition, or forgiveness.

Kris Hodges' syrupy statement about FF in general is enough to make me stay away. Bleh. Written like a tenth grader.

This was a market research fail. Back pedaling due to the outcry is very unprofessional. If you were an artist would you sign with this guy?

We don’t know how many emails, calls, tweets, private messages they got.

I know CeeLo’s music only through Gnarls Barkley and have no knowledge of said controversy. However, it seems completely negligent that Vinnie, a fervent but unpaid music fan, would be more aware than the booking agent for Floyd. If I was the insurer, I would deny any claim and if I was CeeLo I wouldn’t return any money assuming the contract was signed after the incident(s?) became public. And I am making that assumption or at least they failed to exercise the “embarrassing behavior” clause before announcing the lineup, which could be seen as implicit acceptance of his actions. In a normal business, there would be firings.

I do think that "cancel culture" can get a bit problematic. I think the equalization of bad deeds is a big problem. I'm plenty guilty of being a bad guy many times in the not so distant past.

However, that said, if Cee Lo did the things he's accused of doing, I don't believe he deserves a second chance. That's just my opinion, though. Regardless, Cee Lo appears to still be doing damned well for himself, and he has that Gnarls Barkley and **literally** "F*** You" money.

This as well. It was freaking weird.

Can't imagine the crowd of families singing F You at the top of their lungs with Ceelo.

I heard they were replacing him with Nashville Thunder Pussy to get back to the family friendly vibe and resolve the concern of the metoo folks.

Now here we go...

String Cheese Incident (2 Nights)
Turkuaz w/Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew "Remain In Light Turns 40" - F YES.
Toots and the Maytals
Leftover Salmon
Brent Cobb

More names:

Cory Wong (Of Vulfpeck)
Keller Williams
Robert Randolph & The Family Band
Molly Tuttle (Sweet, hope she has a set with Billy Strings if he ends up there)
All Them Witches (sick)
Southern Avenue
Keller & The Keels (The Best Keller, imo)
Hogslop String Band
The Broadcast (I think I've heard some buzz about this band, will check them out)