NORTH LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A country music concert in memory of 1 October victims has been canceled, and many who bought tickets say they've been ripped off.
The 24 hour country music festival was scheduled to be held May 10 at Craig Ranch Regional Park in North Las Vegas, but the company says it plans to release new information next week about the new dates for the concert.
However, before the cancellation and as that original date got closer, many on social media began to share their stories that they haven't heard from the business about the concert lineup, what happened to their money, and why no one at 24 Hours of Country gave them the time of day.
Tickets were advertised online for roughly $50 for a one-day wristband with a 3-day wristband going for more than $125.
Nebojsa Krkeljas' Prince Café Restaurant on Flamingo Road and Rainbow Boulevard hoped to be a food vendor at the event in memory of the 58 victims and to support survivors from the 1 October shooting.
"She (festival director) never gave us the official information, so that's why for me, it was a little bit weird," Krkeljas said.
The restaurant was in communication online with Sarah Summers, identified as a festival director, and she had them convinced - sharing an emotional 1 October story - but then she turned down the business' offer to send in a check as they've done for other festivals.
"She was asking us to give her cash... $1,600," Krkeljas said.
He told 13 Action News that Summers then requested to meet at Craig Ranch Park but disappeared after.
"Shame on her," Krkeljas said.
13 Action News attempted to reach out numerous times on the company's phone line to speak with Summers - messages were not returned seeking comment.
Those would-be concertgoers seeking information have also shared with 13 Action News that Summers' name was also connected to another 1 October concert where finances were called into question.
The business 24 Hours of Country, LLC is registered through the Nevada Secretary of State's Office. The managing partner was identified on state records as Michael Netherton.
13 Action News visited the address provided to the state in North Las Vegas, but no one was home.
Messages left for Netherton on the company voicemail were also not returned either.
24 Hours of Country has pulled its social media, and on its website, a statement says that in part that two major sponsors pulled out: "We apologize to everyone involved for this unfortunate set of circumstances."
However, the statement also unleashed on anyone asking consumer-related questions or questioning why their concerns were not responded to by 24 Hours of Country:
"Any such notion being distributed anywhere by anyone that this was a scam is an unfair judgment on the owner and 24 Hours of Country. As like any other business, we reinvested earnings into the business. No money has been mishandled or spent on a lavish lifestyle or any of that, that some individuals would like you to believe."
If 24 Hours of Country does indeed reschedule the concert, Krkeljas told 13 Action News he doesn't plan to be a part of it.
"It's just a shame what they did," he said.
