Country FanJam flops as few show up

The debut of Country FanJam, a music festival booked for the same weekend as CMA Fest, was a bust.

Country FanJam was canceled after two days because of bad attendance and financial problems. The festival was marketed as an authentic country music option and an alternative to CMA Fest. Tickets cost $100 for a four-day pass or $35 for a one-day ticket.

Nashville Fairgrounds Executive Director Buck Dozier said that Country FanJam organizer Dale Guthery told potential vendors that he was expecting as many as 8,000 fans.

But Dozier said two dozen or less people attended events on Thursday and Friday, before fairgrounds officials organized Guthery to pull the plug mid-day on Saturday. Dozier said Country FanJam had paid the city approximately $70,000 in rental fees and still owed around $9,000.

"When it all came about, I don't know how many tickets he actually sold, but nobody was showing up," Dozier said.

When it was known as Fan Fair, CMA Fest was held at the fairgrounds, and many fans maintain fond memories of those years. But the current iteration of CMA Fest has turned into a tourism juggernaut with more than $40 million in direct visitor spending expected at this year's festival. CMA Fest also offers dozens of free performances by top artists.

In a post on his Facebook page, Guthery, who did not respond to a request for comment, expressed remorse over the festival's lack of success.

"I had a vision to bring roots country music to the fairgrounds Nashville and fully intended to complete that task," Guthery said, "but with very low attendance numbers and financial constraints I felt it was better to cancel the last two days.

"I deeply regret that the Country FanJam 2015 only lasted two days, but I'm glad for those who got to play and watch for the two days we had. I will make things right and those who believe in Country FanJam thank you for your support and prayers."

Becky Chaffee, owner of Violettes, a Knoxville-based company that designs and produces handmade musical instrument-themed purses, said the failed festival proved costly for her. In addition to the $250 booth rental fee, Chaffee said the cost of traveling and the lost revenue she could have made at another event in the prime summer weekend was significant.

Her products are for sale at the Cowboys & Angels store inside the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center and online at www.violettesbybecky.com. Chaffee said she has contested the PayPal charges she paid to rent her booth space.

"I spent two weeks preparing and put a lot of thought and consideration into getting ready," Chaffee said.

Reach Nate Rau at 615-259-8094 and on Twitter @tnnaterau.