Dead End For Abbey Road?

Sunday was the last day of this year’s wonderful Abbey Road on the River festival, and even before the final set was performed, the internet was buzzing with rumors that next year’s festival might be the last for Louisville. On the festival's Facebook page, Gary Jacob, the founder of the annual Beatles tribute says he is ready to move the event to a venue outside of Derby City. Accusing The Galt House hotel of interfering with the festival, which has been staged on the Belvedere since it moved to Louisville from Cleveland in 2004, Jacobs stated:

“Next year, 2016 will be the final year for Abbey Road On The River in Louisville. We had planned to tell all of you last night, but everyone was just having too good a time.

“Actions from The Galt House Hotel first compelled us to partner with the Marriott as our host hotel for next year (2016), but now we realize our hard work and our efforts are being undermined by The Galt House, and they think somehow Abbey Road on The River is theirs.

“It's not. It's ours, and so we will spend the next year either finding someone in Louisville who wants to buy Abbey Road On The River or find a new city and a hotel up the 1-71 corridor where the hotel to who you bring millions of dollars in travel business since 2005 does not do things that are harmful to the festival just because they think they can.

“We have informed all of our major partners, Wave 3 News, The Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau, and The Ali Center, and while I know they wish it was different, they all understand why.

“In short life is too short to be a neighbor with a business who covets your business so much they will stoop to any level to take it. “Oh yeah, 2016 will be a blowout...I/we will make the best farewell party you will ever imagine.”

Shortly after Jacobs’ post, The Galt House issued this statement:

"The Galt House Hotel is deeply disappointed by the announcement to move Abbey Road on the River in 2017 from Louisville. This festival has been a staple in the community and is adored by many. The Galt House Hotel is dedicated to driving business to the city and supporting local events. We wish them the best moving forward and hope they reconsider on the decision to leave Louisville."

Local civic leaders were caught flatfooted by this development, but Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer issued a statement saying he hopes something can be worked out.