Farewell, MTK Music Festival, We Hardly Knew Ye

Sorry guys.

What is it about Long Island and its inability to let multi-day music festivals blossom? Today organizers of the MTK Music Festival—the fashion-forward, Vampire Weekend-headlined event scheduled for next weekend at the East Hampton Airport—announced that they'd pulled the plug because of low ticket sales. (Reports the East Hampton Press: "The festival needed to sell 5,500 tickets by Saturday in order to go forward, but only sold about half of that amount.") The full official statement below.

It is with heavy, heavy heart that we regret to inform you that the inaugural MTK: Music To Know Festival in East Hampton will not take palce. Despite our unique vision and arranging a world-class line-up, ticket sales were not adequate to allow the event to continue. We wanted to let everyone know now before engaging more deeply.

Along with our ticket holders, vendors, sponsors, business associates, colleagues and friends in the community, we too are filled with deep disappointment. We pledge to endure during this difficult time with the same integrity and professionalism displayed throughout the creation of this event.

Ticket holders should check www.musictoknow.com next week for more information.

Most humbly,
MTK, Music To Know LLC

So much for Mary Kate and Ashley and 2006's most bloggable bands having a party! Meanwhile, the Escape To New York Festival is happening right now, and the reports that have trickled in have made it seem like a pretty fun time; apparently the crowd that came out to see Best Coast and Patti Smith last night was pretty attractive. Thank God for that, right?

UPDATE: Newsday reports that organizers of Escape To New York are honoring MTK Music Festival tickets for the remainder of the weekend. So if you have tickets for the now-dunzo MTK and want to head out to the East End this weekend as a consolation, you have something to do!

[Thanks to The Culture Of Me for the tip]