SYRACUSE -- If you bought a ticket to see Bret Michaels perform in Syracuse only to find the show cancelled, you will now get your money back. We are just getting word of it in a news release issued to CNY Central by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.
According to the AG's office, anyone who bought a ticket for the cancelled concert will be reimbursed by Aloha Events, the concert promoter that initially failed to provide restitution. According to the agreement, anyone who paid cash for the August 2010 Bret Michaels show will be refunded for the tickets they purchased. If you paid online using PayPay services, you will get a credit on your account.
"Aloha Events failed to live up to its repeated promises to refund ticket-holders and now it's time to face the music," said Attorney General Schneiderman. "My office will always stand up for consumers who do not receive the products they paid for - whether it be a concert or a major home renovation project. I encourage those with complaints about this issue or any other consumer-related matter to contact us for assistance."
The concert was supposed to take place at the Syracuse Regional Market on August 5th. Aloha Events, LLC, owned by Michael Banks, promoted and sold tickets for the concert. The AG's office says the company failed to make two advance payments to Michaels, but continued to sell tickets up until the day before the show. The concert was then suddenly cancelled when Banks couldn't pay Michaels in full.
Michaels later reportedly sued the concert promoter. Jilted fans even set up this Facebook page for those looking to file a class action lawsuit against the promoter.
According to the settlement, Aloha Events will make monthly payments to the AG's office until everyone who lost their money is reimbursed.
The Attorney General's office received nearly 100 complaints from consumers seeking refunds. The AG's office says customers bought tickets from local bars, restaurants, hair and nail salons, through the concert promoter's girlfriend, son, and members of the warm-up bands.
There is no way to retrace where you bought your tickets, so you need to contact the Attorney General's office to file a complaint. You must include documentation of your ticket purchase and submit your complaint before April 29, 2011. Click here to file a complaint. You can also contact the AG's office at (800) 771-7755.
In light of this situation, the Attorney General has some tips before you buy tickets for any upcoming shows or events:
· When buying tickets, always check the name of the promoter to make sure you are dealing with an established and reputable promoter. In the event of a cancellation, you want to ensure that the promoter has the financial ability to refund ticket-holders.
· Also inquire about the promoters' refund policy to confirm that restitution will be provided in the event of a show delay or cancellation.
