Band Perry show postponed over 'security concern'
The Band Perry's sold-out show at the Freeman Stage was postponed Sunday evening over what the country group's official Facebook page characterized as "heightened security concerns."
The postponement was announced as fans were waiting to get into the Selbyville venue.
"While we are sad we don't get to see you tonight, we love you and consider your well-being and security our top priority," the group said in a statement. "We'll see you soon."
Delaware State Police are investigating the incident that occurred before the concert in which two men made "alarming statements" to an employee at the venue's welcome center at about 2:55 p.m. Sunday, according to a press release from police.
Police are now asking the public to help identify two males that made the "threatening statements."
Police and the band's management were consulted about the sold-out performance after two male subjects entered the Americana Bayside Welcome Center located at 31254 Americana Parkway and made alarming statements to an employee at the desk, according to police.
Since it is an ongoing investigation, police said specific details will not be released yet.
The suspects depicted in the surveillance photos are white males between the ages of 20-30. One was wearing a green T-shirt and shorts, and the other a purple T-shirt and blue shorts.
The concert has been rescheduled for Aug. 17. Patrons who had bought tickets for the July 3 show can get refunds if they are unable to make it to the next show. Those in need of a refund can call 302-436-3015.
"We apologize that this decision could not be made sooner," the venue said on its website. It added that the threat was specific to the event and not to the surrounding Bayside community.
The concert was set to begin at 7:30 with the opening act, Melissa Alesi. It was called off 15 minutes before she took the stage, said Alyson Cunningham, spokeswoman for the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation.
About 2,400 people had been expected to attend the concert.
It wasn't the first time a Freeman Stage show had to be canceled.
Last year, Roseanne Cash's show was canceled because of weather and couldn't be rescheduled. In 2015, Buckwheat Zydeco had to be moved to a later date, also due to weather concerns.
The public can contact Sergeant G. Windish at 302-856-5850 with any information regarding the incident. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”
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On Twitter @Jeremy_Cox