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State of the Arts Blog
Euan Kerr

Cosby cancels Minneapolis shows for slow ticket sales

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Comedian Bill Cosby today cancelled  two concerts scheduled for May 31 at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.

The Minnesota Orchestra, which was presenting the shows, said in a release that the cancellations were due to "lower than anticipated ticket sales." They will be rescheduled at some as yet unspecified date, orchestra officials said.

The Cosby shows were originally planned for February 2013, but fell victim to the orchestra's 16-month contract dispute with its musicians, whom management locked out of the concert hall. The battle also led to the cancellation of all the concerts in the 2012-2013 season.

In the Minnesota Orchestra release , Cosby said, “I was asked to move the date two times because of the labor dispute, and I complied even though I don’t use a band.  When these performances are reset, I guarantee to perform two shows.  Orchestra Hall and its supporters are my friends.”

Minnesota Orchestra General Manager Bob Neu said in the release that the orchestra apologizes for disappointing the iconic comedian's fans, "but we very much respect Mr. Cosby’s desire to perform before full capacity audiences."

Ticket holders will receive a full refund.