The Florida Strawberry Festival announced that Merle Haggard has canceled his Saturday, March 12, performance at the 2016 event because of health concerns.
Haggard has a persistent reoccurring bout of double pneumonia and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in California. He has had to postpone his concert dates in March, a Haggard representative said. He plans to take one more month off from touring to rest and recover.
The festival's entertainment committee has confirmed Kris Kristofferson as the replacement performer for the 3:30 p.m. show on March 12.
“We are saddened to learn that Merle Haggard won’t be able to join us,” Paul Davis, Florida Strawberry Festival general manager, said. “But we believe we have secured an outstanding replacement whose fan base is very similar to Mr. Haggard’s.”
Kristofferson, a 79-year-old country singer/songwriter and Golden Globe-winning actor, is best known for his hits Me and Bobby McGee, Help Me Make It Through the Night, Sunday Morning Coming Down and more. He has recorded 27 albums, including three with Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson as part of the Highwaymen. Kristofferson previously toured with Haggard and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, among numerous other accolades.
Need a refund?
Tickets already purchased to Merle Haggard’s show can be used for Kris Kristofferson’s show or can be refunded in full by Thursday, March 10, said Davis.
Refund requests and questions about the show should be directed to the festival’s Amscot Main Ticket Office located at 2209 W. Oak Avenue in Plant City. The ticket office can also be reached at (813) 719-6680 or through email at customerserv@flstrawberryfestival.
Kris Kristofferson tickets
Tickets to Kris Kristofferson’s show can be purchased for $35 at FlStrawberryFestival.com, over the phone or at the Amscot Main Ticket Office.
“Kris Kristofferson is the epitome of a country legend,” Davis said. “He is a timeless performer and songwriter and will be a terrific fit for our festival.”
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.