As the days have gone by, the staff at Borderland Music + Arts Festival have tirelessly navigated these ever-changing times, always holding onto hope for a festival in September of this year. As of today, every possible stone has now been turned and they are not able to deliver the full Borderland Festival experience under the current circumstances. “We held onto hope as long as we could throughout the summer, but under the current New York State guidelines we are unfortunately not going to be able to host Borderland at the level our fans have grown to enjoy and love,” said Jennifer Brazill, Borderland Festival Owner. Working within the State of New York guidelines, the Borderland team made the tough decision to move the Borderland Music + Arts Festival to September 2021.

Fans who purchased 2020 'Blind Faith' tickets will have the option to use their ticket for the 2021 festival or request a refund. In addition, 2021 festival tickets are on sale now. These 2021 ‘Blind Faith’ tickets will be the lowest price available for a limited time. In either rolling over their 2020 ticket to 2021 or purchasing a 2021 ‘Blind Faith’ ticket, fans are supporting the festival and helping it survive throughout this next year. “If fans have the financial means to purchase tickets now or in the near future, they will not only be getting the best and lowest price for a 2-day festival ticket but they will also help us maintain our business throughout this next year...everything helps right now,” says Brazill. “We are independent promoters and pour our hearts into these events, so of course it is disappointing, however, we know that the safety of the fans, artists, crew, and community is our first priority.” Brazill goes on to say.

Although mass gatherings are not currently permitted under the CDC guidelines, Borderland Festival has quickly pivoted and created the Split-Rail Series that will debut in August as well as creative ideas for this coming September that would be more manageable under the social distancing rules, yet still engage live bands and fans. The Split-Rail Series will be made up of micro-events involving all the facets of the Borderland brand including curated culinary experiences, environmental awareness, craft vendors and artisans and craft beer. All events will highlight live music and support various regional non-profit organizations and will be more controllable for social distancing as well as safe and managed for bands. “We plan to start local and branch out to downtown restaurants and businesses, creating a deeper connection through community and music as well as encouraging giving back. We hope the Borderland fans have trust in the brand we have created to know we will do our best to keep the music and the spirit of the community alive and bright,” said Brazill.

For the first Split-Rail Series event, Borderland has partnered with MUSEjar in East Aurora as well as local chefs to curate an evening with the Kemp Adeyola Quartet and members of The Historic Colored Musicians Club, and a New Orleans style menu inspired by the infamous Jazz Festival. The event will take place on Sunday, August 23rd (on-sale Monday, Aug 3) and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support organizations that focus on racial intolerance and social justice. This is an outdoor event with a very limited capacity under the COVID guidelines and is expected to sell out quickly.

Borderland Festival also has plans to raise money for local music venues who remain closed indefinitely. Brazill states that “Music is at the heartbeat of everything we do as a brand, and we need to support our local community and friends. We are coming up with new ideas every day, so we hope that everyone can hang in with us as we ride these unpredictable waves.”