Companies unpaid after Halifax Common shows

Severalcompanies are still waiting to be paid for the Black Eyed Peas and Alan Jackson concerts this summer, CBC News has learned.

Commercial Tent, Royal Flush and Tour Tech are among the companies thatprovided services for one or both of the shows on the Halifax Common. Nearly two months later, theyhave yet to be paid, CBC was told.

Peter Hendrickson, president of Tour Tech, which provided audio and lighting services, said his company is owed a "considerable" amount, but he wouldn't give details. He said he expected to be paid by now.

Hendrickson said this is the first time this has happened with Power Promotional Events Inc., the promoter of the two events. He said owner Harold MacKay has written to say he's working on a solution,but there was no word on when the money would arrive.

The owners ofsome of theother companies with outstanding bills say they have faith the money will come.

CBC contacted MacKay for a comment. He declined, writing in an email, "No, but thanks for asking."

Provincial tourism and economic development officials say Power Promotional Events has not asked the two departments to provide any financial assistance.

The Black Eyed Peas headlined Halifax Rocks 2010 on July 24. It was supposed to be a two-day festival, but the Friday show featuring Kid Rock was cancelled. No reason was given.

An estimated crowd of 20,000 people turned out for the Black Eyed Peas show, but it's unclear how many people bought tickets. CBC spoke with a number of concertgoers who saw the show for free. Some said they were handed free tickets at the beach.

Country Rockfest 2010, with headliner Alan Jackson, was held Aug. 6-7. MacKay has not provided official turnout numbers about this event either.