Hedley concert at Kitchener's Aud still on, refunds possible

The City of Kitchener held a meeting Thursday evening to re-evaluate next week's upcoming Hedley concert aftercallsfor the show to be cancelled. But staff said Friday the show will go on.

"In light of recent info coming out about Hedleyand the band members, we just wanted to regroup to have a conversation," Kitchener city communications representative, Colleen Collins, saidin an interview with CBCNews Friday.

• 'It is disgusting': Kitchener woman wants Hedley concert cancelled
• Hedley concert in Kitchener still a go despite Windsor's cancellation

She said the city has been monitoring the situation, but has a contract with Live Nation an events promoter and venue operator that the city "intends to honour, which means the Hedleyconcert will go on as scheduled next Saturday evening."

Hedley is set to perform at city-owned The Audarena in Kitchener on March10, despite a show the next night inWindsor being cancelledCaesars Windsor is the first venue to cancel one of the shows on the Canadian pop-rock band's tour.

• 'I said stop': Ottawa woman accuses Hedley singer Jacob Hoggard of rape

The Canadian pop-rock band has been under fire sincesexual misconduct allegationsagainst the band began swirling two weeks ago. This week,CBCNews reportedthe story of anOttawa womanwho accusedthe lead singer of the band, JacobHoggard,of rape.

Concert concern

Thursday, downtown Kitchener residentKara Weilerwrote a letterto Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, city councillor Sarah Marsh and CBC News asking the city to cancel the concert, or explain why it hadn't.

"The allegations of sexual misconduct against the band, and more recently, the allegations of rape against their lead singer, are horrendous," saidWeiler in her letter.

"Knowing this band is still on tour and many cities, including my own, are refusing to take action is disgusting."

The city responded to her letter, but maintained the concert will not be cancelled at this time.

Collins said the citytakespride in providing a safe, inclusiveand welcoming environment for all guestsand encourage any ticket holders who have questions about the show, or how to refund their ticketsto contact the box office at Centre in The Square.

• Hedley ticket holders finding inconsistent refund policies
• Sudbury starts to refund Hedley tickets

She said as of Thursday, the concert is not yet sold out, but tickets are still being sold.

Weiler is not the only Kitchener resident to ask for the concert to be cancelled, said Collins, however the city has also heard from residents who support the concert continuing.

She also said there has not been an "excessive" amount of local residents saying no to Hedley.