Ricky Dillard & New G have withdrawn from the Sweet Sweet Spirit Tour, with management saying unresolved concerns and unmet commitments prompted the decision. Houston-area artists James Fortune and Zacardi Cortez also will not appear, according to Creative Classic Agency.
In a statement posted to Dillard’s official Facebook account, management said the tour’s start date had changed, several shows had been rescheduled or canceled, and additional schedule and production changes were proposed days before opening night.
Management said Dillard was engaged as a performer and was not the promoter. It said he did not produce, finance, book or operate the tour, sell tickets or control ticket proceeds.
The statement also said Dillard did not solicit or accept investments, sponsorships or partnerships in the tour and authorized no one to do so on his behalf. It directed ticket, refund and investment questions to the promoter and said legal counsel was reviewing the matter.
The advertised schedule included a Houston concert Dec. 8. Love City Church in Birmingham confirmed cancellation of its Oct. 9 concert, saying it served solely as the venue and directing transaction questions to the promoter or original point of purchase.
A screenshot of a post attributed to Cortez alleged that money had been stolen and performers had prepared for a tour that would not happen. The post did not name the person he accused.
Houston singer Kim Burrell expressed support for those affected, naming Dillard, Fortune, Cortez and other advertised performers.“Showing love to everyone impacted by the Sweet Sweet Spirit Tour!” she wrote.
Social media posts identified Marcus Penn as the promoter and circulated allegations concerning ticket revenue and investor payments. A LaSalle Show post reported allegations that Penn collected ticket funds and became unreachable. Commentator Javer Stubbs Jr. separately circulated claims involving a $30,000 payment and purported legal filings. Those allegations and filings have not been independently verified for this report.
The materials reviewed do not include a response from Penn or confirmed refund instructions for the Houston date.
