The Legends of Bluegrass & Country Music Festival, scheduled for October 6-8 in Columbia MS, has been canceled as a result of the damage suffered in the area from hurricane Katrina. The festival does not appear to have an online presence but the phone number they had listed for festival information prior to the storm was 800-837-0785.

On another storm-related note, the 8th annual Blue Ridge Harvestfest, held that same weekend in Lafayette LA, has decided to turn over 100% of its net proceeds for disaster relief. The festival will be held October 7-9 and features performances by Del McCoury, Tim O’Brien, Larry Keel and a great many other roots and Americana artists. This year’s event is also dedicated to the memory of Vassar Clements, and a band contest has been instituted in his name.

Visit the web site for High Sierra Music to learn more about the agency which will administer the proceeds of the festival to disaster relief agencies, or to make a direct donation to their efforts.

UPDATE 9/24: The Blue Ridge Harvestfest web site now indicates that this year’s event has been canceled.