Jan. 22—ROCHESTER — Area musicians and bands say they're withdrawing from a Rochester music festival in July over allegations of sex abuse against a headlining performer.

Nahko Bear, who performs as Nahko, is a headlining performer at Frequency One, a music and holistic healing festival that takes place July 25-27, 2025. The festival, which is alcohol-free, features on-site camping and a schedule of music, art and meditation focused on health and spiritual healing.

Since 2020, multiple people have accused Nahko Bear, who performs as Nahko, of sex abuse and inappropriate contact with minors. The allegations against Nahko haven't resulted in charges nor convictions. In August 2020, Nahko posted a written apology to women who had been hurt by his behavior, but denied any abuse claims.

"I want to be crystal clear that while I am willingly and openly apologizing for the emotional harm I've inflicted and my shameful behavior, I am not apologizing for being something that I am not," Nahko wrote, calling the accusations of assault and sexual contact with minors "completely false."

"I have not, and do not, groom, assault in any form, or have sexual relations or inappropriate communications with underage women," he wrote.

Regional bands Thomas and the Shakes, Loud Mouth Brass and The Histronic have all announced via social media they would not play the festival.

Festival organizers say the push against Nahko is a concerted effort of threats and intimidation based on no convictions or charges. People who have publicly questioned the booking choice say they're trying to inform and advocate transparency.

Nonetheless, organizers say they're committed to Nahko's presence on the lineup.

"We've had some damaging things said, but we're going forward," said Emily Thompson, festival founder and director. "I'm not going to cancel for bullies."

Eric Fitzpatrick, Thompson's partner, said he doesn't see a logical reason to drop Nahko from the festival lineup.

"We have laws, courts and juries," Fitzpatrick said. "That's for them to figure out."

Thompson said Nahko's message of healing fits the festival's message and intent. The two also said the bands who pulled out privately told them they did so under pressure.

"They still say, 'we want to support you,'" Thompson said.

Fitzpatrick added that it's extra disappointing that some of that opposition is coming from some local musicians.

"We've gone to every music thing in this town," he said.

Representatives of bands who withdrew who spoke with the Post Bulletin said they weren't coerced into withdrawing.

Kevin Dorsey, of The Histronic, posted Tuesday, Jan. 14, he has "zero respect" for Nahko or anyone booking him.

"I personally encourage vocal opposition to the event," he wrote in his announcement.

On the same day, a post by Loud Mouth Brass, described the accusations as "credible." "We stand with women," the announcement said.

Thomas Wescott, of Thomas and the Shakes, said he first heard from people active on social media regarding Nahko.

"There's an extensive group online that is adamant about what has occurred," Wescott said.

It was when friends and people he trusts who are involved in music and booking reached out to him, he decided to withdraw.

"That was enough to say, okay, when there's this much smoke, there has to be a fire," he said.

Wescott posted his band's decision Jan. 16.

Wescott said he hopes to work with Frequency One in the future and described his conversation with Thompson as "understanding," "apologetic" and "supportive."

The controversy spilled into other public online spaces including the Facebook page "Spotted in Rochester." Those posts have since been deleted from the Facebook page.

Two people who have weighed in against Nahko confirmed to the Post Bulletin they received anonymous calls threatening legal action either personally or their places of business.

Thompson and Fitzpatrick didn't say they made those calls but added they haven't ruled out legal action and have met with their attorney about the backlash.

"I'm not interested in going after people," Thompson said. "I'm interested in free speech and due process."

The controversy has detracted from what Thompson said will be a positive event.

"People's opinions and stuff online could really damage people's ability to receive something good," she said.

This article was updated Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. A previous version attributed Loud Mouth Brass's social media post to a specific band member.