Martina McBride cancels SeaWorld performance

ORLANDO, Fla. — Another artist has canceled their performance at SeaWorld's Bands, Brew & BBQ event.

McBride posted on her Facebook page "I've decided that given all the issues that have been aired recently, the time isn't right for me to play at SeaWorld. I have cancelled my scheduled performance at the Bands, Brew & BBQ event in March 2014."

McBride is the seventh act to cancel its performance. Barenaked Ladies, Willie Nelson, Heart, Cheap Trick, Trisha Yearwood and REO Speedwagon have all canceled their Bands, Brew & BBQ performances.

SeaWorld released a statement to WFTV regarding the recent cancellations:

"While we're disappointed a small group of misinformed individuals was able to deny fans what would have been great concerts at SeaWorld, we respect the bands' decisions. Martina McBride has cancelled and we expect that other artists will be targeted in this campaign.

"The bands and artists have a standing invitation to visit any of our parks to see firsthand or to speak to any of our animal experts to learn for themselves how we care for animals and how little truth there is to the allegations made by animal extremist groups opposed to the zoological display of marine mammals.

"We continue to book other bands and artists as we plan for another great Bands, Brew & BBQ event in 2014. We'll announce our full lineup when all artists have been confirmed.

"More than 11 million people a year visit SeaWorld parks and most will see a killer whale presentation during their visit.  Over the course of our 50-year history, hundreds of millions of people have experienced killer whales in our parks.  There is tremendous appeal in that kind of inspirational and educational experience, and we anticipate that killer whale display will continue for generations to come.  We have always understood that we have an obligation to every animal living at SeaWorld to provide the highest quality care and to interpret the animals for our guests in ways that are meaningful and enriching. The benefits of zoological display also include conservation of wild populations, animal rescue, and scientific research."

WFTV