The Show Must Go On California sees its popular venues reopening since the COVID-19 closures.
by Roger Flanders
S
ummer is around the corner and the 21st century roaring ‘20s are not working out as everyone hoped. With COVID-19 forcing everyone to quarantine at home last year, it was not an ideal time for artists, musicians and performers. Concert venues, cinemas and theaters took a dramatic halt because of safety regulations and restrictions. Thankfully, after a year-long “15 days to flatten the curve” promise, there finally seems to be
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a light at the end of the tunnel. As of April 15, California is allowing indoor concerts, theater performances and other private gatherings just in time for summer. Though venues will be returning with new capacity limitations, masking and social distanced requirements, this is a step closer to normalcy. President Joe Biden announced that vaccines are now available for every American 16 years and older as of April 19. This makes way for a quicker
return to normalcy as bands, musicians and artists yearn to make a comeback. In a Rolling Stone article, Governor Gavin Newsom is quoted, “We can now begin planning for our lives post-pandemic. We will need to remain vigilant, and continue the practices that got us here — wearing masks and getting vaccinated.” Dates in the summertime have already been set for massive performers such as Justin Bieber at the Staples Center, Backstreet Boys at the Hollywood Bowl and Harry Styles at The Forum. In an interview by the Los Angeles Times with Philharmonic President and Chief Executive Chad Smith, he declared his excitement to welcome crowds again. “This is the moment we’ve been waiting for… The Bowl is back,” said Smith. On their website, The Bowl announced that they have been working with the Los Angeles Department of Health and Kaiser Permanente to welcome back guests safely. Their reopening plan consists of implementing new safety protocols such as contactless ticketing, distance procedures, and cleaning and sanitization schedules. They have made it clear that they will be reviewing and following the up to date public health guidance to ensure a safe return and avoid outbreaks. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JOEY ABE
