WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE
A Virtual Venue Ocala’s Reilly Arts Center is offering a series of online productions to support musicians and industry professionals during this time of social distancing. // B Y M E L I S S A P E T E R S O N
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ith many events canceled or postponed, the entertainment industry has come to a halt, which has left most entertainers and industry professionals without work, seriously impacting their livelihoods. Thankfully, the Reilly Arts Center is here to help. Starting at the end of March, the Reilly began offering a livestream service in order to help entertainers remain working. Viewers can tune in to the Reillyʼs website for a list of scheduled events, bios GUESTS CAN HELP NOT of all the entertainers and information on ONLY THE REILLY ARTS how they can help CENTER, THE OCALA support the Reillyʼs efforts. Events include SYMPHONY AND OUR performances by local ARTISTS BUT ALL VENUES and regional pop and classical musicians, WEATHER THIS STORM BY bands, actors, DECIDING TO TURN THEIR Professor Silviu Ciulei dancers, comedians who performed an and more. And REFUND INTO A DONATION. exciting assortment although this service -PAMELA CALERO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of French and Spanish is free for viewers, the classical guitar pieces artists and crew will be and Flamenco music and was joined by renown compensated by the Reilly for their work. touring violinist—and wife—Aniela Moldovan, “A cancellation of a concert doesnʼt just for exciting tango music. Other livestream affect the venue,” says Matt Wardell, CEO events include performances by the Ocala band and artistic director of the Reilly Arts Center, Left On Broadway, the Greg Snider Jazz Trio, in a press release. “It affects an incredible Gainesvilleʼs clarinetist Dr. Keith Northover downstream environment of artists, theatre and pianist Brian Hargrove, Adam Volpe and professionals and ancillary businesses. the Voltron Collective, Joshua Mazur singing These performances arenʼt just a hobby the music of Broadway, Ocalaʼs Insomniac for professional musicians, sound and light Theatre and members of the Ocala Symphony technicians, and production staff—itʼs their Orchestra. Make sure to visit the website for the livelihood. A concert cannot happen without complete schedule. these people. Weʼre going to do our best for One consideration is the cost it will take to these event professionals, for as long as weʼre put on and pay for these livestream events. able, while also connecting and bringing joy to The Reillyʼs Board of Directors provided an our ʻdistancedʼ community.” initial pool of donations to help launch the The series began on March 20 and featured nationally celebrated flamenco guitarist and UF initiative, and the Marion Cultural Alliance
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approved $2,000 in grant funds for the project. Patrons who decided to donate the value of their canceled or postponed tickets back to the Reilly instead of requesting a refund have also contributed. The Reilly estimates that the cost for the streaming series is between $1,500 and $2,500 per event. “One of the hardest aspects of this internally is the request for refunds,” says Pamela Calero, executive director, in a press release. “Guests can help not only the Reilly Arts Center, the Ocala Symphony and our artists but all venues weather this storm by deciding to turn their refund into a donation. This donation will help us bring this program to audiences during a difficult time, ensures the future viability of our venues and ensures our future success.” Reilly Arts Center Livestream Series // Visit reillyartscenter.com/live for a full schedule.