The Coronavirus outbreak is a true epidemic that has and will continue to devastate the lives of thousands across our nation. Those affected by this outbreak are not just the families that have lost loved ones to this virus, but also those who have lost their jobs to this virus. As the number of Covid-19 cases continue to rise all across the globe, so do the number of business having to close its doors to customers amid this crisis. Some of these business industries include, but are not limited to the restaurant, hospitality, travel, education, and of course—the entertainment industry.
In the entertainment industry, with focus on the live-music business, many security guards, box office representatives, sound and lighting engineers, tour managers, directors, and hospitality agents, among others, are out of jobs. No mass gatherings mean no tours. No tours mean no shows. No shows mean no fans. No fans mean no profits. Since there has been a cessation in live music tours, venues all across the United States and even locally in Atlanta, have dimmed the lights and closed the doors to patrons until further notice. According to their socials, the following music Atlanta venues have closed with no knowledge of when they are to re-open: The Masquerade, Center Stage, Variety Playhouse, The Earl, Smith’s Olde Bar, Terminal West. The Tabernacle and Buckhead Theater have not yet made an official statement but all of their upcoming shows leading up to and going through April have been either canceled or postponed.
Venues closing and tours being canceled are not the only things to be impacted by the Coronavirus. Spring season is also the start of the long-anticipated Festival season. Music festivals around the country bring people together, bring profits to the cities that host them, and bring hundreds, if not thousands, of employment opportunities to live music professionals, beginners, and even volunteers. However, due to federal guidelines and quarantine procedures, festivals are being forced to either cancel or post-pone their event as well.
One of the biggest events that has been affected thus far, is the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. The music, film, and technology event was supposed to be held in Austin, Texas from March 13 through March 22 but was canceled after some of their biggest partners like Facebook and Google backed out.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival took a different approach. Instead of canceling one of the most talked about music and arts festivals of the year, they simply pushed back their April event to October.
Although Covid-19 and the quarantine that it has trapped us in has disrupted our economy and the jobs of thousands, ensuring we as a nation do our part to contain this virus and stop the spreading of it is top priority. We as a nation may go through a season of hardships, but if we take care of one another we can all get through this TOGETHER.
Stay Safe. Stay Inside.
And keep showing your favorite band love.
Frisson Frets 