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America’s First Concert in Months Rocks an Arkansas Stage America’s First Concert in Months Rocks an Arkansas Stage
(3 days later)
FORT SMITH, Ark. — Travis McCready sang “Riders,” a song about perseverance, on Monday in a former Masonic Temple as Americans returned to hear live music in a concert hall for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic pulled the plug on the nation’s entertainment industry.FORT SMITH, Ark. — Travis McCready sang “Riders,” a song about perseverance, on Monday in a former Masonic Temple as Americans returned to hear live music in a concert hall for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic pulled the plug on the nation’s entertainment industry.
“I think this means hope to a lot of people,” said Lance Beaty, the president of the company that owns the venue in Fort Smith, Ark., Temple Live. “This is an experiment, though, on how does that work.”“I think this means hope to a lot of people,” said Lance Beaty, the president of the company that owns the venue in Fort Smith, Ark., Temple Live. “This is an experiment, though, on how does that work.”
The concert offered a preview of what music fans may expect from an industry struggling to find a path forward in the age of social distancing. Forget arenas roiling with sweating, screaming fans. Here, concertgoers were required to buy seats in clusters, or what promoters call “fan pods” — presumably a group of friends comfortable being in proximity — with scores of empty seats roped off on all sides to ensure space between strangers. Of the 1,100 seats available, just 20 percent were available for sale.The concert offered a preview of what music fans may expect from an industry struggling to find a path forward in the age of social distancing. Forget arenas roiling with sweating, screaming fans. Here, concertgoers were required to buy seats in clusters, or what promoters call “fan pods” — presumably a group of friends comfortable being in proximity — with scores of empty seats roped off on all sides to ensure space between strangers. Of the 1,100 seats available, just 20 percent were available for sale.
Planned tours of superstar acts like Taylor Swift, the Black Keys and Bob Dylan remain mothballed, but Dave Poe, a New York-based concert promoter and a co-founder of the Independent Promoter Alliance, called Monday night’s event “a great jump-start to the industry.”Planned tours of superstar acts like Taylor Swift, the Black Keys and Bob Dylan remain mothballed, but Dave Poe, a New York-based concert promoter and a co-founder of the Independent Promoter Alliance, called Monday night’s event “a great jump-start to the industry.”
Outside the concert hall, LaLisa Smiddy and Marcy Randolph, best friends from Duncan, Okla., embraced the return of live music. Smiddy and Randolph, both 53, drove almost four hours with a homemade sign to hear McCready. It read “Okies ♥ Travis and Van,” a reference to the musician’s Great Dane. The sign whipped in the wind as they stood in their face masks and waited for their temperatures to be taken.Outside the concert hall, LaLisa Smiddy and Marcy Randolph, best friends from Duncan, Okla., embraced the return of live music. Smiddy and Randolph, both 53, drove almost four hours with a homemade sign to hear McCready. It read “Okies ♥ Travis and Van,” a reference to the musician’s Great Dane. The sign whipped in the wind as they stood in their face masks and waited for their temperatures to be taken.
“We’re happy to be here,” Smiddy said. “I’m one of the more paranoid ones out there, and when I saw everything this venue has done, I was ready to come. I think they’ve done an outstanding job.”“We’re happy to be here,” Smiddy said. “I’m one of the more paranoid ones out there, and when I saw everything this venue has done, I was ready to come. I think they’ve done an outstanding job.”
Many fans said they were ready for some semblance of regular life, even though the coronavirus pandemic had made this concert unlike any they had ever attended. For Daniel Neathery, 33, of Benton, Ark., the new normal meant having to buy six tickets — at $20 a pop — an entire fan pod, even though he came alone.Many fans said they were ready for some semblance of regular life, even though the coronavirus pandemic had made this concert unlike any they had ever attended. For Daniel Neathery, 33, of Benton, Ark., the new normal meant having to buy six tickets — at $20 a pop — an entire fan pod, even though he came alone.
“For me it was worth it to have some normalcy,” he said.“For me it was worth it to have some normalcy,” he said.
Texas, Missouri and other states are also gradually reopening entertainment sites and bars, with restrictions. Poe predicted it would be smaller venues like Temple Live that are the first to reopen because of lower operating costs, fewer staff members and the hesitation of some top-billed artists who work the larger arenas to expose themselves and their fans to the coronavirus.Texas, Missouri and other states are also gradually reopening entertainment sites and bars, with restrictions. Poe predicted it would be smaller venues like Temple Live that are the first to reopen because of lower operating costs, fewer staff members and the hesitation of some top-billed artists who work the larger arenas to expose themselves and their fans to the coronavirus.
“With the economy being the way it is, and ticket prices the way they are,” he said, promoters “are going to aim for smaller capacities to start out. It’s a regional, slow process at this point. I don’t see national tours happening.”“With the economy being the way it is, and ticket prices the way they are,” he said, promoters “are going to aim for smaller capacities to start out. It’s a regional, slow process at this point. I don’t see national tours happening.”
The economics of a show that prioritizes social distancing played out here, as a full staff of nearly 30 employees worked a house that was 80 percent empty. Ushers, wearing masks, guided patrons through the hallways to enforce one-way traffic flow. Others monitored the bathrooms to enforce social distancing. Two bartenders worked each service station — one to exclusively handle money, the other dedicated to food and beverage.The economics of a show that prioritizes social distancing played out here, as a full staff of nearly 30 employees worked a house that was 80 percent empty. Ushers, wearing masks, guided patrons through the hallways to enforce one-way traffic flow. Others monitored the bathrooms to enforce social distancing. Two bartenders worked each service station — one to exclusively handle money, the other dedicated to food and beverage.
Even with the show selling nearly all its available tickets, Beaty said he lost money on the night. “It’s clearly not a financial decision that we did this,” he said.Even with the show selling nearly all its available tickets, Beaty said he lost money on the night. “It’s clearly not a financial decision that we did this,” he said.
At the door, fans received not only a temperature check, but also a mask if they did not have one, and they were required to wear them throughout the show. Yellow caution tape partitioned the red velvet seats. Bathroom sinks and urinals were taped off so that patrons never got too close. Arrows on the floor guided one-way traffic. Dots indicated six-feet distances.At the door, fans received not only a temperature check, but also a mask if they did not have one, and they were required to wear them throughout the show. Yellow caution tape partitioned the red velvet seats. Bathroom sinks and urinals were taped off so that patrons never got too close. Arrows on the floor guided one-way traffic. Dots indicated six-feet distances.
Monday’s concert was the culmination of a showdown between the operators of Temple Live and Gov. Asa Hutchinson that drew national attention to Fort Smith. The McCready concert was originally scheduled for Friday, three days before the date the governor set to reopen indoor venues such as theaters, arenas and stadiums in Arkansas — and then only with audiences of 50 people or fewer.Monday’s concert was the culmination of a showdown between the operators of Temple Live and Gov. Asa Hutchinson that drew national attention to Fort Smith. The McCready concert was originally scheduled for Friday, three days before the date the governor set to reopen indoor venues such as theaters, arenas and stadiums in Arkansas — and then only with audiences of 50 people or fewer.
Temple Live representatives argued that, with appropriate safety measures, they should receive the same, more lenient standards of houses of worship.Temple Live representatives argued that, with appropriate safety measures, they should receive the same, more lenient standards of houses of worship.
“If you can go to a church and it’s a public assembly, there is no difference,” said Mike Brown, a representative for Temple Live. “How is it OK for one group to have a public meeting, and it’s not OK for a music venue to have the same opportunity?”“If you can go to a church and it’s a public assembly, there is no difference,” said Mike Brown, a representative for Temple Live. “How is it OK for one group to have a public meeting, and it’s not OK for a music venue to have the same opportunity?”
State health officials argued that a concert was more dangerous because it was likelier to attract out-of-state visitors and soon issued a cease-and-desist order. When promoters refused to back down, authorities seized the Temple Live liquor license last week.State health officials argued that a concert was more dangerous because it was likelier to attract out-of-state visitors and soon issued a cease-and-desist order. When promoters refused to back down, authorities seized the Temple Live liquor license last week.
At a news conference on Thursday afternoon, Beaty argued that his constitutional rights had been trampled but said he was helpless to fight.At a news conference on Thursday afternoon, Beaty argued that his constitutional rights had been trampled but said he was helpless to fight.
“I guess the governor wants me to say … ‘We will move the show,’” he said. “Is that what you want to hear? We will move the show. I hope you’re happy.”“I guess the governor wants me to say … ‘We will move the show,’” he said. “Is that what you want to hear? We will move the show. I hope you’re happy.”
Apparently, the governor was. After conceding defeat, Temple Live had its liquor license returned and the seating capacity of 229 approved for the Monday night show.Apparently, the governor was. After conceding defeat, Temple Live had its liquor license returned and the seating capacity of 229 approved for the Monday night show.
The McCready concert doesn’t mean the entertainment industry will come roaring back any time soon. Audrey Fix Schaefer, a spokesman for the nascent National Independent Venue Association, said she did not know of any significant concerts planned by its 1,600 members.The McCready concert doesn’t mean the entertainment industry will come roaring back any time soon. Audrey Fix Schaefer, a spokesman for the nascent National Independent Venue Association, said she did not know of any significant concerts planned by its 1,600 members.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“There are some folks in places where they could restart shows but they don’t feel ready, because they want to make sure it’s done in a way that’s safe,” Schaefer said.“There are some folks in places where they could restart shows but they don’t feel ready, because they want to make sure it’s done in a way that’s safe,” Schaefer said.
The industry generally remains fearful of its financial health because of widespread closures, bills to pay, and millions in revenue lost in refunds to customers for canceled shows.The industry generally remains fearful of its financial health because of widespread closures, bills to pay, and millions in revenue lost in refunds to customers for canceled shows.
Schaefer’s organization, formed in March, hired the white-shoe lobbying firm Akin Gump to lobby Congress for financial support. “We were the first to close,” Schaefer said, “and we will be the last to open. We have zero revenue right now.”Schaefer’s organization, formed in March, hired the white-shoe lobbying firm Akin Gump to lobby Congress for financial support. “We were the first to close,” Schaefer said, “and we will be the last to open. We have zero revenue right now.”
In Fort Smith at times on Monday night, the monitoring and safety precautions designed to comfort health officials and music fans gave the rock concert an elementary school feel.In Fort Smith at times on Monday night, the monitoring and safety precautions designed to comfort health officials and music fans gave the rock concert an elementary school feel.
Fans, though, said it didn’t affect their experience. “I don’t think that would discourage anybody who’s a fan of live music,” said Jake Lung, 24, of Marked Tree, Ark.Fans, though, said it didn’t affect their experience. “I don’t think that would discourage anybody who’s a fan of live music,” said Jake Lung, 24, of Marked Tree, Ark.
Lung, a McCready fan, said he drove six hours to see the show. He was like many who said that, for all the hoopla about the virus and the first concert and the hurdles it had to clear, they had come for the music, not to make any statement about reopening the entertainment industry.Lung, a McCready fan, said he drove six hours to see the show. He was like many who said that, for all the hoopla about the virus and the first concert and the hurdles it had to clear, they had come for the music, not to make any statement about reopening the entertainment industry.
“He’s a genuine sweetheart,” Randolph said of McCready, whom she said she had met at a previous show. “His voice is amazing and he has the best heart.”“He’s a genuine sweetheart,” Randolph said of McCready, whom she said she had met at a previous show. “His voice is amazing and he has the best heart.”