Touring Musicians And Arizona Venues Struggle With Recent COVID-19 Case Spike
Download mp3 (9.04 MB)Musicians are beginning to play shows at indoor venues around Arizona, but the recent spike in COVID-19 cases is beginning to make some bands second-guess that decision.
Vaccinations made it possible for live, in-person events to resume, but the delta variant has led to renewed concerns about gathering in close quarters.
Arizona concert promoter Danny Zelisko says people working in the music industry have just recently been able to get back to work.
“We’ve had this layoff for a while, and now everyone has been getting hired back and halls are planning on opening, and everyone’s happy about that, and then this variant comes along, and throws a serious kerfuffle into our plans,” said Zelisko.
Zelisko says some high-profile bands have chosen to require attendees to be vaccinated, or cancel concerts in areas with high COVID-19 transmission.
He says smaller bands may not have those choices, though, and may have to cancel their upcoming tours altogether if cases continue to spike.
Ed Masley, music reporter for the Arizona Republic, joined The Show to talk about what's happening at Arizona clubs and venues.
