Coronavirus Cancellations

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Oct 20 - 12:17 AM

It was announced on Friday: In New York City Broadway Will Remain Closed at Least Through May. That's a huge number of jobs and the cascade effect of all of the services and food industry supporting the theaters.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GerryM
Date: 11 Oct 20 - 11:58 PM

The (Australian) National Folk Festival for Easter Weekend **2021** has been cancelled (as an in-person event; there will be online activity). Here's the full message the organizers have sent out:

To our Folk Community,

The National Folk Festival Board has today made the very challenging and important decision that the 2021 National Folk Festival will not go ahead.

In March this year the pandemic changed the festival and events landscape and the National Folk Festival was among the first major events in Australia to cancel in response. After significant research and planning towards a 2021 Festival, it has become apparent this will also be impossible.

We understand the devastating effect this will have on our participants and performers, but our community and their safety is our highest priority. Continuing restrictions around large gatherings in a multiple day Festival environment and the unpredictable nature of events mean we have reached a point at which a decision must be made.

The nature of our Festival, which brings people together from across the country, our immersive site and program all mean that we're unable to put on the kind of vibrant, participatory event that is a hallmark of the National Folk Festival.

We continue to explore alternate events and activities for 2021 that will enable our community to perform, share and develop folk traditions.

The board and staff are very grateful for the past months of collaboration, support and development with our key stakeholders; in particular the ACT government and the team at EPIC. We'll continue to work with EPIC and the ACT Government to create new events and see the National return in all its glory in 2022.

We sincerely thank our generous community for their ongoing support particularly our participants, volunteers, partners and friends who have given so much to the Festival throughout our history. Because of your generosity, time and commitment we are able to continue our work bringing the community together for future National Folk Festivals.

We also thank the Festival team for their commitment and resilience since our cancellation in March and in working hard to ensure the future viability of the Festival. The spirit of folk lives on and we look forward with hope to bring folk together in new ways over the next year, and to the Festival's return in 2022.


Dr Jacqueline Bradley
President
National Folk Festival

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Mrrzy
Date: 29 Jun 20 - 12:16 PM

Broadway is closed for the YEAR.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jun 20 - 08:16 AM

Most amusing Bonzo. I suspect that it will only be concerts with performers safely up on a stage and pre booked seats to preserve distancing. Clubs and sessions may have to wait especially if cases start to rise in th winter.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 27 Jun 20 - 06:48 AM

Gigs may start in the UK after September, but guitarists will only be able to have top and bottom strings on their guitars to preserve social distancing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Jun 20 - 01:47 PM

Checking out major concert venues such as Kings Place and South Bank Centre there seems to be a concensus that there will be a major reopening in September. These are places that will have the capability to maintain full traceability in the event of a new outbreak.

I don't think that we will be seeing public dances and ceilidhs this side of Christmas though.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 05:05 AM

So, a dozen people, socially distanced, playing instrumental folk music for their own amusement, outdoors, but no 'blowing' instruments such as whistles, brass, etc. Is that allowed I wonder.... in a pub garden? No dancing.
Derek

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Vic Smith
Date: 24 Jun 20 - 12:32 PM

We are not going to be getting back to any live music soon. The latest Govt. guidelines (for the UK) say:-

* It is against the law to gather in groups of more than 30 people, except for the limited circumstances as set out in law. In these specific cases, those operating venues should take additional steps to ensure the safety of the public and prevent large gatherings or mass events from taking place.

*At this time, venues should not permit live performances, including drama, comedy and music, to take place in front of a live audience

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Mrrzy
Date: 24 Jun 20 - 11:14 AM

NYC marathon

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,Peter
Date: 18 Jun 20 - 10:43 AM

The Olde Rose and Crown theatre pub in Walthamstow have started a crowd funding campaign to keep the pub in business. If they can't keep going Walthamstow Folk Club will be at risk.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 17 Jun 20 - 03:31 PM

Kirriemuir Festival - usually first weekend in September, also off for this year. A whole list of things on and off on the latest TMSA newsletter(Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland).
On the brighter side, more and more events being kept going in an online "virtual" substitute.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Mrrzy
Date: 15 Jun 20 - 04:09 PM

The Oscars are put off

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Vic Smith
Date: 04 Jun 20 - 08:12 AM

More detail from Alan Castle about Tenterden

The 28th Tenterden Folk Festival
Postponed to October 2021

2nd June 2020

Tenterden Folk Festival 2020 Postponed

After lengthy discussions, and considering the latest government announcements, the Trustees and Festival Committee have reluctantly come to the decision that the 28th Tenterden Folk Festival, due to be held from 1st to 4th October 2020, should be postponed to 2021. In making this decision we have considered the age demographic of many of our festival guests, regular audience members and volunteers as well as our responsibilities as festival organisers to keep everyone safe at the Festival. Therefore the 28th Tenterden Folk Festival will take place from Thursday 30th September to Sunday 3rd October 2021.

We have delayed taking this very hard decision until now in the hope that the future position regarding the Coronavirus pandemic and the necessary restrictions and recommendations regarding public gatherings and meetings would become clearer. It now still seems unlikely to us that festival venues such as public houses, cafes and restaurants, hotels and other accommodation will be open as normal. We have also considered the position regarding travel to the festival for those coming from longer distances and particularly two guests coming from overseas and their position regarding flights and travel health insurance.

We have heard from several Morris sides that in their view the whole season is now a write off as they have not been able to meet to practise and that some of their members would not feel safe attending any large gatherings this year. Similar considerations also apply to the free events in the marquees where it may still not be safe for all the stallholders, exhibitors, Morris sides and performers to gather.

We also had to consider the financial implications of whatever decision we made. We have already incurred substantial costs including advertising, printing, hotel bookings for some guests and other costs and need to be able to avoid running up further costs in confirming bookings and paying for logistics such as marquees, stages, portable toilets, PA, etc. and then having to cancel the festival due to restrictions being still in place in October.      

We are pleased that many of the guests booked for 2020 have already indicated that they are able to join us for 2021 instead.

We may try to arrange some smaller special events between now and next year. Look out for our future emails and tweets or check on our website for announcements in due course.

We will be contacting all guests, Morris sides, ticketholders, stallholders, suppliers, venues, funders and other supporters, etc. over the next couple of weeks.

We look forward to seeing you all as soon it is safe and possible to do so.

Yours sincerely

Alan

Alan Castle BEM
Trustee and Festival Director
On behalf of the Trustees and Festival Committee

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 03 Jun 20 - 09:30 AM

Wimborne Minster festival, which had optimistically rescheduled from June to August, has now conceded that no festival will be possible this year, so the next one will be 11-13 June 2021.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,Jerry
Date: 03 Jun 20 - 07:12 AM

Yes, great shame, because I’m sure things could have got back to some sort of normality by October, if we weren’t in such a rush to escape lockdown too soon to avoid second and probably ongoing spikes.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Vic Smith
Date: 03 Jun 20 - 06:59 AM

Alan Csstle had been holding out for as long as possible but now sees that Tenterden Folk Festival cannot go ahead in October - Great pity; it is always a great weekend.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Mr Red
Date: 31 May 20 - 03:52 PM

Bromyard have cancelled. E-mail dated 31 May

We are sorry to have to announce the postponement of this years Bromyard Folk Festival until September 2021.

2021 definitely September 9th-12th keep the date

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST
Date: 22 May 20 - 05:53 AM

Typo - should have previewed the post

Harwich have now confirmed the cancellation

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,Peter
Date: 22 May 20 - 05:52 AM

Harwich have now

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,Peter
Date: 20 May 20 - 12:52 PM

Have seen an unconfirmed report that Harwich Shanty is cancelled. Nothing on their website or Twitter feed.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 16 May 20 - 01:39 PM

Perhaps this merits a new thread (if there isn't already one!) for cancelled events becoming virtual events. There is a huge volume of sessions and even festivals being run on Zoom and other such platforms. Not the same as the real thing, but better than nothing!

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,Peter
Date: 16 May 20 - 01:09 PM

South Downs FF just cancelled.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Vic Smith
Date: 15 May 20 - 06:03 AM

From Graham Pope

Uckfield Blues & Roots Festival 2020



Hi everyone,

I hope that you are all well.

We have decided to postpone this July's festival for obvious reasons and have rescheduled it for October 23 to 25 with virtually the same line up apart from the Sunday afternoon session which will depend on what we may be able to move indoors.

There is of course a serious doubt that, even in October, it will be feasible and safe to put the festival on and in this event we hope to offer most of the same line up for the 2021 festival. The position will be reviewed in August based on the government guidance at that time.

There are a number of people who have already booked tickets for this July and these will still be valid for October. However if anyone requires a refund at this stage please let me know.

We will be in touch with all sponsors to discuss the revised schedule.

Please do let me know what you think about our revised plans as I'm sure there will be some of you who will already have decided that it won't be safe to attend anything this year.

Kind regards
Graham
07947275684

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Mrrzy
Date: 13 May 20 - 11:18 AM

Bob Dylan's US summer tour.

Subject: Woodford Folk Fest may be cancelled
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 12 May 20 - 08:36 PM

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-13/woodford-folk-festival-future-at-risk-organiser-says/12239876

Woodford Folk Festival gone for good? Organiser spells out worst-case scenario

The director of Australia's biggest music and culture festival says if the event is cancelled this year it may be gone for good.

Every year the festival attracts a total audience of 100,000 people over six days, and features 1,600 shows across 25 stages.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: JHW
Date: 12 May 20 - 09:18 AM

Had an email from Newton Stewart (10-12th July). Cancelled. Reinstated they hope in 2021 same bill. Who knows.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,Peter
Date: 10 May 20 - 02:30 PM

FolkEast has finally cancelled.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 May 20 - 11:35 AM

Here's a subject that may demand it's own thread before long. Businesses closing due to the pandemic. The iconic Troubador has set up a Go-Fund-Me account to try to survive the closure.

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-05-05/troubadour-nightclub-west-hollywood-elton-john-coronavirus

Historic Troubadour nightclub launches GoFundMe page, calls survival ‘a big if’

For 60 years, the historic club the Troubadour has anchored the western edge of West Hollywood with live music. A perennial presence in Los Angeles live music since the beatnik era, the club opened by Doug Weston has provided thousands of artists the opportunity to make magic on hallowed ground.

But as Gov. Gavin Newsom was recently laying out the stages by which businesses may be able to re-open, Christine Karayan, the club’s general manager, realized the seeming futility of the Troubadour’s plight. Newsom has announced that music venues will be among the last to open, in Phase 4.

“That means the middle to the end of next year to potentially open, and maybe a 25% cap” on crowd size, Karayan says. “I can’t foresee being able to ride this out like that.”

A rustic general admission room with a small balcony and an upstairs VIP area, the 500-capacity club’s selling point has long been its intimacy. Save a few pesky support beams, there’s not a bad spot in the place. A folk and blues venue to start, in the mid-1960s it started adding rock, jazz and pop acts that included rising artists such as the Byrds, Lee Hazlewood, Nina Simone and Judy Collins. It served as a crucial early comedy platform for Richard Pryor, Steve Martin and the Smothers Brothers.

Though it’s a tourist destination, its location just south of the Sunset Strip has made it a kind of neighborhood spot for musically minded Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills and Hollywood residents.

Starting in the late ‘60s, the Troubadour helped guide artists including Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Tom Waits, the Eagles and Warren Zevon into the mainstream. Most famously, it was on the Troubadour’s stage in 1970 that a 20-year-old Elton John, across a series of shows, became a household name. That moment was captured in the recent John biopic, “Rocketman.”

“My whole life came alive that night, musically, emotionally... everything,” Elton John told The Times a few decades after those auspicious performances. “It was like everything I had been waiting for suddenly happened.... I could tell it was a magical night from the moment I stepped onstage.”

In the decades since, the Troubadour has remained defiantly independent. As other clubs shuttered or made booking arrangements with moneyed promoters such as Live Nation and AEG, the Troubadour has charted its own course — and continued booking standing-room-only gigs. “My last four talent buyers, actually, have all gone to Live Nation,” Karayan says with a fatalistic chuckle. “I’m the training ground, apparently.”

Outsiders commonly think of the Troubadour as a folk and singer-songwriter venue, but across the decades it has adapted and evolved. In the ‘80s, as heavy metal ripped through Southern California, the Troubadour served as a stage for early gigs by Slayer, Metallica and Motley Crue. In the 1990s and ‘00s, the club hosted Brit pop, grunge and alt-rock: Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Melvins, Dave Matthews, the White Stripes, Bon Iver and Weezer all played beneath the club’s iconic neon sign on their ascents to main stages.

The Troubadour brand in Los Angeles is so embedded into music culture that many fans misunderstand the mechanics of the club, Karayan says. Describing it as “a little bit forgotten,” Karayan says, “We’re lumped in with the big boys, and we’re not the big boys. We don’t have shareholders. We don’t have corporate money. We are what we are.”

Karayan’s father, Ed Karayan, owns both the club and the building that it’s housed in. He’s been sole caretaker since his former business partner Weston died in 1999. The club leases neighboring offices and storage space at market value, and insurance premiums are exorbitant.

Listing the costs, Karayan pauses. “The more I think about it, it’s just completely futile. At least a big seated venue has space where they can keep people apart. But I don’t know how that works for a general admission venue. Are you going to stop them from using the restroom?”

Like most proprietors, at first Karayan figured that the pandemic would prompt some temporary belt-tightening. She remembers her mind set: “At first, it was, ‘What is happening?’ And then we started canceling shows.”

The last gig was Glass Animals on March 11. YouTube videos show the band’s singer, Dave Bayley, singing from up in the balcony before moving his way through the VIP area and back onto stage. The place was packed. The next day, doom set in, Karayan says. “When we walked into the office on March 12, I thought, ‘Something horribly wrong is coming our way.’” So she decided to cancel shows through May. “And then it just started unraveling.”

When she read a month ago that Live Nation and AEG were predicting a fall 2020 reopening, Karayan was relieved. “I was like, ‘We can do that. We probably won’t have concerts until the end of the year, but it’s OK.” But, she adds, “Now it’s like, ‘Oh, I’m sorry. We’re talking, potentially, the middle of next year.’”

As an active member of the National Independent Venue Assn., she’s communicating with its 800 affiliates about lobbying for government aid. She says that many have expressed doubt that they’ll be able to survive an extended closure without immediate help.

Like many businesses, the Troubadour set up a GoFundMe page to help its 20 hourly employees, some of whom have worked at the club for decades, meet their needs. All but three have been laid off. To date, the campaign has raised $11,400 of its $30,000 goal. But that was a stopgap measure, and Karayan said the club will soon be raising its goal to underscore the urgency. It’s one of the only remaining options.

“It looks tacky, but it’s a reality at this point. It’s not a joke,” she says. “If we’re going to survive this thing — and that’s a big if — we’re going to need all the help we can get, from any direction we can get it.”

Whether that aid comes from one of the many multi-millionaires who owe their fortunes, in part, to momentous gigs at the Troubadour, or through the thousands of fans with once-in-a-lifetime memories, response to the Troubadour’s ask will likely determine whether that Glass Animals gig was the last show at the club.

“We know there’s going to be a huge fatality rate as far as how many venues will not be able to open again when/if this thing ever ends,” Karayan has concluded. “We’re just looking to survive, like everybody else.”

I copied the entire content because chances are a lot of people will hit a paywall with the LA Times.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 01 May 20 - 07:36 AM

Just seen that Whitby Town Council have cancelled their Christmas Festival, which makes any thoughts of having small singarounds during what would have been Whitby Folk Week in August pure fantasy.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 01 May 20 - 07:01 AM

"that's a personal view of course"
One shared here Jim
Ssessions of songs related to the sea can be the best ever though
À chacun son goût of course
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 30 Apr 20 - 07:46 AM

Definitely but Harry kept an option open for a small weekend event later. From Clare Fm:

'However, Harry Hughes says it wasn’t possible to hold even a reduced programme this July.

He is hopeful that they may be able to stage a weekend of events later in the year, and is adamant that they will be back in 2021.'

Without a vaccine I don't see social distancing go away so we'll have to wait and see.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 30 Apr 20 - 07:20 AM

Clancy School definitely cancelled
Jim

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,Peter
Date: 30 Apr 20 - 04:35 AM

Dartmoor just announced.

FolkEast and London still hoping for business as normal in late summer

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 29 Apr 20 - 09:29 AM

It's been mooted that The Willie Clancy Summer School in a couple of months time could go on in a limited form
I hope so - a highlight is Sean Corcoran speaking on The Sam Henry Collection
In a way, it will be a relief to enjoy the week without having to queue to get into town,and find a seat in the bars when you finally do (halcyon days)
It really has gone from strength to strength over the nearly half century of it's magnificent existence
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: The Sandman
Date: 29 Apr 20 - 08:02 AM

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge - PM
Date: 18 Apr 20 - 09:09 AM

never heard you describe your festival as a 'Sea Shanty Festival' Dick?-It always seemed inclined that way to me but if that's how you see it nowadays, it maybe explains my own ambivalent view of it?

A cancellation is sad but inevitable, and a loss to the village, as you've brought a lot of people (and their £££) to West Cork since you set it up."
Good luck & good health to you & my old pals over there.. qoute
it is more than just a shanty festival it is a folk and maritime festival, so i do not know why you are ambivalent?
the announcement was made in a hurry, so i used the term shanty festival for quickness and expediency

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 29 Apr 20 - 06:21 AM

Sadly 48th Willie Clancy Summer School just added to the list.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 22 Apr 20 - 03:53 AM

The Devon and Cornwall Festival has been cancelled as they couldn't decide which to put on first; The Jam or Cream!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 21 Apr 20 - 07:10 AM

Just saw Oktoberfest, now cancelled, described as a 'folkfestival' in The Guardian

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,Peter
Date: 21 Apr 20 - 05:37 AM

Bromyard haven't cancelled yet but will make a definite decision at the end of May.

Most August events seem to have cancelled but FolkEast are still being optimistic.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 18 Apr 20 - 09:09 AM

never heard you describe your festival as a 'Sea Shanty Festival' Dick?-It always seemed inclined that way to me but if that's how you see it nowadays, it maybe explains my own ambivalent view of it?

A cancellation is sad but inevitable, and a loss to the village, as you've brought a lot of people (and their £££) to West Cork since you set it up.
Good luck & good health to you & my old pals over there...

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Vic Smith
Date: 18 Apr 20 - 08:08 AM

Sadly, this was inevitable, Dick. I hope it does not land the organisers with a lot of expenses that are difficult to meet.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Apr 20 - 02:12 AM

Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival 19 june 2020
We are sorry to have to announce the cancellation of our Sea Shanty Festival planned for 19 21 June 2020. The current situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is a worry for all, and no matter how matters progress in the next month or so we have decided it would not be appropriate to continue with our plans for this year. This is a big disappointment for us but the health and safety of our visitors, from home and overseas and for those involved with the organisation of the Festival is our number one priority.

Again I am sorry that we cannot proceed but in the meantime please be careful and stay safe.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Apr 20 - 09:55 AM

Just cancelled my Whitby B&B, I just hope that they are still in business next year.

Cropredy were being pretty gung-ho about going ahead until recently.

From the way the news is being spun I am not too optimistic about September's festivals now.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 17 Apr 20 - 07:55 AM

Cropredy also cancelled this morning.
Derek

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Johnny J
Date: 17 Apr 20 - 07:08 AM

From facebook

"Whitby Folk Week 2020 POSTPONED to 21st to 27th August 2021"

Subject: RE: His Worship & The Pig Faldingworth 12 May 07
From: GUEST,Arthur-Itis
Date: 16 Apr 20 - 05:13 PM

Hasn't time moved on. It's now April 2020 and we are locked down with the Corona Virus and no folk concerts at all. Who would have thought.

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,Kristoffer Ross
Date: 15 Apr 20 - 09:32 PM

I received the announcement yesterday that the 40th Old Songs Festival in Altamont, NY, (Last Friday-Sunday of June) has been postponed to 2021.
~Kristoffer

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 15 Apr 20 - 05:36 PM

Broadstairs folk week cancelled today....
Derek

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: Lenny's mum (inactive)
Date: 15 Apr 20 - 11:31 AM

Cleckheaton Folk Festival, unfortunately, has been postponed from 3rd, 4th, 5th July 2020 to 2nd, 3rd, 4th July 2021. Hopefully we should have the same lineup. We hope to see old and new friends there next year.
Janet

Subject: RE: Coronavirus Cancellations
From: GUEST,Peter
Date: 14 Apr 20 - 01:47 PM

Cornwall FF just added to the list.