One Season 4 concert remains for Arts on 817

By Adelle Ellis, Times Reporter

After cancelling the first three shows in their Season 4 fall concert series, Arts on 817 has made the tough decision to cancel their next two live concerts scheduled for early 2021. 

Cabot Crossing and Slocan Ramblers were booked to play in February and March 2021, respectively, as part of a three-concert winter series lineup. If Arts on 817 can host the performance, they are still hoping to present the last concert of Season 4 on May 1, 2021. 

“Arts on 817 hopefully has a very bright future,” said Carolyn Steeves, artistic director of Arts on 817. The final concert “will feature the Fine Arts departments at Strathmore High School in a concert we are calling COLLAGE. It will feature mini concerts and presentations by the art, drama and music departments, and will showcase the depth of talent and variety of amazing programming at Strathmore High School.” 

COVID-19 has hit arts organizations extremely hard all over the world as no live audience musical shows have been viable due to safety protocols. 

Although some organizations have been able to successfully offer virtual performances as a way to help keep the connection between artists and audiences alive until they are able to meet again at a live venue, Arts on 817 has never considered virtual performances as an economically viable option for their organization due to generally smaller and specialized audiences. 

Although there is no clear green light ahead for when shows can go on, Arts on 817 is planning for the future and is in the process of rebooking the five cancelled Season 4 shows into Season 5 and beyond. The organization hopes to release the full Season 5 lineup at the May 1, 2021 Strathmore High School COLLAGE concert. 

“When the COVID-19 pandemic is over, Arts on 817 hopes our audience will return with enthusiasm,” said Steeves. “Performing artists are so looking forward to the day when they can perform for a live audience and I am sure the audience will be ready to embrace them. I know I will be.

Although some organizations have been able to successfully offer virtual performances as a way to help keep the connection between artists and audiences alive until they are able to meet again at a live venue, Arts on 817 has never considered virtual performances as an economically viable option for their organization due to generally smaller and specialized audiences. 

Although there is no clear green light ahead for when shows can go on, Arts on 817 is planning for the future and is in the process of rebooking the five cancelled Season 4 shows into Season 5 and beyond. The organization hopes to release the full Season 5 lineup at the May 1, 2021 Strathmore High School COLLAGE concert. 

“When the COVID-19 pandemic is over, Arts on 817 hopes our audience will return with enthusiasm,” said Steeves. “Performing artists are so looking forward to the day when they can perform for a live audience and I am sure the audience will be ready to embrace them. I know I will be.

Although some organizations have been able to successfully offer virtual performances as a way to help keep the connection between artists and audiences alive until they are able to meet again at a live venue, Arts on 817 has never considered virtual performances as an economically viable option for their organization due to generally smaller and specialized audiences. 

Although there is no clear green light ahead for when shows can go on, Arts on 817 is planning for the future and is in the process of rebooking the five cancelled Season 4 shows into Season 5 and beyond. The organization hopes to release the full Season 5 lineup at the May 1, 2021 Strathmore High School COLLAGE concert. 

“When the COVID-19 pandemic is over, Arts on 817 hopes our audience will return with enthusiasm,” said Steeves. “Performing artists are so looking forward to the day when they can perform for a live audience and I am sure the audience will be ready to embrace them. I know I will be.

“We are hoping our dedicated concert goers will support us by buying season tickets,” added Steeves. “Their support will certainly help us plan for the years ahead.”