Large Outdoor Concerts Possible at 20% Capacity Starting April 1

by Everynight Charley Crespo/The Manhattan Beat

Governor Cuomo's announcement today regarding sports events applies to concerts
(photo provided by Governor Cuomo's press office)

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced a further relaxation of capacity restrictions on sports and entertainment events beginning April 1. Professional sports in large outdoor stadiums can increase from 10 to 20 percent capacity. Regional sports venues that hold 1,500+ people indoors or 2,500+ people outdoors can reopen with capacity limited to 10 percent indoors and 20 percent outdoors. Outdoor performing arts venues that hold 2,500+ people can reopen at 20 percent capacity.

Cuomo has said that venue capacity will continue to increase as the public health situation improves. By this, he means more New Yorkers receiving vaccinations and fewer COVID-19 cases in the community.

Event attendees must show proof of a recent negative COVID test or completed COVID vaccination series prior to entry. Attendees also must conform with regulations regarding face coverings, social distancing, and health screening.

The new capacity and safety regulations apply equally to sporting events, concerts and other arts or entertainment programs. Stadium concerts, for instance, can increase from 10 to 20 percent capacity; in New York City, that would apply to Citi Field and Yankee Stadium. Indoor arenas, including New York City's Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center, remain at 10 percent capacity. No concert promoter has confirmed any willingness to book concerts at local stadiums or arenas at these reduced admissions, however.

Although the governor did not name specific outdoor entertainment venues, open-air spaces that would meet his criteria of 2,500+ attendees in New York City would include SummerStage Central Park, the Rooftop at Pier 17, Forest Hills Stadium, and the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk. Outside the city, this criteria also would include the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in nearby Wantagh, Long Island. The question now is whether any promoters are willing to host a concert where four out of five seats will be empty. All of these venues have scheduled 2021 concerts that were postponed from 2020, but these events were rescheduled with the anticipation of 100% capacity, which is not yet legal.

Mark Marcante, accompanied by Elizabeth Ruf Maldonado and Emily Pezzella, at the Theater for the New City on March 13

Ironically, indoor venues are permitted a larger percentage than outdoor venues in capacity, 33 percent, starting April 2, according to Cuomo's announcement on March 3. The maximum number of patrons would be 100, however. With testing protocols in place, these venues could increase admissions to 150 patrons.

Many 2020 concerts have been rescheduled several times because of ongoing travel and capacity restrictions. Domestic travel restrictions will be eased on April 1, whereby travelers crossing the New York State border will not be required to quarantine for 14 days. International travelers must still quarantine. Although touring musicians, crews, and fans will be able to perform in New York State, many of these concerts would not be financially lucrative at reduced capacity. The promoters may reschedule the concerts again if 100% capacity continues to be prohibited.

Noboa performed at Sour Mouse NYC, a combination billiards hall and art space, on March 13

Open Concert Venues

The state and local governments promised to usher a revival of arts and culture in New York City in 2021. The state-generated NY PopsUp! has been hosting sporadic performances in the city and will continue this series through late June. Mayor Bill de Blasio's Open Culture program is accepting applications by community groups to bring events onto more than 100 city streets. Little Island promises to have more than 300 performances after its grand opening in June.

The Bitter End, the Bowery Electric, Café Wha?, City Winery NY, Feinstein's/54 Below, and the Shed have announced April re-openings. The Bitter End will reopen on April 9 with an as-yet unannounced performance. The Bowery Electric will reopen on April 2 with four concerts over two nights by Jesse Malin; additional shows by other artists will be announced. Café Wha? will open March 19 with both indoor and outdoor concerts; on that night, Matt Fernandez will perform for the diners outside and the Café Wha? House Band will perform for the public indoors. City Winery NY's first announced performance is an ensemble comedy night on April 5, followed later in the month with concerts by Rufus Wainwright, Patti Smith, James Maddock, Steve Earle, Raul Malo and others. Feinstein's/54 Below has booked Marilyn Maye for numerous nights, plus other entertainers later in April. The Shed will have Kelsey Lu on April 2, followed by members of the New York Philharmonic, Renee Fleming, and Michelle Wolf in subsequent weeks. All of these venues will be implement social distancing and other COVID-era protocols.

Accordionist Erica Mancini, shown with violinist Cody Geil, perfromed at Rue-B on March 11

In the meantime, numerous venues are currently presenting live music. The Theater for the New City continues presenting free live variety shows on its sidewalk every Saturday afternoon. Musicians including the Eric Paulin Quintet, BB Y.T.K., and Nora Balaban & Chris Dingman, are busking in downtown parks and sidewalks. An increasing number of restaurants are presenting live entertainment for both indoor and outdoor diners. Many Manhattan venues, including the 11th St. Bar, the Anyway Café, Baby Brasa, Bar Nine, Caravan of Dreams, the Corner Bistro, Dante, Fiddlesticks Pub, Fine and Rare, the Flatiron Room, Groove, Haswell Green's, Joey Bats Café Lower East Side, the Juke Bar, the Keg Room, Marshall Stack, Minton's Playhouse, Pinky's Space, the Red Lion, Rue-B, and Sour Mouse NYC, already host live music regularly.

Follow The Manhattan Beat for all breaking news regarding live music for live audiences in Manhattan.

Banjoist Arnt Arntzen, accompanied by cornet player Michael Davis, performed at the Anyway Café on March 14