While it seemed like the Arkansas government would shut it down, the first socially distant concert has happened, it just got pushed back a few days. Last night, Monday, May 18th, saw the first official concert in the States since the stay at home orders began.
Country rock musician Travis McCready performed to 229 attendees in a venue that could fit 1,000, complying with state regulations.
All attendees were required to wear face masks, and had their temperature taken upon entry. Face masks will be sold at the event for attendees who do not bring any. Concessions will be served in sealable containers and cups. Bathrooms will be limited to 10 people at a time.
Here's a news report on the matter:
Here's some fan footage from the event. You can see that the owner of the venue was treating this like a political statement:
Covering the socially distanced Travis McCready show at @templelivefsm.
And they totally paid tribute to @arkansalt’s editorial before the musicians did their thing. pic.twitter.com/sCay5Wf9AS
— Max Bryan (@MBryanTimesRec) May 19, 2020
And here is a photo from the stage:
Travis McCready of @bishopgunnmusic (and dog) now on stage at @templelivefsm. pic.twitter.com/ej3CvVX3ZZ
— Chris May (@KATVChrisMay) May 19, 2020
He’s on. Hasn’t said anything about the pandemic yet, but did do this Audioslave cover after a few originals pic.twitter.com/WwcO6B9OEd
— Max Bryan (@MBryanTimesRec) May 19, 2020
Music is back in Arkansas! Lauren Brown on stage now at @templelivefsm opening for Travis McCready of @bishopgunnmusic. pic.twitter.com/KhJZVg4TTb
— Chris May (@KATVChrisMay) May 19, 2020