NBT Bank Summer Concert Series set to return this summer
NORWICH — The annual free NBT Bank Summer Concert Series is back. This July, the weekly concerts in East Park will return after a year long hiatus.
Concerts will take place every Thursday evening at 7 p.m. through July and August, and feature several popular artists. However, because of COVID-19 guidelines, the eight scheduled concerts will come with some rules.
"Current guidelines pertaining to public health will mean things will look a little different this year, but everyone felt like it was worth a little inconvenience to be able to bring the music back," Chenango Blues Association officials announced.
Due to the pandemic and ever-changing guidelines, Chenango Blues Association officials have stated that the events will only be open to those who are vaccinated.
"To meet NYS Department of Health regulations, only those who have received COVID-19 vaccinations will be able to attend. Children 16 and under who have not yet had a chance to be vaccinated can attend with a vaccinated adult," said officials. "Unfortunately, regulations meant either do it their way or don't do it at all."
Chenango Blues Association representative Eric Larsen said that they must submit a plan to the health department stating how they will keep the event safe.
The current plan states that three quarters of the park will be sectioned off and only permit those who are vaccinated. But, he also explained they plan to leave a quarter of the space open for those who are not vaccinated.
"We're gonna fence off about three quarters of the park, and you'll need to show proof of vaccination in order to enter that area," said Larsen. "We're going to leave one quarter of the park open where we will ask people to do the social distancing and masking thing."
While the concerts are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., officials have recommended visitors arrive early, as there will likely be a screening process.
"We're gonna have two and three points is our plan right now to help expedite things, and there will be somebody sitting at each entrance and they'll ask you to quickly show your vaccination card and ID," said Larsen.
Despite the COVID regulations, Larsen believes the Summer Concert Series will "in a lot of ways look just like it did before."
Larsen also expressed that he hopes guests at the events will be understanding of these new rules.
"We just hope people understand that there's some restrictions in place, and it's not up to us, we're just following the regulations. And it's either don't do the show at all or do it this way," he said. "We're gonna make the best of a challenging situation."
The series will kick off on July 8, with blues guitarist Ana Popovic. The following week, on July 15, visitors will get to experience "one of the most anticipated shows East Park has ever seen," by the band Asleep at the Wheel.
The Summer Concert Series is made possible by NBT Bank, The Greater Norwich Foundation, The R.C. Smith Foundation, and more. NBT Bank President and CEO John H. Watt, Jr. acknowledged the importance of the weekly concerts, especially after the pandemic.
"We appreciate the Chenango County Blues Association's commitment to bringing incredible music and national talent to Chenango County. We are thrilled NBT Bank Summer Concert Series is on again as we emerge from a very challenging period for all of us," he said in a press release.
More information on the Summer Concert Series, performers, and COVID guidelines for the concerts can be found on the Chenango Blues Fest website, www.chenangobluesfest.org.
"Thank you to everyone in advance for their understanding this year as we navigate the ever-changing regulations that pertain to large public gathering events," said officials. "Let's enjoy the shows while keeping the community safe."
Concerts will take place every Thursday evening at 7 p.m. through July and August, and feature several popular artists. However, because of COVID-19 guidelines, the eight scheduled concerts will come with some rules.
"Current guidelines pertaining to public health will mean things will look a little different this year, but everyone felt like it was worth a little inconvenience to be able to bring the music back," Chenango Blues Association officials announced.
Due to the pandemic and ever-changing guidelines, Chenango Blues Association officials have stated that the events will only be open to those who are vaccinated.
"To meet NYS Department of Health regulations, only those who have received COVID-19 vaccinations will be able to attend. Children 16 and under who have not yet had a chance to be vaccinated can attend with a vaccinated adult," said officials. "Unfortunately, regulations meant either do it their way or don't do it at all."
Chenango Blues Association representative Eric Larsen said that they must submit a plan to the health department stating how they will keep the event safe.
The current plan states that three quarters of the park will be sectioned off and only permit those who are vaccinated. But, he also explained they plan to leave a quarter of the space open for those who are not vaccinated.
"We're gonna fence off about three quarters of the park, and you'll need to show proof of vaccination in order to enter that area," said Larsen. "We're going to leave one quarter of the park open where we will ask people to do the social distancing and masking thing."
While the concerts are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., officials have recommended visitors arrive early, as there will likely be a screening process.
"We're gonna have two and three points is our plan right now to help expedite things, and there will be somebody sitting at each entrance and they'll ask you to quickly show your vaccination card and ID," said Larsen.
Despite the COVID regulations, Larsen believes the Summer Concert Series will "in a lot of ways look just like it did before."
Larsen also expressed that he hopes guests at the events will be understanding of these new rules.
"We just hope people understand that there's some restrictions in place, and it's not up to us, we're just following the regulations. And it's either don't do the show at all or do it this way," he said. "We're gonna make the best of a challenging situation."
The series will kick off on July 8, with blues guitarist Ana Popovic. The following week, on July 15, visitors will get to experience "one of the most anticipated shows East Park has ever seen," by the band Asleep at the Wheel.
The Summer Concert Series is made possible by NBT Bank, The Greater Norwich Foundation, The R.C. Smith Foundation, and more. NBT Bank President and CEO John H. Watt, Jr. acknowledged the importance of the weekly concerts, especially after the pandemic.
"We appreciate the Chenango County Blues Association's commitment to bringing incredible music and national talent to Chenango County. We are thrilled NBT Bank Summer Concert Series is on again as we emerge from a very challenging period for all of us," he said in a press release.
More information on the Summer Concert Series, performers, and COVID guidelines for the concerts can be found on the Chenango Blues Fest website, www.chenangobluesfest.org.
"Thank you to everyone in advance for their understanding this year as we navigate the ever-changing regulations that pertain to large public gathering events," said officials. "Let's enjoy the shows while keeping the community safe."
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