These are unprecedented times for musicians, and, as such, many have adapted their live performances to the avenue of live streams. Bands like Code Orange, Death Cab for Cutie, and more have held concerts for their fans to enjoy from the comfort and safety of their own home. While I do miss the concert experience, I am all for waiting as long as it takes for gatherings to become normalized again.

Missouri’s Governor, Mike Parson, has other plans. He has made the decision in his economy reopening to allow for venues to helm concerts again, beginning May 4th. In my research, I could not locate if there were any restrictions on occupancy but even if there were, that would defeat the desired intention of selling out a venue. Either way, St. Louis staples like The Pageant, The Firebird, and The Ready Room now have the green light to open their doors again.

The problem here is that the vast majority of touring acts have rescheduled or canceled their tour dates. This would restrict immediate bookings to local acts, which tend to struggle to draw nearly as much as bands that hit a new venue every night with feverish fans ready to sing their songs back to them. So, the question is, how do these venues get people to want to come, as the obvious health concerns are at the front of everyone’s mind still?

I must say, if this decision helps to save venues that are already struggling to survive the epidemic with no way to generate revenue, then I may not resent it like I currently do. However, there really is no telling how bookers will proceed after this landmark decision. I have the sneaking suspicion that Missouri musicians will stick to the digital landscape for their concerts until things are a bit more under control, for the benefit of everyone.

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