No one needs a reminder of what a difficult year 2020 was, and no industry was hit harder than the entertainment industry. With the exception of a few outdoor concerts and smaller club shows, the entire music industry came to an abrupt halt last March. Bands have increasingly relied on ticket sales recently as record sales have given way to streaming platforms. Last year saw revenues for almost all local, regional, and national acts stop dead in their tracks.
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In April, we all watched with uncertainty as our friends put out virtual tip jars and strummed their hearts out in their living rooms. You could feel the desperation at times, but it’s all they could do to feed the fans and put a little bread in their jar. By mid-May, we saw the return of very small outdoor shows in the area as governors tried to get economies back open. The sheer joy on peoples’ faces as they saw live music again was truly amazing to watch.
The fall brought a few bigger outdoor shows to this area. Local favorites Goin’ South and Funk You headlined a couple of these socially distanced shows at the Columbia County Amphitheatre and the newly finished Sharon Jones Amphitheatre in North Augusta.
I spoke with Funk You’s Evan Miller, who had this to say: “This last year was interesting for all musicians to say the least. Touring was stopped in March, but we’ve been lucky enough to play some outdoor, socially distanced shows in the Augusta area.”
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Miller added that those shows and a few live streams have been all the performing they’ve done. Otherwise, they’ve focused on writing and recording their new album “Moving Forward.” The album will will be released later this year.
“We are hopeful that concerts and touring will slowly return to normal in 2021. We are ready to get back on the road, where we thrive!” Miller said.
The new year brings new hope to this crippled industry. Vaccines for COVID-19 are currently being administered. Ticket Master has recently announced a plan to bring back concerts and major sporting events by May/June timeframe. There is light at the end of the tunnel. As I write this, the Augusta National has announced they will have a limited number of fans at this April’s tournament. This is certainly a step towards the light.
Hang in there live music fans, you’ll be able to hear some of your favorite bands again soon. This time, let’s not take it for granted. Support live music. See you soon.
Peace and Love,
Brian
Brian Brittingham is the entertainment columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at producers@theaugustapress.com
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