The summer concert season is in a state of flux for most area venues because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb released guidelines May 1 for sites to reopen June 14, with limit gatherings of 250 until July 4. After that, social distancing guidelines will be in place.
That prompted the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra to announce May 4 it is canceling the 2020 Symphony on the Prairie outdoor concert series at Conner Prairie in Fishers.
For those who have purchased a value pack, ISO has provided three options:
- • Ticket donation: ISO would like patrons to consider a tax-deductible donation of the value of the ISO tickets to support ISO’s mission during the tough economic times.
- • Value Pack Voucher Exchange: Symphony on the Prairie Value Pack holders may exchange their current Value Pack for 10 ticket vouchers to the 2021 40th season of Symphony on the Prairie performances.
- • Value Pack Gift Certificate: Symphony on the Prairie Value Pack holders may exchange their current Value Pack for a gift certificate, which is good through August 2021. The gift certificate can be applied to any ISO performances throughout the season.
The release stated: “Due to ongoing physical distancing recommendations and crowd size regulations from local, state and federal authorities, the ISO anticipates it will be several months before musicians and patrons can safely gather for concerts in reasonable numbers. Even if concert restrictions are lifted mid-summer in the state’s reopening plan, the remaining guidelines combined with the infrastructure required for producing Symphony on the Prairie is so complex that presenting a partial season is not financially feasible.”
Hamilton County Parks Resource Development Specialist Don Nicholls said a virtual staff meeting discussed plans May 6 for the Cool Creek Concert Series, but details aren’t established.
“The department is taking steps to not only provide a safe concert venue for fans, vendors, sponsors, volunteers and staff, but also an enjoyable concert experience,” he said.
Melanie Brewer, who is on the committee for the Family Concert Series at the Gazebo in Carmel, said the committee is in discussions on how to present the series if the decision is made to go ahead.
Noblesville Parks and Recreation Director Brandon Bennett said the staff is evaluating June concerts with the possibility of rescheduling them to a later date based on state guidelines.
