HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The City of Huntsville is slowly reopening facilities and easing restrictions at parks, and they still plan to hold big events like Concerts in the Park. The experience will just be a little different this year.
Arts Huntsville Events Manager, Cat Turner, said, "Every Monday night, we're used to having crowds of anywhere from 1,500 to, I think we had upwards of 3,500 last year at Big Spring Park.
This year, the first three concerts will be virtual. They will be performed and recorded at Mars Music Hall and streamed live on Arts Huntsville's Facebook page.
"Our local bands are completely excited to be able to come in to this premiere venue and get to sing and perform," said Turner.
That is an upside for the bands, but there is one negative. Local food trucks won't get the business they usually do at Concerts in the Park.
"It is difficult for the food trucks, so we would really love to have them back," said Turner. "I know that they have been studying and working and doing different neighborhoods and stuff, so they're all up on what the safety procedures are and what they need to do to be able to operate safely."
The virtual concerts will kick off with the Lamont Landers Band on Monday, June 1st. Cotton and Clover will perform on Monday, June 8th, and you can listen to Them Damn Dogs on June 15th.
"What we're hoping is that people will make their own concert in the park, so in their own back yard, in their own space, to still come in and enjoy and be able to experience new bands," said Turner. "That's really what we're all about is promoting new bands, favorite bands, local bands."
There is still a chance for live performances at the park later into the summer.
"We are seeing some postie movement towards that. People mapping out grids in parks and those kinds of things, so we are in consultation with the city on how we could do it. Can we possibly do it safely."
The will announce more plans for upcoming concerts as they're finalized.
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