Davies Amphitheater Targets July Start to Concert Season

There will be outdoor music in Glenwood this summer, but with a later start than normal.

With live theaters still closed in Iowa by Governor Kim Reynolds’ orders due to COVID-19, the Davies Amphitheater Board voted Thursday night to delay the start of the 2020 season until July.

Davies Amphitheater Manager Jeff Mitts said the season was about 90-percent booked in March when COVID-19 restrictions began to fall into place.

“We kind of put things on hold then until we had a clearer idea of what might happen,” he said.

But as states began the process of opening up in recent weeks, live theaters remained on the closed list.

“It seems a little odd that you can go to a movie theater, but our giant outdoor venue with lots of room for social distancing has to remain closed,” said Mitts.

But Mitts said the opening delay should give everyone a better idea of what will happen with the virus.

“We are eager to get things back to normal,” he said. “But we realize that many of our concert goers and volunteers are in a more susceptible age group and we want to take every precaution available to ensure everyone’s safety.”

When the season does open, there will likely be changes, including capacity restrictions.

“Even at 50 percent capacity, that would put us at about 350, which could easily hold all but the largest Billy McGuigan crowds,” said Mitts.

Other steps will be taken to help with social distancing. There will likely be no concessions this year, and the great Davies tradition of a T-shirt raffle and “free popcorn for life” will not happen. There may also be an honor system at the gate with a suggested admission price and a jar for money.
“We looked at ways to avoid bottlenecks and congestion that would hinder social distancing,” said Mitts.
Davies Amphitheater Gold Card season passes will also help reduce congestion. Family Gold Cards will remain $40 and $25 for singles.
Mitts said that in the last couple of weeks he has worked moving acts that were booked for June to later in the season. One of the losses due to COVID-19 was the Heartland of America Offutt Band which was scheduled for a Flag Day performance. The Air Force suspended all community outreach concerts for June and will likely not be able to reschedule.
The only remaining June show on the original schedule is the Iowa Veterans’s Military Band scheduled for Saturday, June 27.
“That is very tentative at this time,” said Mitts. “With gathering restrictions, they haven’t been able to practice, and with a lot of older members traveling from all parts of the state, it may be difficult for them to perform.”
If that show doesn’t happen opening weekend, on the schedule now is July 18 with popular country group Shadow Ridge on Saturday and John Denver Tribute on Sunday. Mitts said that once there is an okay to open up, he will probably try and fill the first two weekends in July.
The Davies Amphitheater’s tentative schedule as of now is:
Saturday, June 27 - Iowa Veterans Military Band.
Saturday, July 18 - Shadow Ridge.
Sunday, July 19 - Dustin West John Denver Tribute.
Saturday, Aug. 1 - Keep Pushing - REO Speedwagon Tribute.
Saturday, Aug. 8 - Come Together Band.
Sunday, Aug. 9 - Glenwood Community Band.
Saturday, Aug. 15 - High Heel.
Saturday, Aug. 22 - Tara Vaughn.
Friday, Aug. 28 - Taxi Driver.
Mitts encourages everyone to check the Davies Amphitheater Facebook page for any updates and changes. Those wishing to purchase Gold Cards may send checks to Davies Amphitheater, 804 Timberlane, Glenwood, Iowa, 51534.

 

The Opinion-Tribune

116 S Walnut St Glenwood, IA 51534-1665
P.O. Box 377, Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: 712-527-3191
Phone: 712-623-2566
Fax: 712-527-3193

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