BANGOR – In the wake of the spread of the coronavirus, many people are wondering if there will be any concerts this year along the Bangor waterfront.
Luke Bryan, Kiss and Rod Stuart are still on the bill but Lady Antebellum has canceled its performance at the Bangor waterfront.
“In a traditional season, we’d be in the center of the busiest part of our outdoor season and, unfortunately, that’s just not the case this year with COVID-19,” said Alex Gray of Waterfront Concerts.
Gray said the coronavirus pandemic and state restrictions on the number of people who can gather together has already canceled or postponed many of the shows for this year. He said he’s waiting for guidance from the state if the three remaining shows will be allowed.
“I think it’s highly improbable we’ll have a show in this calendar year anywhere, simply because of the limitations … It’s unrealistic,” Gray said. “We’re heeding to that guidance and when we can open and it’s safe again, we will.”
Currently, Rod Stewart is set to perform with Cheap Trick on Aug. 5. Luke Bryan, along with Morgan Wallen and Runaway June, are scheduled for Aug. 14 and the Kiss show is set for Sept. 30.
“If you go to waterfront concerts there are a few shows that are still on sale, some shows that have moved to 2021 and some shows that are still here,” Gray said.
The concert promoter said he’ll also be working with artists and their agents “to decide what they want to do long term.”
“It’s very new. I’m not critical of the administration by any stretch of the imagination,” Gray said. “It’s really an unfortunate situation for all.”
The downtime has been used to add about 50 feet to the venue and to create an amphitheater-style feel for the outdoor concert space.
“We look forward to the future and hope that when it is safe to gather again, the music will play on here in Bangor, Maine,” Gray said.
