The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall currently might be gathering dust, but it’s certainly not been forgotten, according to Dianya Markovits, public relations manager. In fact, the unusually quiet venue is saving steam for a pretty rowdy couple of months.
As of right now, the majority of shows are being re-scheduled between September through November, creating a densely populated calendar of eclectic performances.
“The vast majority of [concerts] are being re-scheduled,” Markovits said. “Touring is a big part of an artist’s income. As much as we're disappointed that they're not coming, they're just as disappointed because they just lost out on their income.”
Of the 23 shows that have been postponed, 18 have been re-scheduled. According to Markovits, they currently only have two cancelations – Tower of Power and The Weight.
The venue is also offering full refunds to customers that can no longer attend. Expect a long wait on a refund from Ticketmaster, however, as the global distribution company is looking at an unprecedented amount of refunds and call-ins.
Currently, it’s hard to imagine rocking out in such a bright, physically interactive future, however. Without any real evidence of a clear end to the pandemic or the timeline of the curve social isolation will produce, a looming question mark is held over every event in the foreseeable future. Especially for those directly affected, particularly the “gig” economy, which relies heavily on events and restaurants.
“Everyone is holding their breath and is certainly hopeful that at the end of this month we will be able to look back and say we curbed so much of the damage that could have been done” Markovits said. “We are sincerely hopeful that this doesn't go into September. We're ready, however, and we will wait and do whatever it takes to get as much rescheduled with being compliant and safe as our guidelines give us.”
In between daydreaming of seeing a favorite artist live at the venue, Markovits said she encourages fans to follow the them on social media, as well as the St. Johns County Cultural Council, who are hosting fan discussions and promoting local music weekly on Facebook Live.
“A lot of people have been going online and seeing some of their favorite artists playing in their living rooms,” Markovits said. “To me, that has been such an amazing gift of our modern technology that you can sit there and watch Graham Nash in his living room singing to you in yours.”
The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall’s box office currently is closed. While the venue is dedicated to offering full refunds for canceled and rescheduled shows, customers are encouraged to call either Ticketmaster or wait for the venue to reopen the box office. Visit www.pvconcerthall.com/ or follow them on social media to stay up to date with re-bookings and re-openings.
