Colorado Springs artists, ‘live from quarantine,’ play online concerts amid show cancellations
With the recent ban of all gatherings of crowds over 10 people because of the coronavirus pandemic, bands and artists have been forced to cancel upcoming shows.
But what does that mean for the local Colorado artists who are left without shows and often without pay?
Live online shows seem to be at least a temporary solution for some Colorado Springs-area artists and bands, including Ryan Flores.
Flores, dubbed his most recent video “Live from Quarantine.”
In a recent Facebook post, Flores said that the crisis had been surreal for him, as a musician who usually plays two-hundred shows a year.
“I haven’t played a gig in over two weeks since this crisis started.”
Flores has asked those who would like the help him, to donate ‘tips’ using his personal Paypal, Venmo, or CashApp links, listed on Facebook.
“While not enough to pay my bills, it is helping me keep some money coming in and continue to do what I love.”
Through it all, Flores is trying to stay positive.
“I’m trying to maintain a grateful and positive attitude through this trying time. Hopefully we can get through this soon and get our lives and livelihood back on track.”
You can find more of his work on his Facebook page here.
Another local band taking up online performances is the Tejon Street Corner Thieves.
Since March 18, the band’s individual members have been going live on the group’s Facebook page, and playing sets ranging anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour.
You can watch their videos here.
“The best ways to support artists right now is buying their merchandise, streaming their music, and tipping the artists during live stream events.” says Connor O’Neal, a member of the band.
Those who wish to help support the Tejon Street Corner Thieves can do so by ‘tipping’ on their individual Paypal accounts, listed on Facebook.
“We’re happy there is a way for us to continue to share our music during these uncertainties. It means the world that fans still want to tune in.”
Local artists aren’t the only ones resorting to performing online however.
Big names like Keith Urban and John Legend have also been performing online amid the quarantine to help keep people entertained.
Urban said in the video that he dedicated the performance to the medical personnel that had been working on the front lines.
The Tejon Street Corner Thieves entertain the crowds at the Colorado Springs Food Truck Cook-Off on Sunday, April 29, 2018. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette)
Ryan Flores of Moonhoney, right, plays with Crystal and the Curious Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, during the Noche de Los Muertos event at Marmalade at Smokebrush. The event was an nontraditional Day of the Dead celebration with live music, performers and dancing. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
Blackbird Outreach benefit: Entertainment by Tejon Street Corner Thieves 041818 Photo by Linda Navarro