AMF cancels Brookings’ Summer Concerts in the Park series
After much deliberation, the American Music Festival board of directors decided this week to cancel its Summer Concerts in the Park series at Brookings’ Azalea Park. The free concerts, typically held on Sunday afternoons, attract 400 to 1,200 music fans to each show.
“After nearly a full year of planning, and knowing how much joy these concerts bring to our community, it was a heart-breaking decision to cancel,” said AMF Board President Les Cohen. “Our decision was based on the current circumstances regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing guidelines enacted recently by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown.”
In her May 7 “Reopening Oregon” announcement, Brown said, “Concerts, conventions, festivals, live audience sports won’t be possible until a reliable treatment or prevention is available. It is unknown at this time when this will be. Therefore, all large gatherings should be cancelled or significantly modified through at least September.”
This year’s concert series would have featured eight artists, including several returning favorites, and offered a wide variety of music styles. The tribute bands booked this summer included Billy Joel, Linda Ronstadt, The Beatles and Johnny Cash. Concert goers usually crowd the outdoor amphitheater with lawn chairs, blankets and picnics.
“The AMF board of directors express our deep appreciation to all of our concert goers and our sponsors who so generously contribute to the series,” Cohen said. “We greatly value your support and we wish you and your family and friends good health during these uncertain times.”
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The American Music Festival will celebrate its 25-year anniversary in 2021 and is already working to book many of the artists that had been scheduled this summer. Many local businesses and individuals have also agreed to let AMF apply their sponsorship money to the 2021 season, Cohen said.
Fans of the music series can get the latest updates, share information and watch videos of featured artists on the AMF Facebook page by entering the search words “American Music Festival Summer Concerts in the Park.”