COVID-19 fears nix 2 concerts in Woodstock

Citing COVID-19 concerns, Woodstock has announced the postponement to the 2021 season of two performances of its free-to-the-public Summer Concert Series: The Ultimate Queen Celebration starring Marc Martel, on July 31; and Steep Canyon Rangers, on Aug. 8.

The City Council and Parks and Recreation staff determined they could not ensure adequate social distancing at the concert venue, the Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater, officials said. Previously, a July 11 performance by Christopher Cross was called off after the artist contracted COVID-19 and canceled his summer tour dates.

“We looked at making these concerts ticketed events in order to limit attendance,” as well as barricading the park and dividing the green space into grids to encourage social distancing, said Parks and Recreation Director Michael Huffstetler. “Even with these safeguards, we did not feel that we could guarantee social distancing.”