#SocialDistancingFest brings live music to your homeDate: 3/23/2020 EAST LONGMEADOW – With events all over Western Massachusetts canceling left and right in an effort to promote social distancing, four local business owners have come together to provide a one-of-a kind entertainment experience for all members of the public to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes.
In Gov. Charlie Baker’s latest set of restrictions relating to containing and aiding in stopping the spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19, he closed seated restaurants and bars, closed schools for three weeks and also closed daycares. Though restaurants are allowed to continue a takeout operation, people are otherwise asked to practice social distancing – maintaining physical distance from other people and avoiding direct contact with people – if possible. On March 15, Baker explained there should be no groups of 25 people or more together at a time. Since then, President Donald Trump announced no groups of 10 people or more.
As these announcements were made, events canceled in droves. Recognizing the loss of income for local musicians after their gigs were postponed or canceled, Daniel Hesser of 413 Exotics reached out to friend and owner of Cloud 9 Marketing Group Dylan Pilon with an idea to help the shows go on.
“My longtime friend, Daniel Hesser, and I are local music evangelists. We attend at least one show per week, sometimes two or three,” Pilon explained to Reminder Publishing. “Dan suggested to me that artists should livestream their shows and include a Venmo link. This would help them recoup lost wages during bar shutdowns.”
The two business owners joined forces with Don Cavanaugh of Seven Roads Media and Josh Kelleher of JJK Productions and put together the area’s first-ever live stream music festival called, #SocialDistancingFest.
As of March 18, #SocialDistancingFest has 33 different acts booked, with no repeats.
“We have artists from all over the country, nationally touring acts, local celebrities, and even a performance from Canada,” Pilon explained. “This has grown beyond our wildest imagination.”
Pilon added, “The feedback [from artists] has been overwhelmingly positive. Everyone was on board and eager to reserve their time slot.”
The first weekend of performances took place last weekend, on March 19, 20 and 21 with 14 acts performing via livestream. There’s still plenty of upcoming music though, with acts booked for March 26 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., March 27 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and March 28 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The following weekend is also host to a slew of performers on April 2, 3, and 4.
“We hope the ban will be lifted by April 7, so we’re putting all of our positive energy into that. If that is not the case, we will most definitely revisit continuing #SocialDistancingFest for as long as these amazing musicians are willing to donate their time,” Pilon said.
While there is no payment required for those who want to “attend” #SocialDistancingFest, those who watch the live streams are able to donate to the artists directly if they choose to do so through the digital wallet phone app Venmo.
“We understand that this is a tough time for everyone, not just musicians. Any amount that people can afford to donate is appreciated. If you can’t donate, please help spread the word by sharing the Facebook event,” Pilon said. “Other than that, sit back, relax and enjoy the shows, but definitely go support these artists when they are back out at your favorite venue. The venues will need help, too.”
Anyone who is interested in attending #SocialDistancingFest should RSVP to the Facebook event which is titled, “413’s #SocialDistancingFest” by tapping the “interested” or “going” options. Pilon suggests checking out the lineup schedule and then watching your favorite artists when their Facebook live stream goes up inside the event.
“If you have the ability, I suggest pulling up the live streams on your smart TV. If you can’t do that, a computer, tablet, or cell phone will work perfectly,” he said.
To find the event page on Facebook, go to https://facebook.com/events/s/413s-socialdistancingfest/207145090599404.
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