Entertainment in the shelter-in-place era

Earlier this year I had some big plans to start curating nights out with my WATG and Wimberly Interiors teams so we could explore the worlds of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and other entertainment venues to inspire our work – and also just have some fun together. As the firm’s Director of Entertainment I figured that was certainly my responsibility! Unfortunately, COVID-19 had other plans for us, and today’s stay-at-home restrictions have caused all of us to put our own plans on hold and rethink where our inspiration and ideas come from.

Does temporary mean weeks? Months? Years? And will these businesses and venues need to be dramatically different when they reopen, if they reopen?

For the sake of our communities’ health, staying home is a worthy personal sacrifice, but it’s truly been heartbreaking to see so many clients and friends close down their restaurants, shops, bars, nightclubs and concert venues, among countless other businesses. After all, this is all part of the passion we all share as lovers of hospitality and the creative opportunities within it. Even knowing that this pandemic will pass, and most closures will be temporary, as of now there’s still so much uncertainty about what that means. Does temporary mean weeks? Months? Years? And will these businesses and venues need to be dramatically different when they reopen, if they reopen? And what about all of those amazing servers, hosts, chefs, and staff that make us feel like we are the most important people in the world?

So, what happens to the restaurants, clubs, concert halls and sports arenas that we all love so much, in the short-term? Entertainment venues are such unique, energized spaces specifically designed for social human contact, shared celebrations, collective energy, and simple acts of connection. They’re designed to spark emotion, to transport guests to new experiences. These experiences and connections are impossible to replicate outside of the existing format. But the venues’ temporary closures must not stop us from being entertained. We can’t allow the connections to break.

Venues’ temporary closures must not stop us from being entertained. We can’t allow the connections to break.

Since my planned hospitality excursions are on hold for now I decided to start making weekly lists to share with my office of upcoming virtual events. I’ve been paying close attention to how venues, artists and festivals have started to pivot to keep their fans and communities engaged. Live streaming events are nothing new but they were always secondary to the in person experience. That has completely reversed in just a few short months. Events like One World: Together at Home collection of live, virtual performances; and Stageit’s “front row seat to a backstage experience” are helping create a more global stage. Connecting virtually has empowered me to discover new music from right here in NYC (Sofi Tukker, anyone?) and from far corners of the globe (how did I not know about Zucchero!?) And watching someone sing or play instruments from their living room feels strangely intimate, as if they’re connecting with me personally, in my own living room.

I can’t help but wonder if these new habits will linger in the long-term, with even more live events being broadcast online even after this pandemic is over, so you can attend a concert from anywhere in the world. Or maybe more Broadway shows will offer online performances to expand their reach, similar to the way Andrew Lloyd Webber has recently released some of his musicals including the 25^th Anniversary performance of Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall. And perhaps nightclubs will offer some sort of virtual experiences that help to bring people together and transport them to new experiences in new ways.

Now more than ever, we need a little entertainment in our lives.

Of course, the experience is different and will never replace my passion for gathering in person, hearing live music on stage in a concert hall or club. But without the ability to go out on tour, these online venues give artists the opportunity to stay present and relevant, connected with their fans and the community, and in some cases even generate revenue to support other artists, staff, or much needed relief funds for the hospitality workers (such as Tao Cares!).

I’m grateful for technology that helps us feel like we’re together, even as we’re isolated. This is an extraordinary time for connection. We’ll eventually get back out together in person, but in the meantime let’s not forget how powerful those gatherings can be. Let’s help each other stay connected and discover new experiences. Now more than ever, we need a little entertainment in our lives.