New York is plotting its return from its long, forced hiatus due to COVID-19. And while events and crowds are on the gradual path to full scale, city leaders have something a bit more grand in mind for August, when a massive reopening concert in Central Park is reportedly in the works.
“Seeking a grand symbol of New York’s revitalization after a brutal pandemic year, Mayor Bill de Blasio is planning a large scale performance by multiple acts and has called on Clive Davis, the 89-year-old producer and music-industry eminence, to pull it together,” writes the New York Times of the plans, tentatively scheduled for August 21.
The musical lineup has not yet been determined, nor the date finalized. But the Times reports that the event would be a 3-hour affair, allowing up to 60,000 fans to be in attendance, with a live broadcast to go along with it for those outside of New York – perhaps to remind them that the early epicenter of the pandemic hasn’t gone anywhere and spark plans for visiting the city for concerts, Broadway and more.
Live Nation is reportedly working with Davis on the planning of the event, which is tentatively being called “The Official NYC Homecoming Concert in Central Park.” It will be held on the Great Lawn of the park, which has hosted numerous similar events in its history. Famed performances by Carole King, Elton John, Diana Ross and Dave Matthews Band have graced its 13 acres, which are perhaps best known for hosting an estimated 400,000 fans for a 1980 reunion show staged by Paul Simon and early partner Art Garfunkle. Since 2012, the Global Citizen Festival has played the lawn there, with artists including Beyonce, Metallica, Coldplay and others on the bill.
This summer, most of the thousands of tickets are expected to be free, though there will be some “VIP” areas for sale. There will be sections specific to both vaccinated and non-vaccinated patrons if current plans hold.
“This concert is going tobe a once in a lifetime opportunity,” de Blasio says. “IT’s going to be an amazing lineup. The whole week is going to be like nothing you’ve ever seen before in New York City.
