Back on the microphone – are we ready?

Many people believe that things will never return to how they were before February 2020. The virus will always be present, and always in our minds. Perhaps on the performance circuit that may be a fair assessment, and one that’s probably long overdue. In the past, with acts using the same equipment and microphones, colds may have easily been passed on from person to person. But in a world where we rely on antibiotics and cures for minor ailments being readily available and effective, this last eighteen months has been a wake-up call. I envisage, in the short term at least, that singers will either continue to bring their own vocal mics or rely on venues sanitising house equipment before each user performs. 

The music scene is opening up

On the plus side, the calendar has certainly started to fill up with events at bars and pubs, as organisers of open mic sessions and gigs post the return of regular dates at those venues which have survived. Since the return of outdoor events, with limited capacity and distancing rules, the success of the last few months has been varied.  And, where the events have been totally outdoor, weather dependant. It’s now very pleasing to see the numbers of local events rising and festivals planned for later in the year. With a bit of careful planning and basic safeguards, these should pose no additional risks.