To regular readers of this column (I’m told they do exist) my admiration for Showtime, CNY’s top cover band, comes as no surprise.
So when rumors started flying about three of the band members leaving for various reasons, it was a cause for concern.
Not to worry. To paraphrase Mark Twain, the reports of Showtime’s death have been greatly exaggerated.
With drummer Joe Rossi relocating to Nashville, long-time singer and percussionist Jerry Crimmins retiring from the music business, and keyboardist Mike Marro taking some time away from the band for personal reasons, the future did look a bit shaky for a while.
Music lovers are equally glad to see live shows return, and are demonstrating that by turning out in large (but safe) numbers.
“We’ve seen a huge increase in crowds over the last month as cases have declined and the vaccines have rolled out,” says Woodland Farm Brewery brewer/owner Keith Redhead. “Every one has been very understanding and patient over the last year with so many of the changes to our business, music, and life.”
That’s not to say all the problems are now solved. Club owners all agree that one of the biggest obstacles to running music was the limit on indoor occupancy. At half occupancy, most clubs found running music indoors was simply not feasible. The increase to 75% occupancy has definitely helped, but hasn’t completely alleviated the financial strain.
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