Just when it seemed local venues were all systems go for their calendar of scheduled shows, events have started to get postponed and cancelled to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The Lobero Theatre announced today that it is postponing all of its events scheduled for March, in compliance with the California Department of Public Health’s new recommendation that events with gatherings of 250 people or more be postponed at least until the end of the month.
A statement posted on the theater website states that people who bought tickets will be informed via email or text message when the events are rescheduled and that ticket exchanges and refunds will be made available at the venue’s box office.
Lobero marketing and communications director Angie Bertucci told the News-Press that exchanges and refunds will be given on a show-by-show basis.
A few of this month’s events at The Granada Theatre have also been impacted as some of its resident companies have postponed and cancelled events. The Santa Barbara Symphony’s March 21 and 22 live orchestral accompaniment of the film “An American in Paris” has been rescheduled for June 13 and 14.
According to a press release, ticket holders for this event should hold onto their tickets until replacements for the rescheduled date are issued. Those who are unable to attend the rescheduled date have the choice of either donating their tickets back to the Santa Barbara Symphony or exchanging the ticket for any of the theater’s remaining concerts.
Granada Theatre resident company State Street Ballet has chosen to cancel its performance of “Sleeping Beauty” at the venue this weekend.
In a press release the company stated, “The community of the people we serve and who support us is vitally important and although State Street Ballet has not yet been impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), there is valid concern about the spread of the virus. We have chosen to be proactive by following measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the California Department of Health and cancel this weekend’s performance to lessen any potential impact.”
Two UCSB Arts & Lectures events, tonight’s Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour at the Arlington Theatre and Las Cafeteras’ performances at Isla Vista School, Guadalupe City Hall, and The Marjorie Luke Theatre respectively scheduled for March 13, 14, and 15, have also been cancelled.
email: jgrega@newspress.com
