I’m back in Maine after six months in the UK. After the decimation of my musical work last year due to the pandemic, it feels quite novel indeed to be entering a few dates into my upcoming gig calendar, beginning with some outdoor engagements at the Bridgton Farmers Market!
I’m feeling my way through the evolving public health guidelines. Many audiences I serve, including nursing home residents and other older folks, may be vulnerable even if vaccinated. As of this writing, Maine’s guidance for performing arts still includes restrictive measures: “Activities like singing or using a projected voice project respiratory droplets in greater quantity and over greater distance, increasing the risk of COVID-19 transmission, particularly with prolonged exposure. Maintain at least 14 feet of separation—and more if possible—between audience members and performers such as vocalists and singers” and “Because singing is a higher risk activity, a well-fitting mask is recommended as opposed to a cloth mask.” It’s a challenge to discern what responsible live music looks like in 2021, but I’m on the case!