Superstar bash in Central Park expected to draw thousands

[left-of-center2012]

The sounds of song will be ringing out from Central Park on Saturday, with thousands expected for a superstar-laden concert that was meant to celebrate New York City’s recovery from the coronavirus. Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Jennifer Hudson, Carlos Santana, LL Cool J and Andrea Bocelli are among the performers at what is being billed as the “Homecoming Concert.”

Despite the joyful intention, the concert is taking place when there are worries about the contagious delta variant of COVID-19. New York City over the past week has averaged just under 2,000 new cases of COVID-19 a day, according to state statistics. That’s up from just under 200 cases per day in late June. Only some 54% of all city residents are fully vaccinated against the virus.

Those who attend the concert, the majority of tickets for which were handed out for free, must show proof of vaccination.

The show will also be broadcast.
Others expected to perform include Barry Manilow, Wyclef Jean, Elvis Costello, Cynthia Erivo and Patti Smith, who is duetting with Springsteen.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-health-arts-and-entertainment-coronavirus-pandemic-4589f049069c3b3f04f1715d85d0bd69

[Haggard Celine]

1. I know that only vaccinated people will be there, but

this doesn't seem like a good idea, to me. Vaccinated people can still spread the virus, and of course we know there are breakthrough cases. Also, the vaccines are waning in effectiveness, which is why they're encouraging boosters. I wouldn't be in any kind of crowd, not even masked up.

[underpants]

2. I really can't believe they are still going through with this

[SheilaAnn]

4. Yeah, but a chance to see Barry Manilow is a once in a lifetime thingy, right?

[Haggard Celine]

6. Thanks for that!

[jimfields33]

5. The name needs to be called superspreader bash.

Ridiculous to have this and highly irresponsible.

[Treefrog]

8. And CNN touting it like it's Woodstock.

Some great OG names, and I understand those who enjoy this kind of thing wanting to attend.

But not at this time.

[jimfields33]

9. I know. Why not next year and make it so epic.

So dumb.

[snowybirdie]

3. Its touted

as a celebration of the end of Covid! Way too early for this. Stay home and watch it on tv New Yorkers.

[Sympthsical]

12. Mission Accomplished!

Oof. Weird week to be a banner maker.

[moondust]

13. Probably planned in May-June

when restrictions started to get lifted and so many got rid of their masks.

[Tomconroy]

7. No one here is going to be happy until the

Performing arts are dead.

[Treefrog]

11. I don't think anyone wants that.

They just want future audiences to be alive.

[malaise]

10. I thought New Y9rk was on hurricane watch n/t