Superstar bash in Central Park expected to draw thousands

[left-of-center2012]

Source: AP News

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.


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

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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.

[Tomconroy]

1. What? People having fun? This is an outrage!

[left-of-center2012]

2. The outrage is thousands gathering during the COVID surge

[Tomconroy]

3. Sponsored by the City of New York, of course

The event complies with CDC guidelines.

[Mysterian]

20. Yeah, everyone who attends these gatherings has been so conscientious

to obey CDC guidelines.

[marble falls]

23. So that means it's mandatory, dammit! Bad move.

[left-of-center2012]

51. But did those going to it comply ?

And with 'Delta' even those vaccinated can get COVID.

[Traildogbob]

4. Ask health care workers about their fun.

Just seems dangerous, not like the Trump rally in Bama, but still potential for spread. Fake Vax cards are becoming easy to find, but what the hell, wait till the College Football games bring tons of fun to stadiums nationwide. Just hope your team does not host Bama, Florida and Texas teams. Their fans travel in hoards. Fun times!! Yes Haa!

[greenjar_01]

30. Cassandra Complex Crew incoming

Duck and cover, buddy.

[Tomconroy]

31. Puritans are everywhere. Next thing you know

They'll be tearing down the Maypoles.

[LanternWaste]

41. Will they wear shoes and shirts, ya think?

Or not...?

[Initech]

46. Pass the butter!

[LanternWaste]

42. That's adorable.

The wee pretense that people are upset about fun is a great way to avoid the point.

I'm just not as clever as all these new posters.

[SharonClark]

5. I hate crowds, pandemic or not, but I hope the vaccinated all have a good time.

The unvaccinated attend at their peril.

[marble falls]

24. And the breaktrough cases.

[EarthFirst]

6. Isn't there a hurricane fo prepare for?

I’m all about some fun; but I’d imagine the resources required to pull of a concert in Central Park could be far better allocated in the region...

[BumRushDaShow]

18. So far the models are showing a direct hit across an area of central - eastern Long Island

and right into NY state proper, and assuming any "eye" goes along the current projected path, the city would be to the west, but the rainfall could flood the Hudson & East Rivers and they are expected to get tropical force level winds (which can range from 35 mph to 74 mph).

It just got upgraded to a Hurricane about an hour ago.

Link to tweet

TEXT

National Hurricane Center
@NHC_Atlantic
#Henri has strengthened to a hurricane and is headed for Long Island and southern New England. Hurricane and Tropical Storm Warnings have been extended eastward. Here are the 11 am EDT Key Messages. See http://hurricanes.gov for details.
Image
10:53 AM · Aug 21, 2021

The surge is going to be pretty bad - especially because there is a full moon. They really should move the concert to next weekend instead.

Link to tweet

TEXT

NWS New York NY
@NWSNewYorkNY
Here are the latest storm surge watches and warnings for the local region. This is showing where the greatest threat of coastal flooding will be this weekend as Henri approaches.
Image
6:37 PM · Aug 20, 2021

(sorry - hobby )

[JohnnyRingo]

7. What time, and what channel?

[zanana1]

10. Good question. What time, what channel?

[JohnnyRingo]

13. I since looked it up

From 4:00 to 10:00 on CNN.
Wow!! Regardless the naysayers and hands wringers, I'm a concert kind of guy, and this is a big deal, even if I just see it on TV. The Cleveland Guardians have first pitch at the same time for when someone is playing that I don't like. Good night to be home.

Stupid Alexa was no help.

[mountain grammy]

14. thank you..

[IcyPeas]

29. It will stream live, without requiring a cable log-in, on CNN.com's homepage

[Tomconroy]

11. CNN I think.

Last edited Sat Aug 21, 2021, 12:01 PM - Edit history (1)

[MissMillie]

15. Cable... OF COURSE (n/t)

.

[Tomconroy]

27. Looks like it will stream live on CNN.com

[left-of-center2012]

8. ...

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.

[Raftergirl]

9. This is just so dumb.

Even if everyone needs to be vaxxed to attend.

[Tomconroy]

12. The chances of fully vaccinated people catching

Covid outdoors in the open air are about the same as the chances of alien abduction.

[Bengus81]

16. Who says they're all vaccinated,those phony vax cards?

No one at the gate or anywhere else has time to really check for a legit vax card.

[Tomconroy]

17. I guess you just have to calculate the odds and take your chances,

Just like you do when you get into your car.

[Mysterian]

21. Getting into the car is often a necessary action

Having festivals in Central Park in the middle of a deadly outbreak is not.

Logic FAIL.

[Tomconroy]

22. 'I long ago came to the conclusion

That everything in life is six to five against' - Damon Runyon.
Logic success!

[Bengus81]

26. LOL...ususally going to get FOOD or perscription drugs

I have to take that risk,seeing Springsteen in person isn't a necessary risk right now. Garth Brooks canceled all his shows the other day. Guess he cares more about people.

[marie999]

34. Right, it is okay to be outside because they are going to social distance.

[onenote]

39. You must believe alien abductions are pretty common.

https://www.wkrg.com/health/coronavirus/concerts-outdoor-events-can-still-be-risky-as-delta-variant-continues-to-spread-according-to-health-experts/

[Tomconroy]

43. The article does not cite to a single study about the

Likelihood that Covid can be transmitted in an open air outdoor setting. The reason for the lack of such studies is because it is virtually impossible to find anyone who has been infected in that way. Alien abduction is actually more likely.

[Tomconroy]

49. There is overwhelming evidence that large gatherings

Of crowds outdoors is safe. It's called Major League Baseball.

[Earth-shine]

19. What are they celebrating exactly?

I guess this was planned a few months ago when it seemed the pandemic was ending.

[dianaredwing]

44. Maybe its just a different take

on a hurricane party. Seems to be the same mentality and LOVE Springsteen but wouldn't go out in that for anything.

[llashram]

25. I just can't

understand these flirtations with superspreader events like this...nothing is 'normal' yet. Especially with the maskholes and anti-vaxxers killing people while spreading their disease and ignorance.

[SoCalDavidS]

28. Only A Single Shot Required

If you got your First Pfizer shot this morning, you can get in.

FAR from fully vaccinated.

But, who cares, right?

[Hugh_Lebowski]

32. This seems pretty irresponsible I concur ... esp. with a hurricane coming

I could see it getting cancelled at the last minute in fact.

[SoCalDavidS]

33. No Fucking Way It Gets Cancelled

CNN has been advertising this shit for the last 3 weeks. Citibank has a sponsorship.

The show will go on.

They only care that the storm won't hit until tomorrow morning. So long as there's no hurricane today, they're not going to stop.

Even the Covid outbreak won't stop it.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

35. That's too bad. Well, I won't be shocked if some expected performers duck out last minute (nt)

[SoCalDavidS]

38. The Performers Are Probably The Safest Ones There

The smart ones most likely will limo in, get up on stage, do their set, and then back into the limo.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

40. Still, some might decide it's not a good look with delta spiking and a hurricane on the horizon

Guess we'll see.

[McKim]

36. Really Bad Example!

I think this sets a really bad example for the nation. I thought people in NYC were smarter than this!!!! Hope that they all wear masks at least!

[Rhiannon12866]

45. So the pandemic is over?? Who knew??

[George II]

47. They stopped it halfway through Barry Manilow's set (around 7:30 or 8:00?) and sent everyone....

....home due to heavy thunderstorms and lightning.

They're talking about picking it up again at about 10:00 without an audience, but I doubt that's going to happen.

[McKim]

48. There is a God!

Excellent news, probably saved some lives!

[pressbox69]

50. Since the concert was stopped short

and Stephen Colbert was one of the performers who couldn't, maybe he could invite some of his fellow non performers on his show, this week or soon. I hear the plan was to have Springsteen and Patti Smith sing "Because The Night." Would love to see that. Just a thought.