Joy Comes Back to Madison

Mt.+Joy+at+The+Sylvee+in+2019.

AlfordPAIGE ZEZULKA / CLARION

Mt. Joy at The Sylvee in 2019.

Paige Zezulka, Copy Editor

Madison has always been a city full of music in all corners of its isthmus. Though, once the pandemic hit, things have been quiet in the community ever since. That is all about to change this summer.

The return of live music will begin at Breese Stevens Field on May 6, with the band Mt. Joy.

“We really like that band and are excited to host them,” said Matt Gerding, the President of Frank Productions Concerts Live. “There aren’t necessarily a ton of bands on the road right now, but they are doing a fun drive in and socially distanced tour that just seemed to align with our goals for what will be our first concert in over a year.”

It seems as if Madisonians sure missed music, because the event sold out under an hour.

Frank Productions will be hosting this socially distanced event in Madison with heavy precautions and many changes.

According to FPC Live, instead of selling individual tickets, they sold 4-person pods that are 8 feet by 8 feet. Each pod is distanced 6 feet away from one another. Pods in the grandstands began at $120; whereas pods on the field began at $140.

Face masks are, of course, required, spacious entering and exit plans will be in place, hand sanitizing stations will be available, as well as cashless concession options.

Mt. Joy is the first of the “Return to Live” concert series that Breese Stevens Field has scheduled this year. Though these events will be different from the past, Gerding is hoping this safe step forward will be a new beginning for the community.

“Our hope is that it generates some excitement about getting back to live music safely, and that we’ll see the positive impact of that type of optimism around the city,” said Gerding, “We also hope that the community looks at it as an opportunity to focus on mitigating the impact of the virus over the next few months so concerts and a lot of other things can open this city back up.”

As time goes on and the pandemic becomes part of history, increased future events are in sight. FPC Live are brainstorming more visits for Breese Stevens Field this summer. According to Gerding they even plan to host inside shows soon.

But, for these events to continue, social distancing guidelines need to be met.

“We want people to mask up, socially distance, and be smart about how they are interacting with each other so we can have a Madison summer to remember,” said Gerding.