Bob Halvorsen, general manager of the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. (Leith Dunick, tbnewswatch.com)
THUNDER BAY – If gathering restrictions are lifted, the general manager at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium predicts 2022 could be a banner year for live music.
Robert Halvorsen say promoters have been clamouring to book dates for next year, as touring acts look to shake off being sent backstage for the better part of the past year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, hampered by public health regulations and, to a lesser extent, the closure of the border between Canada and the United States.
Halvorsen said concert-goers could have plenty to choose from in 2022.
Arley Hughes of Loose Cannon on Saturday at the Thunder Bay Blues Festival in 2015. (Leith Dunick, tbnewswatch.com?FILE)
THUNDER BAY – Organizers haven’t completely ruled out holding a Thunder Bay Blues Festival in 2021, but it’s increasingly looking like 2022 might be a better option if the popular summer festival is to return.
Trevor Hurtig, manager of marketing at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, said at this point most musical acts aren’t looking too feverishly at 2021 dates.
“Yes, the industry is stuck at a standstill for the most part. There are a number of acts pencilling in dates for 2022 at the Auditorium. However, they are becoming increasingly less interested in 2021 dates, or talking about a festival date right now, Hurtig said in an email response.