Live Jazz In Harlem Clubs during COVID-19 in Autumn 2020
Everyone is asking the same question and dealing with the same conundrum: Is indoor jazz clubbing out of the question during COVID in NYC, and if not, how does it work? New York got hit so hard at the start of Covid that the lockdown period was followed by a very prudent and organized phased reopening strategy. At the end of September Phase 4 allowed for indoor dining restricted to 25% occupancy – which includes the possibility to reopen some live music venues.
Taking the lead in Harlem for indoor entertainment is Silvana and Shrine, who hit the ground running in mid-October by strictly following the safety guidelines (reprinted below) and offering live jazz and other styles on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday nights. See their schedules here:
Big Apple Jazz Tours is open for business to escort guests to these and other venues that will eventually reopen as restrictions relax based on health data collected regularly in the city. We know that people want to get back to normal and we all want to do that safely and wisely, so our guests and our guides alike are required to wear masks and have temperature checks going into venues. For the best possible Big Apple Jazz Tour Experience during COVID, we recommend a private tour consisting of people who are living together, or purchasing a Gift Card that can be used when conditions become more optimal for touring with others from outside your “pod.”
New York State guidelines for Phase 4 reopenings are reprinted here for your knowledge and preparation:
Mandatory:
Limit indoor capacity to no more than 25% of maximum occupancy, exclusive of employees.
- Conspicuously post the number of patrons that constitutes 25%, making such posting visible to patrons inside and outside of the restaurant;
- Conspicuously post, both inside and outside of the establishment (e.g., on the door), the phone and text number to report violations: individuals who observe violations can report issues by calling 833- 208-4160 or by texting ‘VIOLATION’ to 855-904- 5036;
- Only permit entrance to employees or patrons if they have their temperature taken before or immediately upon entering the establishment and have a temperature no greater than 100.0°F (as described below in the “Screening” section); and
- Only permit patrons to dine indoors if 1 person from each party signs in before or immediately upon entering the establishment, providing the full name, address, and phone number for use in contract tracing efforts.All employees must wear an acceptable face covering at all times.
Ensure patrons wear face coverings at all times, except while seated; provided that the patron is over the age of 2 and able to medically tolerate such covering.
Indoor tables with seating for customers must be separated by a minimum of 6 ft. in all directions. Where distancing is not feasible, erect physical barriers between such tables. These barriers must be at least 5 ft. in height and must not block emergency/fire exits.
Limit the number of patrons to any event at the food services establishment to the lesser of 25% of maximum occupancy or the current social gathering restrictions that are in effect for the region (i.e., 50 or fewer people in Phase 4 regions, as of September 10, 2020).
No more than 10 people may be seated per table; individuals must be members of the same party but may be from different households.