Arts & Entertainment
Earth, Wind & Fire Postpones NJ Shows, Cites ‘COVID Safety’
The band was scheduled to play two shows in Newark. Their announcement came days after the first omicron case was confirmed in New Jersey.
NEWARK, NJ — Earth, Wind & Fire has postponed shows in New Jersey and Connecticut, citing “strict COVID safety protocols” and “CDC guidelines” in a social media message.
The legendary music group was scheduled to perform at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark on Tuesday and Wednesday. The band was also slated to play at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, on Friday.
According to the band’s message, which was released on Monday:
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“Out of an abundance of caution for health and safety, Earth, Wind & Fire’s shows at NJPAC in Newark, NJ on December 7th and 8th, and at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT on December 10th are being postponed. The tour has strict COVID safety protocols and is closely following all CDC guidelines. The Newark shows will now take place on Feb. 1 and 2, 2022 and the Uncasville show will now take place on Feb. 4, 2022. Please hold on to your tickets as they will be honored at the new show dates. Ticket holders will be emailed with more information.”
Some fans commented about the lack of advance notice regarding the postponed shows.
“Wow, last minute I guess,” one person wrote. “Now I have 4 tickets in 2 different states for EWF for concerts that I will lose money on. Can’t make CT Feb. already have hotel and air fare too. I live in S FL and went to 2 concerts last week. I appreciate the caution but sort of last minute!”
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Other fans wrote that they understood the reason for the band’s caution.
“Disappointed that the show at Mohegan was postponed, but it’s more important that all of the members of EWF feel safe and stay healthy,” they said.
The band’s announcement came just days after state officials confirmed the first case of the omicron coronavirus variant in New Jersey. Read More: 1st Omicron COVID Variant Case Confirmed In NJ
NEW JERSEY #COVID19 UPDATE: ➡️2,525 new positive PCR tests ➡️1,105,703 total positive PCR tests ➡️613 new positive antigen tests ➡️170,014 total positive antigen tests ➡️7 new confirmed deaths ➡️25,635 total confirmed deaths ➡️2,830 probable deathshttps://t.co/JW1q8awGh7 pic.twitter.com/dJnIOUx2qD
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) December 6, 2021
The NJPAC is requiring guests 12 and older to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine or a negative test. All guests age 2 and up must wear a mask indoors. Read More: NJPAC In Newark Wants COVID Vaccine Or Test From Concertgoers
“Should you wish to receive a full refund, these will be granted without question until December 21, 2021 at the original point of purchase,” NJPAC said about the postponed Earth, Wind & Fire shows. “Ticket holders who purchased through the NJPAC box office or Ticketmaster will be emailed with more information.”
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