Concerts Are Back, But NJ Venues Aren't Out Of The Weeds Yet

NEW JERSEY — After more than a year of closed venues, canceled concerts, unused tickets and a global pandemic, venues across the state are beginning to put shows back on the calendar.

For many, it was an uphill battle to stay open.

The Small Business Administration tried to help, announcing a grant program — the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant — that would distribute $16 billion to businesses in the space forced to close. But technological glitches and delays have led to lengthy wait times for venues seeking aid.

As of midday on June 28, the SBA has awarded 2,390 grants, or $1.5 billion in funding. Some are still waiting on their money though, with $720 million disbursed by the SBA at this time. Forty-eight percent of applicants are still waiting on their grant proposal to be reviewed.

The SBA has awarded 62 grants to businesses in New Jersey, promising over $24.6 million in funds to venues in the Garden State as of June 28.

Small, independent venues have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic.

The National Independent Venue Association surveyed their members in 2020, and found that 90 percent of those who responded said they would close permanently without federal funding. The Association includes more than 50 New Jersey members, according to NJ.com.

It remains to be seen how helpful the grant money will be for venues who were forced to close for more than a year, but a glimmer of hope is starting to shine through now that venues have once again begun scheduling shows.

Capacity limits were adjusted in early June, and summer and fall concert dates began popping up shortly thereafter. But it wasn’t a cure all.

Two River Theater Managing Director Michael Hurst said updated capacity restrictions were a step in the right direction, but social distancing rules still made it difficult to see how the small venue could feasibly host indoor events.

“With the required social distancing in our 349 seat theater we are still limited to a total capacity of approximately 40/50 percent,” Hurst said.

“In addition, producing plays takes a significant amount of planning based on so many factors, including artist availability, the actors & artists own union Covid-19 requirements and so much more. Given these realities Two River will continue to focus on our virtual programming already underway and our outdoor summer series that began in June on our newly renovated Plaza.”

But some venues are planning for indoor concerts and performances, albeit with COVID-19 protocols still in place.

The Bergen Performing Arts Center has concerts scheduled for as early as August, and, according to their COVID protocol, will require guests to show a negative COVID-19 test or a completed vaccination record to attend.

Montclair’s Wellmont Theater also has concerts scheduled for August, but doesn't list any COVID protocols on their website. Representatives from both venues did not respond to interview requests.

Patch has compiled a list of those concerts and more. Here’s what’s coming up in the next few months across New Jersey:

Alea and Sinuhe
Where: The Plaza at Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank, NJ
When: July 29-31 and Aug. 5-8, 7 p.m.
Cost: $50-$100
More info.

Rise Against
Where: Stone Pony Summerstage, 913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
When: July 31, 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $42.50
More info.

Guns N' Roses
Where: MetLife Stadium, One MetLife Stadium Dr., East Rutherford, NJ
When: Aug. 5, 6 p.m.
Cost: $29.50
More info.

Off With Their Heads
Where: House of Independents, 572 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ
When: Aug. 5, 6 p.m.
Cost: $15
More info.

Jason Mraz
Where: Stone Pony Summerstage, 913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
When: Aug 14,6 p.m.
Cost: $55
More info.

Queensrÿche
Where: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ
When: Aug. 15, 7 p.m.
Cost: $79, $59, $39, $29
More info.

Hot 97 Summer Jam
Where: MetLife Stadium, One MetLife Stadium Dr., East Rutherford, NJ
When: Aug. 22, 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $80
More info.

Bayside
Where: Starland Ballroom, 570 Jernee Mill Rd, Sayreville, NJ
When: Sept. 4, 6 p.m.
Cost: $28.50
More info.

Anberlin
Where: The Wellmont Theater, 5 Seymour St., Montclair, NJ
When: Sept. 17, doors at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m.
Tickets: On sale July 1
More info.

Five For Fighting With String Quartet
Where: The Vogel Theatre at Count Basie, 99 Monmouth St.,Red Bank, NJ
When: Oct. 5, doors at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m.
Cost: $52
More info.

Rod Wave
Where: The Wellmont Theater, 5 Seymour St., Montclair, NJ
When: Oct. 5, doors at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m.
Cost: $52
More info.

Lil Baby and Lil Durk
Where: Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St., Newark, NJ
When: Oct. 6, 8 p.m.
Cost: $39.50
More info.

Benny the Butcher
Where: The Wellmont Theater, 5 Seymour St., Montclair, NJ
When: Oct. 15, doors at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.
Cost: $30
More info.

Gladys Knight
Where: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ
When: Nov. 7, 7 p.m.
Cost: $199, $159, $99, $89, $79, $69, $59
More info.

Boyz II Men
Where: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ
When: Nov. 19, 8 p.m.
Cost: $199, $159, $129, $99, $79
More info.

Streetlight Manifesto
Where: Starland Ballroom, 570 Jernee Mill Rd, Sayreville, NJ
When: Nov. 26 & 27, 7 p.m.
Cost: $29.50
More info.

Dan + Shay
Where: Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St., Newark, NJ
When: Dec. 5, 7 p.m.
Cost: $39.50
More info.