V.com weekend vote: Have you ever had a performance canceled because of bad weather?

August 27, 2011 at 9:32 PM

Hurricane Irene has undoubtedly caused some cancellations this weekend in the performing arts world, and that has inspired this week's vote: Have you ever had a performance, concert, master class, etc. canceled, due to bad weather? Have you had any canceled this weekend, due to Irene?

Most of my bad-weather stories occurred when I was in college one summer, playing in the Disney All-American College Orchestra, which had three performances per evening. The performances occurred outdoors, in Florida, where the sky can start heaving copious rain in the blink of an eye. Often, these cancellations would occur mid-way through the performance. We grew to understand that a simple gust of wind and one raindrop meant: Cover the instrument and run! Sometimes we simply spent the entire night in a breakroom, playing cards, waiting to see if the rain would stop.

In California, I can remember the ground swaying distinctly during the middle of an indoors concert with the Redlands Symphony, though no one was particularly fazed. "Feel the earthquake?" everyone asked each other after the concert, in the same way you would ask, "Did you have dinner yet?"

What are your weather-related stories?

From Mazz Swift-Camlet
Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:15 PM

in fact, I'm missing out on a very lucrative weekend starting today.

grrrrrrrrrrrrr

From Christian Vachon
Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:24 PM

Hi,

Yes, that has happened to me. The most memorable was a recital for Radio-Canada in January 1998 when there was an ice-storm that brought inches of freezing rain paralyzing the city of Ottawa, making trees, power lines, even pillions crumble. Looked like nuclear winter.

That was my experience. I have had others, but this one just seemed like it came out of science fiction.

Cheers!

From Tara S.
Posted on August 28, 2011 at 12:41 AM

Four outdoor concerts over the last few years have been canceled due to thunderstorms. One outdoor concert was moved inside due to heat, but the show still went on.

From Emily Liz
Posted on August 28, 2011 at 1:10 AM

The local symphony canceled its December concert last year when we got 25 inches of snow.

From Mary Carlson
Posted on August 28, 2011 at 1:13 AM

Minnesota is know for its blizzards. I've had many concerts postponed or cancelled due to bad weather. :)

From Royce Faina
Posted on August 28, 2011 at 1:14 AM

In Corpus Christi, Texas where I grew up we coped with it. I feel for the people having to bare up to Irene. I have been through a few my self; "Camile, Celia, David, Allen, Hugo..." However we need to remember the horribly hot Summer and the Drought that has taken many, many lives. My thoughts and prayers for all who have been enduring, have lost, are enduring and soon shall.

From Anne Horvath
Posted on August 28, 2011 at 3:52 PM

Hurricanes usually don't respect concert schedules...

I dislike getting rained out. Get the gig, prepare the chart, drive to the venue, and then stand around tapping toes waiting for the "All clear to play" or "We give up; go home" word from Those In Charge. One way or the other I get paid, but I'd rather play the concert.

The saddest is the audience, huddled under plastic tarps, faithfully waiting for the music to start. Bless their hearts, each and every one.

From Samuel Thompson
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 6:53 PM

I think my weather-related story may be far too well-known...

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V.com weekend vote: Have you ever had a performance canceled because of bad weather?

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