Entertainment Reinvention – News – The Daily Reporter – Coldwater, MI

By David T. Farr

In a few years, we could look back this time and say, “Hey, remember when we …” It will happen. And, we’ll all have a ton to say that we did, or in some cases, we didn’t. But, you can bet that whatever we’ve done or haven’t done, we’ve done it differently than we’ve ever done before.

The coronavirus pandemic has affected almost every aspect of our lives. Some people have adapted to the changes, while others have indicated that they will not comply. Each is clean, but it has certainly been an eye-opener to learn what some people really are.

For me, I will wear my mask. If this is what I’m really being asked to do my part to help slow the spread of Covid-19, so be it. It is not much to ask. Also, if I wear mine and you wear yours, then we both help each other out.

I can talk about my own life experiences with the disease. I struggled with Guillain-Barre syndrome in my early twenties. It was a very difficult time in my life as I had lost the ability to do most of the things we take for granted. Talk about a humiliating experience. But, after the frustration and anger of getting sick have subsided, something beautiful happens – the human condition! We are human and adaptable.

I’m addicted to entertainment if you haven’t already figured it out from my column The Farr Side for the past 20 years. It also means that I am an observer of trends, styles, fashions and everything related to the entertainment industry.

That being said, I see things that smile at me while seeing others find pleasure in such difficult times.

It’s really about getting creative and finding ways to make things happen. It’s kind of like how I learned to improvise and find other ways to achieve essential daily goals during my recovery.

Like many of you, I, too, am absent from concerts. I’m a huge music fan and nothing compares to seeing your favorite band or singer live and in person. But, for now, you can’t. And it is likely that this reality will not happen anytime soon. It made me happy to see so many artists turn to the Internet to reach their fans. The music industry has been particularly hard hit by government mandates and restrictions on attendance. I think most of the musicians get it. But, it is also their livelihood and for many, it is not being able to play for people that must be the saddest part.

Do you know how cool it was to hear that someone like Garth Brooks found a safe way to entertain? And, in Drive-In cinemas, nothing less. It’s awesome. Pack the car, take your family to the Drive-In and watch a superstar on the big screen! Of course, it’s not a crowded stadium, but it all depends on how you choose to embrace the feeling. This is a first and a huge “Remember when we…” moment!

Vocalist Blake Shelton has followed Garth’s creativity and followed suit with how the performances appear on the big screens. Come on, fellow artists. We still have plenty of summer left and plenty of screens to fill out before the snow blows away.

Equally great is the need for local musicians to perform. But how? Improvise! Villa On Verona, located in Marshall, Michigan, has opened up its beautifully landscaped gardens to local musicians. People bring their own lawn chairs, food and drink, though some are provided, and distance themselves all over the lawn to take advantage of the talents of local musicians. It is a beautiful thing. And, all it took was some smart thinking! Oh, and you can bet you’ll do that later, “Remember when we saw this guy playing mandolin under the stars and eating ice cream …”

David T. Farr is a correspondent for the newspaper. Write to him at [email protected].