Top acts for Tallahassee's Opening Nights cancel February dates due to COVID concerns

Martha Gruender, Tallahassee Democrat
·2 min read
The author Colson Whitehead in New York, Sept. 6, 2021. After winning back-to-back Pulitzers, the author of "The Underground Railroad" and "The Nickel Boys" is bowing out of his scheduled Florida State Opening Nights appearance on Feb. 10, 2022.
The author Colson Whitehead in New York, Sept. 6, 2021. After winning back-to-back Pulitzers, the author of "The Underground Railroad" and "The Nickel Boys" is bowing out of his scheduled Florida State Opening Nights appearance on Feb. 10, 2022.

The arts are once again feeling the pinch of the pandemic.

Florida State University's Opening Nights director Michael Blachly announced in a release on Tuesday that several upcoming February performances were being canceled due to impacts of COVID-19.

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"As COVID-19 continues to impact tours across the country, the following artists have canceled their performances this season:

  • The Life and Music of George Michael (Feb. 8)

  • Colson Whitehead (Feb. 10)

  • Meklit (Feb. 22)

  • An Evening with Itzhak Perlman (March 2)

At this time we do not have any information as to possible re-schedule dates so we are providing refunds for these performances. The Opening Nights Ticket Office will be contacting ticket holders of these performances in the next couple of days to provide refunds. Ticket holders may also call the ticket office at 850-644-7670."

Other performances are continuing, including the Feb. 4 concert with pianist and composer Robin Spielberg, Mutts Gone Nuts on Feb. 5, a Tribute to Aretha Franklin on Feb. 12 and the Pilobolus BIG FIVE-OH dance concert on Valentine's Day. Stay tuned.

"We are encouraged and excited about the many performances that are moving forward this season and looking ahead to the 2022-23 Season," Blachly added.

"To thank you, our loyal patrons, for your ongoing support to sustain the program and live performances, Opening Nights is offering $10 off each ticket for all performances in February and March. Please use the promo code: ThanksPatrons when you purchase your tickets online or when calling the ON Ticket Office."

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Colson Whitehead, Itzhak Perlman cancel for FSU's Opening Nights