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SALT LAKE CITY — As COVID-19 cases continue rising across the United States, musicians, bands and concert venues are beginning to adjust their vaccination and mask requirements for performances.
Country superstar Garth Brooks canceled tour dates on his stadium tour due to surges in cases. Luckily for his fans in Utah, the cancellation announcement came after he played in Salt Lake City last month.
Country singer-songwriter Jason Isbell made headlines earlier this month when he announced he'd require proof of vaccination or a current negative COVID-19 test at all his remaining scheduled shows.
"If the venue won't allow that, we won't play," Isbell said in an Aug. 9 tweet.
Isbell played at Red Butte Gardens in July. But if he'd made the vaccination requirements announcement before his Utah show was scheduled, the concert wouldn't have happened, because Red Butte Gardens can't enforce such a requirement.
Since Red Butte Gardens is located on the University of Utah campus, it's a state entity that is governed by the Utah State Legislature.
"Two bills were passed last year by the Utah Legislature — these bills bar the University of Utah and Red Butte Garden from requiring face-coverings or requiring vaccinations for visitors and guests attending events," Red Butte Gardens communications director Jayne Anderson said in an email. "We will continue to encourage all of our guests to follow health and safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Salt Lake County Health Department."
Rock band Counting Crows canceled their Red Butte show that was scheduled for Thursday. The band requires proof of vaccination or a current negative test at its concerts, and Red Butte Gardens can't enforce that, so the show won't go on.
"We have made the difficult decision to cancel the show," the band said in a statement. "This is a decision we didn't make lightly but we must continue to prioritize the health and safety of our fans and crew."
Here's a rundown of some of the concert and performance venues in the Salt Lake area and where they stand on COVID-19 vaccination or mask requirements. If you want to know about a venue that isn't listed here, check the venue's website.
The Complex
Proof of vaccination is not required to attend a concert at The Complex, but the venue asks that people who aren't vaccinated wear masks at concerts. Masks will also be available at the venue for people who want them.
The Depot
Face coverings are strongly recommended for people who are not fully vaccinated.
Eccles Theater
Salt Lake County Arts & Culture, which manages the Eccles Theater, strongly recommends people wear masks indoors even if they are fully vaccinated.
The agency has the same recommendation for all the other performance spaces it manages, including Abravanel Hall, Capitol Theatre, Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center and Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center. More information is available at saltlakecountyarts.org/arts-culture-covid-19-updates.
Ogden Twilight
Masks are optional at Ogden Twilight shows, but are encouraged when attendees are within six feet of others.
Some individual artists may require proof of vaccination at Ogden Twilight shows. Attendees are encouraged to check the event descriptions at 24tix.com/ot to see if vaccinations are required for certain concerts.
Twilight Concert Series (Salt Lake City)
All Salt Lake Twilight Concert Series attendees are encouraged, but not required, to be vaccinated. Masks are encouraged when people are within six feet of others outside their group. Twilight staff must be vaccinated and wear masks for the duration of the show.
Although vaccinations aren't required for the concert series as a whole, St. Vincent, who plays the series on Sept. 18, now requires proof of full vaccination or a negative test within 48 hours of the show.
Urban Lounge
As of Aug. 1, masks are required at indoor shows at Urban Lounge, regardless of your vaccination status. Most shows won't require proof of vaccination, but some individual bands or artists may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. More information is available at theurbanloungeslc.com/faqs.
These parameters are also in place at the other venues owned by Sartain and Saunders, Kilby Court and Metro Music Hall.
USANA Amphitheater
For all shows at the amphitheater after Oct. 4, a current negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination will be required for entry. Entrants will need to have a printed copy of the negative test or vaccination, or their original vaccination card.
Proof of vaccination or a current negative test will also be required for the Jonas Brothers concert at USANA Amphitheater on Sept. 3.
The venue is also recommending that people wear masks in crowded spaces where social distancing isn't possible. More information is available here.
Vivint Arena
Face masks are always required for all Vivint Arena guests ages 2 and older in the bowl and concourse areas, unless they are eating or drinking.
