The fragility of existence for our most beloved artists, performers and musicians was highlighted this week as New York blues-rock singer-songwriter SARI SCHORR described the havoc she has experienced over the past 18 months when Covid smashed one plan after another. and the financial implications of the constant reorganization of dates gradually built up …
SARI has just issued a statement about her planned tour on her socials: “We hoped that a sense of normalcy would be restored to our lives by now. But, as we take measure of the Covid crisis, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Covid continues to intrude into our lives. With a heavy heart, I must announce the postponement of our fall tour until 2022.”
SARI (www.sarischorr.com) — described by Raw Ramp as “one of the best contemporary blues-rock singers in the world” — is about to begin her 2021 autumn tour, which features shows across Europe, including the UK, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, and The Netherlands.
Every change in A schedule wreaks havoc with a tour…
Sari Schorr
“I’ve spent much of the last 18 months in isolation. I struggle with depression and obsessive thinking. Being grounded from touring has been a persistent stressor.” says Sari.
Touring musicians and their teams have been hit hard during the pandemic and continue to plan and re-plan even as mitigation measures are lifted. There are still obstacles, traps and pitfalls galore!
Sari has faced these obstacles first hand and offers an honest look at the challenges facing an international touring band.
Sari laments, “It feels like a frantic game of Whack-A-Mole as Covid restrictions and quarantine mandates pop up every day. My tour diary has been revised so many times Neil Young would say, ‘the devil fools with the best-laid plans.’”
“Every change in the schedule wreaks havoc with our tour,” Sari reminds us. “Mandatory quarantines for 5 or 10 days are a financial hit we can’t afford. As a result, we’ve just had to cancel shows in The Netherlands and Switzerland. We love touring the UK, but we depend on the income from mainland Europe and losing shows puts the entire tour in jeopardy.”
“As restrictions ease throughout Europe, last-minute bookings are coming in, but we’re struggling to find affordable flights and accommodations at short notice. An international tour can take six months of planning, but operating under the pandemic affords bands little more than a few weeks of hasty preparation.”
“The short lead-time also presents a financial risk since proper promotion is curbed. Besides, we fear audiences may not yet return to live music in pre-covid numbers.”
my priority is to keep my band and fans safe…
Sari says, “The complications don’t stop there. Rules on mask-wearing, proof of double-vaccination, and/or COVID-negative tests vary from venue to venue across the entire tour. There is so much confusion and uncertainty, you can’t escape the anxiety.”
“I realize there is no one-size-fits-all solution,” says Sari, “but my priority is to keep my band and fans safe. I support a venue’s option to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. The best we can do is work with venues to make sure they are doing everything they can to keep everyone safe.”
As for getting back on the road as a musician, despite the challenges, obstacles, and roadblocks, the ever-resilient and committed Sari is looking forward to returning to touring, bringing her electrifying powerhouse modern-day soul & blues back to her fans, live and in person.
RAW RAMP has described her live shows as “filled with tension and traction” and we have reported, “Sari’s dusky ‘n’ low pitch voice is filled with fiery skill, energy and sensuality…”
Sari says, “The pandemic has made us all face circumstances beyond our control. I’m acknowledging the psychological impact while incorporating a sense of resilience by changing my perspective on things. I remind myself that freedom is having the opportunity to dream. And, COVID can’t kill my dreams.”
For further details of tour updates, check out Sari’s social media and website.
Website: http://www.sarischorr.com/
Main image Photo Credit: Jogen Kirsebom
RAW RAMP 