Bahamas fans won't be sad after pandemic capacity plan

• Two shows planned for November 21
• Bahamas Still Sad Tour at Kelowna Community Theatre

UPDATE

Despite the additional challenges of the Okanagan being cut off from the Lower Mainland because of the highways closures, Bahamas are still coming to Kelowna on Sunday.

And the two-concert plan has been confirmed because of COVID capacity restrictions.

“Wow, a pandemic and now all highways closed... but, the show must go on!” promoter Bill Jaswal with Jelly Events said.

“We are flying in the artist so we can deliver the show this Sunday!”

Jaswal said Bahamas cross-Canada tour started in Victoria Wednesday night followed by three shows in Vancouver.

“Their bus is here [in Kelowna] because it couldn't get to the coast for the start of the tour...so, they are doing rental gear at the coast, and we will have their gear here for Kelowna. They will fly into Kelowna on the day of the show... such commitment by Afie [Jurvanen] and the band!

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Original story

Two is better than none for fans of Bahamas, who will be able to watch the live concert this coming weekend at the Kelowna Community Theatre. The show is sold out and tickets went on sale a few months ago on the assumption pandemic gathering restrictions would be lifted.

However, current Interior Health COVID protocols don’t allow venues to have full capacity, so a local promoter for Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas) suggested splitting the sold-out concert on Nov. 21 into two shows. The additional show would be at 3 p.m. while the original 8 p.m. slot would remain.

“Afie and everybody involved realized, hey look, these are loyal Bahamas fans, and they want to see the show,” Bill Jaswal, Jelly Events Promoter told Kelowna10.

“So, let’s see if we can make it happen to keep everybody happy, as opposed to postponing or cancelling the show.”

They are waiting until Wednesday, Nov. 17 before deciding, and ticket holders will be emailed through Select Your Tickets about which show they are attending. There has been no indication from Interior Health regarding the relaxation of the current 50 per cent venue capacity limit.

“The only way we thought was fair was to say those people that were the first to buy tickets, would remain in the evening show, and those that were the later purchasers, they would be slotted in to attend the matinee,” Jaswal explained.

Jaswal said Jurvanen is happy to be performing again and they are following all health protocols to make sure it’s a fun and safe live show for everyone.

“There’s a huge amount of Bahamas fans, and they understand it’s not anyone’s wish, but we just have to follow protocols, so I think they’re going to be very supportive,” Jaswal said.

“I think a lot of people have been waiting for this show, to get back to a pre-pandemic, feeling good about going out and seeing live entertainment.