By Melissa Mercado
Hello The Venue friends!
I am writing to spread the good news that we are entering Phase 4 of Restore Illinois and that means that The Venue in Aurora will be allowed to re-open its doors to patrons!
That said, we plan to go slowly and systematically to ensure that we are in compliance with all safety measures. Our planned reopening for live shows will be Saturday, July 18.
To safely re-open we have to put a few rules in place:
• Audience capacity will be limited to 50 persons.
• Our seating chart is modified.
• We will have reserved-table seating with two individuals per table spaced for social distancing in the area that was previously the reserved section.
• We will have a limited number of bar-height seats, 10, on the north rail grouped in twos, and bar height tables, six, will be available behind the shorter tables, and no standing.
• In order to maximize capacity and maintain social distance, there is a two-ticket minimum.
• Patrons will not be admitted without masks, and may be asked to submit to temperature scanning on arrival.
• Masks must be worn and social- distancing observed.
• Because of our limited capacity, we will be recording video during our live concerts so we can continue to livestream events for those who do not attend. It will mean that our camera crew will be moving around in front, but should not obstruct views.
• Audiences will be asked to refrain from talking during the performances.
The Monday Livestream will resume July 6.
—Melissa Mercado is the executive director of the Fox Valley Music Foundation’s The Venue.