Motherfolk performs Saturday evening, followed by slate of November shows
The Holland Theatre sat dark for much of 2019 while a host of construction crews and historic recreation professionals put their personal touches on a $1.6 million restoration and renovation project at the historic venue. The theater re-opened that fall with celebrated performers, including Judy Collins and CeeLo Green, while audience members enjoyed new seating throughout the auditorium, an expanded concessions area and bar, improvements in lighting, sound and technology, among other amenities.
During the early months of this year, the theater also hosted several performances before COVID-19 sidelined activities for a number of months, stretching through the spring, summer and partially into the fall.
Despite the difficulties of the pandemic and restrictions on indoor gatherings, Holland Theater representatives have been working tirelessly with local health professionals, alongside other theater groups and with state guidance to develop plans for reopening and hosting shows once again in a safe manner, Managing Director Chris Westhoff said.
To that end, the stage is prepped to come back to life this weekend for a special Halloween night performance with the Cincinnati-based Indie rock band Motherfolk, and continuing with a slate of shows throughout November.
For the time being, the venue must operate at 15 percent of its capacity, which is about 90 seats for the 604-seat auditorium.
“It was about a month ago that the governor spoke specifically to performance arts centers, and said, ‘You can re-open if you have specific protocol in place,’ Westhoff said.
“The Holland looks forward to creating a safe, socially-distanced concert experience and inviting community members back to their theater. We have a host of shows with some exceptional regional performers coming up. The performers also are so eager to get back to work and to play for live audiences once again.”
Motherfolk performs at the Holland Theatre at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, a nationally-touring group that has a strong local and regional following. On the road, they have supported such acts as Brandi Carlile, Magic Giant, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Lydia, Blues Traveler, and The Classic Crime.
“Motherfolk has been the focus of increasing attention with every release and tour since 2014. Their energetic live shows have created a loyal and significant fan base and their recorded albums seamlessly blend the musicianship, energy and songwriting of its members,” the theater director said.
Tickets for upcoming shows are sold in groups of two and four, and also individually, to ensure that best practices for social distancing can be maintained through the theater’s new seating chart, which includes seats just on the lower level at this time. Online ticket sales are encouraged, with tickets available at www.thehollandtheatre.org.
While attending the shows, guests are encouraged to wear face coverings while entering and in common areas, but are permitted to remove their face coverings while at their seats, the theater director said. The concessions and bar area will be open at the concerts as well, and there will be increased access to handwashing and hand-sanitizing spaces.
“It’s pretty simple protocol — wear a mask when in common areas, and if you have symptoms, don’t come,” Westhoff said. “We’re happy to be able to have our concessions and bar area open and have been able to streamline the process for guests.”
After the opening Halloween evening concert, the Holland hosts the Nov. 4 Logan County Chamber of Commerce’s Stars of Business in a private event setting.
Then Saturday, Nov. 7, Nashville-based Jordan Tice returns to the theater for a 7:30 p.m. show following the release of his new album, Motivational Speakeasy.
“On his fifth record, singer-songwriter/guitarist, Jordan Tice breaks it down to just his voice and acoustic guitar,” Westhoff said. “The album features some beautiful and compelling tunes.”
Folk fans might recognize Tice as a member of the instrumental bluegrass group, Hawktail, which merges the worlds of bluegrass, classical music and folk music.
At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, the Bobby Floyd Trio performs at the Holland Theatre.
A talented jazz, gospel and blues pianist, Floyd has toured and performed with Ray Charles, Rusty Bryant, Jeff Tyzik, Chris Howes, Byron Stripling, Sarah Morrow and his own trio.
His current touring schedule includes performances as featured soloist with orchestras throughout the U.S. and Canada, including the Rochester Philharmonic, Vancouver Symphony, Columbus Symphony, Edmonton Symphony, Detroit Symphony, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, and many others.
Floyd has taught at The Ohio State University, his own private studio and the world famous Jamey Aebersold Jazz Workshops. While in Logan County, he also will conduct a master class with Benjamin Logan’s jazz band ensemble, Westhoff said.
Those students then will have the opportunity to play on stage with the Pete Mills B3 4tet during an upcoming concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21.
“The evening will offer a nice cross-section of music, along with the educational outreach is part of our mission. We’re excited to offer the students the chance to play for an audience as well,” the theater director said.
A native of Toronto, Canada, saxophonist and composer Mills’ will bring his Columbus-based quartet to the Holland for an evening of jazz, exploring standards and contemporary tunes.
As a soloist, Mills works throughout the U.S and Canada. In Columbus, he performs as a featured soloist with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra and also teaches saxophone, improvisation and directs the jazz ensemble at Denison University.
The quartet features Jon Eshelman on B3 organ, Zach Compston on drums, and Tom Davis on guitar.
Tickets for each of the upcoming shows are $20 for adults, or $5 for youths 17 and under through the 5 Spot For Youth program funded by Serrano and Associates.
As the theater reopens, representatives also plan to apply for a variance with local health officials to be able to host a slightly higher capacity than 90 people in the large space, possibly incorporating balcony seating as well, while still abiding by distancing regulations between family groups.
“We have a large, open room with good air circulation,” Westhoff said. “We’ll continue to operate with our new protocol and seating chart as long as it is safe to do so, based on the health conditions in the area.”