Arts in the Time of COVID in Coronado

Pivoting - pĭv′ət ing

(verb) When a company/organization makes what appears to be a swift and abrupt change to its business strategy and business models in response to or anticipation of market conditions. “

The word is being used a lot lately in response to the pandemic. Businesses everywhere are “pivoting.” Traditional restaurants are pivoting and offering only takeout or outdoor dining and doctors are pivoting and seeing patients via Telemed. Even our city leaders are pivoting and holding meetings via Zoom. However, not all the pivoting has been graceful. The technology learning curve has been steep. There are instances of a child inadvertently entering the Zoom meeting, or the technology not working as expected. But for the last few months, for the most part, we have pivoted fairly successfully considering the new reality, and in some instances, pivoting has brought some unexpected benefits.

The arts are no different. Although there is nothing like live performances, be thankful that the arts are pivoting and have stayed a constant in our uncertain lives. In some ways, the arts have become more accessible and, because of the pandemic, the arts have even added to their repertoire.

An example is the streaming of “Hamilton” on Disney+. For many of us who could not afford the cost of a ticket, we now have a front row seat and we can see it multiple times, in our pajamas. We now have the opportunity to tour world-class art exhibitions – Andy Warhol at Tate Modern or a virtual tour of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris to name just a few of the collections that have opened their doors to the public. These opportunities are available 24/7 with viewing from the comfort of your home.

Did you catch the Norah Jones Mini Concert live from her home in June? The Dave Mathews Band? Opera at the Met? Virtual concerts are more popular than ever and some of the biggest stars in music are singing to their fans from their living rooms.

Are you an artist looking to learn a new skill? You can from some of the best teachers in the world. Photography can be learned from Annie Leibovitz, writing from Malcolm Gladwell or acting from Natalie Portman. Worldclass instructors waiting for you to join their class on-line at MasterClass. MasterClass launched in 2015 with three classes but now has more than 85 available for an all-access annual pass for $180. The idea that anybody can learn from the best is thriving in this pandemic.

Our own local arts organizations are pivoting and are offering classes, lectures, performances and more. Check out our local artists and art organizations offerings and support them during these difficult times. Most of them rely on revenues collected with the purchase of a ticket or through a membership or donation. Yes, there is nothing like gathering with friends for a live Promenade Concert in Spreckels Park or the energy of a group of toddlers interacting at the Library Storyhour but, until it is safe, it is imperative that we continue to support their work, while nourishing our souls, until we can once again enjoy attending live events.

Prior to the pandemic, Coronado had a flourishing arts and culture scene. Even though the pandemic has had a major impact on our arts organizations, artists and musicians, they have pivoted and continue to offer opportunities to explore and enjoy their programming and performances. One thing is certain, the pandemic has illustrated the importance of the arts in our lives and it has shown an ability to innovate to stay alive, even thrive during these very interesting times.

Local Art Organizations – Virtual Offerings Coronado Public Library

The library building is temporarily closed but is offering a number of programs and services via the internet, television and through curbside pickup. Books still may be reserved and picked up curbside by reservation at the library. However, the library has several online options including Libby and Cloud Library to download e-books and audio books. Flipster provides access to free magazines and Kanopy gives patrons access to download videos to watch on your computer, iPad or phone. All of these are free and only requires downloading an app and registering for an account using your library card number.

https://www.coronado.ca.us/government/ departments_divisions/library_services

Coronado Historical Museum

Visit Coronado’s Virtual Museum and learn about the origins of the Coronado Flower Show, how to research the history of your home or learn about the architects and architecture that shapes our community. With over 80 blog entries and a new one added almost daily there is plenty to learn about Coronado’s unique history. While you are exploring consider joining. Family memberships start at $60 and at the end of all this virtual exploration, it will be nice to attend one of their wine and lecture series again.

https://coronadohistory.org/

The Coronado 130 Virtual Challenge: Actively Celebrating 130 Years of Community is an initiative by the City of Coronado. The challenge celebrates 130 years since Coronado’s incorporation as a city on Dec. 11, 1890.

The Coronado 130 Virtual Challenge runs for five months to December 11. The free challenge tracks progress online, and finishers receive a commemorative medal and certificate. Since the event is a fun but virtual challenge, participants are encouraged to post photos of their progress while out exercising in beautiful Coronado or any location by using #Coronado130.

Easy Day Sports, based in Coronado, is managing the registration, the website tracking workouts and T-shirt sales. For information on registration, email Easy Day at contact@easydaysports.com.

https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Coronado/ Coronado130MileChallenge

While the theatre is closed during the pandemic, Lamb’s Players Theatre is keeping busy with the development of eight new musicals and plays, and will publish “LAMB’S at 50,” a book celebrating this major anniversary.

At this point, no one knows when exactly it will be safe for the theatre to reopen. As a live performing arts venue, Lamb’s will be part of California’s final Phase 4 of reopening. So they are not canceling any performances but are simply postponing them. All 2020 season shows have been moved to 2021. You especially won’t want to miss “Million Dollar Quartet,” the story of one night in December 1956 that changed American music forever with a recording session with Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee at Sun Records in Memphis.

For updates check the Lamb’s website, and follow the company on Facebook - www.facebook.com/ lambsplayers. You can make a financial donation by clicking on the “Donate Now” button on the website, or by mailing your gift to Lamb’s Players Theatre, PO Box 182229, Coronado, CA 92178. As a nonprofit professional performing arts organization, Lamb’s will issue a donation receipt for your taxes.

https://www.lambsplayers.org/

Coronado Playhouse is the oldest, longest continuously run community theatre in San Diego County and has been dedicated to providing quality entertainment to the Coronado community since 1946. The Coronado Playhouse will celebrate its 75th anniversary in Coronado in 2020. Not exactly the celebration they were planning. However, there is plenty to celebrate with the recent announcement that “Mamma Mia” won the Best Musical Aubrey Award. Their next season is on hold until opening dates can be confirmed. Check the Playhouse website for how you can support the theatre while closed and for updates on the season.

https://coronadoplayhouse.com/

Coronado Community Band

Founded in 1997, Coronado Concert Band creates opportunity for musicians of all ages to come together in an ensemble to exchange ideas, develop skills, and have fun while producing quality music for the entertainment of the greater community. Due to the pandemic, all live performances have been canceled.

But it hasn’t silenced the music. Check out a recording of “Whispers from Beyond” by composer Rossano Galante. It is a virtual performance by the Coronado Concert Band with parts recorded at home and virtually mixed.

http://coronadoconcertband.org/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhbHK1PyVTo

The Coronado Island Film Festival will celebrate its fifth year in 2020. While this year wasn’t exactly what the festival imagined, if anyone was ready to pivot it was the film festival.

This year, festival events and screenings will look a little different due to COVID-19 mandates, regulations, and safety measures. CIFF will host a series of outdoor screenings and programming, offered in a hybrid fashion with online films and panels.

All programming will be subject to change based on the response and health regulations mandated by both the state and local leadership. In the coming months, check for updates as it gets closer to the festival scheduled for Nov. 11-15, 2020.

In the meantime, check out the Virtual Screening Series with a selection of films from Greenwich Entertainment. Playing now is “Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind.”

https://coronadofilmfest.com/

The John D. Spreckels Center has been closed since the beginning of the pandemic. However, the City has brought the popular yoga classes back via Coronado TV. Check out Coronado TV (Spectrum Channel 19/ ATT 99) for times for these popular exercise classes with local instructors.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UCSD is a membership program for adults over 50 who want to be part of a learning community with their peers. During the pandemic, the Spreckels Center has partnered with Osher to provide the weekly online lecture for free. The lectures are intellectually stimulating learning opportunities available online. Osher features lectures and seminars by the outstanding faculty and researchers of the UC San Diego community, as well as local leaders, artists and musicians. Class topics include medicine, science, law and society, history, art and humanities, international relations, literature, politics and social sciences.

Lecture description and a link to view it are published every Monday on CoronadoARTS.com.

Ms. Mariah’s Music - Virtual Piano Lessons

Local piano teacher Mariah Gillespie pivoted during the pandemic taking her piano music instruction online. Her instruction is now 100% online and you can schedule a free online lesson. For a listing of all classes and art learning opportunities, visit CoronadoARTS.

com

The summer Spreckels Park concert series was established in 1970. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Coronado Promenade Concerts in Spreckels Park. The beloved Concert Series suspended the 2020 Concerts in the Park, but organizers are working on its 50th anniversary Season for 2021 and you won’t want to miss it.

Of note, this summer the Coronado Promenade Concerts organization made a contribution to each of the local bands they had booked for the 2020 season to show their commitment to local musicians. The music may not have been heard but the commitment to local musicians was loud and clear.

Coronado Arts YouTube Channel

Visual Storyteller and Coronado Cultural Arts Commissioner Brad Willis has created over 60 videos highlighting local art organizations, artists, performances, exhibitions and more. Subscribe to Coronado Arts YouTube Channel and learn more about Coronado’s vibrant arts scene.

https://www.youtube.com/c/coronadoarts

Coronado TV

(Spectrum Channel 19/AT&T Channel 99)

Coronado TV is the City of Coronado’s government access channel, a public channel which provides timely and informative city government content for the community. The channel offers programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Operated through the City Manager’s Office, Coronado TV produces all the video and bulletin content. In addition to live meetings and rebroadcasts of meetings, Coronado TV also produces the City Manager’s Weekly Update video and other special programming, public service announcements and short features. A weekly schedule is posted on the city’s website.

https://www.coronado.ca.us/government/news_center/ coronado_t_v

Coronado had a lively and robust live music calendar with performances from the San Diego Bay to the Coronado Cays. For now, music performances are virtual concerts. Several Coronado musicians are performing live and can be enjoyed from home. Until we can enjoy live performances, check out the Virtual/ Live Music Calendar on CoronadoArts.com

https://coronadoarts.com/live-music/

Ron Wheeler – Monday evening concerts

With a virtual tip jar accepting PayPal and Venmo, Ron Wheeler of Ron’s Garage can be seen Monday evenings performing on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/ronsgarage/ videos/10221167943420215/

Matt Heinecke and the Crown Town Trio

Matt Heinecke invites you into his living room with the Crown Town Trio. A little Pure Prairie League “Amy” and Doobie Brothers “Black Water” will make you smile.

https://www.facebook.com/mattheinecke/ videos/10108303291264575/

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