With the sudden spike in COVID cases across New Brunswick and the province’s decision to implement—and, in many cases, re-implement—several safety protocols, Music•Musique NB has moved to ensure attendees and participants of their annual Festival (506) music festival and conference remain as safe as can be.
Today, Music•Musique NB stated that they will be adhering to the Province of New Brunswick’s recently announced requirement of proof of COVID-19 vaccination for anyone wishing to access non-essential services, such as indoor festivals and performing arts events and other activities where the risk of transmission is high.
The announcement from Music•Musique NB is as follows:
“Music•Musique NB (MNB) is first and foremost committed to the health and safety of our staff, members, volunteers, music industry workers, and guests, and to protecting the long-term sustainability of our music industry.
Following the provincial government’s decision on requiring proof of vaccination to access and to participate in nonessential services, MNB is implementing an Immunisation Requirement for our in-person events. All participants in Festival (506) over the age of 12 are asked to honour this decision by providing proof of full vaccination (ie: two doses plus two weeks) in order to take part in our event.”
“Venues were among the first hit when the pandemic began, and we are excited to see live music returning,” mentions Eva George, MNB President and ArtReach Program Director at the Fredericton Charlotte Street Arts Centre. “Our aim is to create a sustainable and healthy New Brunswick music industry, while honouring the spaces that are welcoming us.”
“These measures were put in place to create a safe environment where we can all reconnect,” says Tracey Richard, MNB Vice-President and singer and flutist for the funk band Nebullama. “Musicians are eager to get back on the road and play in front of real live music fans!”
Along with the requirement of proof of vaccination, Festival (506) will be asking attendees to respect all of the safety protocols outlined by both the Public Health and the venues. Such protocols include masking and social distancing, regardless of vaccination status.
The announcement from Music•Musique NB follows the already announced Festival (506) line-up of performing artists, all of which had previously signed on prior to the new safety measures. Provided each of them agrees to the new conditions of their performance, the 2021 Festival (506) line-up includes Martin Daigle, Richie Young, Before the Dinosaurs, La Famille Leblanc, Diner Drugs, Joel Strauss, Capital 6, Baie, Freya Milliken, Track of Rock, Matt Boudreau, Nebullama, Sadie, Jono, Les Fireflies, The Gregories, Stephen Hero, M3D14, Run the River, Émilie Landry, Within Harms Reach, Lazermortis, Sonic Detour, Apryll Aileen, ONE8TEA, The Tortoise, The Hare and The Millionaire, and Ria Reece.
The 12th annual Festival (506) takes place in two parts (October 21-23 and November 18-20) in three different New Brunswick cities (Fredericton, Miramichi, and Moncton) and will feature performances from 27 different artists.