As wildfires sweep across the northeastern United States and southern Canada, a growing number of artists and orchestras have postponed, relocated, or canceled concerts due to the hazardous air quality.
Major North American ensembles that have been impacted by wildfire smoke include the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Ravinia Festival, The Cleveland Orchestra, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Windsor Symphony Orchestra.
The Ravinia Festival in Highland Park and the Grant Park Music Festival were also affected, with the former opting to livestream a chamber music concert but having to cancel another performance.
Likewise, the Grant Park Music Festival canceled its daytime open rehearsal, but moved forward with its evening concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
The Millennium Park Summer Music Series, a free outdoor concert series held throughout the summer, also canceled a performance, reports the Chicago Tribune.
Artists impacted include John Mellencamp, The Black Keys, Sebastian Bach, Creed, Mavis Staples, and The War and Treaty, who all had to inform fans of postponements and cancellations as wildfire smoke continues to disrupt a series of summer events.
Over 100 million people across the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic have been impacted by dangerous air brought by thick plumes of wildfire smoke. Nearly 1,000 wildfires are actively burning across Canada, consuming more than 7.4 million acres.
“We’re heartbroken to share that tonight’s New York City show has been canceled due to the city’s state of emergency related to the ongoing wildfire conditions,” shares The War and Treaty. “We were so looking forward to being with you tonight. Thank you for your understanding. We send our blessings and heart to all the first responders and communities fighting the fires.”