In the News
The Reagan Years interviewed about the state of the regional entertainment industry on ABC 7 News
by John Gonzalez, ABC7 WJLA, Friday, March 20th 2020
Link to the News Video:
https://wjla.com/news/coronavirus/local-bands-struggle-covid-19
GAITHERSBURG, Md. (ABC7) — Practically overnight, the future for a band that’s been around for over 20 years here in Maryland is uncertain. If restaurants and bars can’t open their dining rooms, owners can’t book performers. Both are now in the same boat: anxious and devastated.
When the popular 80’s tribute band The Reagan Years plays venues like Union Jacks in Gaithersburg, they pack the place: bright lights, thumping speakers and crowds dancing.
But like so many industries that have been pummeled by COVID-19, the music scene around the world has gone silent.
Sy Seyler, drummer and band founder, exclaims “we had booked shows for months. Everything now has come to a screeching halt.”
Local artists in the DC area are among thousands who have abruptly lost their jobs.
Raychel Harvey Jones sings in the band, and says, "Musicians always have this mentality that the show must go on. But this has stopped everyone in their tracks.”
No crowds mean no performances, which means no live music anywhere.
Harvey Jones adds, “I keep hearing about this rainy day fund and guess what it is raining. And the scary thing is that there is no end in sight.”
The owner of Union Jacks says there are still ways supporters can help. Most of these bands have websites and social media pages where you can buy merchandise and some of their music.
Even a message right now would go a long way.
