On March 24, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm ordered people to stay in their homes, prohibited gatherings and closed all “non-essential businesses,” which includes bars, restaurants and theaters. You know the situation is serious when Wisconsin shuts down the bars. Now here we are, in May, and the original DHS orders have been extended through Memorial Day. It’s hard to imagine any group of people more directly affected by Wisconsin’s Safer at Home orders than those who make a living specifically by attracting crowds of people together. Yet, despite the economic hardship the lockdown has caused them, you did not see many performing artists joining the ranks of the anti-lockdown protestors at the Capitol last week. Here at the Monday 8 O’Clock Buzz, we thought we’d check in with some Madison-area performing artists and see how they’re getting by. Buzz listeners know Kia Karlen from her frequent guest host appearances here on WORT, and from her musical performances with Yid Vicious and a host of other musical acts. Kia is also a member of the Madison Area Arts Commission. Luv Joy Seamon is an aerialist with Swing States Aerial, Madison Circus Space and Cycropia Aerial Dance. Welcome, Luv. And also joining us is Tom Kastle, a touring musician, Great Lakes boat captain and actor with the Madison Shakespeare Company. They joined Monday Buzz host Brian Standing on May 4th, 2020.
