In the wake of a public health emergency declaration issued by Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins this evening, Dallas Voice will attempt to keep you updated on what events have been cancelled or postponed due to concerns over the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.

Check back here for more updates.

LINK TO LIVE-STREAM CELEBRATION COMMUNITY CHURCH SERVICES

Click this link at 11 a.m., CST, on Sunday, March 15, to live-stream Sunday morning worship services at Celebration Community Church:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWqVSIRxkq7EhNuBahjvpQ

The service will include communion, and those who wish should have bread, crackers and juice ready to participate in communin.

CATHEDRAL OF HOPE WILL LIVE STREAM SERVICES ONLY

Cathedral of Hope UCC canceled its annual congregational meeting that had been scheduled for today (Saturday, March 14), and Senior Pastor the Rev. Neil Thomas has announced that instead of its usual in-person Sunday worship services, the church will live stream services online at CathedralOfHope.com, on the church’s Facebook page and on its YouTube channel (CoHTV). Services in English will be live-streamed at noon and services in Spanish will be live-streamed at 1 p.m.

In a message to the congregation, Thomas said, “We are not cancelling church — WE ARE the church…us together. We will Celebrate, Connect, Commit and Claim with one another in a different way for a while. SOCIAL distancing doesn’t have mean SPIRITUAL distancing.”

 

PARTYFEST POSTPONED

Due to the city of Dallas’ ban on large gatherings based on the coronavirus pandemic, Partyfest has been rescheduled to Wednesday, Aug. 12. Visit www.ApplauseProductions.com for updates or call 214-652-4300 for more information.

BLACK ACADEMY OF ARTS AND LETTERS POSTPONES SHOW

Due to coronavirus pandemic, the Black Academy of Arts and Letters has postponed the the production of “Set It Off” originally scheduled for March 20-22 to May 15-17. Those who already have tickets should keep them; tickets will be honored at the May shows.

IRVING ARTS CENTER CANCELS TAP PACK, OTHER PROGRAMS STILL ON

Irving Arts Center has canceled its presentation of Tap Pack, scheduled for this evening (Friday, March 13). All other Irving Arts Center programs, including Saturday School and the Sunday Afternoon Guided Gallery Tour, will continue as scheduled. The galleries remain open, and the center has increased the frequency of cleaning crew visits and added hand sanitizing stations throughout.

FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY CLOSES TEMPORARILY

As per an emailed statement: The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History will be closed from March 14-March 30 to aid in the containment of the novel coronavirus causing COVID-19. For the latest information on the museum’s operations, check the website at FWMuseum.org.

The museum will also be suspending special events and programs through April 15. Affected events include Sensory Aware Saturday (March 21); Dinosaurs of Antarctica Member and Educator Preview (March 21); Language of NOW (March 28) and Science on Tap: Delight (March 28) .

DALLAS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM CLOSES TEMPORARILY

As per an emailed statement: Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum has decided to temporarily close starting Saturday, March 14 through Sunday, March 22, and will postpone all events and programs through Thursday, April 30.

DALLAS CONTEMPORARY CLOSES GALLERIES

As per an emailed statement: Dallas Contemporary has made the decision to temporarily close the museum’s galleries until further notice, effective today (Friday, March 13) as of 6 p.m. All programs are postponed until further notice.

CONGRESSMAN ALLRED’S STAFF TO WORK REMOTELY

Congressman Colin Allred announced today (Friday, March 13) that his staff will begin to work remotely, and his physical office locations in Richardson and Washington, D.C., will be temporarily closed to the public.

Constituents are urged to use our the congressman’s contact form at https://allred.house.gov/contact or call 972-972-7949 to reach a member of the team, and to visit the coronavirus resources page for more information https://allred.house.gov/coronavirus.

The office has instituted continuity of operations procedures (COOP) to ensure constituent services are not interrupted. Calls will continue to be answered and messages returned, and constituent correspondence will be responded to in the same timely manner.

MAJESTIC THEATRE POSTPONES EVENTS

As per a post on the Majestic’s website: Events at the Majestic from March 13- March 20 have been postponed in accordance with Dallas County Declaration regarding COVID-19.

AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER CANCELS PROGRAMS, REHEARSALS

As per an email statement: Last night the City of Dallas and Dallas County issued emergency declarations to help stem the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). These included bans on public gatherings of 500 people or more.

The AT&T Performing Arts Center complied with [Dallas County and city of Dallas public health emergency mandates by] immediately by canceling all programs and rehearsals scheduled at the Center’s venues in the Winspear Opera House, Wyly Theatre and Strauss Square through at least March 19.

  • The final performances of the Elevator Project presentation of Playwrights in the Newsroom are canceled.
  • Weekend performances of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Pi Day Festival had already been canceled.
  • Dallas Theater Center and The Dallas Opera have canceled their performances at the center.
  • Scheduled tours of the center are being rescheduled as well.
  • Sammons Park on the center’s campus will remain open, but large public gatherings are prohibited.
  • The Center Café will be closed.
  • Lexus Red Parking and Lexus Silver Parking will remain open and available for use at the daily rate.
  • The center’s box office in the Winspear Opera House will be closed, though you can purchase tickets at www.attpac.org.

GAYBINGO IS POSTPONED

As per a post on Facebook: “In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and in an effort to ensure the health and wellness of our community and supporters, we have decided to postpone Boot Scootin’ Gaybingo, originally scheduled for Saturday, March 21, and reschedule it for Saturday, December 12. All previously purchased tickets and seats will be transferred to the new December 12th date. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call Bill Scott at 214-540-4458 or Trevor Frank at 214 540 4412.

AIDS SERVICES OF DALLAS said they have protocols in place for staff to protect residents to minimize risk of infection from staff, but will be screening guests. “We have not, but may inevitably exclude non-essential traffic to our campus.”

RESOURCE CENTER cancelled, suspended or rescheduled all programs. See complete list here.

DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS rescheduled Come From Away.

Due to the continued spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Dallas County has issued an order to cancel or postpone gatherings of 500 or more until 11 a.m. on March 20, 2020. As a result, Dallas Summer Musicals will postpone performances of COME FROM AWAY at the Music Hall at Fair Park in alignment with this order.

DSM is encouraging ticket holders to hold on to their tickets as they work to bring COME FROM AWAY back to Dallas, and will update patrons as soon as possible with more information on the status of this event.
DSM has notified ticket holders, event organizers, employees, contractors, partners and other stakeholders impacted by this Dallas County order, and asks for the public’s support and continued adherence to safe and healthy practices already widely publicized. Further information will be shared as more is learned over the coming weeks. All performances for the remaining shows in Dallas Summer Musicals’ season are expected to go on as scheduled. Should anything change, an update will be sent to all impacted ticket holders

CELEBRATION COMMUNITY CHURCH is closed.

From Celebration: You know by now that the schools in Fort Worth and the surrounding areas are closed. The goal is to prevent the disease from spreading and closing will help with that. The good news is we are not alone — we have each other and we have God’s promise to be with us always. I told you yesterday that we would give you information today about how to access our worship service on Sunday. We are meeting at 9 a.m. in the morning to finalize the detail.

For member of Celebration, watch for an email tomorrow afternoon. For others who are interested, check Celebration’s website.

LEGAL HOSPICE OF TEXAS cancelled Fashion Cited event, according to LHT CEO Tony Lokash.

“At Legal Hospice of Texas, our number one priority is the health and safety of all clients, volunteers ,supporters and staff. Due to the uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, LHT has rescheduled the 2020 Fashion Cited event,” Lokash said. “The new date is Saturday, Sept. 26 at Sixty Five Hundred Dallas Texas. All paid tickets and sponsorship will transfer to the new date. Again the main priority is the health and safety of our clients and community. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to supporting the work of Legal Hospice of Texas.

DALLAS CITY LIBRARIES, PARKS & CULTURAL SITES CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

As per an email announcement: “In response to the declaration of a Local State of Disaster and to reduce the spread of COVID-19, starting Saturday, March 14, |public access is closed to all city of Dallas libraries, neighborhood cultural centers and recreation centers through Friday, March 20. All city programs are suspended until further notice and the city is contacting groups with reservations to cancel and reschedule those bookings.

“Athletic fields will be closed for all reservations and organized play. For additional information from Parks & Recreation, please see www.dallasparks.org.

“Dallas Public Library staff will be answering phones and responding to customer emails. To find the contact information for your library branch visit www.dallaslibrary.org.

“For additional information about neighborhood cultural centers including the Bath House Cultural Center, Latino Cultural Center, Oak Cliff Cultural Center and South Dallas Cultural Center, please visit www.dallasculture.org.”

THE WRITER’S GARRET SUSPENDS PROGRAMS

As per an email announcement: “Due to the unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19, The Writer’s Garret is temporarily suspending programming and closing its offices to the public. … All classes and workshops will be cancelled or postponed until at least April 6. This includes Stone Soup workshops, adult classes, and the Ann Howells & Christopher Lee Manes reading.”

DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Officials with the Dallas Museum of Art have announced via email that the museum is closed until further notice: “In light of new information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) released by city, state and federal officials within the past 24 hours, we have made the decision to close the Dallas Museum of Art to the public after 5 p.m. Friday, March 13. Beginning Saturday, March 14, the DMA will remain closed to the public until further notice.

“This was a very difficult decision to make, but we know it is the right choice at this time in order to best ensure the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers. Given the evolving nature of the outbreak, we will carefully reassess the situation in the coming weeks and share updates as they become available.

“As a reminder, we are working with visitors on refunds for any ticket purchases affected by these changes. For public ticketed event refunds, please contact guestservices@DMA.org. For questions around membership and member programs, please contact members@DMA.org.”

EASTER IN THE PARK, including the Pooch Parade, is cancelled according to the Turtle Creek Park Conservancy.

OAK LAWN UMC is closing its building and cancelling all gatherings until March 23.

“We will stream a sermon on Facebook, Sundays at 11 a.m. This decision was made through our conversation with church staff, clergy and leadership and also at the direction of Bishop McKee. We will re-evaluate the need to extend closure in a few weeks,” said Pastor Mara Morhouse.

U.S. REP. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON‘s offices remain open, however all meetings are cancelled.

“Although my offices remain open to help TX-30 constituents in need of assistance with federal agencies, my staff and I are following the CDC recommendation to limit personal interactions; therefore, I am cancelling all in-person meetings and encouraging constituents to call,” she said.

REP. JESSICA GONZALEZ district office is closed. Email is the best way to contact the office.

“Starting March 13, 2020, our District Office and Capitol Office hours will be suspended until further notice,” Gonzalez announced on Twitter. “In accordance with the World Health Organization guidelines, this preliminary precaution will ensure the safety of our staff and our community.”

ROUND-UP WILL HOLD SCALED DOWN BEAR HAPPY HOUR

The Round-Up Saloon has issued a statement regarding it’s response to concerns over the coronavirus and COVID-19 and parties planned this weekend.

Cody Farmer, the bar’s event coordinator and manager, said Round-Up will “continue with Bear Happy Hour, but limit attendance in accordance with the County’s guidelines. All future events will be handled on a case by case basis as new information comes out.”

For more information, go here.

AEG PRESENTS ANNOUNCES SHOW POSTPONEMENTS

AEG Presents Southwest, part of the live-entertainment division of Los Angeles-based AEG, has announced that all its scheduled shows at a number of Dallas County area venues have been indefinitely postponed. That includes shows set for The Theatre at Grand Prairie, The Bomb Factory, Canton Hall, Trees, The Majestic Theatre, McFarlin Memorial Auditorium, The Kessler Theatre, The Blue Light and Club Dada.

Officials said in an email: “Our hope is that we are able to reschedule as many of the affected events as possible, but at this time there is no information on new dates. If a new date is announced, there is nothing you need to do: your tickets are valid for the new date and you will be notified. If a show cannot be rescheduled, a refund will automatically be issued to the credit card you used to purchase within 30 business days.”

MODERN ART MUSEUM OF FORT WORTH CLOSING THROUGH MARCH 30

Museum officials said in an email: “In this uncertain time, the well-being of visitors, staff and volunteers is our top priority. Due to the ongoing outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and following the closure of Fort Worth ISD and in consultation with other peer institutions, the Modern is closing Saturday, March 14 through March 30. Staff will reevaluate the situation at that time. Please stay tuned to our social media and website for updates from the museum.”

DALLAS RED FOUNDATION POSTPONES PAGEANT

The 5th annual Miss Red Pageant, scheduled for May 31-June 14, has been indefinitely postponed.

ABBOTT TO DECLARE CORONAVIRUS A STATEWIDE PUBLIC HEALTH DISASTER

According to the Texas Tribune, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will hold a press conference this afternoon to declare the coronavirus as a statewide public health emergency. More than 20 other states have already made such a declaration, as has the city of Dallas and Dallas County.

Go here for more information.

DALLAS RED FOUNDATION CANCELS EVENTS

Noting that Dallas Red Foundation was created to inform the public on the facts about HIV/AIDS and services available to those who have HIV/AIDS, DRF officials have announced: “Now, as we are faced with another virus that threatens our communities, we must take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones and work together to delay the spread of the disease. This is especially critical when we take a step back and realize that so many people in our communities are potentially more susceptible to illness than others.
For these and many other reasons, we as an organization, in conjunction with guidance from local authorities, have decided to postpone Dallas Red Foundation and REDucate events that require group attendance indefinitely until more information becomes available.”

SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS is closed through the end of March.

TEXAS BEAR ROUND UP canceled. See story on TBRU cancellation here.

BASS HALL CANCELS ALL EVENTS THROUGH MARCH 31:

Officials at Bass Hall have just released this statement:
In light of the continued spread of COVID-19 around the country and now in Tarrant County, and in consideration of current guidance from health officials, Performing Arts Fort Worth has made the difficult decision to cancel all events scheduled to be held at Bass Performance Hall, McDavid Studio and the Van Cliburn Recital Hall through March 31, 2020.
The following performances will be affected:

  • Schumann & Shostakovich, March 13-15, presented by Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
  • Alive at the Bass, March 17, presented by University Christian Church (rescheduled for September 15, 2020)
  • Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, March 20-22, presented by Performing Arts Fort Worth
  • Image, Imbue & Bartok, March 27-29, presented by Texas Ballet Theater
  • All private events and tours scheduled at Bass Hall, McDavid Studio and the Van Cliburn Recital Hall

Event ticket holders will be contacted by the presenting organizations via email and social media. No action is required.

STONEWALL TARRANT COUNTY CANCELS MEMBERSHIP EVENT, FUNDRAISER:

Stonewall Democrats of Tarrant County have canceled the membership drive and happy hour scheduled for March 19 and the fundraiser scheduled for April 2.

CONGREGATION BETH EL BINAH cancelled Shabbat service for Friday, March 13 and Purim party on March 14.

DALLAS CITY COUNCIL will hold its March 18 city council meeting via video. You can watch at DallasCityHall.com.

SCARBOROUGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL ON SCHEDULE TO OPEN APRIL 4 FOR 40TH SEASON

Officials with Scarborough Renaissance Festival have released this statement: “The health and safety of our staff, participants and patrons is our number one priority. We are working closely with the Ellis County government and health officials to monitor the situation and act accordingly. At this time there have been no declarations from either Ellis County or the city of Waxahachie to prohibit events and there are no plans to postpone or cancel the 2020 season of Scarborough Renaissance Festival. We want everyone to be assured that we are taking this situation seriously and stepping up our health protocols to ensure everyone stays healthy. This includes the implementation of additional preventative measures and protocols such as training for our staff, easier access to hand washing and sanitizing stations and enhanced sanitization procedures.”

DALLAS AUTO SHOW POSTPONED

“With the health and well-being of our community in mind and following the guidance of local government and health officials, the Dallas Auto Show will be postponed due to COVID-19. These steps have been taken to protect show attendees, exhibitors and participants. Thank you to the North Texas community for its continued support of our show.”

CITYSQUARE OPEN BUT HAS CANCELED EVENTS

The Dallas nonprofit that operates programs for those living in poverty has made this announcement: “Until we are instructed to do otherwise by local health officials, CitySquare remains open for business. Please refer any friends, family, and neighbors experiencing economic distress to CitySquare. If you are a high-risk individual, we are working to make sure that you can receive our services without jeopardizing your health and well-being. Our current hours of operations, locations, and list of programs can be found at www.CitySquare.org.  In the event we are instructed by local health officials to cease operations, an announcement will be posted on our website, our main phone line, and our social media channels. An e-mail will also be sent. We have been instructed by DCHHS to postpone all nonessential gatherings until further notice.

THE TURTLE CREEK CHORALE has postponed its Unbreakable concert scheduled for March 27-29. Chorale director said a formal announcement will go out today and a new date for the concert will be announced.

DALLAS ZOO will be closed at least until March 20 to protect staff and visitors as well as the 2,000 animals that call the zoo home. The animals? Yes, health officials have no idea which animals might be susceptible to the Coronavirus.

LOS ANGELES PRIDE POSTPONED

As per reports in the Los Angeles Blade and a post on Twitter: “Due to the concerns of COVID-19, CSW will postpone all events related to the 50th Anniversary of LA Pride that were scheduled for June 2020. Organizers are assessing the situation. More information to be provided around the postponement as details become available.”

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER PERFORMANCES CANCELLED

TITAS/DANCE UNBOUND HAS announced today that Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will not be performing in Dallas this weekend at the Winspear Opera House due to the current health concerns surrounding COVID-19 (coronavirus).

TITAS/DANCE UNBOUND, in association with the AT&T Performing Arts Center, is working to reschedule performances of the famed dance company as soon as possible.

TITAS is asking all ticket holders for these performances to be patient while it works with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to find new dates. All ticket holders will be notified by March 31 as to their options. These options may include a new performance date, using tickets for another performance, refunds, or turning the tickets into a donation to support the nonprofit TITAS during a period that will prove challenging for all nonprofit arts organizations.

DALLAS PD CANCELS LGBTQ COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING

Officer Amber Roman, LGBTQ liaison officer for the Dallas Police Department, has issued this statement regarding an planned community advisory board meeting: “Thank you for your interest in being a part of our first LGBTQ+ Liaison Community Advisory Board. Due to the growing concern over the coronavirus, our first meeting that was scheduled for Thursday, March 19, has been canceled and will be rescheduled for a later date. Thanks again and looking forward to continuing to work alongside you.”

CITY OF DALLAS BANS CITY TRAVEL, CANCELS EVENTS

Dallas City Councilman and Mayor Po Tem Adam Medrano has just shared this memorandum for Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax:

“All city travel currently scheduled has been suspended effective immediately until the end of March 2020. Due to concerns over the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), this decision will ensure that we are taking all possible measures to keep our city employees safe. This ban will be lifted once additional information becomes available as we continue to actively work internally and externally with our county and state health officials. Please do not book any further city-related travel.
“In addition to the travel suspension, please note that all city sponsored departmental related programs, events, activities, trainings and seminars scheduled in the community at city owned facilities, and/or which involve city staff, are cancelled until further notice. This includes the planning, organizing of resources where the city has been invited to participate.”

TBRU: Organizers of the Texas Bear Round Up, which began today in Dallas have issued this statement:

“Bears and friends: The Dallas Bears and TBRU are aware of the current situation and advisement from Dallas County.

“We are meeting with the hotel and county officials in the morning at 9 a.m. to find out details. Attendees and guests will be updated via email following that meeting. This is all the information we have at this time.”

BREAKING NEWS: BearDance, held each year in conjunction with Texas Bear Round Up, has been cancelled. The event was set to take place Friday night, March 13, at S4. The cancellation was announced tonight (Thursday, March 12) at the TBRU kick-off party at Hyatt Regency Dallas, the TBRU host hotel.

We’ve heard no word yet on other TBRU-related events.

CAVEN ENTERPRISES earlier this evening issued a statement saying the company is “amplifying our sanitation and safety procedures across all Caven Enterprises venues” in response to “heightened concern” surrounding COVID-19.

“In order to maximize our efforts to protect guests, staff and vendors, effective immediately we are instituting additional safety measures including, but not limited to: Providing disposable straws in every drink that is served; Only adding fruit to cocktails at the request of the guest; Expanded nightly deep cleaning of each club; Robust sanitizing practices throughout the day at each club,” the CEI statement said.

“Additionally, we are instructing that each employee wash their hands every 15 minutes while on duty and are required to cancel any scheduled shifts if they are sick or feeling symptomatic of any illness. We will continue to monitor updates from the CDC. We remain committed to maintaining a vibrant, safe and enjoyable atmosphere at each of our Caven Enterprises properties, and our guests’ safety will remain our top priority.”

DALLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE has announced that, effective immediately, in-person jail visitation has been suspended and will not resume until further notice. The DSO will offer video visitation free of charge. Legal counsel in-person visitation is still allowed.

DSO will continue its practice of not accepting Class C misdemeanors unless there are higher-level charges, and individuals will not be allowed to turn themselves in at the Dallas County Jail lobby. Sheriff Marian Brown said the DSO has “implemented enhanced intake procedures in terms of screening inmates and equipping our employees with appropriate information.”

DSO employees have access to mobile sanitation stations, and all DSO training sessions are postponed until a later date.