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CLEVELAND (WJW) — To commune with fellow music fans in the same indoor space — that’s what the promise of coronavirus vaccines meant for lovers of live concerts. But with the delta variant on the rise nationwide, many venues and artists are turning to something somewhat controversial in an attempt to keep concertgoers safe: proof of vaccination or, in some cases, a negative COVID test at the door.

This includes shows soon coming to the Cleveland area.

Here is a list of area venues and shows affected by these policies so far:

The Agora Theatre (5000 Euclid Ave #101)

The Agora Theatre, an AEG Presents venue, is currently requiring guests and staff to either show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to attend its shows. On Oct. 1, the requirement becomes stricter, with everyone having to to show a proof of full vaccination upon entry.

“Just a few weeks ago, we were optimistic about where our business, and country, were heading,” AEG’s Jay Marciano said in a recent statement. “The delta variant, combined with vaccine hesitancy, is pushing us in the wrong direction again. We realize that some people might look at this as a dramatic step, but it’s the right one. We also are aware that there might be some initial pushback, but I’m confident and hopeful that, at the end of the day, we will be on the right side of history and doing what’s best for artists, fans, and live event workers.”

Beachland Ballroom & Tavern (15711 Waterloo Road)

Part of more than a dozen or so local venues that have banded together in solidarity to create a new vaccination policy, the Ballroom is starting to require people show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test at the door starting no later Sept. 7.

“As Northeast Ohio venues, we all want to have the same base policy so our fans can understand and feel protected when they come out to support live music,” Cindy Barber, co-owner of Beachland Ballroom, said in a statement.

Bop Stop @ the Music Settlement (2920 Detroit Avenue)

The venue is going to require concertgoers show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test at the door starting no later than Sept. 7, along with a dozen or so other local venues.

Blossom Music Center (1145 W Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls)

A Live Nation venue, the Blossom Music Center is going to start requiring proof of vaccines or a negative COVID test for all starting Oct. 4.

“Vaccines are going to be your ticket back to shows,” Live Nation Entertainment President and CEO Michael Rapino said in a statement “And as of Oct. 4 we will be following the model we developed for Lollapalooza and requiring this for artists, fans and employees at Live Nation venues and festivals everywhere possible in the U.S.”

Maroon 5, who came to the venue Aug. 26, required proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test at the door for its show. Other acts with a vaccination requirement before the Oct. 4 cutoff include:

  • Dead & Company (Sept. 7)
  • Jimmy Buffet (Sept. 25)

Find out more right here.

The Foundry Concert Club (11729 Detroit Ave, Lakewood)

The Foundry is starting to require concertgoers show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test at the door no later than Sept. 7, along with a dozen or so other local venues.

Grog Shop (785 Euclid Heights Boulevard, Cleveland Heights)

The Grog Shop is starting to require concertgoers show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test at the door no later than Sept. 7, along with a dozen or so other local venues.

Happy Dog (5801 Detroit Avenue)

The Happy Dog is starting to require concertgoers show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test at the door no later than Sept. 7, along with a dozen or so other local venues.

House of Blues Cleveland (308 Euclid Avenue)

Also a Live Nation venue, the venue going to start requiring proof of vaccines or a negative COVID test for concertgoers, staff and musicians starting Oct. 4.

Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica (2014 Sycamore Street)

Also a Live Nation venue, only one act is following vaccine/testing requirement protocol before the mandatory Oct. 4 start date: Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (Aug. 19)

Jilly’s Music Room (111 N Main St, Akron)

The venue is going to require concertgoers show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test at the door starting no later than Sept. 7, along with a dozen or so other local venues.

“As regional venue owners and operators, we are united in prioritizing the health and safety of our patrons, staff, artists – and our businesses,” Jill Bacon Madden, owner of Jilly’s Music Room, said in a statement. “We were thrilled to reopen and invite people to gather and celebrate live music, performances, and film again.”

The Kent Stage (175 E Main Street, Kent)

At this time, the venue is not requiring proof of vaccination but is strongly recommending masks for those who are not vaccinated and is checking the temperature of each concertgoer.

“Unfortunately as things continue to change daily around the country with spikes in cases of Covid-19, things can change on us in an instant as well,” the venue said in a Facebook post.

Mahall’s (13200 Madison Avenue, Lakewood)

The venue is starting to require vaccinations or a negative COVID-19 test starting now, according to its Facebook page. “We thank you for your cooperation and understanding” the venue said in a post.

Music Box Supper Club (1148 Main Avenue)

The venue is going to require concertgoers show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test at the door starting no later than Sept. 7, along with a dozen or so other local venues.

Musica (51 East Market Street, Akron)

The venue is starting to require concertgoers show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test at the door starting the week of Sept. 5. “Thank you for your cooperation!” the venue said in a statement on Facebook.

The Rialto Theatre (1000 Kenmore Boulevard, Akron)

The venue is going to require concertgoers show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test at the door starting no later than Sept. 7, along with a dozen or so other local venues.

Westside Bowl (2617 Mahoning Avenue, Youngstown)

The venue is going to require concertgoers show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test at the door starting no later than Sept. 7, along with a dozen or so other local venues.

The Winchester Music Tavern (12112 Madison Ave, Lakewood)

The venue is going to require concertgoers show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test at the door starting no later than Sept. 7, along with a dozen or so other local venues.

At this time, the state of Ohio has not mandated masks for indoor events or gatherings. Be sure to check with each venue prior to any concert you may attend, as mask and vaccination policies may change. FOX 8 will continue to update this list as more is learned.