Homecoming Concert In Central Park Cut Short Due To Weather As Henri Approaches – CBS New York

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Saturday was the conclusion of New York Metropolis’s Homecoming Week, ending with “We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert,” however the massive finale was minimize quick resulting from extreme climate as Hurricane Henri approached the area.

As CBS2’s Cory James stories, the live performance was anticipated to final for about 5 hours, however Mom Nature minimize it quick, giving individuals who waited in line for hours solely two and a half hours of leisure.

READ MORE: Tracking Henri: Hurricane, Tropical Storm Warnings Issued Throughout Tri-State Area

What was purported to be a enjoyable and lengthy evening for folks at Central Park ended before deliberate after lightning struck throughout Barry Manilow’s efficiency.

“I simply saved saying, ‘No, no.’ Like actually, I’m sort of loopy about Barry Manilow and I simply, like, fought my technique to the entrance,” concert-goer Christen Clifford stated.

#BREAKING: #NYChomecomingconcert cancelled after lightning hit throughout @barrymanilow’s efficiency. 22,000+ folks now being requested to go away @CentralParkNYC. Extra at 9 & 11 @CBSNewYork pic.twitter.com/Lt3VsyZJ9y

— Cory James (@CoryJamesTV) August 22, 2021

It compelled occasion organizers to shortly finish the live performance, sending greater than 22,000 concert-goers who danced and partied on the Nice Garden house early Saturday evening.

“Extraordinarily irritating. I used to be in denial. I stated, ‘It’s not over,’” one concert-goer stated.

“I felt actually upset,” one other concert-goer stated.

PHOTO GALLERY: New York City Celebrates Reopening With ‘We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert’

However earlier than the extreme climate touched down, pleasure could possibly be seen and heard from many who waited months for this second.

“That is the primary live performance we’ve got in, what, over a 12 months,” Lengthy Island resident Gniescka Lowczyk stated.

“I’m simply joyful to be out,” Brooklyn resident Frauke Weston stated.

READ MORE: Tracking Henri: State Of Emergency Declared In New York, Connecticut Ahead Of Hurricane’s Arrival

“I simply purchased a shirt, thought it’d be a great way to recollect the day,” Brooklyn resident Ryan Joel stated.

“It’s simply good to rejoice being vaccinated, despite the fact that circumstances are actually excessive proper now,” Higher West Aspect resident Stephanie Pearl stated.

That’s why Giulia Turokyioamaz, of the Higher East Aspect, saved her face masks on in the course of the live performance. She advised CBS2 she had COVID earlier than and doesn’t need it once more.

“It’s simply an additional precaution, simply to make certain,” she stated.

We have been glad to see you on the #WeLoveNYCConcert, despite the fact that we needed to wrap up early resulting from climate!

Thanks to the #CentralParkConservancy employees & volunteers who helped make the Nice Garden a setting like no different, & to our guests, whose involvement helps the Park thrive! pic.twitter.com/C5qqdDmNt6

— Central Park (@CentralParkNYC) August 22, 2021

Nonetheless, regardless of the damaging climate situations that canceled the star-studded present, New Yorkers who have been in a position to make it out say it was value each minute spent in line as a result of for them, it was greater than seeing artists like Jennifer H udson, Kane Brown and Andrea Bocelli; it was additionally a reminder of how far we’ve got come for the reason that begin of the pandemic.

“It was good to really feel the power of New York again,” stated Frayda Resmick, of the Higher East Aspect.

“All about transferring ahead from 2021 to 2022,” stated Monica Elvira, of the Higher East Aspect.

CBS2 reached out to town to see if any refunds can be given to those that purchased VIP tickets, however up to now, we’ve got not heard again.

MORE NEWS: MTA Announces LIRR, Metro-North Railroad Suspensions As Henri Approaches Tri-State Area

Editor’s Notice: This story was printed Aug. 22.