Davina Michelle in an empty Ahoy

When Davina Michelle’s shows at AFAS Live were cancelled due to corona, the singer had an idea. Why not perform in an empty hall and broadcast the concert online. Rotterdam Ahoy was happy to participate in this, and the four intimate acoustic concerts can be seen and heard online on TV 538, Radio 538, KIJK.nl and JUKE. ‘When Davina Michelle's management called, we were immediately enthusiastic,’ said Arnaud Hordijk, project manager at Rotterdam Ahoy. ‘The industry has been hit hard by the corona crisis, and all our events in the coming months have also been cancelled. Davina Michelle's idea brought positive energy. Of course, we had to think it over carefully. We thought it was important that the idea provide real support and not be seen as a commercial activity. That wasn’t what we were aiming for. Fortunately, we were all in agreement. We discussed it on Monday and started the construction on Tuesday.’ One and a half metres apart Rotterdam Ahoy made the hall available, and Radio 538 provided the recordings and broadcasts. Organising it was a bit different from a normal concert, especially because of the safety regulations. Arnaud: ‘We made sure that everyone was constantly a metre and a half apart. We didn’t want to take any risks and were also strict on the number of people allowed on the set. Fortunately, it all worked out, everyone adapted quickly.’ #ROTTERDAMZETDOOR Curious about how the recordings in Rotterdam Ahoy went? Read it on the platform #ROTTERDAMZETDOOR. #ROTTERDAMZETDOOR showcases the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Rotterdammers during the COVID-19 crisis. https://rotterdamzetdoor.nl/en/Initiatives/davina-michelle/ Text by: Renee Schouwenburg Photo credits: Jorn Baas