Vanilla Ice is hosting a concert on the upcoming Fourth of July in Texas, where COVID-19 cases have increased. The Iceman made the announcement Tuesday, June 30.
In his Twitter page, Vanilla Ice posted an animated ad for his upcoming show. His show is titled "Independence Day Throwback Beach Party." The hip-hop concert will be held at the Emerald Point Bar & Grill in Austin, TX. Entertainment Weekly reports that other bars in the city are closed off due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
A local publication, the Austin Chronicle, states that the Iceman's concert will push through because of a legal loophole. The large venue sits along the shores of Lake Travis. The majority of its sales, according to the article, is still from food. Therefore, Emerald Point still classifies as a restaurant. Texas Governor Greg Abbott's recent executive order requires the closure of all bars. Emerald Point, a restaurant, is not included.
Also, the article referred to an interview with Emerald Point general manager Matt Norcia. In a text message, Norcia explained that the venue could accommodate 4,000 people. It can be expanded for another 1,000 upon opening its beach area.
Event promoter Mike Wade reportedly explained to the Austin Chronicle via text message. Wade said that Vanilla Ice's show would allow 2,500 patrons. The tickets, available on the online ticketing portal Eventbrite, ranges from $25 to $300.
Just last Thursday, June 25, the Lone Star state posted 5,996 new coronavirus positives. It surpassed its previous-day record of 5,551 cases.
Live events in the middle of the pandemic
Vanilla Ice's Fourth of July show will follow the live shows despite the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the country. Last Saturday, June 28, country star Chase Rice drew a crowd of about a thousand fans.
The "Three Chords & The Truths" artist performed as a part of his 2020 concert tour. His Tennessee show was at the Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Petros.
The 10,000-capacity venue and former correctional facility had been limited only to accommodate 4,000. Representatives for the venue said that it was below the state advice of 50% capacity for event venues. In his Instagram story, Chase Rice posted a video of the crowd singing along with him. Unfortunately, it showed the people tightly packed. In the video, most people are not wearing any facemasks.
Fellow musicians have called out Rice over the event. Kelsea Ballerini retweeted a copy of Rice's Instagram story, writing: "Imagine being selfish enough to put thousands of people's health at risk." The "Peter Pan" singer added: "We all want (and need) to tour. We just care about our fans and their families enough to wait."
The Iceman: A Son of The Lone Star State
Born Robert Matthew Van Winkle, Vanilla Ice was born in Southern Dallas. He then spent his younger years between Texas and Florida. Ice released his debut album "Hooked" in 1989. He would later sign a contract with the EMI Group subsidiary SBK Records. He would reformat and reissue his album under the name "To The Extreme."
"To The Extreme" would catapult Vanilla Ice into stardom. It spawned his signature song "Ice Ice Baby." His hit single received heavy rotation on radio stations across the country. It was also notable for being the first hip-hop song to top the Billboard Hot 100. Vanilla Ice's major-label debut also featured his cover of Wild Cherry's original "Play That Funky Music."
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