60 Seconds of Strength: up on the stage
When Zeitgeist closed its doors in 2020, the empty theaters became a symbol of how deeply the shutdown affected the Northland arts community. Executive Director Tony Cuneo remembered how quickly the space went quiet, saying, “We have not had an audience in our performance theater since mid March.”
The silence was hardest on local performers who once filled the building with music and energy. Many artists lost not only their creative outlet but also their livelihood. As Cuneo explained, “There are a number of actors, many of which this was their craft. They have just had extremely limited opportunities to try to earn a living.”
To keep people connected, Zeitgeist shifted to virtual concerts. Local singer Lyla adjusted to performing online, saying, “It has been a weird experience but alright.” The digital shows helped, but Cuneo noted they were no replacement for a live audience.
Still, the decision to stay closed was part of protecting the community and supporting local hospitals. “I think a lot of people are making that choice, but it is really hard when there is not support from your government,” Cuneo said.
Zeitgeist hoped federal relief would help them survive until it was safe to reopen. “I think the PPP support will really help us as soon as it is safe to do so,” Cuneo said.
Even in the long months without crowds or applause, the resilience of the Northland music scene never faded. Artists adapted, audiences followed them online, and the community held onto creativity until the lights came back on.