Jazz pianist Bill Charlap on his decision to start performing again: There is no substitute for humanity and connection

Grammy-winning artist Bill Charlap played at a storied Pennsylvania club last weekend, more than four months after his last public performance, telling New York Times - “It’s a risk for everybody, I suppose. It may be early, but it’s time for me”. The opening protocol included mandatory masks while moving through the club, widely spaced tables, temperature checks on entry, only natural ventilation supplied by open windows and fans, capacity was cut down by 75 percent to a maximum of two dozen. While playing at the Deer Head Inn, Charlap told his audience “there is no substitute for humanity and connection. I wish that I could be closer physically. But I will do everything I can to be as close in every other possible way with the music”.