Permian Basin cultural institutions announce June programming changes Odessa, TX – Odessa Arts, Downtown Odessa Inc., The Black Cultural Council of Odessa, and the Museum of the Southwest in Midland have adjusted programming changes for the month of June. June dates for Hot Summer Nights have been cancelled. July dates are under review and an announcement will be made in late May.

The Black Cultural Council’s annual Juneteenth Kick Off Bash at the Odessa Marriott Hotel & Convention Center and the celebration at Woodson Community Park originally scheduled for June 18-21, 2020 have been cancelled.

The Summer Sunday Lawn Concerts at the Museum of the Southwest originally scheduled for Sundays in June and July are being postponed until late July, early August at the earliest.

“The cultural community has been in close contact throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and discussions about large gatherings have been at the forefront of each conversation,” says Odessa Arts Executive Director Randy Ham, “Even as the State of Texas begins the reopening process, it is clear that gatherings of more that 10 people will still be problematic logistically, financially, and most importantly, safety-wise.”

Museum of the Southwest Executive Director Dan Eck agrees, “It’s important that our patrons and our staff remain healthy and safe. We are certainly eager to resume programming, however, our lawn concerts attract about 1,000 people to our front lawn. Right now that would be inconsistent with efforts to reducing community spread.”

Jo Ann Davenport Littleton, president of the Black Cultural Council of Odessa says, “due to the national and global health crisis the COVID-19 epidemic the Annual Juneteenth Celebration has been cancelled. The board members are greatly disappointed, however the health and safety of the people come first. Most of our vendors and artists are eager to come back to Odessa, even if they have to wait a year. The Odessa community is always so hospitable.”

Downtown Odessa, Inc. Director Lawanna Lambert agrees, “DOI is looking forward to next year’s Hot Summer Nights and Firecracker Fandango, when we can really let loose and celebrate surviving COVID-19.”