Shippensburg University’s Activities Programming Board (APB) announced it is cancelling Blackbear and Marc E. Bassy’s visit to SU to keep guests safe amid the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The announcement came Thursday morning through Instagram. Blackbear and Bassy were slated to headline APB’s spring concert, “ The Concert Xperience 2020.” 

“There has been a lot of hard work and passion put into the show, but based on CDC and state government guidance regarding COVID-19, we are cancelling to keep guests safe,” the post said.

SU senior Brittany Hillbish, APB’s concert coordinator spent the past seven months planning the event.

“It’s a frustrating and devastating situation,” Hillbish said.

Ticket holders are in the process of being refunded, according to @shipapb on Instagram. APB will automatically refund ticket holders who paid with a card, according to Hillbish. Meanwhile, they are working to make sure those who paid in cash will be refunded. 

Hillbish said the same goes for all of APB’s events this semester. 

Hillbish said APB completely planned the concert and the organization will lose some money from cancelling the show. However, the organization will be able to save most of its contracted items, which can be recycled for future events. 

SU sophomore Bella Irwin, junior Noah Steinfeldt and senior Teddy Cannon will also miss out on the opportunity to share the stage with the headline performers. The public voted for them to perform at the concert after auditioning in November. 

As for future APB events, the organization faces challenges in its planning. Without students physically on campus, APB is exploring various options to provide programming.

“We are exploring different options for students including programming care packages for students still on campus, online tournaments (esports/gaming), social media contests and Kahoot trivia,” Hillbish said.

While these options are not finalized, she said APB is trying its best to provide programming while students are at home.

The concert, which was scheduled for April 5, is the latest spring activity cancellation in the SU community. University officials decided Monday to move the remainder of the academic semester online, while the NCAA and Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) both announced last week suspensions of athletics for the remainder of the semester. Meanwhile, H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center officials announced earlier this week that all scheduled shows are cancelled through May 2.

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