ARLINGTON, Texas — On the first Friday since the state mask mandated expired in Texas, and Austin-based DJ Stefon Osae can't help but to remember where he was exactly one year ago.
"It was Coconut Club in Austin," Osae said,
That was the last show he played before COVID-19 took over. While the pandemic took a toll across the board, he said the nightlife and entertainment industry were hit especially hard without a way to carry on business in a COVID-friendly way.
"We were the first to go," Osae said. "It's almost like we became obsolete."
But they aren't.
On Friday morning, Osae drove to Dallas for Zayland's The Nu Wave: In Dallas, With Love show. He and half a dozen other DJs and artists will perform at an industrial warehouse on Malcolm X. Boulevard.
Despite there being no statewide mask mandate or capacity guidelines, the flyer for Osae's event states capacity will be limited and masks are required.
"I just want everyone to be safe," Osae said. "I know a lot of people aren't vaccinated yet. In the meantime, we can do our due diligence and make sure people keep their mask on and make sure everyone is staying safe."
In Arlington, Six Flags Over Texas opened Friday evening for spring break. The park will be open during the week through the break, and has a number of precautions in place.
"We can open at full capacity, but we do have reservations that are in place, and that helps us monitor in-park attendance," said Brad Malone, communications manager for Six Flags Over Texas.
Malone said everyone over the age of two, including team members, must wear a mask, there will be hand sanitizing stations throughout the park and a sanitation team will make sure high-touch areas are thoroughly disinfected.
“I know everyone is looking for that sense of normalcy, and we’re excited to be able to provide that here at Six Flags Over Texas, as well as doing it safely," Malone said.