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Boston Planners Cancel, Postpone Events After Marathon Tragedy—But Some Will Go On

Boston planners are in a somber state after Monday's horrific event. And as they get their bearings after the marathon tragedy, some are putting imminent events on pause.

The Revere Hotel Boston Common was going to host the V.I.P. reception for "Bartschland in Boston: A Party and Pop-Up Concert with Susanne Bartsch" on April 20. The evening of music, dance, and avant-garde performance was planned as an upbeat fund-raiser for the Institute of Contemporary Art, but it will most likely be rescheduled. "[Monday's attack] really was surreal. It's still so upsetting," said Bryan Barbieri, the hotel's director of PR, on Tuesday. "We are pretty much still trying to find our footing here. We will likely have to postpone the event. This was our big week to sell tickets and we feel it's against our better judgement to put heavy marketing and promotional efforts on an event during such a tragic time. It's extremely difficult to strike the right tone."

The Boston Ballet's black-tie Balanchine Ball was also scheduled for Saturday. On Tuesday, the company released an official statement: "Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by the tragic events at the marathon on April 15. In a time of heartbreak, we are encouraged by the city’s resilience and strength of character. In the spirit of our brave community, we have chosen to continue with Boston Ballet’s activities, including all dance programs, classes, and rehearsals. Our very special event, the Balanchine Ball on April 20, will take place as planned after careful consideration and with the encouragement of the City of Boston." Spokesperson Iman Richards added that the evening will now begin with a special tribute to the City of Boston's victims and responders.

Other cultural events were canceled in the immediate aftermath of the bombing. On Monday, the Boston Symphony Orchestra sent out an email advising that the evening's scheduled concert at Symphony Hall had been called off due to security reasons. (The venue is less than a mile from Copley Square, where the bombings took place.) Symphony reps were planning to get in touch with all ticket-holders to discuss refunds or a possible rescheduling of the concert.

Some events were still up in the air. The Huntington Theater's Spotlight Spectacular gala was set to take place on April 22 at the Park Plaza Castle. On Tuesday, the theater company's communications manager, Rebecca Curtiss, said: "We've gone ahead and canceled tonight's performance out of respect for those affected by yesterday's tragic events and in consideration of potential travel challenges for our audience."

As for Monday's gala, Curtiss said the organization is "still planning to go forward as planned, though we're waiting for an update for our venue, which is currently being used by the city as a shelter and place for runners to collect their belongings." She was hoping to have more solid information by today.

A benefit for the Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Boston Fashion Awards were set to take place April 28 at the Back Bay Events Center. On Tuesday, spokesman Tony Hyppolite was stepping into a meeting with venue reps to finalize plans, "but we are more than likely pushing it back," he said. "Given that yesterday's action is so close to the fashion scene and in the heart of Boston, it will be hard for people to focus on the event."

Meanwhile, Artists for Humanity's Greatest Party on Earth will likely go on as planned at the Artists for Humanity Epicenter on April 27. "We are all safe, but shaken by yesterday's horrific tragedy," said spokesperson Debbie First on Tuesday. Nevertheless, "We will get past this, because freedom and humanity trump violence."

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