The wake of the pandemic has affected the music and bands for Chad Borgen of L’Anse and Nicklas Johnson of Marquette. But despite the limitation of a stage, Borgen and Johnson persist to strap on their guitars and perform for their fans, even if it’s looking through a virtual spotlight.

Borgen, the lead guitarist and singer of Chad Borgen and The Collective, had venues booked for the remainder of March and April, but those shows have now been canceled. Facing a similar dilemma, Johnson — also lead guitarist and the band manager of Daydreamers — lost over a month of gigs, with a performance on April 20 at Peter White Public Library rescheduled for June 2 along with the show cancelation on April 10 at Drifta Brewing Co. Though show cancelations set them back, both bands launched a Facebook Live performance on March 20 that exceeded thousands of views, proving music lives on during trivial times.

“The production of a livestream can be a bit touch and go as we are dealing with technology and we had a couple issues with video sync but overall it was really great,” Johnson said. “The reaction was great as it has over 4k plays already and the interaction of our fans in the comments was truly amazing.”

With uncertainty of when they can book a show, Borgen said he will continue live streaming performances at 8 p.m. each Wednesday with “WildMan Wednesday” where he plays covers of rock and country hits with a guitar and talks to his fans to hopefully lift their spirits up, he said. The band will launch another live session at 8 p.m. April 3 via Facebook.

Frontman Chad Borgen of Chad Borgen and The Collective executes a rhythmic guitar solo during one of his live shows. Borgen and his band have now turned to Facebook Live to stay connect with fans. (Photo courtesy of Chad Borgen)

“Throughout my life I’ve always turned to music to help me escape, cope or guide me through the bumps along life’s road. Our musical live streams are free of politics, current events and overly serious subjects. It’s a marvelous way to escape our daily stresses, enjoy some music and smile,” Borgen said, adding, “It is important to use these difficult times as a life lesson, let’s grow and shape ourselves into stronger, wiser people. Keep the faith and stay safe.”

Live streaming allows for direct audience feedback and it’s a way for people to tune in and feel comfortable requesting a song and they can do so through Borgen’s website or via Facebook Messenger, he noted. Though Borgen looks forward to his live shows with an in-house audience, this platform of virtuality allows for him to continue doing what he loves.

“It’s a great way to expand your audience and introduce yourself to the world,” Borgen said. “Everything will be okay, but let’s do our part and stay apart. Be mindful of information sources, stay clean, and wash your hands. Keep the faith as we are all in this together.”

For Johnson and the Daydreamers, they hope to continue their live streams as well as adding stage lights, song polls and perhaps merchandise giveaways to their virtual shows. But the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order is something the band is taking into precaution, ensuring the safety of their families, friends and fans comes first, he said.

“Music is a powerful thing. It can heal, inspire and unite and more than ever we need that. Come together virtually, support you local business and community members and together we can get through this,” Johnson said, noting, “… when it comes down to it we enjoy what we do and we think it shines through in our performances.”

To catch a live stream concert from the bands, visit their Facebook pages. For more information on upcoming shows, visit chadborgen.com and daydreamersband.net.