NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Saturday was the conclusion of the week back in New York City, which ended with “We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert,” but the grand finale was interrupted due to severe weather when Hurricane Henri was approaching the region.
According to Cory James of CBS2, the concert was expected to last about five hours, but Mother Nature reduced it, giving people who waited in line for hours only two and a half hours of entertainment.
READ MORE: Tracking of Henri: Hurricane, tropical storm warnings issued throughout the three-state area
What was supposed to be a long, fun night for the people of Central Park ended earlier than expected after the lightning during Barry Manilow’s performance.
“I kept saying, ‘No, no.’
#BREAK: #NYChomecomingconcert canceled after a lightning strike during @barrymanilowperformance. More than 22,000 people are now being asked to leave @CentralParkNYC. More information at 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. @CBSNewYork pic.twitter.com/Lt3VsyZJ9y
– Cory James (@CoryJamesTV) August 22, 2021
It forced event organizers to quickly end the concert, sending more than 22,000 concert-goers who danced and partyed on the Great Lawn at home early Saturday night.
“Extremely frustrating. He was in denial. I said, “It’s not over,” one concertgoer said.
“I felt really upset,” another concertgoer said.
PHOTO GALLERY: New York City Celebrates Reopening with “We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert”
But before the severe weather got worse, one could see and hear emotion from many who waited months for that moment.
“This is the first concert we have, in which, for a year,” said Long Island resident Gniescka Lowczyk.
“I’m happy to be out,” said Brooklyn resident Frauke Weston.
READ MORE: Henry’s follow-up: State of emergency declared in New York, Connecticut before the arrival of the hurricane
“I just bought a shirt, I thought it would be a good way to remember the day,” said Brooklyn resident Ryan Joel.
“It’s good to celebrate vaccination, even though there are now really high cases,” said Stephanie Pearl, a resident of the Upper West Side.
That’s why Giulia Turokyioamaz, of the Upper East Side, kept the mask on during the concert. He told CBS2 that he previously had COVID and does not want to do it again.
“It’s just an extra precaution, just to be safe,” he said.
We were glad to see you at Concert #WeLoveNYCC, although we had to close early due to the weather.
Thanks to the #CentralParkConservancy staff and volunteers who helped make the Great Lawn an environment like no other, and our visitors, whose involvement helps the park thrive. pic.twitter.com/C5qqdDmNt6
– Central Park (@CentralParkNYC) August 22, 2021
Still, despite the dangerous weather conditions that canceled the star-studded show, the New Yorkers who were able to distinguish it were worth every minute spent in line because for them it was more than just seeing artists like Jennifer H udson and Kane Brown and Andrea Bocelli; it was also a reminder of how far we have come since the beginning of the pandemic.
“It was nice to feel the energy of New York again,” said Frayda Resmick of the Upper East Side.
“It’s all about moving from 2021 to 2022,” said Monica Elvira of the Upper East Side.
CBS2 went to town to see if refunds would be refunded to those who buy VIP tickets, but so far we haven’t known.
MORE NEWS: MTA announces LIRR, suspensions of the Metro-Nord railway as Henri approaches the tri-state area
Editor’s note: This story was published on August 22nd.