In consideration of the recommendations of local government and health authorities regarding COVID-19 and out of caution and with particular concern for at-risk groups, Arena Theater will be temporarily closing for a minimum of two weeks starting today, Saturday, March 14. All scheduled programming during that time is canceled. We hope to reschedule as many events as possible and will share details as soon as they are available.

This decision has been reached after much deliberation and in acknowledgement of Arena Theater’s role as a regional destination. The theater draws customers from Mendocino County and beyond, and is a community gathering place with regular medium to high-volume foot traffic. Despite having recently implemented increased sanitation and other precautionary measures, Arena Theater believes the best course of action at this time is a temporary closure. By voluntarily closing, we are prioritizing the health and safety of customers, staff, and the community at large, including vulnerable populations.

During this temporary closure, the theater will still be accepting Memberships and financial donations. Public support is especially appreciated during this time and will help the theater to reopen with minimal disruption as soon as it is acceptable to do so.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. We look forward to resuming business and welcoming customers back to the theater upon reopening. In the meantime, visit our website for updates regarding rescheduled special events at: www.arenatheater.org

Artists who recorded at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Ala., include Percy Sledge, Aretha Franklin and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

“Muscle Shoals” is a documentary about a place filled with magic and music, legend and folklore, where the river is inhabited by a Native American spirit who has lured some of the greatest Rock and Roll and Soul legends of all time, and drawn from them some of the most uplifting, defiant, and important music ever created. In Muscle Shoals, Alabama, music runs through the hills, the river, and the spirit of the people. It is a place where, even before the Civil Rights Movement really took shape, the color of your skin didn’t matter inside the studio.