With live music postponed until May or later, Saint Louis venue Fubar is hoping fans will help support the staff that makes concerts possible.
The live entertainment industry is at a standstill. The spread of the novel coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19, has driven people indoors and canceled thousands of events. There is no timeline for reopening venues, and there is no guarantee if audiences will be ready to return to crowded rooms anytime soon.
Venues need performances to stay open and pay their staff. When events get canceled, bills keep coming, and there is no stopping the fixed costs of operating a business. Fubar, the widely-recognized St. Louis venue, is one of many businesses currently facing an uncertain economic future. The owners are doing everything in their power to keep the business open, but they need help to care for their staff.
Recently, Fubar launched a crowdfunding campaign to help the venue’s ten-person staff support their families. A message posted to the GoFundMe page reads:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, like every other venue, we are forced to close indefinitely.
All shows for at least 8 weeks have been canceled or postponed, We know this will at least be 8 weeks that Fubar’s 10 employees will have zero income. This is a devastating blow to bands, artists, venue owners, and venue workers across the country. As they scramble to try to find temporary employment, alongside every other person in the food/bar/service/entertainment industry, the least I could do is try this. If you’ve ever had a good time at fubar, and you can spare even one dollar, consider it a tip, please do so. Every bit helps. Thank you, and please stay home, be extra safe, and take care of one another.
Fubar is currently seeking $24,000. As of this post, the campaign has raised just over $4,000. If you are able to contribute, please head over to GoFundMe and help keep this incredible venue alive.
Please send other venue Kickstarter campaigns and fundraising goals to james@haulix.com for inclusion on our blog.
