After receiving recognition for helping venues survive, NIVA has responded to the kind words from Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame CEO Greg Harris.
To kick off the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony this weekend, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum CEO Greg Harris started the evening by recognizing and thanking the National Independent Venue Association for spearheading and securing $16 billion in emergency federal relief, stating, “During the darkest days of the pandemic the leaders of the National Independent Venue Association worked tirelessly to secure federal support for clubs, venues, and museums. And because of your great work, Congress passed the Save Our Stages Act. It was a lifeline to this industry, and those leaders are with us here tonight. Join me in thanking them: NIVA.”
NIVA members from more than 30 states came for the Induction Ceremonies, most meeting for the very first time, though they started working together in April 2020 in the effort to save the industry. Known as Precinct Captains, these NIVA members indefatigably organized advocacy outreach to Congress so elected officials would know the devastating effects the shutdowns were having on independent venues, promoters, and festivals.
Sean Watterson, owner of the Happy Dog in Cleveland and a NIVA Precinct Captain, led the initiative in Ohio to lobby for emergency relief. He closely collaborated with Greg Harris of the Rock Hall to include artists’ voices to #SaveOurStages effort. Watterson said, “I’m incredibly grateful to Greg and his team for inviting NIVA’s Precinct Captains to Cleveland, and for recognizing the importance of even the smallest of stages from the biggest stage of all: the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony!”
NIVA Board President and CEO of First Avenue Productions, Dayna Frank said, “It’s a huge honor for NIVA, and all independent venues across the country, to receive this recognition from The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They understand the eco-system of live entertainment, and the role independent venues play as pillars in our communities and as the launching-pads for artists’ careers.”
ABOUT NIVA:
Formed at the onset of the COVID-19 shutdown, National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), created and led the #SaveOurStages campaign, resulting in landmark legislation establishing the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program administered by the Small Business Administration. NIVA’s mission is to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent live venues, promoters, and festivals throughout the United States. The National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF) was founded to further this mission by also seeking to support a transparent, competitive marketplace serving a diverse and inclusive community of artists, fans, and industry workers. NIVA is committed to equity in its support and advocacy for independent venues, and seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.
