Appearing before Congress earlier this week, representatives for NIVA revealed the messy and unpredictable state live music in 2022.
Concerts are back! Unfortunately, fans aren’t.
A representative from NIVA (the National Independent Venue Association) testified before a US Congressional committee Wednesday to address the ongoing financial impact of the pandemic on live music. Among the topics discussed were no-show ticketholders and their impact on venue operating costs.
NIVA was represented by its Plains chapter secretary Raeanne Presley, the co-owner of Presleys’ Theater in Branson, Missouri, who shared the ongoing challenges faced by small venues and the entire sector.
During her testimony, Presley noted that since the Omicron surge safety concerns had both stalled future ticket sales and decimated current attendance. “Usually 5% of ticket buyers don’t attend,” said Presley. “Now the number of no-shows is often closer to 50% and most of us rely on in-venue sales to cover our expenses.”
The comments above make sense. Ticket sales primarily go to cover talent. Venues depend on foot traffic to sell food and drinks, not to mention merch and anything else available. A sold-out show can still lose money if not enough people turn up ready to spend cash.
During the hearing, most members of both parties appeared to endorse some form of additional aide for the sector, but did not coalesce around a single solution. In other words, we made no progress beyond being heard.
Other witnesses included representatives from Be An #ArtsHero, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Actors’ Equity.
You can view the full congressional presentation below:
NIVA finds itself in a tough position. Many assume that reopening venues resolved the initial problems caused by COVID-19. Making people understand the disconnect between hosting shows and making money will be an uphill battle. It’s a necessary one, however, because change won’t happen until enough people demand it.
