Tag: Save Our Stages

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#SaveOurStages Explained: How COVID-19 Is Killing Venues

#SaveOurStages

Visit https://www.nivassoc.org/take-action and do your part today. It takes less than a minute and costs nothing.

COVID-19 brought the live music industry to its knees. Almost overnight, virtually every venue in the United States had to close their doors and layoff their staff. Many venues remain closed today, and there is no clear timeline for them to reopen.

While all venues are suffering right now, independent venues are worse off than the rest. These concert halls are essentially local small businesses, but only many shops and companies, they have not received any financial aide from the federal government. Not one cent of any federal stimulus or bailout money has been given to live music businesses, and that needs to change. 

As of June 2020, over 90% of all independent venues in the United States are in jeopardy of closing before October. Such a loss would upend the entire music ecosystem, not to mention leaving thousands without a job. NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association, is trying to save these establishments from going under, but they need our help.

In this episode of Music Biz News, host James Shotwell explains the #SaveOurStages movement and what viewers can do to take action. Please do your part. 

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90% of Independent Venues Could Close in 2020

A new report from the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) reinforces the urgent need for government intervention to help save our favorite music concert venues.

While talking heads continue to debate the severity of COVID-19 and states start reopening various businesses, live music largely remains at a standstill. A few states are allowing performances, including Florida and Texas, but nobody is touring, and all venues are operating at a reduced capacity to meet social distancing guidelines. Not a single music professional can confidently say when live music as we know it will return. That uncertainty is putting the vast majority of independent venues at risk of closing before the year ends.

The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), which represents 2,000 members in all 50 states, found that 90% of its members say they will be forced to cease operations permanently if the shutdown lasts six months or longer, and there’s no federal support provided.

For the record, as of this week, the US is already three months into its lockdown period.

NIVA was formed in response to the coronavirus outbreak, which forced venues everywhere to cease operations overnight. Thousands of events were canceled or postponed and staffs were laid off, but the fixed costs of operating venues (such as rent) continue.

NIVA is calling on Congress to adjust the existing Paycheck Protection Program so that it caters to the needs of independent venues. Specifically, the NIVA is seeking the equivalent of six months’ worth of payroll, benefits, and fixed operating costs such as rent/mortgage, utilities, taxes, and insurance that still need to be covered, even when venues are not permitted to be open.

The organization is also asking Congress for loan forgiveness and tax credits specifically related to ticket refunds, employee retention, and safe workplace initiatives, as well as the expansion of the PPP to cover salary and insurance benefits for part-time employees, which make up a large percentage of venue staff.

A bi-partisan group of 150 members of Congress recently sent letters to Senate and House leaders expressing their support for NIVA’s requests.

Readers can do their part in supporting NIVA and its members by visiting the organization’s Take Action page. With a few clicks, anyone can easily send a message to our leaders in Washington DC demanding assistance.

Just a few NIVA members:

  • 9:30 Club in D.C.
  • First Avenue in Minneapolis
  • Chicago Independent Venue League
  • World Cafe Live in Philadelphia
  • Pabst Theater Group in Milwaukee
  • Red River Cultural District in Austin
  • Exit/In in Nashville.

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How To Save Independent Venues When You Have No Money To Spare

Independent venues around the country are joining forces to ask for help, and you can play a significant role in making sure they survive the coronavirus pandemic.

Have you heard about NIVA? Otherwise known as the National Independent Venue Association, NIVA brings together more than 800 venues across the country in an attempt to keep their businesses afloat while COVID-19 makes live performances impossible. Independent venues are more vulnerable to permanent shutdowns amid the coronavirus pandemic because they do not have the multi-million dollar backing venues owned by Live Nation or AEG possess. Their independence grants them the ability to take a chance on talent that may not normally get a chance to shine, and they need your help to survive these chaotic times.

NIVA is calling on all fans of live music to write their senators and representatives to demand the government help these organizations stay alive. Visiting the NIVA website will allow you to quickly fill out of a form letter and send it to those in power with just a couple of clicks. It takes only a few moments to complete. Please do your part.

A message from NIVA reads:

National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is securing financial support to preserve the national ecosystem of independent venues and promoters. These entertainment hubs are critical to their local economies and tax bases as employers, tourism destinations, and revenue generators for neighboring businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and retail. Independent venues exist in every state across the country; they were the first to be closed, they will be the last to open. The economic recovery process will extend past just reopening the front doors, requiring solutions unique to the industry.

The vast majority of musicians rely on independent venues to tour and sustain their careers. Your efforts to keep these businesses going will make an impact on the livelihood of your favorite artists and the artists you’ve yet to discover. Action is needed. Do your part.

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