The last several months just haven't been the same for us or for many of our readers. For years, we were used to going to at least one, if not several shows a week. It was part of our daily life and something that we took for granted. Not being able to experience live music for months has led to a bleak, sad, and boring year. Although some restrictions are being lifted, it will be quite a while before things go back to "normal".
Imagine if what we have been experiencing the last few months were to become a permanent reality. The truth is, that is more of a possibility than we would like to admit. This time without live music has been devastating to the music industry overall, but especially to independent venues throughout our state and throughout the country. Sure, big arenas like LCA will figure out a way to make it through to the other side. But, your favorite places to see a show, like The Majestic, The Crofoot, Small's, The Sanctuary, PJ's Lager House, El Club, and so many more might not. They are struggling. They have been without a revenue stream for most of 2020 and the truth is, they don't really know when they will be able to fully reopen.
There are thousands of independent venues throughout our country and they are all in the same situation. That's why the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) was created earlier this year. NIVA has been working hard to bring awareness to this situation and has been trying to get the government to help these venues out. And it's not just the venues themselves that are affected by these closures. It's their employees, the bartenders, the musicians, and the related businesses nearby such as restaurants, hotels, and retail establishments. They will all be affected if help doesn't arrive soon to save these businesses and save our stages. Unfortunately, no legislation or relief packages have been passed by the government, and we don't know if any will be passed in the future.
So, since the government won't help, NIVA is taking things into their own hands with some help from their friends. The group is doing what they do best and putting on shows, but this time they will be streaming instead of in person. They have teamed up with YouTube, a bunch of their musician friends, and Bud Light Seltzer to present a three night live stream fest, appropriately named Save Our Stages Fest. The streams are free to view, but they will be collecting donations throughout the streams for the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund. Actually, they already have begun taking donations, so if you can, head over and donate right now by clicking here.
Save Our Stages Fest will take place on October 16th - 18th. On Friday, the stream starts at 8 p.m. Saturday, it starts at 4 p.m., and Sunday it will start at 5 p.m. The lineup has some really big names on it and has something for everyone, with acts ranging from Foo Fighters to G-Eazy. Check out the full lineup below:
Adam Melchor at The Hotel CafeSave Our Stages Fest will take place on the NIVA YouTube Channel, as well as simultaneously on some of the artists' channels. Head over now, subscribe, and set a reminder for all three streams.
This event is so important, not only for the venues, but for the sound guys, the stagehands, the musicians, the bookers, all of the employees, and for all of us and our way of life. So tune into the live streams, spread the word, donate and #SaveOurStages.
To learn more about NIVA, NIVAssoc.org. For a list of venues involved with NIVA, click here.
~C
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