#SaveOurStages: What We Need To Do To Save Independent Music Venues


The Bone likes music, and we think because you’re reading this story, you do too! Sadly, independent music venues are some of the businesses being hit the hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic. These venues were the first to close, have stayed close, and will be the last to reopen back up when it’s safe to do so. Fortunately, we have some members of the entertainment community (NIVA) and also members of government taking action to work towards hopefully saving the venues and the industry! Check out #SaveOurStages here.

The mission of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent live music venues and promoters throughout the United States. Your voice matters: tell your legislators (Senators and Representatives) that you support NIVA, and want to save independent music venues! Read all about NIVA here, and more about #SaveOurStages here.

Wanna help? Wanna see concerts at small venues when we finally beat COVID? Wanna support the local music community, local businesses, and help pave the way for live music in the future? YOU CAN, simply by emailing or calling your local legislators. The below text was pulled directly from the #SaveOurStages website with exactly what you should write/say to your local legislators: (email them, Tweet them, call them!)

“I write today in support of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and ask you to please pass the updated HEROES Act, which includes giving America’s independent venues and promoters a fighting chance to survive. Doing so will help #SaveOurStages, assist tens of millions of unemployed workers, help small businesses, and uplift our communities.

We need our elected officials to come together on COVID-19 assistance in the coming days, not weeks or even months. NIVA venues are small, independent businesses, which normally contribute billions of dollars to local economies, but are on the precipice of mass collapse if this critical funding doesn’t come through.

The previous PPP and other programs do not work for venues and community theatres, which are completely shuttered small businesses in need of long-term support that provides flexibility for the use of funds due to high overhead costs.

The live event industry is experiencing upwards of 90% revenue loss and will be closed well into 2021 due to safety concerns posed by large gatherings. Without support from Congress, 90% of NIVA’s independent venues across America say they will be forced to close their doors forever.

This would also take a toll on our local economy. Independent venues are economic multipliers, community builders, and beloved institutions. A Chicago study estimated that $1 spent at a small venue resulted in $12 of economic activities for neighboring restaurants, hotels, and retail shops. Venues drive revenue to other businesses in cities and towns across America. What would our communities look like without them?

These venues closing permanently would also impact the entire music economy and ecosystem in America – artists, talent agents, stagehands, security, catering, artist managers, tour bus industry, production, radio/social media/tv/print advertising, record companies, and many others.

The closure of these venues would be devastating for music and entertainment lovers. The cultural impact of our venues on our local communities is priceless. We are the steadfast incubators and launch pads for the most popular talent in the world.

We are thankful for the support of so many Senators and Representatives that are helping to #SaveOurStages, and we are asking you to support and pass the updated HEROES Act. Doing so would ensure that independent venues – arguably the industry hardest hit by the pandemic – receive the financial assistance needed to be able to reopen their doors when it is safe to do so.

Thank you for your hard work for our state and our country in these absolutely uncharted times.”

 

Stay connected

 

Subscribe to The Bone's weekly eblast to get the latest on contests, events and exclusives from your favorite 107.7 personalities and artists.

Headlines