By DONNA BALANCIA
A coalition of venue owners and promoters called the National Independent Venue Association has been assembled to lobby Washington D.C. for financial relief and guidance to keep the live music industry going.
More than 800 venue owners and music promoters and bookers have formed NIVA, which includes venues large and small across the country from Alaska and Alabama to Wisconsin and Wyoming.
California venues are represented in big numbers and members of the group include The Troubadour, The Mint, The Whisky A-Go-Go and The Regent.
NIVA’s 800 members have requested specific federal support for independent venues and promoters across the country during the indefinite shutdown. The group posts updates under the hashtag #SaveOurStages.
In a letter addressed to members of Congress, the group put forth proposals to solve issues that confront the live music business during and in the aftermath of COVID-19.
Suggestions to Congress include reviewing small business loans, tax relief and unemployment to be made available and requests guidance on how to reopen. The letter requests dedicated national resources directed towards testing and a vaccine and guidelines on large gatherings.
Read the letter here, click to read in entirety:
