More than 600 artists have signed a letter to the U.S. Congress supporting the National Independent Venue Association’s request for federal assistance for independent music venues and promoters.
The letter states that 53% of Americans attended a concert in 2019 and that a NIVA survey showed 90% of indie venues will close permanently if they are not able to reopen for business or receive federal aid within six months.
The artists signed onto the bottom of the letter include Dave Grohl, Billie Eilish, Willie Nelson, Amy Schumer, Jeff Foxworthy, Mavis Staples, Jimmy Buffett, Lady Gaga, Gary Clark Jr., Miranda Lambert, Coldplay, Neil Young, Kacey Musgraves, David Letterman, Jerry Seinfeld, Brittany Howard, Alabama Shakes, Billy Joel, Randy Travis, Rita Ora, Brandi Carlile, St. Vincent and many more.
President Trump recently signed off on a modification of Paycheck Protection Program loans through the Small Business Administration, extending the period the loans will be available, which is in line with what NIVA recently stated, that “current PPP funding will not solve the crisis.”
NIVA’s membership now comprises nearly 2,000 members in all states and Washington, D.C., and earlier this month the organization released a fact sheet, policy ask document and list of suggestions about steps the government could take to help suffering live industry businesses.
Scott LegatoBillie EilishDespite her walking boot, Billie Eilish jumps and bounces onstage at Music MidTown on Sunday, September 15 in Atlanta, Ga.
Scott LegatoBillie EilishDespite her walking boot, Billie Eilish jumps and bounces onstage at Music MidTown on Sunday, September 15 in Atlanta, Ga.As possible legislative solutions NIVA has endorsed the bipartisan RESTART Act and outlined several tax credit proposals; for a percentage of refunded ticket costs; for rent, mortgage and utility expenses; for employee retention; and to accommodate the new workplace safety measures venues will need to adopt in the wake of the pandemic. Additionally, NIVA emphatically supports continuing unemployment insurance benefits for venue workers who have lost employment during the crisis.
NIVA is encouraging people to continue the pressure by going to SaveOurStages.com to support relevant legislation.
For more about NIVA, revisit Pollstar‘s roundtable with co-foundersDayna Frank, Rev. Moose and Gary Witt, as well as Pollstar‘s video interview with Frank.
NIVA also collaborates with NITO, the advocacy group formed to represent independent talent agencies in the U.S.