This is quite the rollercoaster ride we’re all on, is it not? We went from the whole world for all intents and purposes shutting down, to some hope that there was light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, to then a second wave of the Coronavirus, and well, yeah, you know the ups and downs from there.
In the music world, performers went from no in-person shows at all to some places starting to open back up and have live music again. Although, that really depended (and still does) largely on what part of the country you’re in. I know, it can get quite confusing. Heck, it makes planning my blog post each week rather difficult, wondering if I can assume it’s all behind us or put the brakes on and not jump to such a conclusion just because of what I see here in the greater Tampa Bay area, if not statewide.
Behind the scenes, rebranding efforts are underway for Now Hear This, Inc., which you’ll see the fruits of soon. During those discussions I recently used the expression “corporate social responsibility.” I might have been subliminally influenced by that in deciding that it is important that I not take the “all sunshine and flowers” approach as it relates to writing about progress in the music industry.
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On the episode of “Now Hear This Entertainment” that will be out on Wednesday (March 17th) you’ll hear the guest mention the fact that some venues have permanently closed due to the impact of the pandemic. Others have been doing anything they can to hold on.
For example:
• The popular spot in North Hollywood, Kulak’s Woodshed, has a GoFundMe campaign running, as they’ve been closed for one year as of two days ago.
• Another well-known venue out west, The Hotel Café (in Los Angeles) also has a GoFundMe campaign going and this weekend posted on social media, “One year dark – No shows since 3/13/20.”
• Here on the east coast, when you look online for the House of Blues that’s in Disney Springs, while they do mention, “enjoy live music daily in our Courtyard,” they also go on to say, “The Music Hall is closed at this time.”
• Up in Music City, a hallowed spot for live music in Nashville is past the above examples. Douglas Corner, a showcase venue for songwriters and artists for over 30 years, permanently closed their doors due to COVID-19.
And this only scratches the surface. Clearly there are lots and lots (and lots) more additions that could make this a lengthy list that no one could read without shaking their head and/or having one or more tears form in their eye.
Not Just the Venues
On top of all that is the fact that technical support roles have been severely impacted as well – road crews, lighting, audio, video, carpenters, stagehands – with efforts such as “Save the Scene NYC” being done for folks in those roles, although more such fundraisers are needed. Thankfully there have also been initiatives such as Save Our Stages, not to mention the ongoing services of MusiCares, and more.
However, the takeaway from this week’s blog should be, consult your advisor. Now that it’s March 15th, we’re one month away from Tax Day, so, see if donations to some of the above can go on your 2020 return. It shouldn’t take that to motivate you to help out, but the bottom line is, whatever it takes, there are still lots of support people and venues that sure could use the help, if you’re in a position to give.
What other notable venues should I have mentioned that are struggling? What other relief efforts do you know about that others should be aware of? Tweet them to me via @NHT_tweets or post them instead on Facebook or LinkedIn.