The Campaign to #saveourstages: URGENT Update

Higher Ground’s Drive-In experience. Not all local venues have the ability or resources to host such events, and are struggling to cope with the pressures of COVID. Photo courtesy of Higher Ground.

The campaign to #saveourstages continues and is encroaching on an important date. Independent music venues, like Nectar’s and The Flynn, risk missing out on loans from congress’ next stimulus package due to provisions reliant on venues’ ability to rehire (as laid out in our last update). Congress is about to vote on the RESTART Act, which would ease stipulations placed on small, independent venues.

Local groups like Higher Ground have attempted to recoup lost business through innovative solutions like their Drive-In concerts, but not all venues and promoters can create or rely on these opportunities. Fans are tiring of virtual concerts, and both artists and venues are struggling to attract new viewers.

With a second wave of cases hitting the nation as hard (and harder, in some states) as the first, the future appears uncertain. Although Vermont exists in a bubble, with only 11 hospitalized cases, we are unlikely to see a complete return to a robust music and entertainment scene for months more. Much of southern New England is still inundated with dangerous numbers of cases, according to Johns Hopkins. As Gov. Phil Scott said in a press conference following the June 15 extension, “We have to stay smart here at home, and we have to remember Vermont is not an island and this isn’t over.”

It appears doubtful that reopenings of any indoor venues are likely in the near future, and as the struggle continues, the expenses will mount.

The National Independent Venue Association is urging everyone to contact their legislators and ask support for S. 3814/H.R. 7481, known as the RESTART Act. NIVA has asked for written support before, but this is different. Even if you’ve made your voice heard before, it’s needed again. Later this month, a vote will be held on the bill. Currently, no Vermont legislators have added their names as cosponsors, although the bill has earned bipartisan support.

It should be no surprise to you that we at Big Heavy World are fans of live music. Some things are irreplaceable by virtual concerts: dancing and smiling with strangers, feeling the base in your bones, and that moment when you make eye contact with a friend, stranger, or guitarist, and something subconsciously connects. Therefore we urge you to contact Representative Welch, and Senators Sanders and Leahy. NIVA also has an updated and expedited contact service on their website, with a pre-written letter as well, available here.

Musicians, comedians, poets, and anyone else who benefits from a microphone and stage will benefit from this bill. With so many voices shouting on social media, whether shouting about racism, deportation, and disparities, we should all be able to see the value a stage has to a passionate voice.

Text by Luke Vidic.

Thumbnail by George Etheredge/New York Times.