The Campagin to #saveourstages: LAST CALL!
Many big-time artists have voiced their support for NIVA’s #saveourstagescause.
NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association, is continuing the push to #saveourstages. The campaign is reaching crunch time, as they lobby to pass the RESTART Act and the SOS Act before congress’ fall recess begins on August 7. Both acts are currently under review, with the RESTART Act currently undergoing hearings by the finance committee.
As outlined in our first post on the matter, the current HEALS Act creates inordinate strain on stages due to requirements tied to PPP loans. The updates provided by the proposed acts would mitigate and avoid these issues.
NIVA is currently calling on everyone to contact and target their campaigns at senator Marco Rubio. He’s the chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, and is currently supporting the HEALS Act as is. NIVA urges you to contact him, as well as your representative. See our earlier post to learn how you can contact Vermont’s representatives, as well as example statements to use in emails and social media posts.
Example social media post as provided by NIVA:
The Save Our Stages Act (S. 4258) is the difference between life and death for shuttered indie music venues, artists, and our ecosystem. PPP will not save us. Senator @MarcoRubio, don't let the music die! Make your voice heard TODAY at saveourstages.com #SaveOurStages #RESTARTAmerica
Example email as provided by NIVA:
Senator Rubio, don't let the music die! The Save Our Stages Act (S. 4258) is the difference between life and death for shuttered indie music venues, artists, and the ecosystem we support. As head of the Senate Small Business Committee, Senator Rubio has the power to get this bill passed. PPP will not save us! Please write Senator Rubio TODAY at saveourstages.com and tell him we NEED SOS included in McConnell’s bill! #SaveOurStages #RESTARTAmerica
Local stages like Higher Ground, Nectars, The Flynn, and The Monkey House, have been forced to either shutter or reinvent themselves. Higher Ground’s Drive-In experience has been popular, bringing in artists from around the north east and filling the Champlain Valley Expo fair grounds. Their Phish concert later this month has been extended a day due to high demand.
Nectar’s and Higher Ground have both participated in NIVA-sponsored livestream concerts, indicating their support for the cause.
As amazing as Higher Ground’s success is, not all venues have the same opportunities or resources. Limited crowds will continue to affect venues for months to come, so we encourage you to reach out and lend a hand.
Text by Luke Vidic.
Thumbnail by George Etheredge.