As of this morning, indoor performance venues in my city (Boston) are allowed to have up to 100 people (depending on the physical size of the space) at events. The last time my band played a show was in January of 2020 and this represents the largest “gap” of such activity for me since I was 18 years old. The most recent performance I saw was the big Yamaha concert at Winter NAMM 2020. That things are beginning to “open up” (hopefully not too soon. Fingers crossed…) is a very welcome sign. The idea that in a few short months most of us will have gotten our stabs and life may return to something resembling normal is, quite honestly, nothing short of joyous.
However, until then – and certainly in the past 12-plus months – all of our friends who work at live music spaces are in dire straits. Odds are, if you’re an MMR reader, you know a booking agent, barback, sound pesron, doorman/woman, or bartender and you’re aware of how rough it’s been of late. Live events were probably the first sector to be severely impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns and will be amongst the last to return to sustainable activity. In the MI realm, this has meant a near-flatlining of sales for all sound reinforcement gear in the past year. Nobody’s buying a big PA system when the doors to the theater are locked.
Until we get to that point where rubbing shoulders and spilling drinks on one another while singing along to our favorite tunes is commonplace again, there are – thankfully – organizations in place designed to serve artists and those inclined to support the creative community. The following list is by no means “complete” and I strongly encourage you to seek out local initiatives in your own communities.
Billboard’s Guide for Music Professionals Who Need Help During the Coronavirus Crisis
COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources
Freelance Co-op’s Emergency Fund
Jazz Foundation of America’s Musicians’ Emergency Fund
Music Health Alliance’s COVID-19 and Tornado Relief Resources
Recording Academy MusiCares Relief Fund
Spotify Coronavirus Relief Plan
American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) Fund
HART Fund (the Blues Foundation)
Recording Academy MusiCares Coronavirus Relief Fund
SAG-AFTRA COVID-19 Disaster Fund
U.S. Small Business Association Economic Injury Disaster Loan
The tunnel is dark and long, but there’s a light that we’re beginning to see. Let’s do our part to make sure the lights are actually on at our favorite theaters, clubs, and arenas when it’s safe to once again perform and enjoy live music.
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