Ailing Music Venues Can Apply for Emergency Relief Funds

Ranky Tanky at the Blue Note on January 16

Live music is happening all over New York City, but many host venues have been struggling to stay open in this COVID era. Increasingly, musicians are limiting their exposure to the public. Last minute postponements and cancelations often do not allow a venue to find an alternate attraction. Venues are experiencing staff shortages as employees report positive COVID test results. Many music lovers remain reluctant to visit enclosed spaces. While the optimistic hope for a more thriving future is keeping venues open, many independent venue operators need help now to pay bills and meet payrolls.

The National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF) announced today the relaunch of its Emergency Relief Fund (ERF). The fund provides economic relief to independent, music and comedy venues, festivals, and promoters across the United States experiencing a severe financial emergency due to circumstances beyond their control. This Emergency Relief Fund is one of several programs that NIVF is developing to proactively support the independently owned and operated anchors of the live entertainment community.

Independent venue operators and promoters can file an application for financial assiatnce from the NIVF Emergency Relief Fund. The ERF Committee, under the direction of the NIVF Board of Directors, is accepting application on a rolling basis throughout the year and reviewing them as received on a case-by-case basis. NIVF is committed to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility in its programs and decision-making processes, including the guidelines, application, criteria, and review process for the NIVF Emergency Relief Fund. More detailed information about the fund, including a link for those that wish to apply or donate, can be found at www.nivferf.org.

Albert Lee at the Loft at City Winery on January 18

Ben McNulty at the Loft at City Winery on January 18

The NIVF Emergency Relief Fund was first launched by the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) in October 2020 to help struggling venues and promoters on the verge of collapse as they awaited critical financial relief from government programs. The NIVA Emergency Relief Fund awarded $3,170,000 to entities in 40 states; $2,800,000 to 148 independent venues and $370,000 to 18 independent promoters. These funds were donated by thousands of individuals and several corporations.

While previously focused solely on mitigating the impact of COVID-19, the updated Emergency Relief Fund will now cover additional unforeseeable situations beyond the control of recipients, including natural disasters, future pandemics, and the lasting effects of COVID-19. The ERF is a crucial initiative for NIVF and aligns with its mission to preserve and nurture our national independent, live entertainment community,

Nothing at Saint Vitus Bar on January 17

Midwife at Saint Vitus Bar on January 17

“These venues and promoters contribute in immeasurable ways to the vibrancy of the nation’s diverse communities and economy,” said Lisa Gedgaudas, co-chair of the NIVF ERF Committee. “While NIVF’s ERF is limited in resources compared to the federal funding we have seen, it is our social responsibility to have this program in place to help represent our independent contributors that are hardest hit and facing severe and catastrophic emergencies beyond their control. From pandemics to fire and floods, the new evolution of the ERF program stands in preparation for a stronger recovery in the face of various climate emergencies that may continue to impact independent venues in our communities over time.”

“The long-term continuation of this program will support venues and promoters across the country when a crisis occurs,” said Hal Real, president of the NIVF Board. “We encourage live music fans and sponsors to donate to our Emergency Relief Fund so we are ready to assist the next time independent venues and promoters are in dire need of assistance.”

Jennifer Blowdryer at Otto's Shrunken Head on January 15

Sarah Gargano at Otto's Shrunken Head on January 15

The mission of the National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF), a 501(c)(3), is to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent live performance venues and promoters throughout the United States by supporting a transparent, competitive marketplace serving a diverse and inclusive community of artists, fans, and industry workers. The Foundation focuses on activities in support of the mission, such as the Emergency Relief Fund, education and community programming, employee training and support, economic development initiatives, especially in opportunity zones and for underserved communities, and to support NIVA’s and NIVF’s efforts to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sector.

Formed April 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 shutdown, National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) represents independent music and comedy venues, promoters, and festivals throughout the U.S. NIVA created and led the #SaveOurStages campaign, resulting in landmark legislation establishing the $16 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program administered by the Small Business Administration. NIVA's mission is to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent live venues, promoters, and festivals throughout the United States. The National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF) was founded to further this mission by also seeking to support a transparent, competitive marketplace serving a diverse and inclusive community of artists, fans, and industry workers. NIVA is committed to equity in its support and advocacy for independent venues and seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.

Supremo Massiv at the 11th St. Bar on January 18

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The Manhattan Beat covers New York City's live music developments as they happen. All photographs are by Everynight Charley Crespo, except when noted otherwise. For a list of Manhattan venues that are presenting live music regularly, swing the desktop cursor to the right and click on the pop-up tab "Where to Find Live Music." For a listing of upcoming concerts for live audiences, visit The Manhattan Beat's January 2022 calendar.