Live Music Society

More great news from venues benefitting from the Toolbox Grant! It feels great to see these grants at work in places like Belltown Yacht Club, which used the funds to fix an air conditioning problem that had been affecting the club's reputation. "Being an underground bar / music venue in a historic building presents us with daily challenges but perhaps none more than the heat in July and august.... for these months guests were overheated and uncomfortable, bands were sweltering, and our sterling reputation was boiled down to 'screwdriver and by are amazing...just avoid during July and August.' This been a unsolvable problem for over 7 years. In the fall of 2023, we found out about the Toolbox Grant to help small businesses. with the grant were able to purchase two (!!!!) units twice as powerful as the rented ones and now they live permanently in screwdriver and Belltown Yacht Club. This grant and these machines have literally saved our business and finally we feel like the hot months are just as wonderful as the other 10 instead of dreading summer." --Chris Jones, Belltown Yacht Club

Benny Jones is a storied NOLA musician and proud member of the incredible Treme Brass Band. We were lucky enough to catch up with him at d.b.a. New Orleans during last month's NIVA - National Independent Venue Association conference where he shared his passion for the legendary live music scene found in this magical city. Venues like dba and musicians like Benny carry this history of this community--and are essential to a thriving music culture. We feel grateful to have been able to experience it all firsthand!

Our Toolbox grant supports practical projects that enhance the venue experience for musicians, audiences, and staff. See what @noclasscle in Cleveland, OH was able to accomplish with their Toolbox grant! Repost ➡️ @No Class (Cleveland, OH) Shout out to our friends at ProShow Sound for polishing this turd of a PA today. The video here does not do it justice, but this thing LOUD. New top speakers installed horizontally so they’re safe from stage divers, fully repaired x32 sound board & wedge monitors, addition of a large drum monitor, plus all new mics and xlr cables. This was made possible by the #ToolboxGrant we received from Live Music Society and we are so grateful for their help getting our sound into this century. Next up… LIGHTS. See ya this week for a show!

“Live music is the new church it seems,” Henry remarks. “Small venues are crucial musical incubators and an essential part of the cultural fabric of their communities.… We find that the more successful ones are often giving back to the community. They’re sponsoring other things. They’re very deeply ingrained in the way that communities can thrive.” Big thanks to SUCCESS Magazine for highlighting our passion for saving small music venues! Read more: https://bit.ly/3Sbgt5x

Last month, we had the pleasure of hosting our inaugural Music in Action Summit at the iconic Dew Drop Inn in New Orleans. Grant recipients from 29 venues nationwide gathered to share expertise, spark creativity, and foster future collaborations. Meeting our longtime venue partners in person for the first time and seeing new connections form was truly inspiring. We look forward to continuing our work in strengthening and connecting the small music venue community!

Today, the Fix the Tix Coalition has activated a day of advocacy collectively pushing for the passage of the Fans First Act. Created to address predatory secondary resellers selling fake tickets, price gouging fans, and engaging in deceptive marketing tactics, this legislation demands comprehensive reform from Congress to address these important issues. Fans First is endorsed by NIVA - National Independent Venue Association and many more veteran industry organizations, all passionate about the cause. Live Music Society recognizes and applauds this great work from our colleagues. These efforts to address pricing will ultimately empower artists, fans, and independent and regional venues that are so important to music scenes and music culture across the country.

MUSIC IN ACTION SPOTLIGHT! The Ivy Room is wrapping up their monumental month-long queer and trans empowerment series, Ivy Riot! Throughout Pride Month, Ivy Riot! has been an incredible celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, featuring panels, workshops, and a ton of live music. This series has provided essential resources and support, highlighting the Ivy Room's commitment to raising awareness for equal rights and fighting against discrimination, stigma, and systemic inequality. LMS is proud to support this vital initiative. It’s been a joy to see Ivy Room co-owners, Summer and Lani, bring this project to life and make a real impact in their community. Ivy Riot!’s closing night is this Friday, featuring performances by Joh Chase, Katie Cash, and Brittany Ann Tranbaugh. Swipe through to check out the flyer!

Pollstar's taking the temperature of the live music industry this summer with a new article focusing on the experiences of longtime members of the community from a variety of venues and professions. Live Music Society is humbled to have received a mention from our friends at at The Happy Dog in Cleveland, OH. "The Happy Dog’s Watterson says he’s increased private parties and off-site catering, and “gotten more aggressive with our pricing in the wake of “decreases in alcohol sales from pre-covid of about 15%, and labor costs are up 20%. We also pursued support for our programming through a grant from the Live Music Society." Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3RMFLq7. Keep an eye here for more news on venues benefitting from our grant programs soon!

As we come to the final days of #Pride2024, Live Music Society would like to take a moment to offer our unwavering support to these essential and historically significant members of the music community, as creators, artists, and fans. Our mission is to ensure that live music remains inclusive and accessible to all. Just as music brings us together, we celebrate Pride and the unity, diversity, and inclusivity within our communities. We honor the vital role that small venues play in creating spaces that lift up artists and audiences, regardless of their background or identity. Together, we can foster a live music scene that is welcoming, inclusive, and full of pride!

'Parlour on the Block Party' is an opportunity for The Parlour Providence to bring their community together to enjoy live music from local and regional & national musicians. Through partnerships with local health orgs and community officials, the day festival will spotlight two major local issues: the continuing impact of the opioid crisis and the planned revitalization of the North Main Street Corridor. Stay tuned via @LiveMusicSociety on Instagram TOMORROW as we document this exciting Music in Action project coming to life. Looking forward to seeing you at The Parlour Providence!