By WKTV Staff
West Michigan venues associated with the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), which was formed to try to save independent venues and promoters across the country, issued a call this week that they needed fan support of a federal bill which is hoped would rescue what has been a “first to close and last to open” industry.
The Restart Act — U.S. Senate Bill 3814 and U.S. House of Representatives House Resolution 7481 — “would ensure the survival of independent (music) venues, festivals and promoters across the nation,” according to a local NIVA statement.
Among other actions, both bills would allow small venues to apply for federal small business loans, something they are unable to do under current federal CARES Act provisions.
“The Restart Act needs your voice. This is it. For our industry it’s the last opportunity we will have to survive,” the management of Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up posted on their Facebook page this week. “If Seven Steps Up is the only survivor or even one of a handful, there is no music industry.
“Please contact your senators and representatives today!! Please. TODAY!! This isn’t about us. THIS IS ABOUT THE ENTIRE LIVE MUSIC INDUSTRY. Yes, we are shouting. We are begging. We are pleading for your help!!” (Punctuation directly from the Facebook post.)
Among the other local NIVA member venues are The Pyramid Scheme and the Wealthy Theatre. (For an early COVID-19 shutdown report on Seven Steps and The Pyramid Scheme, see a WKTV story here.)
Without support from Congress, 90 percent of NIVA’s independent venues, festivals, and promoters across America say they will be forced to close their doors forever, according to the local NIVA statement.
“Without inclusion in the next stimulus bill, this might be the last chance for your favorite independent venues, festivals, and promoters,” the statement continues. “Tell your reps that life support for independent venues and promoters must be included.”
The NIVA also urges that “even if you’ve written once, please make your voices heard now. It’s quick, easy, and free. Ask your legislators to support and co-sponsor S. 3814/H.R. 7481, the RESTART Act, introduced by Senators (Todd) Young and (Michael) Bennet in the Senate and Representatives (Jared) Golden and (Mike) Kelly in the House.”
In each case, the co-sponsors of the Senate and House bills are bipartisan, meaning of each Democratic and Republican parties.
To get involved and to contact local federal legislative leaders, go to SaveOurStages.com.
“The form for the letter is already filled in, you just have to add your name. It takes less than 30 seconds,” according to the localNIVA statement. “This link will automatically populate with your Senators and Congressional Representative based on your zip code.”
For more information on the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) visit NIVAssoc.org. For more information on Seven Steps Up, located at 116 S. Jackson., Spring Lake, visit sevenstepsup.com. for more information on Pyramid Scheme, located at 68 Commerce SW, Grand Rapids, visit pyramidschemebar.com.
