In addition to 130 participating #IVW20 venues, Independent Venue Week will host a benefit auction to raise funds for the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund
Independent Venue Week, taking place between October 24 – 30, will spotlight programming in and by some of the country’s most treasured live venues, including a bevy of panel programming geared towards those that work with independent venues. As part of this year’s online event, Independent Venue Week is hosting a memorabilia auction to raise funds for the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund, allowing fans the chance to snag themselves a piece of music history while supporting independent venues and promoters that are in the most need.
Independent Venue Week welcomes Alison Mosshart (The Kills, The Dead Weather) as its artist ambassador for the week-long event, a position held in previous years by Fantastic Negrito (2019) and Public Enemy/Prophets of Rage’s Chuck D (2018).
“Independent venues are incredibly important to our musical history as a country, and they are incredibly important to our future,” says Mosshart. “So much great art is born on those stages. 99% of the bands you love would not have crossed your radar had independent venues not been a vital part of their journey. I truly believe music, musicians, performers of all kinds and audiences everywhere, would suffer dearly without these rooms. They are by their very nature of independence, welcoming and transformative for all, school and church with a bar and a spotlight.”
Independent Venue Week is introducing a series of discussion panels featuring professionals from all aspects of the live music industry to discuss their experiences, expertise, and what the future looks like for live events. Topics will include what venues can do to build and diversify their audience, how live events are adapting to a virtual world, and the importance these stages have to the economy and community. Thursday, October 29, will be an entire day to Get Schooled, which will feature programming aimed towards students getting their start in the live music and events industry.
“The essence of Independent Venue Week is the celebration of independent venues, as well as those that run, work, and metaphorically live in them. This year, as these cherished rooms are faced with uncertain futures, we are grateful to be able to include over 100 different venues spanning the States as part of our program,” says Rev. Moose, managing partner of Marauder, the firm that runs Independent Venue Week in the US.
The #IVW20 fundraiser auction will include unique memorabilia and collectibles from artists big and small, including a cowbell signed by Al Bouchard of Blue Öyster Cult and a pair of seats from the original Merriweather Pavilion, with the auction beginning October 24. Net proceeds from the auction will be donated to the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund, providing much-needed assistance to independent venues and promoters.
Eventbrite returns as a founding partner and is joined by live-streaming technology company Big Room and Ascend Insurance Brokerage as the first partners announced for the 2020 event.
“It’s no secret COVID-19 has had a direct impact on entrepreneurs, independent venues, promoters, and artists across the world. Forums and organizations like Independent Venue Week are instrumental in supporting event creators through this unprecedented time, and Eventbrite is honored to be joining forces with Independent Venue Week to help fight for the relief and support the event community needs,” says Linsey Morrison, Vice President of Policy and Platform Operations at Eventbrite.
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