Independent Venue Week releases full lineup of inaugural American edition: runs nationwide July 9-15, 2018
Announces Chuck D as honorary artist ambassador
“Supporting independent music venues is a cool thing to do, so it’s very exciting that a whole week [is] dedicated to doing just that…The long and short of it, then, is that you get to go to a bunch of good shows and feel warm and fuzzy for supporting a worthy cause.”—Noisey
“The IVW initiative is essentially uniting the small dark rooms above, below and behind pubs that we all did a lot of growing up in. They’re the places where most musicians have their first gig, learn how to work a crowd, and earn your undying love and respect as they climb the ladder of success.”—i-D
“Independent Venues are all crucial for the musical development of the UK because they provide local artists with places to hone their show skills and a window to other musical worlds when a tour hits town…”—Colin Greenwood of Radiohead (IVW UK Year One ambassador)
Independent Venue Week has revealed the final list of venues and shows participating in its debut US edition, which follows a half-decade of massive success in its native UK. The inaugural American edition of Independent Venue Week runs July 9-15 in venues across the country. The event gives a nod to the people that own, run, and work in them day in, day out to bring the very best new live talent to eager audiences. Independent Venue Week officially welcomes Eventbrite and Songtrust as founding year partners for the US launch. Eventbrite partners with over 2,000 of the top independent promoters, venues and festivals across North America. Songtrust provides a technology platform for music publishing and royalty collection services to help simplify music rights management.
Independent Venue Week’s debut US edition has also announced Chuck D—social activist, author, and co-founder of legendary group Public Enemy and member of Prophets of Rage—as its honorary artist ambassador. Chuck D’s role as ambassador is a natural fit given his lengthy history of performing in independent venues throughout his career. Of Independent Venue Week coming to America, Chuck D says:
“I’ve spent a lot of time in independent venues around the world, onstage and as the fan in the crowd. No matter if you’re a superstar or underground act, these places bring music to the people outside of the corporate lines. Let’s celebrate them, not just this week but every day.”
For this debut US edition, Independent Venue Week will include one show at one participating venue per city. These venues have been handpicked to represent the diverse community of performers and spaces that Independent Venue Week supports. This limited number of venues echoes how the event was originally introduced to the UK. Artists playing Independent Venue Week shows include nationally revered artists including Deafheaven, The Get Up Kids, and Phoebe Bridgers; many shows will highlight local talent such as Falling Stars, Western Medication, and The Night Screams.
Below is the final list of venues and shows participating in Independent Venue Week:
Date: City – Venue (Artist)
July 9: Minneapolis, MN – 7th St Entry/First Avenue (Cut Worms) – Tickets
July 9: Boston, MA – The Middle East (Zonez, Blueberry Syrup, Mokamazo) – Tickets
July 10: Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre (Neurosis) – Tickets
July 10: Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe Live (Bombino) – Tickets
July 11: Dallas, TX – Deep Ellum Art Co. (Lev) – Tickets
July 11: Los Angeles, CA – The Echo (Liily) – Tickets
July 11: Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge (Jeremy Enigk) – Tickets
July 12: Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom (Falling Stars) – Tickets
July 12: New York, NY – Pianos (Night Screams, Grim Streaker, Dead Stars, more) – Tickets
July 12: Seattle, WA – The Crocodile (Phoebe Bridgers) – Tickets
July 13: Chicago, IL – Schubas (TV Girl) – Tickets
July 13: Jersey City, NJ – White Eagle Hall (The Get Up Kids) – Tickets
July 13: Nashville, TN – Mercy Lounge/The High Watt (Western Medication) – Tickets
July 13: Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre (The Lone Bellow) – Tickets
July 14: Austin, TX – Mohawk (Deafheaven) – Tickets
July 14: Nederland, CO – Caribou Room (Flow Tribe) – Tickets
July 14: San Francisco, CA – Cafe du Nord (Brigid Mae Power) – Tickets
July 15: Durham, NC – Motorco (River Whyless) – Tickets
July 15: St. Paul, MN – The Turf Club/First Avenue (Unsane) – Tickets
July 15: Washington, DC – 9:30 Club (The Get Up Kids) – Tickets
