It’s no secret that without federal help, many of the Tampa Bay live music scene’s beloved independent venues will close forever—but there’s a way to help Florida's bar venues, theaters, concert halls and listening rooms.
A bipartisan 'Save Our Stages' Senate bill is up for a vote. The problem is that Florida’s Republican Senator Marco Rubio needs to hear about it. Local members of National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) have been up Rubio’s ass all summer, but his office has been noncommittal at best.
So venues and promoters are asking live music supporters to take Thursday, July 30 to write emails (send 'em via saveourstages.com) and post to social media with the following message:
The Save Our Stages Act (S. 4258) is the difference between life and death for shuttered indie music venues, artists, and our ecosystem. PPP will not save us. Senator Rubio, don't let the music die! Make your voice heard TODAY at saveourstages.com #saveourstages #SaveFLStages
Posters are asked to use the hashtags #saveourstages #SaveFLStages and tag Rubio on Instagram (@senatormarcorubio), Twitter (@marcorubio) and Facebook.
“They need to hear from some other voices who have skin in the game,” Pat Lavery—a Gainesville promoter who’s been working with NIVA, along with Bay area locals like Crowbar owner Tom DeGeorge—wrote in an email. “We need an avalanche of support tomorrow.”
“Without his support this isn't likely to get done,” an email from NIVA says. “This bill will give independent venues and talent reps (Agents, managers) the 6-12 [month] funding lifeline they need to survive the pandemic. Without it 90% of venues will close forever !”
Here’s the image NIVA wants you to use (click here to download it). What are you waiting for?
UPDATED: 07/29/20 5:53 p.m. Updated to remove the email address of a Rubio staffer.
Support local journalism in these crazy days. Our small but mighty team is working tirelessly to bring you up to the minute news on how Coronavirus is affecting Tampa and surrounding areas. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help support our staff. Every little bit helps.
Follow @cl_music on Twitter to get the most up-to-date music news, concert announcements and local tunes. Subscribe to our newsletter, and listen to us on WMNF 88.5-FM’s “Radio Reverb” program every Saturday from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
