Being a fan of live music is an exciting time. Still riding the wave of post-COVID concert tours, there is an abundance of music to enjoy in the U.S. today, with more extravagant shows than ever before. While superstars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé dominate headlines with sold-out performances, the smaller music venues also play a crucial role in the industry ecosystem.
Keeping the music alive
The Live Music Society, founded by Pete Muller in New York City, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering small music venues across the nation. Recognizing the importance of these venues, the society aims to ensure their survival in the ever-changing music scene.
According to Cat Henry, the executive director of the Live Music Society, the organization is passionate about using live music to bring communities together and foster civic engagement. By supporting small venues, they aim to preserve the cultural heritage and musical diversity that these venues represent.
Supporting the bedrock of the music industry
Small venues, with capacities ranging from 50 to 300 people, serve as essential platforms for emerging artists to showcase their talents and grow their fan base. These venues also contribute to the social fabric of communities by providing spaces for residents to gather and connect.
Despite the challenges posed by gentrification and corporate competition, small venues remain vital to the music ecosystem. The Live Music Society steps in to provide direct funding through grants, ensuring that these venues can continue to thrive.
Nurturing talent and building communities
By offering grants and support, the Live Music Society enables small venues to host diverse programs and events that benefit both artists and audiences. The society’s initiatives aim to alleviate financial pressures on venue owners and empower them to pursue creative endeavors.
Live Music Society provides direct funding via grants
The Live Music Society’s grants, such as the Music in Action grant and Toolbox grant, have provided essential funding to numerous small music venues across the country. These grants support various initiatives, from community engagement programs to infrastructure improvements, ensuring the long-term sustainability of these venues.
A converted church to gather and rejoice in music
One such venue benefiting from the Live Music Society’s grants is The Stone Church in Brattleboro, Vermont. This converted church serves as a cultural hub for the community, hosting a diverse range of music events and providing a platform for both local and touring artists.
Through initiatives like the GRRRLS to the Front program, The Stone Church aims to empower women and nonbinary artists, fostering inclusivity and diversity in the music industry. By supporting venues like The Stone Church, the Live Music Society continues to champion the importance of small venues in nurturing talent and building vibrant communities.
Empowering women in music
Programs like GRRRLS to the Front highlight the Live Music Society’s commitment to supporting underrepresented groups in the music industry. By providing resources and opportunities, the society helps create a more inclusive and equitable music community.
The Live Music Society’s efforts not only benefit individual venues but also contribute to the overall health and vitality of the music industry. By recognizing the importance of small venues and providing them with vital support, the society ensures that live music continues to thrive for years to come.
Shining a spotlight on smaller venues in the big picture
As advocates like Cat Henry and venue operators like Robin Johnson continue to push for recognition and support for small venues, the impact of these grassroots institutions on the music industry and broader economy becomes increasingly clear. By safeguarding the existence of small venues, communities can preserve their cultural heritage and promote economic vitality.
The Live Music Society’s dedication to empowering small venues and fostering creativity underscores the crucial role these establishments play in nurturing talent and building strong communities. By championing the cause of small venues, the society ensures that the music industry remains diverse, inclusive, and vibrant for generations to come.
