Before Gov. Doug Ducey forced the closure of restaurants, salons, bars, movie theaters and so many more businesses in Arizona, music venues saw the writing on the wall.
They are, after all, places where people gather — to hear music, to experience a live performance. So as fears of spreading the coronavirus began to hit our communities, they were some of the first places to close their doors. The question of when they will be able to reopen remains up in the air.
But no business can stay afloat with no income for such an extended period of time. So now, the owners of venues like these are joining together to form the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and they’re asking Congress for help.
The Show spoke with local talent buyer and venue owner Stephen Chilton more about it. He’s the Vice President for NIVA and owns the Rebel Lounge in Phoenix.
