Los Angeles Music Scene: Silverlake Lounge in Need of Funds

(Yes, not Silverlake Lounge, I know)

The last time I went to Silverlake Lounge was back in late 2018. Though I didn't hit up Silverlake Lounge throughout 2019, I still would occasionally check out the calendar to see what bands / artists were being booked. This is the venue where I first came across Local Natives. They had a residency and I went twice. The venue was packed all the way back to the doorway. I'm sure if a fire marshal had walked by, the place would have been shut down. So yes, I have found memories of the venue.

The owners of the venue have now set up a GoFundMe campaign. Here's some of what is written:

Like many other small local businesses, The Silverlake Lounge is in dire need of assistance to stay alive during this pandemic. We have been closed since March 2020 following local ordinance due to Covid 19, and have been unable to qualify for federal PPP/EIDL assistance, because of the timing of when we took over this historic venue in late February 2020 just weeks before the pandemic took hold here in Los Angeles . . . Because of the timing of the transfer we were only open for 2 weeks before shuttering like many other local businesses. With investing money wrapped into updating and training staff, we are now in danger of loosing (sp) all of the work that we have put into it. All funds raised will go directly to current and back rents, insurance, utilities, and equipment for setting up service and bringing back our staff, under restrictions when we are allowed to re-open.

The venue is in need of $150,000.

I am going to assume that they've already tried to apply for the $15 billion in grants that was set aside for "Save Our Stages." It isn't mentioned, but they do specifically mention PPP (paycheck protection program) and EIDL (economic injury disaster loans). Unfortunately, Silverlake Lounge got caught in "no man's land." The new owners purchased just at the wrong time where they weren't an ongoing venue long enough. Also, perhaps since there was a transfer of ownership, the 2019 revenues can't be used to apply for part of the $15 billion "Save Our Stages" grant money? Or maybe bar like venues just don't qualify for the grants? 

A GoFundMe campaign was set up for the Akbar in December, which is in the "general" area. They've so far raised $211,000. Let's hope the Silverlake Lounge has similar success.