Los Angeles Music Scene: music venues waiting for stimulus

The LA Times (Mar 23) chimed in on the music venue shut down due to COVID-19. The article explores similar themes that I explored in previous blog posts here and here

Why did it take so long for Save Our Stages to get off the ground?

The logistics are indeed complex, as the SBA has had to get a national application system in place and must verify which music and arts venues can qualify. Venues will be placed in line according to the level of income they’ve lost. Meanwhile, the American Rescue Plan allowed venues to take a second dip into PPP money to pay salaries while awaiting these grants — which can be used for various expenses including rent, utilities and inventory — to come through.

. . . Though no exact date is set for when venues can expect to see the funds arrive in their bank accounts (a process that will likely take weeks, at least), Chu hopes that venues can now plan for the future with greater assurance.

Applications are accepted April 8th for those that have lost at least 90% of their 2019 income. Then the application process opens up from there. So maybe LA venues will start communicating their financial situation via social media come late May, early June?

And what do venues think about partial re-openings?

Although low-capacity reopenings might help restaurants and retail stores, music venues can’t profitably put on shows with a fraction of the usual crowd. “When we have vaccines in everyone’s arms, that is when the industry can reopen fully,” [Audrey Fix Schaefer, spokesperson for NIVA] said. “Venues are built on national tours, and I don’t know who a 30% capacity show will help. The only thing worse than being shuttered is being partially open.”

This is not as negative as what the Teragram Ballroom said about needing 100% capacity. But I'd think the Teragram Ballroom knows more about how to turn a profit versus someone who works for NIVA.