With every independent music venue in Seattle currently closed due to COVID-19 social distancing, we are looking at the immediate end of music in Seattle in one month. Seattle already has some of the highest rents in the nation and without any kind of assistance for live music venues and no income coming in, these rents will end live music as we know it. Favorite venues have already decided to shut their doors permanently, though they’re not announcing it publicly yet, and we estimate that the majority of Seattle music venues will close permanently within the month without help beyond the Paycheck Protection Program. The newly formed Washington Nightlife & Music Association (WANMA) has put together a Five Step Plan to help save our music and we’re asking you to reach out to your representative to help!

• CASH ASSISTANCE (NOT LOANS!)
• RENT AND MORTGAGE FORGIVENESS & REDUCTIONS
• FINANCIAL PAYMENTS & EXTENDED ASSISTANCE FOR THE WORKFORCE
• TAX RELIEF
• INSURANCE RELIEF & REVISIONS

Please call 202.224.3121 and tell them Music venues are small businesses and need these things above. #1 is most important and can’t stress that enough: No direct cash support equals no live music venues.

VENUES NEED DIRECT CASH ASSISTANCE – As economic stimulus and relief develops, small business support must include direct cash assistance, not loans, to cover lost expenses including rent, insurance, utilities, etc. that are greater than PPP loan assistance.

RENT FORGIVENESS & REDUCTIONS – Independent performance venues are by necessity, large spaces. Rents are high and deferment alone will mean crushing debt for venues.

FINANCIAL PAYMENTS & EXTENDED ASSISTANCE FOR THE WORKFORCE – Venue have a sizeable workforce and stakeholders that will need financial assistance: employees, contract workers, touring musicians, local musicians, touring event support crew, booking agents, managers, owners, etc… all are getting crushed by the work stoppages. These stoppages will likely go much longer for this industry than some other sectors. There needs to be financial assistance not only to keep the industry infrastructure in place but for these people to afford basic living needs until calendars are booked and shows are happening.

TAX RELIEF – Venues need tax relief now and once they open again. Live music brings sizable tax revenue in the form of B & O tax, admission revenue tax, in addition to the taxes generated by its draw for the tourism industry.

INSURANCE RELIEF & REVISIONS – Venues need assistance working with insurance companies to pause insurance payments and coverage without losing continued coverage on reopening.

Watch a testimonial video from Jake Gravbrot, Marketing & House Photographer at Clock-Out Lounge, to help give you some ideas of what to share with your senators and reps.

If you’re intimidated by what to say when you call your Representative’s office we have a script for you as well.