The highly contagious coronavirus is incompatible with many normal pre-pandemic activities, but few more so than a live show in a crowded venue.
Independent entertainment venues were among the first to close their doors due to the pandemic and will likely be among the last to reopen, if they're able to survive its economic fallout at all.
How hard hit are venues and their employees? What about the numerous other players in the live music economy and ecosystem including artists, talent agents, tour managers, promotors, stagehands, security, the tour bus industry, record companies and more?
Could legislative and regulatory assistance provide real, long-term relief? Will congressional aid be enough to keep small- and medium-sized venues in business?
How will entertainment venues adapt to stay afloat in the wake of COVID-19? What would be the economic and cultural impact of permanent venue closures across the country and in San Antonio?
Guests:
- Audrey Fix Schaefer, communications director for the National Independent Venues Association
- Blayne Tucker, owner of The Mix and precinct captain for NIVA Texas
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 833-877-8255, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet @TPRSource.
*This interview was recorded on Tuesday, July 21.
