Local businesses are the core of many communities and Milwaukee is no exception. But the pandemic hurt and continues to hurt many of these businesses, especially independent entertainment venues.
Iconic Milwaukee venues, such as The Rave and The Riverside Theater, are at risk of having to close their doors if the shutdown lasts six months or more and they don’t receive adequate support from Congress.
Nominations are open for the 2024 Unity Awards!
Know an individual or group committed to bridging divides in our community? Nominate them for a Unity Award by Oct. 31.
The 72 Wisconsin independent venues and promoters members of the National Independent Venue Association are calling for a day of local action on Tuesday, Aug. 4. The day is an opportunity to support two bills in Congress, the Save Our Stages Act and the RESTART Act, both of which focus on including independent venues in the next relief bill.
The Save Our Stages Act, introduced by Senators Cornyn and Klobuchar, and the RESTART Act, introduced by Senators Young and Bennet and Representatives Golden and Kelly, provide vital support for independent venues that have lost nearly 100% of their revenue since the pandemic began in March, according to a news release from Pabst Theater Group.
Congress will be on its summer break by the end of this week, so support for the two bills is urgently needed. To help support, go to the Save Our Stages website and send a message to your legislators or share #SaveOurStages or #SaveWISCONSINStages to spread the word.
