As the effects of COVID-19 continue to devastate businesses and communities around the world, the Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL) has continued to fight for the survival of Chicago’s independent music venues, and is expanding its coalition as founding members of the newly formed National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), which now includes more than 1,000 members representing all 50 states.
CIVL is a coalition of more than 20 local music venues, including Avondale Music Hall, Beat Kitchen, Cafe Mustache, Cole’s Bar, Dorian’s, Empty Bottle, GMan Tavern, The Hideout, Lincoln Hall, Martyrs’, Metro, Park West, Patio Theater, The Promontory, Reggies, The Riviera Theatre, Schubas, The Silver Room, Sleeping Village, Smartbar, Subterranean, Thalia Hall, Tonic Room, The Vic and The Whistler.
During March 15-April 30, 16 of the venues had 1,219 events cancelled, resulting in lost revenue of $7.176 million.
CIVL and NIVA stated in a press release that they’re concerned that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is not designed to meet the needs of independent music venues. In a letter to Congressional leadership, CIVL and NIVA urged Congress, especially the Illinois delegation, that changes need to be made to the program in order to ensure the survival of small, independent venues that have been shuttered as a result of government mandates.