Nashville Venues Join National Independent Venue Association

Though arenas and stadiums may be where the most money changes hands in the live entertainment industry, small and midsize clubs are where talent is nurtured and scenes are built. Rooms with capacities between 150 and 1,500 people play key roles in the local economy, both day to day and in the long run, and they're a vital element of music culture in towns that are lucky enough to have them.

That's especially true in Nashville, where we have an abundance of intimate clubs. More than one of those have been part of the scene for three or four decades, some longer. Under normal circumstances, it's a challenging business, in which venues face an array of pressures — from real estate prices to competition from large promoters. On top of all that, venue owners now have the coronavirus to deal with.

Taking steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 meant that venues had to shut their doors in March, and  crowdfunding campaigns rapidly appeared in support of venues and their staffers. That help has been both significant and heartwarming. But the timeline of getting the pandemic under control still isn't certain, and donations from fans alone can't solve this systemic problem. Now, venues and promoters across the country are banding together to seek help from the federal government.

The National Independent Venue Association launched last week, and already has more than 700 member venues in 47 states and Washington, D.C. That list includes 11 clubs in Nashville: 3rd and Lindsley, The 5 Spot, The Bluebird Cafe, the Cannery Row complex (Cannery Ballroom, Mercy Lounge and The High Watt), The End, The East Room, Exit/In, Springwater and Third Man Records (home of The Blue Room) have all signed on.

“Do you want to live in a Nashville without these venues?” says Exit/In owner Chris Cobb in a release. “I like Nashville a lot more WITH the members of NIVA, but the federal programs are failing us, while feeding large corporations. So we’ve banded together nationwide to fight for our futures — we must succeed. We must protect the vibrance and culture independent music venues create!”

The main goal is to secure immediate financial support from Congress. Long-running lobbying firm Akin Gump has been hired to make NIVA's case. The group has received some financial support from ticketing firms Lyte and See Tickets, and is looking for additional sponsors. The organization is also serving as an opportunity for venue owners and promoters to communicate and share resources in ways that they usually don't — with regard to both immediate needs like navigating Small Business Administration loan applications and longer-term goals.

“I’m inspired by the way we’re all joining forces,” says Todd Ohlhauser, owner of the Cannery venues. “We have a chance to preserve the essence of what made Nashville the place to play in the first place. We are all very proud to have remained truly independent all these years and through our joint resources. I believe we’ll be able to successfully persevere through and past the pervasive corporate influence and challenges we all face.”