Live Music Society to Host First Music In Action Summit in New Orleans on June 6, 2024

Music In Action Grantees Unite to Address Small Venue Challenges

Summit Coincides with NIVA '24 Conference Activations June 3-5

May 30, 2024 - - Live Music Society, the nonprofit organization that has distributed $3.7 million in funding to small venues and listening rooms across the United States since 2020, has announced its first Music in Action Summit. The one-day convening will take place in New Orleans at the historic Dew Drop Inn music venue on June 6, following the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) conference. It will bring together representatives of 31 Music in Action grantee venues for the first time, to share knowledge and discuss potential solutions to day-to-day issues faced by operators of smaller venues. The goal of the Summit is for attendees to share expertise, be inspired, get to know each other, and spark conversations that can lead to future collaborations and ideas. The Summit also provides an opportunity for LMS to listen and learn from its network of grantees to inform the organization’s strategy in the coming years. 

By convening alongside NIVA, the Music in Action Summit underscores Live Music Society’s commitment to supporting and strengthening the vital ecosystem of independent venues nationwide. Through the Music in Action grant and corresponding Summit, Live Music Society provides a unique opportunity for venues to connect in person.  

Earlier this month, Live Music Society announced the recipients of their second annual Music in Action grant, totaling $710,000 and awarded to 24 small venues. The grant emphasizes inclusivity, economic growth and community engagement, and empowers small venues to advocate for marginalized groups through curated live event programming. Read more at Billboard. 

In addition to the June 6 Summit, Live Music Society will host several key activations during the NIVA conference in New Orleans, LA from June 3 - 5. Live Music Society’s presence includes a panel discussion featuring a number of recent Live Music Society grant recipients. LMS will also sponsor a working lounge throughout the conference and a happy hour to close the conference. See below for full details. 

Live Music Society at the National Independent Venue Association’s 2024 Conference:

June 3-5 - Live Music Society’s Working Lounge 

Time: 11:30am-5pm

Location: Generations Hall | 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130

*Wednesday, June 5 - Panel: Case Studies in Creativity: How Small Venues Make It All Work

Time: 2pm

Location: Republic | 828 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Summary: Smaller venues occupy a special place in the industry, as vital cultural hubs where emerging talents are nurtured, established artists find sustenance, and communities access affordable live music experiences. Yet their smaller size presents unique operating challenges that necessitate creative thinking and keen business acumen. Learn how these owners and operators are creating value and building a bedrock of support through big ideas that can lead to long-term health and growth. 

Moderator

Cat Henry, executive director, Live Music Society

Panelists

Summer Jager, Owner, Ivy Room, Albany, California.

Lani Torres, Owner, Ivy Room, Albany, California. 

Robin Johnson, Owner, The Stone Church, Brattleboro, Vermont 

Rachael Arrington, General Manager, Maple Leaf Bar, New Orleans, Louisiana 

Sean Watterson, Owner, Happy Dog, Cleveland, Ohio

Wednesday, June 5

 Happy Hour hosted by LMS with D-Tour and Midtopia

Time: 6pm-7:30pm

Location: Republic | 828 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Live Music Society’s partnership with NIVA began last year with activations at the 2023 Conference in Washington, D.C., and included Live Music Society being awarded the NIVA Community Development Award for its impactful initiatives.

Live Music Society introduced two grants in 2023, including the aforementioned Music in Action grant as well as the Toolbox grant. The Toolbox grant provides practical support, ensuring sustained growth for these establishments. In 2023 alone, Live Music Society granted over $800K to 60 small music venues.   

About Live Music Society: 

Live Music Society’s mission is to recognize and protect small venues and listening rooms across the United States so that live music can remain accessible to all. The nonprofit foundation has distributed $3.7 million through 176 grants, providing funding to 155 individual venues since it was founded in 2020. The organization’s grants ensure financial support to intimate live music venues that nurture emerging musicians, help to sustain the careers of both established and under-recognized music makers, and ensure affordable access to live music in traditionally underserved communities. http://livemusicsociety.org   

ABOUT NIVA 

The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) represents independent music and comedy venues, promoters, and festivals throughout the U.S. NIVA led the #SaveOurStages campaign, culminating in landmark legislation in 2020 that established the $16 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program.

NIVA’s mission is to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent live venues, promoters, and festivals throughout the United States. NIVA is committed to equity in its support and advocacy for independent venues. It seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.

For more information, please contact:

Chris Taillie | Shore Fire Media | ctaillie@shorefire.com

Casey Hansen| Shore Fire Media | chansen@shorefire.com