While many signs point to the looming reopening of the live events industry, the reality is that it is still a ways away. Even as vaccine distribution continues across the country and applications get underway for federal assistance under the Save Our Stages Act, independent venues still need immediate support. Singer-songwriter Dolly Parton lent her voice to the ongoing fight to keep independent venues alive with a new video for the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA).
In the brief video message posted to NIVA’s YouTube page, Parton warns, “You know, attending live concerts is not an option right now, and many of our neighborhood independent venues like the places that I got my start at are at risk of closing forever.” With that, she directs viewers to NIVA’s website where they can learn more about what can be done now to assure that venues across the country don’t close down in the future. While venue owners across the country eagerly await funds from the latest COVID-19 Relief Bill, fans can donate to NIVA’s Emergency Relief Fund to aid venues in immediate danger of closure.
Watch Dolly Parton’s public service message for NIVA below.
Legendary musicians like Dolly Parton got their start at independent venues. #SaveOurStages​
[Video: NIVA National Independent Venue Association]
Since the pandemic took Parton off the road last year, she has turned her attention to noteworthy causes. Last April, Parton quietly donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to help fund Moderna’s vaccine which is currently being distributed across the country. Additionally, Parton has taken this time off the road to stockpile huge reserves of archival material which won’t be released until after her death. This includes a previously-unreleased track that she has locked away in her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, TN which will not be heard until the year 2045.