Pittsburgh is often referred to as a sports town. A city that bleeds yellow and black, the roars of sports crowds have been silenced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Stilted sports aren’t the only source of live entertainment that has been hit hard by the pandemic. Locals know that crowds used to drawn into the city for a different type of spectacle: music. Pittsburgh’s music scene has dozens of independent venues and artists. Move from neighborhood to neighborhood, and the variety of venues available help support a wide variety of musical artists and genres. However, the foundational opportunities given to past artists may not be available in the future, without help from people like you.
The Steel City’s independent music scene has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Live shows and performances are currently not allowed to take place in Allegheny County. These restrictions, while necessary to maintain a safe and socially distant environment, are causing deep financial aches for local venues. With an unknown road ahead, these venues are calling on the help of the community to stay afloat.
Pittsburgh’s musical venues and individuals aren’t alone in this call for help. That’s where the Save Our Stages movement comes into play. Organized by National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), this movement is working to tell the government about the dire need of support in America’s independent music community. Help tell local legislators about why they should help #saveourstages by submitting a pre-formatted letter. All you need to do is fill in your basic information, and press submit.
Local venues that have joined Save Our Stages include:
- Crafthouse Stage and Grill
- Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
- Roboto
- Club Cafe
- The Rex
- Carnegie of Homestead
- Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall
- Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall
- Roxian Live
Visit each of the venues’ websites to stay up-to-date on their operating status.
Live music is an experience that helps bring communities together. In a time of social distancing, it can be hard to remember the impact of being at a live performance. Made in PGH invites you to keep one of Pittsburgh’s favorites, Mr.Rogers, quotes in mind:
“Music is the one art we all have inside. We may not be able to play an instrument, but we can sing along or clap or tap our feet.”
Help keep the music inside of Pittsburgh. Without live music, a way to connect to those in our community and beyond will be lost. Not to mention, the rich history that many of these venues have ( such as the Andrew Carnegie Music Hall being around for over a hundred years.) Support your local venues and artists today.
Stay up-to-date with the Save Our Stages movement on Facebook and Twitter.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
