NIVA’S Artists’ Letter to Congress

This week, more than 600 of the nation’s most cherished musical artists, including Chicago artists such as Mavis Staples and Jeff Tweedy, issued a letter to Congress asking legislators to provide urgent financial support for independent venues and promoters in the U.S., which are in grave peril due to the pandemic. The goal is to enable independent venues to survive this crisis, reopen in the future, and once again contribute to the economic and cultural revival of our communities.

These Chicago artists join Lady Gaga, Dave Grohl, Neil Young, David Byrne, Robert Plant, Patti Smith, Jack Black, André 3000, Coldplay, Willie Nelson, Billie Eilish, Gary Clark Jr., and Billy Joel, along with beloved comedians such as Jay Leno, Tiffany Haddish, Jeff Foxworthy, Jerry Seinfeld, and Tig Notaro in writing Congress.

Check out the letter and all 600 signatures below. To find out how you can support independent music venues.