The music industry has taken a huge hit due to the increasing spread of COVID-19, leading to the temporary closure of independent venues across Seattle and the rest of Washington State. While scientists predict a peak in the number of coronavirus cases within the next two to three weeks, it’s unclear how long music venues can hang on — it’s anticipated that the majority of Seattle venues may permanently close within the month. Without immediate action and financial help, we may be standing at the very end of music in Seattle.

Over 30 independently owned venues in Seattle — including The Crocodile, Neumos, and The Sunset Tavern — have formed the Washington Nightlife & Music Association (WANMA) initiative and presented a five-step plan for how the government can save local venues. The most important aspect is financial aid, with the organization calling for direct cash assistance, insurance relief, and assistance toward the workforce. In order to tackle Seattle’s notoriously steep rent prices, WANMA is also asking for rent forgiveness and reduction to avoid long-lasting debt for venue owners.

The hope for venue lies in the WANMA initiative. Creators of the organization are asking for your help by calling Washington state Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, as well as your local representatives. More information on how to locate your representatives can be found on WANMA’s website. The most important factor of the initiative is direct cash assistance to cover rent, utilities, and insurance. “[Cash assistance] is most important, and we can’t stress that enough,” a statement on the WANMA website reads. “No direct cash support equals no live music venues.” 

We’ve prepared a caller script to make helping out easier. Call (202) 224-3121, ask for Sen. Patty Murray and/or Sen. Maria Cantwell, and read the following statement:

Hello, my name is [name], and I am a constituent from [hometown, zip code]. I am calling about local music venues across Washington state on behalf of the newly formed Washington Nightlife & Music Association (WANMA). The COVID-19 shutdowns have resulted in incredible losses for these venues and the arts and music sector of Washington. The music industry provides thousands of jobs, as well as opportunities for smaller artists to grow their platforms, and will play a huge role in the returning of normalcy after the end of the pandemic crisis. I urge the Senator to consider a stimulus package that will include direct cash assistance for businesses, not loans, as well as rent forgiveness and reductions. I support local venues and believe that this assistance is imperative to their survival during this time. Thank you.

You can also sign the online petition.

Aside from creating jobs and generating millions of dollars in revenue for the city through concert sales, Seattle’s arts and music sector is an enormous part of the local culture. The sudden cut-off of income has resulted in owners having to make tough decisions about the future. Kimo Muraki, the booker for High Dive in Fremont, which is part of WANMA, closed the curtains after a final show on March 11, days after the first statements about social distancing were released.

Muraki commented on the reasons why financial assistance is so imperative for music venues during these times: While other businesses are more equipped to reopen whenever restrictions let up, venues require weeks of planning to book artists and fill calendars. With the uncertainty of social distancing restrictions, many venues, including High Dive, have stricken all shows through May. However, if the end of quarantine comes sooner, there isn’t a back-up plan. “Say a turn for the better suddenly happens and we can reopen the first of May,” said Muraki. “We’ve already had to cancel so many shows in the beginning of May that there will be no time to turn around and book something with a week’s notice.” Without any form of income within those first few weeks after restrictions are lifted, venues are still—technically—closed. “Venues were the first ones to close, and we’ll probably be the last ones to open,” Muraki said.

For more information regarding WANMA and their mission, visit wanma.info.