"The SmallsLIVE Foundation Newsletter
6/16/20
Dear Friends:
Yesterday was 90 days since our clubs have been closed. We had to lay off all of our employees and have now cancelled 450 bands - we had programmed 5 bands a day between both clubs. Yes, we have gotten some funding (the PPP loan) but it's been 8 weeks already and have used it up on the payroll and other expenses. New York is a strange place these days. Some are still quarantined and others are partying in the streets as bars are allowed to sell in paper cups. There is no clear information on the reopening and things feel chaotic. There doesn't seem to be any communication between landlords and businesses and everyone is at odds.
For us at Smalls, we are biding our time. Thanks to the strength of our grassroots support (which is you guys), our international jazz fans and the brave musicians who have agreed to stream from the clubs, we are surviving. Our campaign to "get the cats working again" has been successful enough to fund through July and well into August. This means we can pay one band per day to perform and to pay the rent. For the musicians, I can say that the chance to walk into Smalls, rehearse and do a concert is cathartic. Even though the club is closed to the public, the spirits and ghosts still dwell there. The vibe is still strong and the energy is there, waiting to be tapped. The response to our live shows has been amazing. We average about 20K views per show and the comments and emails have been gracious, grateful and ecstatic. People need music and need jazz - this is clear.
I see that many clubs are now streaming live. Even the venerable Village Vanguard has started a live stream. I find it amusing that 12 years ago when we first started our live stream, musicians were ready to lynch me from the highest tree. Even up to the covid disaster I still had musicians who refused to play at Smalls because of the live stream. Now it is our lifeline and the one thing that's keep us in the game. Also, our extensive audio/video archive is a piece of history. More than 18,000 recordings representing more than 4000 musicians. Nothing like it exists in jazz history. Supporting members ($10 year minimum donation) can access this archive and we pay royalties to the artists. If you would like to fund an evening of music at the club, email us at foundation@smallslive.com.
I thank everyone for their concern and support. We will prevail here, it's just a matter of time. Our music is too strong to die and the people that love it are dedicated and passionate. I look forward to the day when I can (safely) shake your hand, welcome you to the club and offer you a drink at our bar.
My Sincerest Regards,
Spike"
It takes a LOT of dedication, work & faith to hold this together...
BN
6/16/20
Dear Friends:
Yesterday was 90 days since our clubs have been closed. We had to lay off all of our employees and have now cancelled 450 bands - we had programmed 5 bands a day between both clubs. Yes, we have gotten some funding (the PPP loan) but it's been 8 weeks already and have used it up on the payroll and other expenses. New York is a strange place these days. Some are still quarantined and others are partying in the streets as bars are allowed to sell in paper cups. There is no clear information on the reopening and things feel chaotic. There doesn't seem to be any communication between landlords and businesses and everyone is at odds.
For us at Smalls, we are biding our time. Thanks to the strength of our grassroots support (which is you guys), our international jazz fans and the brave musicians who have agreed to stream from the clubs, we are surviving. Our campaign to "get the cats working again" has been successful enough to fund through July and well into August. This means we can pay one band per day to perform and to pay the rent. For the musicians, I can say that the chance to walk into Smalls, rehearse and do a concert is cathartic. Even though the club is closed to the public, the spirits and ghosts still dwell there. The vibe is still strong and the energy is there, waiting to be tapped. The response to our live shows has been amazing. We average about 20K views per show and the comments and emails have been gracious, grateful and ecstatic. People need music and need jazz - this is clear.
I see that many clubs are now streaming live. Even the venerable Village Vanguard has started a live stream. I find it amusing that 12 years ago when we first started our live stream, musicians were ready to lynch me from the highest tree. Even up to the covid disaster I still had musicians who refused to play at Smalls because of the live stream. Now it is our lifeline and the one thing that's keep us in the game. Also, our extensive audio/video archive is a piece of history. More than 18,000 recordings representing more than 4000 musicians. Nothing like it exists in jazz history. Supporting members ($10 year minimum donation) can access this archive and we pay royalties to the artists. If you would like to fund an evening of music at the club, email us at foundation@smallslive.com.
I thank everyone for their concern and support. We will prevail here, it's just a matter of time. Our music is too strong to die and the people that love it are dedicated and passionate. I look forward to the day when I can (safely) shake your hand, welcome you to the club and offer you a drink at our bar.
My Sincerest Regards,
Spike"
It takes a LOT of dedication, work & faith to hold this together...
BN
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