The time will come when we can safely gather again, seeing each other’s faces, shaking hands, and embracing. I long for the energy of sharing meaningful experiences together again.
When we’re finally able to gather like this again, let’s make the most of it. And there’s only one thing that can draw people together like family: live music (and food, of course!). Someone once told me they love live music because of the “feeling of togetherness.” I think that’s a feeling we could all use right about now.
But restrictions around COVID-19 will keep live music and entertainment venues closed for longer than almost anything else. This is tragic; but in it, we see an opportunity for all of us.
So here’s the short version: we’re rallying folks across the country who are interested in hosting small (and safe!) live music gatherings in their houses or community spaces. We’re launching a coast-to-coast hosting network!
If that’s all you need to hear, you can express your interest to host by clicking this link.
There’s no obligation in signing up: you’ll simply get notified of an artist who wants to come through your area, and it’s totally up to you at that point whether you want to host a show for that artist or defer to another time. Simple!
Let’s breathe some life into our backyards, garages, living rooms, local parks, churches, or whatever random nook we can secure!
I believe this isn’t just an opportunity for live music in the near future: I think it has the potential to be the best context for live music well after the threat of COVID has passed.
This is an opportunity to re-orient the live music experience around community, hospitality, and connection. If you’ve ever had a bad experience at a mainline music venue, you know what I mean.
Renew the Arts is partnering with UTR Media to invite YOU to be among the first hosts of this community. If you have a heart to gather amazing people around amazing music, please consider signing up.
Signing up is simple: just click the “sign up” button below to express your interest in being a host. We have a few questions, and answering them should take less than 2 minutes. There’s no obligation in signing up — you’ll hear from us when there’s an opportunity to host, and you’ll always have the chance to accept or decline.
P.S. We’re still working on a name for this hosting network. If you have a good idea, shoot it to us at hello@renewthearts.org. If we use your suggestion, we’ll send you a $20 Starbucks gift card! Woohoo!
P.P.S. We need West Coasters! We’ve had awesome success seeing people sign up to this community as hosts. If you know of people who love to host house shows / small indie shows, please send them this article so they can sign up, especially if they can host shows on the West Coast / PNW.
P.P.P.S. If you’re a musician, and are interested in touring this network, please hold tight. We’re focusing all of our attention on signing up hosts. But make sure you follow us and/or UTR Media on Facebook, Instagram, or email, and be notified when we announce artist sign-ups.