“We’re the first to close and very likely the last to open…I don’t think we’ll be doing a large concert for quite some time.”
That’s Gary Witt, CEO of The Pabst Theater Group, talking about the devastating effect the COVID-19 crisis has had on independent music venues. The PTG venues (Pabst Theater, Riverside Theater, Turner Hall Ballroom, The Back Room @ Colectivo) have teamed up with more than 1,000 other venues across the country to pressure Congress for federal assistance; in the meantime, its stages remain dark.
Until now. Sort of. Enter #ReviveLiveMKE, a new livestream series that gives music fans a direct way to support both the PTG venues and individual artists. The series kicks off this Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m., with a live-on-the-internet performance from indie rock artist Japanese Breakfast. Tickets for the virtual show are $20, and are ON SALE NOW. All proceeds will go to The Pabst Theatre Group and the touring members and crew of Japanese Breakfast.
“For entertainment fans that want to make sure independent concert venues and artists survive this pandemic, purchasing live stream tickets is truly one of the best ways to show support,” says Matt Beringer, COO of the Pabst Theater Group. “Reconnect with concert buddies and plan a virtual night out. It’s a great way to support our venues and relive the live concert experience we are all missing right now.”
A 24-hour rebroadcast of the show will begin at 11 p.m. the same night. More livestream shows will be announced in the coming weeks.