Local H performs at Metro in Chicago on Feb. 14, 2020.
** Updated 3/16/20 5:45 p.m. Thalia Hall, Second City and Annoyance Theatre have been added.
** Updated 3/16/20 2 p.m. to include below link to SPACE’s campaign for staff. SPACE will match all donations up to $10,000. Reggie’s also added a GoFundMe.
**Updated 3/15/20 8 p.m. to include links to fundraising campaigns in support of the staff at Metro, Beat Kitchen, Empty Bottle and more below.
With the coronavirus pandemic now declared a national emergency with gathering guidelines and bans put in place by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Chicago area musicians, comedians and venues have had to make unprecedented changes to performance schedules to help curb the outbreak.
Live Nation and AEG have suspended all tour engagements in North America – including planned outings from Rage Against the Machine and Billie Eilish – through March. Pearl Jam has postponed their spring tour as have countless other artists.
Independent and local artists and venues may be the hardest hit and fans can continue to support the scene by buying merch, purchasing gift cards, paying for music or picking-up tickets for shows later in the year. Below are a ways to support a handful of local venues and artist amid the ongoing situation.
The Hideout
The Hideout has set out a “Virtual Tavern” via GoFundMe where people can support the beloved venue’s staff with “tips” while it closes through the end of March.
“As you may know, the Hideout made the difficult decision to close from now through the end of March. Workers across the hospitality industry—whose livelihoods depend on people gathering together—-are suffering the immediate health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you would like to help our beloved and charming staff weather this storm, please ‘tip’ the staff if you like at this on-line ‘Virtual Tavern.’ All donations will be shared promptly with Hideout staffers,” reads their fundraising post.
Local H
Local H – who just rocked Metro last month – cancelled the remaining dates of their tour with Soul Asylum and are working on rescheduling. The duo’s new album Lifers is due to be released on April 10 and can be pre-ordered at LocalH.com.
On March 13, Local H tweeted, “We didn’t want it to end like this — but so it is. The remaining dates on our tour with @soulasylum have been cancelled. Rescheduling is in the works. Be careful out there and huddle up. We need you.”
Cole’s Bar
Cole’s Bar – home to the popular Wednesday night Open Mic – announced that it will close through the end of March. There is also a GoFundMe set-up to support Cole’s employees while doors are shut.
“All the money will go to Cole’s bar employees for frivolous millennial trinkets like food, rent, utilities, and so much more,” reads the fundraising post. “While the staff has a little sick pay, many of us make a scrappy gig to gig living. We love this community so much. And we can’t wait to see your bunker tans once we get through this mess. So if we’ve ever tossed you a free one, gave you a laugh, or made sure you had a good night we’d appreciate anything ya got for us. Stay rad comrades.”
Ohmme
Ohmme was set to play a bunch of festivals that were cancelled including SXSW, Melted, and Treefort. The also had to cancel shows in Memphis, Denver and Salt Lake City. For now, Ohmme’s tour is set to resume on April 10 in Detroit and the duo has dates scheduled throughout the summer.
“Hi friends – crazy times. With the cancellation of SXSW, Treefort, and Melted we will sadly no longer be able to make our Memphis, Denver, or SLC dates this month. However, we will be back soon (Boise we will see you in June). Chicago- we will see you Saturday. Be safe out there,” Ohmme tweeted on March 11.
Fantasize Your Ghost, the duo’s sophomore album, is set to be released on June 5 and you can pre-order it at Ohmmemusic.com.
**As of March 15, more independent Chicago venues have introduced campaigns to help staff members weather the shut-down including Metro, Empty Bottle, Beat Kitchen – organized by the fabulous team behind Chicago Underground Comedy – Sleeping Village, SPACE, Reggie’s, Thalia Hall, Second City, Annoyance Theatre, Subterranean, Jam Productions (The Riviera, The Vic & Park West), Cobra Lounge. More updates to follow.
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Stay safe, wash your hands, support venues, buy merch, pre-order music. See you at shows in April.