by Mark Van Streefkerk 

Since in-person events have been canceled this year due to COVID-19, live music venues are among the hardest hit businesses. Concerts, performances, and shows have been canceled since March, and without income, small venues are struggling to keep the lights on. Keep Music Live (KML) is a fundraising campaign that seeks to raise $10 million to distribute in grants to live music venues with occupancies of under 1,000 throughout Washington State. In their Statement of Equity, KML says they intend to prioritize women-, LGBTQ+-, and BIPOC-owned venues. KML is raising funds through merch sales, individual donations, and partnerships with Bartell Drugs and Elysian Brewing. The grant applications have yet to be announced, but you can sign up for campaign updates here, and follow their social media for developments.