Independent Venue Week will make its US debut this July 9-15 in cities across the county. The wildly popular UK edition of Independent Venue Week launched in 2014 with Colin Greenwood of Radiohead as its ambassador.
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Independent Venue Week, a celebration of independently owned and run music venues, debuts in the U.S. this July 9-15. The fifth UK week is currently underway. Sponsored by the BBC, its ambassadors include Adrian Utley of Portishead, Nadine Shah, Jamie Cullum,esteemed UK concertgoer Big Jeff Johns, and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels.
“Bands still need to play and tour small venues here in order to get a foothold,” said Independent Venue Week founder Sybil Bell. “They need to learn their craft before playing bigger shows in bigger venues. The industry still needs artists to start small and build up as they get better. And those working behind the scene also need to start small. Local communities too need somewhere on their doorsteps that knows how to put live music on.”
“part of a collective”
Participating venues in the UK have said that not only do they love the extra foot traffic, new contacts and the chance to build relationships with new partners including agents, labels, artists, promoters and media, but that for this week they feel part of a collective rather than just operating in isolation.
“Speaking to the industry for the past few years, we believe that these same things matter in the US,” says Bell, “so we’re beyond excited to bring IVW overseas, and for the industry and public to celebrate the vital work the venues do.”
The US cities hosting Independent Venue Week shows will be announced soon, and the details of the shows including venues and artists will be revealed in May.