November 19 2020
The Honorable Muriel Bowser Executive Office of the Mayor 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington DC 20004
CC: The DC Council Committee on the Whole, Chairman Phil Mendelson, Councilmember Kenyon McDuffie, Councilmember Charles Allen, Councilmember Brianne Nadeau, Councilmember David Grosso, Councilmember Anita Bonds, Councilmember Brandon Todd, Councilmember Robert White, Councilmember Mary Cheh, Councilmember Trayon White, Councilmember Elissa Silverman, Councilmember Vincent Gray, Councilmember Brooke Pinto, Director Shawn Townsend, Deputy Mayor John Falcicchio, Director Andrew Trueblood, Director Heran Sereke-Brhan, Director Angie Gates and Director Maryann Lombardi
Dear Mayor Bowser and Members of the DC Council,
COVID-19 has devastated DC’s music community. Since it began, the pandemic has forced the closure of five longstanding D.C. music institutions, four of them cornerstones of the local music economy who presented the jazz, R&B and soul musicians bearing the torch of D.C.’s legacy of Black music. In August the beloved Twins Jazz, which supported DC’s vibrant jazz scene for 33 years, and announced its closure. Most recently U Street Music Hall has permanently closed its doors.
Most live music performances are not expected to resume until the final phases of reopening, and even then, public health precautions will delay the full reintegration of live music into daily life for months and potentially years to come. In this uncertain period, the continued survival of many legendary music venues — establishments that have supported our city’s artists for decades and launched the careers of national superstars — is in question. If our administration and Council do not adopt a plan to allow venues to survive the next twelve months, a century’s legacy of history and culture stands to be wiped out completely. The effects of these losses on the District’s significant cultural economy could be catastrophic, and last for years.
This week the Mayor announced the BridgeFund to provide grants for Entertainment businesses. While this is a very good start, the fund does not guarantee the type of support that the MVRA provides and does not get the funds in the hands of venues fast enough. There is still a need to educate our city on why music venues cannot just be lumped in as an entertainment business, and how they have specific business models that are very different from restaurants and nightclubs.
The signatories below voice our support for the DC Music Venue Relief Act, a piece of legislation drafted by a coalition of music advocates, venue owners and approved by three current councilmembers. We ask that you co-sign this draft legislation and act decisively to preserve DC’s vibrant cultural landscape.
The legislation calls for financial support of DC’s music venues to help them sustain their businesses from October 2020 through May 2021. The act is designed to provide partial support not only to dedicated music venues, but also to the many small restaurants and bars who play a crucial role in the music scene by hosting live entertainment frequently. (In DC, these establishments are sometimes more important to the livelihood of our city’s resident musicians than dedicated clubs.) The former may be eligible for up to $15,000 per month; the latter, up to $7,500 per month. The bill includes detailed calculations for relief eligibility based on square footage and other relevant factors.
The draft text of the legislation is attached as an APPENDIX to this letter. We look forward to following up with your office directly to secure your support for this urgently needed step to ensure DC’s continued role as one of our nation’s cultural capitals.
The undersigned members of the music community support this draft legislation and call for new emergency legislation.
Listen Local First DC Nick Fontana, Pearl Street John O’Connor, Songbyrd Music Donna Westmoreland, Warehouse House I.M.P./9:30/The Anthem/Lincoln We Act Radio, Media + Outdoor Sandra Butler-Truesdale, DC Theatre Performance Venue Legendary Musicians Washington DC Chapter of the Pie Shop DC Chadwick Alexander, Songbyrd Recording Academy Bill Spieler, DC9 Nightclub Music House Von Vargas, DC Grammy Jammin Java Jen Lee, Union Stage and Chapter of the Recording Babe City Records Jammin Java Academy Matt Singer, Marketing Jonathan Brindley, Union Stage Christine Lilyea, Slash Run Coordinator (DCJF) and Jammin Java Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation Modi Oyewole, Trillectro Music Peter Lillis, Union Stage and Aaron Myers, Musician Festival Co-Founder Jammin Java CapitalBop Capital Fringe John P. Ferrell, Union Stage and Jamie Sandel, CapitalBop Erik Bergman/Neighborhood Jammin Java Production Sunny Sumter, DC Jazz Festival Restaurant Group/Snallygaster Manager Chris Grasso, musician DC Jazz Festival Daniel Schwartz, Union Stage Dior Ashley Brown, DC Music Roy “Chip” Ellis, Howard Theatre and Jammin Java Production Summit owner Manager Shannon Gunn Neal Becton, Som Records Down in the Reeds Festival Rochelle Rice Owner Christopher Naoum, DC Music Jon Weiss, Union Stage and Judith Korey Advocate Jammin Java, Babe City Diana Ezerins, local music Emmanuel Clarke, Peace + Records advocate Happyness Inc Lana Mahmoud, Union Stage Miles Ryan, 7DrumCity Davey Yarborough, musician/ and Jammin Java Emma Amiri-Ghaemmaghamy WJAI Union Stage Aerica Shimizu Banks Ben Daniels, Union Stage and Jammin Java Torrey Sanders, Union Stage Will Eastman, U Street Music Joel E. Pomerantz, SAW and Jammin Java Hall Meg Olson Janon Costley, Bin 1301 Melina Afzal, Palace Productions Heather Shue Bobby Hill, Transparent entertainment LLC, sound Jeanette Berry Productions engineer- DC9 & The Pieshop Michael Haresign Mylie Durham IV, Growroom Margot Pien, music community Matthew Lehtonen Productions member Nikhil Rao, 7 Drum City Peter Serano, Rock’n Repair Adam Levin, Chuck Levin’s Christopher Bulbulia, Sticky Rice Shop Washington Music Center DC Elizabeth Cannon, 7Drumcity Angela Byrd, MadeInTheDMV Elizabeth Geglia Caroline Phillips, National Joseph Lapan, Songbyrd Music Ariel Davis Cannabis Festival & THS House T. A. Zook, Performer Presents Jenny Langer, ECE Kristina Westernik Jessica F. Teachey, The Producer/Booking Agent and Anthony Hawkins MusicianShip / The Wammie Moonshine Society/The Ron Reena Shukla Awards / Funk Parade Holloway Band/The Honey Larks Stewart Bernard Anika Hobbs, Nubian Hueman / Jess Eliot Myhre, Bumper Rhonda Coe The Black Love Experience Jacksons LLC, musician Thomas Kitchen, musician Jasmine Williams, 7DrumCity Layne Garrett, Rhizome DC Neel Singh, musician Andrew Riblet, Comet Ping Pong Jonathan Een Newton, Free Dirt David Mallen, Metro Music David Combs, Comet Ping Pong Records and Hamlin St. Diner Source, Innovation Station Music Harry Schnipper, Blues Alley Kyrisha Deschamps, Honey Nicholas Marritz Jazz Groove Festival Greg Bonsignore Mark G. Meadows, Jazz Artist Evan Sheres, The Concept Law Joan L Sapp, Jonas Dreiel Ben Kibour, Jojo restaurant and Group & Rock Creek Kings Productions bar Evan St. John, Virginia Attorney Jason Weiss CapitalBop & Rock Creek Kings Adam Ashforth, 7 Drum City Jamie Sandel, CapitalBop Jamal Gray, Independent Jenny Thomas, musician Kokayi Practitioner Howard Rabach, Machine Room Nasar Abadey (SUPERNOVA) Yohan Ferdinando, Ten Tigers Studio Tone P, District Funk Records / Parlour & Short Eats Jason Altomare, Jack Funk Universal Music Publishing Ayanna Smith, PorchFestDC Matt Flickinger Sterling Anderson, (Steelosoul) DJ 2-Tone Jones, Co-founder Sheara Rivera Brass musician Shaoulin Jazz Melina Afzal, Palace Productions Songwriter/Recording artist Andrew Toy LLC Sara Curtin, musician Matt Brooks, SoFar Sounds Marty Atias, ATS Elena La Fulana, Musician Artemis Thompson, Musician Communications Graham Smith-White, Rudi Greenberg, freelance Logan, musician Musician/Owner The Infinite music journalist Eugene I Fertelmeyster, Goodness Dani Weymouth musician Reginald Cyntje, musician Maryam Balbed, Jazz & Justice Matthew Cha, DISQO VOLANTE Lauren Calve, Musician Today Stephen McKay, School of Rock Anna Harwell Celenza, Music Aeron Premo, musician (Rose Bubba Sperry, Sperry Professor, Georgetown Corps) Entertainment University Krista O'Connell Andrés García, La Jackson Sinnenberg, CapitalBop Marc Eisenberg Colombopercutiva Andrew Grossman, musician Jennifer Kovach Adrian Taylor Catherine Ferrando, Black Cat Margaret Gilmore, John Kerr, Hamlin Street Diner Artis Moon Amarche, musician - Molly Ruland, Heartcast Media Gena Photiadis, musician the Boundless Eclectic Mitchell Bass, 7Drum City Elijah Jamal Balbed, The JoGo Cherie Latson Riley Casagrande Project Anthony Amos Abdulfatah Masha Tom Liddle, musician Julie O, musician Paul Lester Cindy atlee Peter Stehouwer Cortney Knight Travis Houze Shannon Gunn, Jazz4Justice Ethan Russell Brian Galvin, PAVE Mary Ho Mathew Herrity Kevin Lavezzo Lisa Perez John Daise, musician Duane Gautier, Anacostia Art Justin Cox, Atlas Brew Works Laurel Halsey, musician Center Courtney Burke Karen Baker, Social Art and Bill Perry, The Public Option Cecily Bumbray, musician Culture Carolyn Crouch, Washington Martina Dodd Marcel Penzes Walks Karin Runett Elan Rubin David Murray, Georgetown Sadie Gronigan, CapitalBop Brent Gossett, DuPont Brass University Brian Settles, musician LLC Graham Robertson, Aztec Sun Adrienne Gaither Olivia Bock Rashad Polk Mary Baker Raffaele Bossard Sarah Cook Barry A. Wilson, Barry Wilson Antoinette Sooh-Jordan Jameson Rowe Studios Mike Sobel, Musicians Olivia Mancini, musician Beth Sewell Stephane Detchou, musician Nikolas Francis Will Tober Tula Pisano, musician Abe Mamet, musician Selena Benally, This Could Go John Kneip Ariana Harbin, musician Boom! Andrew Eade Troy Johnson Ian McColm Nina Goodman Rick Irby, musician Ara Casey, This Could Go Benjamin J. Harbert, Mike Drayton Boom! Record label, The OSYX Georgetown University Ryan Fitzgerald (band) Christopher Jordan, CHRYSIS Hugh Downs Ezra Geissler Entertainment Schuyler Deane Amanda Reynolds Sam Woodring, Mister Goblin James Zahniser Anthony Brown Anthony R DelDonna, Daniel Friedman Lee Reber Georgetown University Bryan McEntire Rhiannon Bell Rob Orwin Jason Biehl, Change The AJ Hutchins, M4TR (musical act) Rick Massumi Narrative Anna Walsh Linda Stefkovic, Jazz & Justice Andrés Gallego Michael Vetter DC Nico Hobson, GoGoRadio LIVE Aaron Shneyer, musician Amita Vempati, Subcontinental Jackson Grant Michael Gifford, Americans for Drift Alex Hamburger the Arts Matthew Hua, Georgetown Robin Hernandez, Crossroads! Nate Shelter University Adam Morrell Arielle Conti Benjamin Tufts, musician Farida Aboulmagd Jade Weiss Dr. Denise Conner Donald Darang Leah Hudson Donna A Fletcher, Archie Michele Campoamor Andrew O'Connor Edwards Blues Heritage Meredith Simon Jack Kilby, Musician Foundation Jayshana Roper Danna Thomas, Happy Teacher Joanne Levin Alison Huffman Revolution Bruce D Silva, Washington Yvonne Tindal Ilaria Piovano Music Center Kiara Moneé Tolentino Adam Solomon Matthew Kirkland, Lightmare Charles Boulton Greta Kaufman Bryant “BeMo” Brown Keely Hollyfield Freddie Dunn Jr, musician Christian Mallett, musician Helene Prince Dave Roubie, Tabard Inn Samuel Hall Elizabeth Burman McEntire Meagan Collins Maggie Menold Nathan Hockey, musician Sophie Krensky Kathleen taylor Andrew Koh, DC Music Kevin Crandall, musician Emily Crockett` Journalist Chris Martin, musician Claudia E Fabiano Alison Carney, recording artist, Troy T, musician, producer, Allie Heiman Ward songwriter, event curator educator Kenneth Quinnell, Revolutionary Lauren Algee, DC Punk Archive Spencer Leach Exchange Productions staff/volunteer Jared Marshall, musician Keshav Swaminathan, Angela Estay, music educator Dylan Hyman Revolutionary Exchange Jeremy Pinson Matthew Berry, musician Productions Madelyn Dutt, I.M.P. & 9:30 Club Curtis Reaves Jr. , musician Lester Wallace, Co-founder of Billy Grummer Matthew Haney SHAOLIN JAZZ Jeff Hollyer, Promoter Laura Tsaggaris, musician Thomas Pipkin, Pipkin Creative: Rebecca Megginson, music Benjamin Melrod event production, community enthusiast Robert Coltun, Bossa Bistro and engagement, arts advocate Charlotte Wood Lounge Katie Brewster Rob Parker Malcolm Taylor Benjamin Caprio Julianna Friedman Sara Alipanah, music teacher, Nchang-Nwi Fon Kristen Bartholomew former employee of Black Cat Derek Torsani, 7 Drum City, Emily Barber Mykim Hang musician Maggie Sauber Aaron Blosser, regular concert Leila Rassi Arielle Klein, musician and music goer Ben Mahler lover Alex Porteous, musician Kirsten Bradley Elizabeth Bartlett Veronica Vela Laura Escalante Matt Torres Ashley D See, WFSU DC Dominique Lee, musician Annemarie Baldassarre Hannah Bernhardt, DC native Kyrie Davis Diego Ramos-Meyer, musician Bertha J McDuffie, RevEx Celeste Buccola Javier Valcarcel Oquendo Leon Scott Joshua Friedlander Tyler Reyes, musician Shawn Fisher, Washington John P Hester, Union Stage Greta Maras Improv Theater Colin Fox Micah Morrison Sophie Gengler Daniel Weingart Matthew Mcmullen, musician Alena Budd, musician Erica Evans, Concertgoer Stephanie L Jones, musician/ Tiffany Paniagua Laura Lucs advocate Andrea Johnson Laura Cooper-Martin Jordan Stovka, avid concert goer Joseph B Robinson Neil Sauter, music consumer Aubri O'Connor Marianna Jardim Taisha Estrada, singer David Epley Christian M Tauler, audio Virginia Curtin, music supporter Samantha Webster engineer Sara McGrath Erin Barnett, music teacher at Shanille Allo Aaron D Cunningham FCPS Tseten Tashi Eva Sanchez Jasmine Gillsion, musician Joanna Pumple Robert Andrews III, Dmarcus Bright Janae Brown Musician/Producer/Video Editor Jason Nesmith Jen Muething Sean Kane Linn Bumpers Emilia Kawashima Alana Barry Pamela Cristina Huber Tricia Glaser Christina McEnroe Melinda Wilson Ryan McGeorge, musician John Boland, musician Lauren healy Sophia Wilhelm-Demekas Kyra John Kate Moran, musician, Rainbow Leah Izzett Anyu Silverman Rock Band Chandler Dang, music consumer Chris Moore Joe Kelsey Rebecca Howel Liliana Hertling Aimee Roberge Dara Bernstein Dylan Shoemaker, musician Brad Mundt, music fan Michael Griffith Nicole Reinhardt Rasheema McClain Roxanne Cook, DCPS music Raquel Dominguez Erica Klenicki educator, musician Kandace Davis Jeremy Rubin-Thomas Caroline Orr Liliana Hertling Nicole Lim Alicia Koetter Conall Rubin-Thomas Christopher Phillips Emerson Wells Kaya Bennett Lyndsey Romick, concertgoer Zachary Whitlock, music Michael Williams David Paradise enthusiast Lindsay Flynn Michael Daly Brigid Morris, concertgoer Marie Lachance Taylor Fontaine Tara O’Donnell KIrsten Hynson Jennifer Lucas, Radio Show Taryn Zastrow Natalie Teasdale Host Gavin Miller, on-site event crew Simone Baldwin Joseph Patella, musician and lead Emily Navarro journalist Phuong-Nghi Pham, From The Maggie McGuire Nancie Thomas, concertgoer Top Jordan Abramowitz Tracy Hollinshead Jenna Pekofsky Michelle Briwn, Dumbarton Kathryn Anne Jamolin Tyler Garavaglia, musician Concerts Managing Director Elise Gilmore Nick Mann, Westminster Church Megan Virginia Jurnak Keri Stoever Alison Crockett, musician and Wyatt Kirschner Amy Bos educator Meredith Ellison Gabrielle Vera Cindy Maksimow, social dancer Herb Scott, Capitol Hill Jazz Kathryn Randolph Arielle Bernstein Foundation McKennah Parmer, Graphic Matthew Tewksbury Seamus Dowdall artist Catharine Cardellino Sarah Morgan Lucy Hummer Phillip Tousignaut, Destini Collins Helen C Hennessey, Industry photojournalist, writer Tyler Lamb worker for I.M.P. Dave Mosick, musician Claire Schwark William Washburn, musician Emilie Sommer, concertgoer Jada Austell Jordan Rabinowitz, musician Joy Ford Austin, Arts and Kevin Ruppenthal, Brendan Burkhart Humanities Advocate Mia Karimabadi Dante Orlandini Iona Volynets Christine Zirneklis Natalie Parks Gayle Harrod, The Gayle Harrod Hyun Sik Kim, music Eva Peterfalvy Band photographer, writer for Capital Angela Yepez Paden Tranter Sound DC Kelly Joy Alissa N Gittens, music Ayda Lee Evan Dotas instructor Kailee Boedeker Noa Schleifer Nistha Raj Wright, District of Griffin Durning, musician Stephanie Houk Raga/ musicians Dylan Singleton, concert Lauren Atha Chris Stankis photographer Alexia Christian, musician Sohan Ganatra Diana Liao, singer Ryana Ali Michelle Alde, musician Giovanni Naula Sofia Carney Sharon Clark, jazz vocalist Nicolas Garcia, venue employee Ian Finnegan Philip Cullen Rawle Becerril, SiriusXM Ari Klenicki Jacie Eng, vocalist programmer Tom McCarthy, musician Jesse Kalavritinos Renee Sogueco Mariya Feygelson, Pianist, William Cook, photographer Paul Gancitano Vocalist (GMU, Mason Arts Megan Dunn, musician, Allison Kight Academy) Marketing for DC Music Summit Edita Samson Alessandria Schumacher Sarah Blumenthal Marissa Boyd, Music Journalist - Penina Meier-Silverman Gaby Garcia Bass Feeds The Soul & Festival Kate Tallent, artist Adelaide Kaiser, musician Squad Maureen Andary, musician Kymone Freeman, We Act Radio Alvar Mattei, Flying Feet Caitlin Corner-Dolloff Chloe Holloway Enterprises Drew Kulick Anthony Piazza, musician Tayler Weaver Thalia Patrinos, Luciole Caitlin Moore, concert Nathan Wilson Liberation photographer Michael O'Halloran, concertgoer Paxton Howe Donna Gureckas William McCormack, musician Zayna Bakizada Brooke Delarco, producer Landon Paddock, musician Daniel De Leon Deanna Pineda, musician Philip Ravita, musician Michael Henry Alex Parez, musician Leona Montvillo Dan Bugos Luciana Rascher Hillary Morrison, live music fan Bobby Muncy, musician Parris Groover, musician + Ilsa Jentsch Julia Cooke producer Charles Weak Adé Samuel Christina Berry Keegan del Rio Rebecca Kreps Catherine Kozub Hannah Wilson-Black, open mic Shannon Carney Carrie Holt musician Alyssa Burkhalter, musician Kennith Kimery, musician Isabel Anderson Holly Sims Elizabeth Ratcliff Michael Harris, music patron Leslie Scott Hailey Olson, performer Cameron Bellini, musician Nhi Tan Mark Rogers, musician Brenda H. Jones Andrew Somers Caroline Keir Christiana Drapkin , musician Dawn Manning Fiona Fedorochko Liv Sullivan Maggie Spire Clarisza Runtung, 7DrumCity Nathaniel Frentz Daniel Dye Kati Williams Ben Afferton, music industry Matthew Hellman Victoria Ford, Music student Ryan Phillips Photographer Ashley J. Cherry, manager Catherine Costello , high steel Aoife Leogue Jennifer Stewart rigger, head rigger, staging Kristina Klassen Nicole Holmes supervisor Lindsey Coleman Marissa McDonnell, theatre Kat Stefanik Daniel Tracey, musician performer Domenic Lewis, jazz musician Ryan Leahy Aaron Moore Harrison Douglas Laura Catania JULIA EAGER, live music fan Helena Okolicsanyi Sean Chalk Michelle Lee Rachel Burkhalter, musician Tyler Jackson, musician Jenny Igoe, musician Rhea Tucker, musician Stacy Baker, music patron Jack Bobley Andrea Shirdon, concertgoer Christina McCoy Jonah Spiva Eli Blanks Amanda Munroe Drew Scull, music fan Caryn Kuebler Isaac Higgins Conor McCabe Katherine Fielding, photographer Caroline Morales Athenna Carzon, musician Ashley Jacobs Vivienne Blouin Anabelle Lombard Nelson Cuellar, musician, Belinda Shao Max Giesecke, musician producer Anna Hargett Laurie Casey Donna Girardi/Reed, DC Jodie Lusaka-Kaberia, teen Nissim Begas resident musician Emma Hardim Noah Clarke Hannah Estopinal Lauren Honesty Arkady Dolina Felix Aviat Jonathan Goller Dani Genci Lynne Venart Nathan Krieg Kimberly Shires, musician Audrey Hayes Karen Feret Ciaran Kreidler Bianca Benincasa Sean Pickering Christy Clark, fan Christian White, DC Improv Heath Dungan Jason Bernagros Comedy Club Rhys Leahy Cathy DiToro, musician Michael Gordon, fan Brenna Hettler William Knowles, musician Damia Torhagen, musician & fan Jennifer Gindin, concert Ava Morgenstern Spencer Davis attendee Kyle Grassi, concertgoer Mary Beth McLoughlin, spectator Jewel Mcfadden, The World Sarah Frazell Elizabeth Holdsworth, live music Bank FUNDA CANLI fan Stephen Jackson, musician Michelle Shellers , Martin Hardee, music fan Katy Hurston vocalist/songwriter/producer Jason M. Long, patron Anastsia Sorokina Ana McCausland Andrew Boyd, musician Derek Shiau zack silver John Irons, fan Jacqueline Ekdahl Lesley Muldoon, fan Marilyn Tomsic, supporter Meghan Gifford Melissa Stailey, audience MissJessica Denson Brodie Riordan Maya Gold Lee Anderson, musician, Rachel Newstadt Kelley Smith , music lover producer, vocalist Bart LaFaso Ria Murphy, musician Michelle Acton, musician Michael Moore Tracy McClair, musician Brian Wiegand Carol Lee Weiss, fan and Mollie Bates, fan Angie Chamberland, IMP supporter Cassi D, Fair Labor Association employee Jason Griess Carlos Matta David Beal Hannah Yousefian Isaac Bloom donna snyder, open mic host Gregory Psomas, music lover Rebecca Green, artist Sean Robinson, SevenFour Brian O'Neill Heather Godwin, musician, Artistry, Chuck Levins Laura Schwartz, musician actress, host Rob Maher Rebecca Wilson Catherine Gomeringer marc reston Miranda Hansen-Hunt Melani Robinson, music fan Rabayah Akhter Anne Kerns, live event supporter Leah Elliott Michael Cleary Mike Mills, musician Logan Botts Evan Oxhorn, musician David A Berman Jerry Hergenreder, musician Lenore Cohen Terence Boes, musician Laura Shull-Chandler Daniel T Coleman, The Dubliner Tara Bretzfelder George Billie Stephen Balazs, Rigger Jessica Phelan Kelsey Connelly donald williams, Artist Lauren Bomgardner, dance artist Matthew Lockard Craig Williams, WPFW Jazz Melissa Lynch Joshua Makela, A/V systems Programmer Mike Fietkiewicz technician Antonio Peluso, 7DrumCity Kate Lorio Anne Clark Lauren Wright Jennie Black Sabel Harris Christine Jamieson Eileen Lohmann Carolina Mederos Tanya Surtees, Consumer Stephanie Traub Julie McCune, concertgoer Sara Gibson Yulia Ivanova Douglas Ford, sound and Donald Fillion Kelsey Desmond lighting Valerie Fitton-Kane Amanda Levin Chris Battista, CMB Reggae Maija Rejman, vocalist Steven McPherson, DJ Management Elizabeth Paronett Isabelle De Leon, musician, Lee Ann Carpenter Ekaterina Vasilenko music instructor at 7Drum City Allyson Jaffe, Co-owner of DC Judith N Macaluso, Music Lihan Lu Improv Comedy Club Consumer Scott Lane Doug Taphouse, music lover Cory Bolden Ryan Martini Moses Jenkins Danielle Wells Kristen Long, Black Masala Shane Worth Kelcie Glass, GIRLAAA Ellida Parkee Howard E Herrnstadt, BLAZZ Matthew O’Donnell, Rock Creek Monica Servaites Band Kings Malusi Kitchen Bob Gump Nikki Nichols Sandrea Johnson, Production Sydney Snower Nathan Gilbert DJ, DCPS Management Andres Diaz, musician and Natalie Ahearn, Musician Danae Payne producer Tetiana Podoliako Willard Jenkins, Artistic Director James Fernando, musician, J. David Ward, music law DC Jazz FEst music teacher student Tenbeete Solomon, GIRLAAA Patricia E Wolfbauer Matthew Curtis, Musician Cara L Weikel, Patron Jason Miller Chris Watling, Musician Nathanael Nelson Robbie Champion William Carpenter Charquinta McCray Tatiana R. Zaharchenko Deborah Goldberg, Karuna Shinsho Blair A. Ruble Photographer Stephanie Dailey, Vocalist Lee-Anne Gabrielli Stephen Wilkes, Midnight Andre Ekani Jeremy McLane Expression Maryalice Giroux Viljoen Caleb Nei, musician, REcording Robert Klein, SAW Erika Reign, vocal performer Academy member Steve Steckler, Asparagus Jaleel Brown, musician Elizabeth Ashby Media Kenny Rittenhouse, musician Nicole Belanus, musician Marguerite Bruce, singer, Mary Ferranti, Jazz Teachers Vito Lupo songwriter, producer DC Jason Reisch, musician James Woodert, FutureBandDC Carl David Farley, Eric Boucher Daniel Strauch, Business owner, JAZZRADIOdc Stephen G O'Connor producer, manager lewis Valakos, music supporter Eric Zidar Sonia Alvarado Jerrold Levinson, University of Machele Irby Joseck Asikoye, Maryland Jamal Gray, Independent musician/producer/manager Stephen Rodkey, vocalist Creative Thomas Rea Geena Vontress, performer Tom Goldfogle, Manager Eugenia Halsey Abbey Judd, Venue/ Talent Paul Bailey, musician Adam Stein, Musician Mgmt Francisco “Fran” Vielma Sagal Samantar Marcus Moody, musician, Monique Sullivan Rahul Kulkarni, Musician manager Amy Louttit , venue staff Gabriela Pohl Chazz Stewart Alexander Berti, musician Michel Nicolas Rivera, Gooneis Anthony L Thomas Dominic Burgess, musician DJ Crew Wynde Juliet Winston Joshua Jenkins, Washington Kiona Owens, Diversity Equity Ronald Henderson, Event Jazz Arts Institute and Inclusion Advocate Organizer Henry Arguello Rachel Kline, musician Rachel Torgoff Natalie Soroka Kiah Leigh Rhode Amber Carter, Live Music Fan Christopher DiGilio, music fan Tina Harvey Revathi Murthy Brynne Burgess, Songbyrd Junious L Brickhouse, Urban Rebecca Souther Matthew Mcdonnell Artistry david Saltzman Robyn bortz Alan Oresky, Musician James Talbert Montserrat Alvarenga, Jeni Blessman, Fatskeys, Adam B. Duffy community member Musician's promotion Carla Tevelow Jeremy Ball, music fan Bill Duggan, Madam's Organ Alek Petty Mindee Pandtle Takeena Gipson Stephen Crago, DC Jazz Kristen Hook Kathy Richburg, Singer/Choral Appreciator Amy Anderson Director/ Production Assistant Jacob Hutter, Producer, Amy Friedlander David Williams, music fan Musician Michele Rowley Amy Saidman, Story District Jarrett Gilgore, musician Philip Basnight, Broke Royals Phyllis Domingue, Sarah Yarashus Liz Rumsey Singer/Songwriter Lisa J Gilbert Abigail Hobart Dina Lewis Julian Berkowitz, Musician Brian Fasani, musician Scott Kline Kelli Rademacher, actor, Shawn Osborn Hugh Marsh, Irish Traditional freelance media artist Henry Knaack Musician Justin Harbin, musician Rasheed Shaw Laurie Bailer, concert goer Kimberly Gube Avalon Haas Joseph Brust, music supporter Elizabeth von Oehsen, musician james june schneider Clifton Scher Tim Gibbob, musician TIBYRON QUINN Jefferson Ogata Badr Elbendary Anna Libman Lanah Koelle Jordan Napier Jason Jeffery Brian Alpert, musician Addison Williams Maria Malagón Peter Richman, musician Dani Cardenas Keeli Telleen, musician Gary Sause, musician Elizabeth Batina Lyndsay Webb, entertainer and Andrew Zielinski Andrew Haskell, musician producer Ken Collins, musician Jenna Henderson, musician Steven Stubbs, Weatherworm Christopher Tracey Robert Gunter (Band) Jonathan Cohen Danny Silbert Jack Nelson Scott Greytak Peter Blair Yared Ghebreyohannes Raymond Weeden, Jr. Vance Cunningham Neil Sauter Michael Watson, musician Chris Pitocchelli Andrew Velez, Musician Elizabeth Layne Shannon Jeffries Dani mccormick Matthias Hess, musician Michell Clark Yvan Gelbard Hannah Jaye, Band Leader Karen Kavanaugh Darrien Day, musicin Hannah Jaye and the Jean Link, Gangplank Marina Eva Maier, service industry Hideaways Julia Adams professional Allison Rosenberg, musician Nina Charness Tamara Kelly Toni Codinas, Board Member, Shannon O’Toole Alison Scharman Washington Bach Consort Ronald Sun Foley Santamaria, record label Maddie Grant, Sahara Dance Emily Reinas owner Donald L Hinshaw Tyler Hohenstein Patrick T Liddiard Avery Sen, Co-Founder, Sen Christina Rogelio Zachary Herriott Sound Natalie Volk Tim Curtin margaret walker, supporter Ciara Hockey Alex Crisafulli Mary Connelly, supporter Ellison Farrell Annalise Reber, sound Jake Arlow Grace Coughlin technician Lisa White, venue talent buyer, Anthony Lioon Cyndee Clay business manager, event Alison Munaylla Gates DePodesta coordinator Daria Arzy Heather Russell Benjamin Kriegler Monica Palacio, Candidate of Charles Pruett PJ Tabit, musician City Council Mark Sherman, musician Lizzie Peabody Karen Samy, WGTB Student Star Johnson Leslie Louden Radio Sean Reese Rachel Levitin, musician, Mina Loldj Lydia Barker producer, open mic host Luke Taylor, music lover Randall Swindell, musician, Francis Howard Rob Hart stagehand Mary Katelyn Koszycki, writer/ Kelsey Shea, fan Kimberly Martin-Mubasu editor Timothy Martin Kevin O'Neal, I.M.P. Ryan McGranaghan David Brookshire Adrienne Nelson Chas Foster Gonzalo Altuna, recording artist Richard Seymour, musician Erik Grimm Erica Rosa Akosua H Jazzmyn Carter Kristina Biggs Blake Powell, Artist Dziko Crews Nicholas Moreland, David White David Stein, Musician, Producer, photographer/ producer Stef Dinn Engineer Garet Beane, MusicianShip Ishmail Mustapha , Musician Tara Zandi Tatiana Kolina, sPACYcLOUd Rachael Black Ryan Merrill Bianca Conteh Willis Goldbeck, Capitol Hill Jazz Lara Larson Kush Patel, manager Foundation Board of Directors Christopher Sousa Malik Affortu, 9:30 Club Candice Bostwick, Vocalist Colleen Heller-Stein Julia Kang Masongo Ogora Johnny Bailey Aaron Francis Salma Chakri Leon Jackson Sam Lorenzo , Artist Daniel Kehoe Adrienne Benson Takai Young Erin Dugan Robb Dooling Christopher Peli, local musicians Michael Skorny, Musicians and Anna Connolly, musician and label owner concert goer Angela Gentile Brayden Herum RACHEL UNKOVIC Robin Diamond, musician Cassandra Hetherington Ellis Finn Osen Clifton Scher Moniyah Loving, collective Rachel Bohlen Chris Pesacreta Soraya Abdulkadir , musician AYOTEMI, Musician Alexandra Valliere Sara Schwartz Lauren chan Jessalyn Schwartz Theodros Alemu Enanu Gerima Diriki Rice Tarieke Grant, Luxury Music Christopher Bulluck Mary Alice Hamnett, musician Group A/R Tim Thoms-Cappello Benjamin Lazo, musician Erika Tarawallie Aidan howard Meredith Holmgren Matthew Blair Tari Caldwell Douglas Hartnett, DC business Metin Toksoz-Exley Teddy Okpala, Producer owner Arthur Hollins, Musician Madona Tyler LeBlanc, Radio April Bock Nyame-kye Kondo, Meche Programmer Nicholas Licata Korrect Music John Frommelt Colton Padden Dylan Miller John McCants, Lake Arbor Jenny Frederick William H. McKenna, BBC News Records Maria Gomez, teacher Julia Marks Jacob Patterson-Strin Bridgett Bobowiec Erik Rodriguez, Musician Hoda Pahlavani Sandra Lawrence Menna Kassa Christine Shen Zack Keim, Musician Kameron Henson Alexandria Harz Alexander Lopez John Fleming Laura Lucas Brian Boughton Kelsey Michael Brian Graham Kelly Aguirre Steve Korn Andrew Merluzzi mela pela Ernest Douglas, Musician Lamin Manjang Ana Gonzalez Jorden Teamer Cheri Mac Catherine Powars Denver Delaney, Founder Black Sara Wanous Nnenna Okona Magic Record Label Mari Field Samantha Hunter Keith Lawson Janis Brown Aidan Rodeschin, performer Gregory Smith, Musician Melissa Andrew producer Reginold James Shawnese Whitaker-Green Hana Eid, musician Chris Lewis , musician Tucker Landry LaVenia Johnson, activist Anthony Kelley, musician Christian varela Merith Basey, UAEM Mariel Garcia Jenae Michelle Patrick Frank, musician Deshawn La-Haupt Kristen Robinson John johnson Clarisa Sepliarsky Allison Wright Andrew Valenti Rory Thomas Abigail Hobby Chendan Yan, World Resources Andrew Grant, Eaton DC Maureen Donaldson Institute Maria Cecilia Zea, professor Jennifer Errick Dennis Skocz, Capitol Hill Jazz Irani Escolano Emma Strother Foundation Kirsten Goldberg Ron M Barron Lauren Pepe Robert Moses Brian Griffey Gerhard Graml, Musician Jay Salpekar Marc Minsker, Radio DJ on Alfred Wright, Producer/ Mathias Van Regemortel, WOWD Musician musician Kate Roetzer Michael Loria Michael Hughes Paige Brewer Dontee lawrence, Musician Jack Irby, Musician Jason Gillespie Loron Flemimg James Page Jonathan Camp, musician Bushra Bani-Salman Martha assefa Eva schwarz Matthew Frink Florence chamberlin Alexander Ostrovsky, musician Erica Owusu Julian Curry Gabrielle Little Tim Lake Andrea Johnson Jon B. Youngs Branndon Marshall John Keith, musician Gloria Nauden , Capital Bop David Dell’Isola, Artdei Daniela Fraga-Abaza Morgan Clinton, Events Director Price Holman Kim Dickens John Ackerly, Musician Amanda Titus Maya Khuzam Samantha Contrino, Artist Diane Albrecht Eric Roberts, Musician Lane Giardina Carter Rawson, Rhizome Kade Byrd, Musician and Kris Roth James S. Adams, musician and Producer Jeriel Johnson , The Recording curator (QUEERING SOUND) Shanta Nicholson Academy Amber Moore Naia Lee-Hendricks Brenda Jones, 8Advicate Jessica McLaughlin Lance Ashè Adrianna Margaret Amari, Brendan Smith Dante Sapp musician Alex Gordon XTSR (Towson Janet Hall Artise fletcher University Radio) De'Anthony Johnson Laura Lanigan Olivia Weise, Black Cat Staff Angela Allison Sam Reddick Ebony Randolph Natalia Mushegian Tim Bladon Marlene Manzo
APPENDIX - BASIC DRAFT LANGUAGE OF THE LEGISLATION
Washington DC Music Venue Relief Act 2020
We propose that the District Government form a relief fund for District music venues and businesses which significantly feature live music.
MUSIC VENUES: Businesses which are primarily music venues will receive the following monthly funds throughout the fund’s existence (from October, 2020 through May, 2021), with a maximum monthly award of no greater than $15,000 per month:
Venues with a total size of under 2500 square feet: $3.85 per square foot per month Venues with a total size of under 5000 square feet: $2.50 per square foot per month Venues with a total size of over 5000 square feet: $1.90 per square foot per month
(If a venue falls in a higher size category, the payout can‘t be less than the highest amount in the lower tier category. Using that as a base until you surpass that number according to size.)
MUSIC PRESENTERS: Businesses significantly featuring live music, “Music Presenters,” will receive the following monthly funds from October, 2020 through May, 2021, with a maximum award of no greater than $7,500 per month according to the scale provided under Music Venues.
Definitions:
- A business is a Music Venue if it holds a; Nightclub, Multipurpose Facility, Tavern license or any other license with an entertainment endorsement that fairly compensates live music 48 hours a month.
-Venue size is determined by the square footage of space leased or owned by the music venue and used for the purposes of the music venue, and includes areas open to the public as well as areas used for other purposes related to the operation of the venue.
- A business is a “Music Presenter” if Food and Beverage sales account for over 50% of its gross annual receipts in accordance with a Restaurant License and it hosts fairly paid live performances by musicians for a minimum of 48 hours per month.
- A 501c3 Not for Profit Organization is eligible for status as a venue/presenter if they pay property tax or lease/rent on the space they use as a venue for presenting.