As I look out on this beautiful day, I can't help but reflect on this year we've had. It's easy to get caught up in the unfairness of it all, but we're also looking forward to the day when we'll be open again; presenting amazing music in our little corner on the outskirts of Times Square.
Just looking over all the amazing acts we had planned on our home page, to all the surprises we had in store for you these past 8 months. It was truly shaping up as an awesome year of music. Well, we'll just have to hit the pause button and like everyone else, wait till the day we can all hang and enjoy live music at Iridium and at other incredible venues in Manhattan, this country and worldwide. Personally, we're all hopeful at Iridium that the day we can welcome everyone to experience incredible live music with us again will happen sooner than later.
I don't know why, but today I was thinking of "The Iridium Cartel" one of the most friendly, inclusive and passionate fan bases that any club could ever hope for! These guys and gals see an incredible amount of shows at Iridium and have all met there. In addition to seeing shows at Iridium, you can also catch them at live shows throughout the city. It's always gratifying when fans come up to me, excitedly pointing out shows they are going to see, how this schedule "is the best one yet", and brag about how many Iridium shows they've been to. I think that's the best part of this "job", the effect we've had on our customers and how many friends we've made as well as amongst our fan base. Babies have been born, marriages have happened...ok, I'm not sure how many times that's actually happened, but I bet at least one or two....
Anyway, personally, Grace, Jeff, and me, excitedly still make our "wish" lists of who we want to bring to the club and can't wait to the day we can make that a reality again.
In the meantime, we ask our fans to get involved with us and venues across the country in helping NIVA- National Independent Venue Association in our efforts to keep live independent venues alive. Not only for places like Iridium, so we can open soon, but other clubs that are really struggling.
We're projecting a grand reopening in late spring, but if we had a crystal ball, we would definitely share it! The fact is, it's anyone's best guess, we're using Broadway opening as some kind of guide....
While we wait for Congress to pass the Save Our Stages Act, venues across the country are at risk of shuttering forever. That’s why your donation to the NIVA Emergency Relief fund means so much. Fans have been generous, and donations are still coming in! If you missed any of Save Our Stages Fest, you can watch it and individual artist performances on YouTube Music. Plus, shop #SOSFEST merch, including exclusive artists posters from every venue.
Check out https://www.saveourstages.com
Here you'll find exclusive concerts that you can watch, as well as learn more about NIVA and how you can help!
In the meantime, keep the faith and we will see you all soon!