The ongoing presence of COVID-19 continues to be the main cause of dire concern across the live events industry in North America. Independently-owned venues including Washington, D.C.’s U Street Music Hall and Pittsburgh’s Rex Theater have already announced their permanent closures and more are sure to follow if shows don’t return en masse or federal aid doesn’t arrive by the end of the year. Realistically, neither option looks very promising with winter right around the corner.
The loss of live music is also being felt by those in the booming cannabis industry, which has continued to do well overall in terms of demand and profitability throughout the pandemic. The high levels of anxiety many Americans are feeling from a global pandemic and literally-sickening election season has made weed one of the healthier options for self-medication and stress relief.
Related: New Survey Predicts 90% Of Austin’s Music Venues Could Close By November
Colorado-based organization Terrapin Care Station, which grows and sells cannabis in the Boulder/Denver/Aurora regional area, is an example of a notable ally from the cannabis community for local event promoters. The dispensary chain has reportedly donated up to $25,000 to Z2 Entertainment, which owns Boulder, CO venues Fox Theatre and Boulder Theater. A report published by Denver Westward this week details the regional promoter has laid off nearly 100 employees since March. The Boulder Theater has at least been able to start holding events on weekends at 10% venue capacity, but that won’t keep the lights on for long.
The report also noted Terrapin Care Station has since donated an additional $5,000 to nonprofit Colorado Music Experience.
Terrapin Care Station owners have worked closely with the venues in the past including holding their own events at the Boulder Theater. Additionally, the dispensary has hosted musical performances at its growing facilities, such as the live session which Lettuce did last year.
[H/T Denver Westward]
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