CLEVELAND, Ohio - Since the pandemic, many independent live music venues across the country have struggled to stay open and make a profit despite being a vital economic part of metropolitan areas, according to “The State of Live,” a recent study published by the National Independent Venue Association.

The report, released in June, is the first comprehensive national economic research study examining independent live entertainment venues, festivals, promoters, and performing arts centers.

The purpose is to quantify economic contributions, to examine the challenges facing the sector’s sustainability, and to provide data to drive advocacy and support.

Here in Cleveland, the independent venue sector includes music and comedy venues, city-operated venues such as Cain Park and The Grove, and

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