On Tuesday, September 1, 9pm-midnight, Pittsburgh and many other cities across the country will take part in a day of action by lighting their buildings red. According to a press release, "The goal is to raise public awareness about the economic plight of the Live Events Industry and urge Congress to pass the RESTART Act, as well as extend and expand PUA for 1099 workers and FPUC to provide financial assistance to the unemployed." If you're a business wanting to participate and be on the list, you can fill out the form HERE
Buildings here in the Pittsburgh that are participating tonight: Allegheny County Courthouse, The August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Black Forge Coffee House, Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, Club Café, The David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Fifth Avenue Place, The Gulf Tower, Heinz Hall, Hunt Library, Hughie’s Event Production Services, Koppers Building, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Mr. Smalls Theatre, North Hills Lock & Safe, The Pittsburgh City-County Building, The Pittsburgh Playhouse, PPG Paints Arena, Purnell Center for the Arts, The Rex Theater, River Vue Apartments Building, The Roxian Theater, Stage AE, Three Rivers Entertainment & Production, Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall, Vincent Lighting Systems.
-77% of people in the live events industry have lost 100% of their income, including 1099 workers.
-Live events contribute over $1 trillion annually to the US economy.
-Live events employ over 12 million people
"Our industry is more than just the artist. It's the security team, box office staff, production staff, cleaning crew, bar staff, interns, and community that make a show/concert venue successful.....We want to keep creating the events that form these special memories but our industry is in dire need of help. We're holding onto hope that support will come and soon. So please, don't forget about the livelihood of those who bring the music industry to life and let's get back to making music happen."
-Tara Friel (General Manager, Roxian Theatre)
LIVE MUSIC FANS can participate in the #RedAlertRESTART by:
- Contacting you representatives here
- Posting a red tinted photo from your favorite live event using the caption: #RedAlertRESTART: the live events we love may never recover from the pandemic, we need to take action! Take 2 minutes to contact your representatives here, and post a red photo of you at your favorite event too: (wemakeevents.org) #WeMakeEvents #ExtendPUA
- RT/share images with the hashtag #RedAlertRESTART of venues and live event workers you love
For more info, check out wemakeevents.org or watch the video below. Can't wait to see everyone's red posts later!