TribLIVE.com (03/07/21) Harrop, Joanne Klimovich; Stipp, Sean

The coronavirus pandemic has been catastrophic for the live music sector across the U.S. as live performances remain at a virtual standstill, forcing artists to either suspend their livelihood or find inventive measures to sustain it. Some have adapted through technologies like livestreaming, transforming opportunities to earn extra money from remote performances to a new channel for connecting with larger audiences. The industry's future remains uncertain, and some venue owners have gained a new appreciation for in-person events. John Vento of West Deer, Pennsylvania, co-founded Band Together Pittsburgh, a nonprofit that offers programming musical experiences and vocational opportunities for those on the autism spectrum. He doubts that many beloved venues serving the Pittsburgh music scene will survive the pandemic, while venue owner Ron Esser wonders whether there will be enough venues and gigs for all the artists struggling to bounce back after such a long closure. Drusky Entertainment owner Brian Drusky, who also is a Pennsylvania precinct captain for the National Independent Venue Association, said the industry is evolving, with venues striving to make changes to host events. This may include employing space differently to allow for social distancing or opening a kitchen to serve food with alcohol, or making use of outdoor areas. "We have all banded together on a local and national level, and this has brought about relationships that wouldn't have been there pre-pandemic," Drusky said.

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