Pollstar (12/11/20) Pittman, Sarah

Countless individuals and companies in the live music industry have come forward to aid peers hit hard economically by the COVID-19 pandemic. Numerous artists have volunteered their time by staging ticketed livestream performances for nonprofits, and by using their platforms to raise awareness to charities. Not long after the pandemic shut down tours in March, Live Nation announced the Crew Nation relief fund to help crew members, with an initial $5 million upfront contribution and a commitment to match the next $5 million in donations. By August the fund had accrued $15 million, helping 15,000 crew members throughout 36 countries. Meanwhile, the Recording Academy and affiliated charitable foundation MusiCares created the COVID-19 Relief Fund in mid-March to help artists and touring professionals whose livelihood has suffered. The fund began with $1 million in donations each by MusiCares and the Recording Academy, with an invitation to the music community, including labels, streaming service "and anyone who is able to join," to assist. The crisis also prompted the Musically Fed nonprofit to redirect its priorities. It has partnered with production companies and promoters to have volunteers sort and package donated food and distribute boxes of meals, fresh produce and dry goods to families of live event workers through COVID-safe, drive-through events.

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