TAMPA, Fla. — The pandemic impacted the Tampa Bay area music scene very hard.
A lot of venues remain closed more than six months ago and still have no idea when they will safely be able to put on shows again.
"These smaller venues are the ones that prepare these larger artists. Every single artist that you follow on mainstream radio has started in one of these venues," says Janette Berrios with Symphonic Distribution. "What NIVA is also supporting is not only supporting music venues but also comedy clubs, it's Broadway. These are the types of venues that are affected by it."
That is why many venues teamed up with the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) for a Virtual Vibes of the Bay concert.
Musicians from across the country will perform in the annual event Saturday, September 26 starting at 2 p.m.
Berrios also expects restaurants and the Indie Flea to get involved.
All proceeds from the concert will go to Ybor's Crowbar and NIVA to support other local, small venues as part of their #SaveourStages campaign.
To RSVP for Virtual Vibes of the Bay or to get involved, click here.