A recent survey conducted by the National Independent Venue Association found that 90% of independent music venues face closure if the coronavirus shutdown lasts six months or longer and there’s no federal support provided. Now, a group of 600 artists have signed an open letter calling on Congress to provide the necessary funding and support to keep these venues afloat.
The following letter was received from The Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton and we felt it important enough to reprint it and share it with our readers:
We’re a part of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), which was formed to try to save independent venues and promoters across the country. We were the first to close and will be the last to fully reopen. Without support from Congress, 90% of NIVA’s independent venues, festivals & promoters across America say they will be forced to close their doors forever. Congress will be voting THIS MONTH, so we need your help NOW. Go to www.SaveOurStages.com to send a letter to Congress. The form for the letter is already filled in, you just have to add your name. It takes less than 30 seconds.
Without inclusion in the next stimulus bill, this might be the last chance for your favorite independent venues, festivals and promoters. Tell your reps that life support for independent venues and promoters must be included.
Even if you’ve written once, please make your voices heard now, it’s quick, easy and free. Ask your legislators to support and cosponsor S. 3814/H.R. 7481, the RESTART Act, introduced by Senators Young and Bennett in the Senate and Representatives Golden and Kelly in the House, which would ensure the survival of independent venues, festivals and promoters across the nation.
With the new impetus surrounding enforcing social distancing rules, it’s hard to understand how cities can continue their annual traditions of parades and fireworks on Independence Day which have always attracted large crowds in past years and is something that we are trying to avoid at all costs this year. It wasn’t easy but we decided to put together our annual city by city list to see exactly what we can look forward to seeing this particular July 4th.
The City of Margate will parade festively decorated City vehicles through their neighborhoods so people won’t need to leave the confines of their homes. In addition, the fireworks show will only be 10 minutes long and visible to attendees who will need to remain in their cars. [Read more…]
The City of Plantation is following a similar path. Families will be encouraged to celebrate from the safety of their homes with a drive-by parade through Plantation’s streets. Fireworks will take place at an undisclosed location which will be closed to the public. Patriotic remarks by the mayor and council-members will be broadcast via Facebook and YouTube.
The City of Coral Springs will be parading through various neighborhoods and has outlined a map showing approximate times and locations when residents can step outside and waive patriotic flags.
The City of Fort Lauderdale will hold 4 small fireworks shows at the following locations:
Beach Community Center Parking lot
Holiday Park
City Garage
Carter Park
Even though these are public venues, they will be shut down during the fireworks shows and only visible to people at surrounding businesses, local homes and high rise condos.
Residents of Pompano Beach are invited to either look up to the sky or watch the fireworks through the City’s website, or Comcast Ch. 78 without being told where they will actually be launched at 9pm.
The cities of Hollywood, and Deerfield Beach have confirmed canceling their annual event for fear of contributing to the spread of Coronavirus.
PALM BEACH COUNTY
A city by city list of events was compiled by WPTV (local NBC affiliate) and upon review, most cities issued a similar statement citing the cancelation of their annual 4th of July events due to Covid-19. The following were exceptions:
“Red, White, & Blue in Boca,” a week-long Virtual 4th of July Celebration from June 27 – July 4 on the Boca Raton Recreation social media pages and the City of Boca Raton’s YouTube Channel.
This year Wellington will celebrate Independence Day with two fireworks displays. The displays will run simultaneously at Village Park (parking on-site. Gates open at 8 p.m.) and the Wellington Green Park, adjacent to The Mall at Wellington Green.
While the City’s Independence Day celebration will include fireworks, they will not be launched from near Flagler Drive but, instead, from two different undisclosed north and south locations to reach as many people as possible. Fireworks start at 9:00 p.m.
Celebrations from Around the Country
Since many of us are being urged to stay inside and watch the celebrations from the convenience of our couches, why not check out celebrations from other states around this great nation of ours? Here are a few we included on our virtual live music calendar for the 4th of July:
4-8pm – Asheville Downtown Virtual Concerts
Drop in to listen for a while or check out the whole four hours. Tune in to IamAVL’s YouTube channel to enjoy a diverse offering of local music on the Fourth of July holiday. Links to the virtual celebration will be posted on a variety of social media channels, making it easy for people to find, including on Visit Asheville, the City of Asheville and the Asheville Downtown Association’s Facebook pages. [more details can be found in the notes inside our calendar]
7-8pm – Cincinnati Symphony
Gather the family for a virtual July 4 concert—live from Music Hall.
Conductor John Morris Russell and members of the Pops, along with special guests Melinda Doolittle and Over the Rhine, perform a July 4 concert you can experience at home.
Enjoy special pre-recorded performances from the Steep Canyon Rangers and the U.S. Army Chorus.
Stay for the Sousa! Stars and Stripes Forever becomes a virtual visual extravaganza to cap off the program.
To access the free event: Go to the Live Events page on July 4 at 7 pm EST to watch.
8-10pm – Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes
A Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes will be aired on Bloomberg Television (available on cable/satellite and streaming services) and Bloomberg Radio on July 4, starting at 8 PM. The show will also be simulcast on Boston’s WHDH-TV.
hosted by John Stamos and Vanessa Williams featuring performances by by Patti LaBelle, John Fogerty, Renée Fleming, The Temptations, Trace Adkins, Andy Grammer, Yolanda Adams, Brantley Gilbert, Lauren Alaina, Chrissy Metz, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Kelli O’Hara, Mandy Gonzalez and the National Symphony Orchestra, With Live Fireworks from Washington, D.C.
You’ll have a front row seat in the comfort of your home for this star-studded performance, featuring world-renowned Tony, Emmy & Grammy award-winning singer and actress Cynthia Erivo alongside the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, plus a high-energy set from American hitmaker, multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter, producer, actor and dancer, Jason Derulo. The concert is broadcast live on NBC10 from the historic Met Philadelphia on the Independence Blue Cross Stage.
Let’s not forget out Live Music Events around town every day of the week!
Don’t forget to check out the list of bands performing all over town and more via these online calendars at WeekendBroward:
Fort Lauderdale Live Music Calendar– An hour by hour listing of bands playing today from Hollywood up to Pompano Beach, including exact times and special notes. Plus, virtual events for those who wish to stay home.
Dancing delightfully close to the edge of controversy, a community-wide coalition of local leaders today announced a new collective impact local stimulus campaign, spearheaded by Six Pillars Broward, to help kickstart a safe economic reboot of Broward County. Nearly 120,000 people lost their jobs in the month of April, because of COVID-19 pandemic closures.
Conceptualized by Zimmerman Advertising, the playful community campaign cajoles consumers to identify as SOBs – Supporters of Broward – and do their part to support local businesses. With a wink, its colorful signage, ads and merchandise boldly remind people to eat, drink, shop and otherwise spend locally like an SOB, but also to wash, wear a mask, social distance and otherwise be safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus like an SOB.
The campaign launched today with a virtual event featuring video and live content from multiple locations throughout Broward County, highlighting the community’s many cultures and diversities. The 90-day stimulus initiative is co-chaired by Tony Coley, Regional President – South Florida, Truist, and Penny Shaffer, Market President – South Florida, Florida Blue. In addition to inspiring individuals to be Supporters of Broward, the campaign encourages major companies and organizations to reroute spending to local firms and engage Broward County certified small businesses as new sources for goods and services.
“Being a Supporter of Broward today means making a lasting impact on our local businesses and in the lives of hundreds of thousands of our neighbors, friends, children, grandparents, and generations to come,” said Coley.
“We need everyone to step up and proudly say, ‘I’m a Supporter of Broward!’ We are all in this together, and together we will make Broward County better than ever before,” said Shaffer.
The multi-channel campaign comprised of print, broadcast, social, digital and outdoor media highlights local businesses of all sizes and types, nonprofits, cities and Chambers of Commerce throughout Broward County and engages consumers through a series of creative promotions, incentives and contests to buy local and be an SOB. The campaign is a special project of Six Pillars Broward, a community-wide initiative of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and its 501C3 Alliance Foundation.
“Never before has it been more important to come together as a community to strengthen our local economy, support one another and be Supporters of Broward. Six Pillars Broward is honored to bring together diverse leaders united in our love and pride for our community,” said Joseph E. Hovancak, Executive Director of Six Pillars Broward.
“This work was intended to get people’s attention to focus on the local businesses right in their own backyard. We don’t want Broward businesses to just survive…we want them to thrive,” said David Nathanson, Creative Chairman of Zimmerman Advertising.
Unlike previous years, due to COVID-19, the City of Margate will be bringing the annual 4th of July parade to our residents and businesses instead of hosting the parade along Margate Boulevard. On Saturday, July 4, 2020, beginning at 10 A.M., festively decorated City vehicles will travel through Margate neighborhoods in celebration of Independence Day.
The City encourages everyone to practice social distancing while cheering and waving flags as the parade passes by.
Please see the attached map for the parade route and the approximate times the parade will be in your area. Times are subject to change, caused by local traffic.
North Route: 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
The Carolinas
The Greens
Holiday Springs
Coral Bay
Toscana Villas
The Courtyards
Coral Gate
North Margate
Central Route: 11:15 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Royal Springs
Townhomes of Oriole
Palm Springs
Oriole Golf & Tennis Club
Paradise Gardens
The Lakes of Margate
Woodlake Isles
Lakewood Gardens
South Route: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Lakewood on the Green
The Palms at Atlantic
Oriole Margate
Palm Lakes
Waterford Villas
Southgate
Monte Carlo
Margate Estates
Oakland Hills
Palm Gate
Heritage Pines
Residents are asked to clear the streets of parked cars to allow City vehicles to easily access and maneuver the roadway.
The City encourages everyone to practice social distancing while cheering and waving flags as the parade passes by.
Evening Fireworks Display
Later that evening, the City will host a modified version of its 4th of July Fireworks Display. The 10-minute show will begin at 9 p.m. at the Margate Sports Complex, 1695 Banks Road. The park will be closed to the public, however the show will be viewable from your vehicle parked on Banks Road. The show will be live streamed on the City’s Facebook page, facebook.com/CityofMargateFL
Road Closures
BANKS ROAD will be partially closed for parking starting at 8:00 P.M. from COPANS ROAD to NW 15th STREET. New driving pattern for thru traffic. BANKS ROAD will completely close at 8:45 P.M. for all remaining parking only. Parking is extremely limited and residents are encouraged to find alternate locations to view the fireworks, while practicing social distancing.
Father’s Day has never been celebrated as highly as Mother’s Day but that didn’t stop restaurants and other local businesses from offering enticing offers on this annual occasion. Unfortunately, with reduced staffing levels, reduced capacity seating and the elimination of self-serve buffets, Father’s Day 2020 will not be the same as in prior years no matter where you decide to celebrate. We decided to share some of the many creative offers we came across just to get a better picture of how some south Florida venues are handling the challenge of celebrating Dad during a worldwide Pandemic this June 21st, 2020.
Enjoy the best of Blues-Rock by the Denny Artache Band Noon-4pm featuring Denny Artache on Lead Guitar and Vocals, Randy Ridenour on Drums and Backing Vocals and Charles Gasper on Bass Guitar. Scott Avery keeps the music going 4-8:30 at the patio-bar.
Crazy Uncle Mike’s in Boca Raton: B-I-N-G-O! That’s right we are playing along as DJ Gio Black plays the tunes. Games start every hour starting at 12pm. Prizes include Gift Cards, Bottles, Swag & More! Come dressed in your best themed outfits for free shots & prizes! Saturday Night Fever and other favorite 70’s movies will be playing on screens throughout! Ladies Drink FREE Mimosas! Guys go bottomless for $15 bucks 😉 Also available, Bourbon, Steak and Cigar dinner all day $75. More info, call 561-931-2889
MORE PLACES TO WINE & DINE WITH DAD
Shooters Waterfront in Fort Lauderdale will be offering a Prime Rib special 😋 16 oz King Cut Slow Roasted Prime Rib, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Carrots & Corn Succotash for $36. In addition to that, the first 100 fathers who order a Biscayne Bay Brewing Company beer will receive a complimentary Shooters logo pint glass. To make a reservation, call (954) 566-2855
Tequila Sunrise Mexican Grill in Oakland Park will have a Live Mariachi Band, Delicious Mexican food, Fresh squeezed Margaritas and……
Dads Eat Free with entree purchase of equal or greater value! More info (954) 938-4473
Holy Mackerel Small Batch Beers in Wilton Manors has the holy grail of food and beverages this Sunday: BBQ and beer! Dads will get one complimentary Holy Mackerel draft beer or dessert with the purchase of one entree. Doors open from 12pm to 10pm with indoor and outdoor seating available. More info (954) 306-3690
Legends Tavern and Grille Deerfield Beach Celebrate Father’s Day with a plate of Baby Back Ribs for just $11.99, along with a complimentary Legendary Monk Beer. Ribs not his style? No problem! Dads with a more discerning palate can still get their hands on the free Legendary Monk by simply ordering any other delicious entrée, like the Cowboy Burger or The Havana sandwich. More info (754) 212-2655
Johnnie Brown’s in Delray Beach is offering dads a complementary draft beer with the purchase of any food item. Live music all day with Spider Cherry at 8 PM and Shawn Schumann at 4 PM. Doors open at 12 noon. More info at (754) 212-2655
UNIQUE EVENTS ON FATHER’S DAY
U-Pick Family Farms Inc. in Davie promised plenty of fun weekend activities for Dad and the kids with a petting zoo farm and hayride open 10:00 am- 6:00 pm. More info at (954) 804-2850
Paint Ur Pet at Painting with a Twist (Deerfield Beach, FL) Sip & paint your pet’s custom portrait while celebrating your favorite FURDAD! After you reserve your seat, send a high resolution headshot image of your pet to [email protected] Only one pet per canvas please! More info at (954) 482-0515
Make Music Day – Based on the French Fête de la Musique, Make Music Day brings together 800 cities in 120 countries across the globe, forming a worldwide music festival. Due to the Pandemic, most events will be taking place online only meaning that you won’t have to travel further than your computer or mobile device to watch performances from across the globe including a few here in south Florida too. Read more about [Miami]or [Palm Beach County]
Karaoke at Tailgators Sports Bar & Grille in Deerfield Beach from 5-8pm. Treat your dad or yourself to Surf & Turf $24.99 or Grandma’s Gravy $17.99
Bring your son or daughter (12 and up) to Premier Billiards in Coral Springs and play all day from Noon till 6pm for only $15. Mention Father’s Day deal for a free beverage and a shareable serving of mozzarella sticks.
LIVE MUSIC ON FATHER’S DAY
BROWARD COUNTY (and virtual online)
12pm Denny Artache Band (Blues) at Galuppi’s in Pompano Beach *
12pm John Giamundo at Tavolino Della Notte in Coral Springs
12pm Nyne2Five at Shooters Waterfront in Fort Lauderdale
12pm Davis & Dow Jazz Brunch LIVE on Facebook
1pm Shin Dig Duo at Cafe 27 in Southwest Ranches
1pm Shakey T Duo at CJ Black’s in Davie
4:00pm Scott Avery at Galuppi’s in Pompano Beach
5pm Julie Haven & Arthur at Shooters Waterfront in Fort Lauderdale
5:30pm Eddie Bustamante at Tavolino Della Notte in Coral Springs
6 pm Daniel Ericks LIVE on Facebook
7pm Frank Ricci at Fishtales in Fort Lauderdale
7pm Hernan Fortuna (Global Music w/ Flamenco Dancer) at Spazio in Fort Lauderdale
7pm Oscar & Viviana (Top 40 & Latin) at Cafe Ibiza in Fort Lauderdale
7:30 Steve Minotti LIVE on Facebook
PALM BEACH COUNTY
11am Michelle Wolf at Delray Beach Marriott (weekly event not yet verified this weekend)
2pm The Latitudes at Square Grouper in Jupiter
6pm Axcents at Fish Depot in Boynton Beach
8pm Spider Cherry at Johnnie Brown’s in Delray Beach
Although still in Phase 1 for the re-opening of businesses in the state of Florida, City and County governments can implement rules of their own as well. On June 5th, Broward County amended their Emergency Order 20-15 regarding the re-opening of Movie Theatres, Museums, Broward County Parks, Youth Activities, Summer Camps, Bowling Alleys, Arcades, Indoor Amusement Facilities and Short Term Vacation Rentals.
Beginning, Monday, June 15th, Concert Houses, Auditoriums and Playhouses may reopen if they provide a plan that is approved by the Broward County Administrator. A certificate should be displayed prominently by the business, verifying that their reopening plan has been reviewed and approved by the County.
On opening day, only 6 businesses were currently listed on the county’s website as approved. One of them is called The Playhouse, located in Hallandale, but it’s neither a theater nor a small house for children. It’s actually a Gentleman’s Club! Another approved venue is a theater inside Century Village of Deerfield Beach called CenClub. Both Empire Stage and Infinite Abyss are well known stage theaters in the Fort Lauderdale area. And if you have ever gone to a Pirate or Renaissance festival, you may have seen The Royal Chessmen who often dual in full regalia. The last business, Adventure Kids Inc, was unclear as to which business used that name in Fort Lauderdale.
Also permitted to open on Monday, without submitting a request, are Bowling Alleys, Arcades, and Indoor Amusement Facilities subject to a fifty percent maximum capacity. Are billiards included in this category? Well, if Gentleman Clubs can open as Playhouses, then Pool Halls should certainly fit the same category as indoor amusement. Fuzzy logic at its’ best!
The campaign launched today with a virtual event featuring video and live content from multiple locations throughout Broward County, highlighting the community’s many cultures and diversities. The 90-day stimulus initiative is co-chaired by Tony Coley, Regional President – South Florida, Truist, and Penny Shaffer, Market President – South Florida, Florida Blue. In addition to inspiring individuals to be Supporters of Broward, the campaign encourages major companies and organizations to reroute spending to local firms and engage Broward County certified small businesses as new sources for goods and services.
The multi-channel campaign comprised of print, broadcast, social, digital and outdoor media highlights local businesses of all sizes and types, nonprofits, cities and Chambers of Commerce throughout Broward County and engages consumers through a series of creative promotions, incentives and contests to buy local and be an SOB. The campaign is a special project of Six Pillars Broward, a community-wide initiative of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and its 501C3 Alliance Foundation.
