As negotiations continue in Washington over a COVID-19 stimulus package, one of the industries hardest hit by the pandemic is fighting for federal aid.

Music stars lent their voices to help their industry with the Save Our Stages virtual festival. The festival – held last weekend – raised nearly $2 million in donations with performances by musical artists such as Reba McEntire, Leon Bridges, Macklemore and many others. Organizers of the event say that the money will be given to music venues in dire need because of the pandemic.

“This is an extinction-level event and the fact that more venues have not closed is solely off of good faith that Congress is going to be able to pass the legislation,” says National Independent Venue Association executive director Rev. Moose.

The NIVA is urging lawmakers to pass $10 billion in federal grants - the Save Our Stages Act – to assist live entertainment venues and others in the industry to survive the pandemic closures.

“The impact of the live entertainment industry – Broadway, comedy – we’re talking about thousands and thousands and thousands of jobs,” Moose says.

The Save our Stages Festival was a partnership between NIVA and YouTube, just one in a series of fundraising events planned by NIVA.

Another effort to raise funds begins Saturday with National Independent Venue Week. More information can be found on the NIVA website.