DON'T FORGET!

$10 Billion in Emergency Relief for Independent Music Venues Introduced in U.S. House Bill

$10 Billion in Emergency Relief for Independent Music Venues Introduced in U.S. House Bill The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday amended the Heroes Act, a broad pandemic relief bill, to include provisions from the bipartisan Save Our Stages Act After weeks of delays, a proposed federal bailout for independent music venues has taken a step forward. The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday amended the Heroes Act, a broad pandemic relief bill, to include provisions from the bipartisan Save Our Stages Act. If passed, the new package would include $10 billion in emergency grants for independent venues, producers and promoters, most of which have been without income during the COVID-19 crisis. "We hope our elected officials come together on COVID-19 assistance in the coming days, not weeks or even months," said Audrey Fix Schaefer, communications director for National Independent Venue Association. "Our small, independent businesses, which normally contribute billions of dollars to local economies, are on the precipice of mass collapse if this critical funding doesn't come through." Under the proposal, venues could apply for federal dollars to cover rent, mortgages and utilities and other expenses that have continued to mount during the pandemic. High-profile venues including Austin's Threadgill's and L.A.'s Spaceland have already closed amid the shutdown. The Save Our Stages Act was introduced in the Senate by Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) in July, but its progress was halted amid partisan gridlock and a congressional recess. The House version was introduced by U.S. Reps. Peter Welch (D-Vermont) and Roger Williams (R-Texas). Fix Schaefer said she was "cautiously optimistic" about the prospects of the bill moving forward, adding that every $1 spent on a concert ticket at an independent venue equates to $12 for area restaurants, bars and hotels.

Lauren and Erik's relationship began while the two were students at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. The couple married in September 2010 at downtown Cincinnati's stunning St. Xavier Church. As a surprise to their guests, the pair brought in local singer Peter Dressman, who gave an acoustic performance of Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah from a rear balcony of the church. The reception at The Cincinnati Club had the feel of an upscale nightclub, with colorful lights projecting decorative images of peacock feathers on the ceilings and cozy white lounge furniture placed on the outskirts of the dance floor.

Photography: Blink of an Eye Photography Ceremony: St. Francis de Sales Reception: Cooper Creek Flowers: Timothy's Florals Cake: elé Cake Company Gown: Justina McCaffrey, Amanda's Hyde Park Bridal Reception Music: Gino Speight & Tight Noise Ceremony Music: Pete Dressman Invitations: Bella Figura, Poeme Videography: Milestone Pictures Bride's Hair & Makeup: Eye Do Makeup & Hair

Pete Dressman and the S.U.N. – Volume II One spin through Pete Dressman's new album, Volume II, might give the impression that the Cincinnati singer/songwriter and his band, the Soul Unified Nation, are unrepentant lovers of contemporary classic Rock icons like Pearl Jam who wouldn't be the least bit out of place opening for locally-based Psych Rock trio Buffalo Killers. And you'd be right.

"This thing's begging to be on the radio. Smart and hard, soft and hearty, its full of water and fire". Those are the words of Music reporter C.A. MacConnell when she described Pete Dressman and the Soul Unified Nation's new album "The Current" in a March issue of City Beat. And that is exactly what to expect when you listen to "The Current" or when you see Pete and the S.U.N. live. Head banging, rolling on the ground, jumping all over the stage are common at their shows. But then the sound softens, and it is as if you have just ran into a sunny clearing after being on a mischievous trail through a jungle. Pete Dressman and the Soul Unified Nation want to take you on a ride that invites EVERYONE. And they hope people want to ride again. "There seems to be something in our band for everyone". Dressman says. "It is very apparent at our shows the diversity of people that like our stuff". Pete Dressman and the S.U.N. have toured with G. Love and Special Sauce and have opened for Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Tyrone Wells, and Jon McLaughlin. Dressman has also opened for Taylor Hicks and the Wood Brothers. Pete Dressman and the Soul Unified Nation have recently released their new album titled "The Current" on Feb. 2nd at The Madison Theater, where over 600 people were in attendance. Also their album was named to the Digstation.com's Best Sellers List for over three weeks. Songs from "The Current" have been played on radio stations all over the Cincinnati area and is regularly played on WNKU 89.7. The trio from the Cincinnati area has even started getting plays off their new CD in France! For more information go to www.myspace.com/petedmusic or www.petedressman.com