On Tuesday May 20 at 1PM ET / 10AM PT, join Cat Henry (Executive Director, Live Music Society and Spotlight On alum), Liza Levy (President, Salt Lick Incubator), and Tom DeGeorge (COO, D-TOUR) for a critical discussion about the state of independent live music and their collaborative solution to address the challenges facing your local music venue and touring artists.

The One Night Live Tour: A New Blueprint

The catalyst for this conversation is the One Night Live tour – a 14-date run featuring rising artists Ellie Williams, Sofia Lafuente, and Farayi Malek that kicks off May 16. This unique collaboration pairs these talented musicians with independent venues across the East Coast, South, and Midwest, creating a model that supports both emerging artists and the spaces essential to their development.

What makes this tour different? The artists not only perform their own sets but also serve as backing musicians for each other, creating a more efficient touring model. Meanwhile, the venues – many operating on razor-thin margins – receive financial support to mitigate the risk of booking lesser-known talent.

Beyond the Tour: The Music Ecosystem at Risk

The livestream will address pressing questions facing the industry:

  • Why has touring become financially prohibitive for rising artists?
  • What happens when small venues can't afford to take chances on new talent?
  • How can collaboration between organizations create sustainable models?

As Cat Henry warns, without support "we risk losing a platform for a generation of promising talent." This conversation comes at a crucial moment when stories of tour cancellations and venue closures have become commonplace.

The Organizers

This discussion brings together leaders from three organizations working to change the music ecosystem:

  • Live Music Society has provided over $4 million in grants to 180 small venues since 2020
  • D-TOUR connects independent venues and promoters to create touring opportunities for emerging artists
  • Salt Lick Incubator helps independent artists build sustainable careers through mentorship and resources

Join the Conversation

This livestream conversation offers insight into not just the current challenges facing independent music venues and rising artists, but concrete solutions being implemented right now.

Register Now - Attendance is free, but registration is required.