It has never been easy for small or independent music venues to turn a profit.
Now, with inflated operating costs, some owners are struggling to keep ticket prices affordable for audiences and take chances on lesser-known artists.
But many smaller, independent venues have yet to see business return to pre-pandemic levels, according to Stephen Parker, executive director of the National Independent Venue Association.
"If you are a larger venue, you're probably doing quite well post-pandemic," he said.
The latest challenge facing NIVA's network of independent venues, Parker said, is protecting margins in the face of higher costs.
Persons:
Taylor Swift, Stephen Parker, NIVA, Parker, Dayna Frank, Frank
Organizations:
Independent, Association, Productions
Locations:
Minnesota's Twin Cities