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.

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Persons: Taylor Swift, Stephen Parker, NIVA, Parker, Dayna Frank, Frank Organizations: Independent, Association, Productions Locations: Minnesota's Twin Cities