Local musicians, their families and many more are recipients of Long Beach Blues Society’s “Give A Gig” program.

BLUES FESTIVAL E-GUIDE JUNE 25, 2020 VOL 15 / ISSUE 26

Long Beach Blues Society 'Give A Gig' Campaign Help Musicians in Need

(LONG BEACH, CA) - It’s no secret that musicians in Long Beach have been one of the most severely affected groups in the Southern California community since the outbreak of Covid-19.

For years musicians watched record sales dwindle as the internet changed our lives and the on set of legal digital distribution did little to help alleviate that pain. Still, professional musicians moved with the times, and luckily ‘mega’ festivals transformed the live music landscape and new eras of entertainment and income streams were born. But in a time where live music is a musician’s main source of income, what happens when live venues are closed, and social distancing means musicians can’t even make practice?

Musicians Lee King of “The King Brothers” describes it as a “crushing blow” and Willy Aguilar says he’s “never seen anything like it!” Luckily, these local musicians, their families and many more alike are recipients of Long Beach Blues Society’s “Give A Gig” program.

“Give A Gig” was conceived in early April when LBBS saw early warning signs and immediately set out on building a fundraiser to help alleviate pain caused. Now in its seventh week, the response to ‘Give A Gig’ has been amazing! $5000 has been raised so far via social media alone and in the process around 80 musicians and families have benefited from either money, gift cards or food deliveries, prompting Mayor Robert Garcia to personally write a letter of thanks to the board and staff at LBBS.

With government restrictions just now easing for only certain business and social sectors, LBBS will continue

the “Give A Gig” campaign to ensure more musicians and their families are supported during this time of the pandemic. Having reached an initial goal of $2000 within days of launch, LBBS set a new target of $5000 and were again amazed by support driving us over the line so rapidly. The goal is now set at $10,000 and LBBS thanks everyone for the incredible support of musicians in need.

Below are links to an official Facebook fundraiser and a website donation page. Long Beach Blues Society is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit company who regularly run ‘Blues for Vets’, ‘Blues in the Schools’, ‘Blues for Seniors’ programs in underserved areas of Long Beach to help “Preserve the Past and Promote the Future’ of blues music.

The Team
Long Beach Blues Society

Links and Information:
Fundraiser Web Page
Long Beach Blues Society “Give A Gig” donation page
Long Beach Blues Society Facebook page
YouTube video explaining the ‘Give A Gig’ mission

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