It's been a long and hard year. No one is overly thrilled about much of anything and way back when in March, when we all first started hearing the messaging about "We're in this Together" we all assumed it would be a short time of inconvenience and once it was over, we'd be back to normal. Well, March feels like 100 years ago.
The impact has been monumental on so many and one of the hardest hit industries all over the country and locally has been entertainment. Specifically, live music, festivals, clubs and theaters that all depend on audience turn over and touring acts to fill their venues so they can in turn fill our lives with everything we love. From the congregate experience of being together for a show, sharing a few beers with friends or seeing that one artist you had on your bucket list...we've all learned first hand this year just how much the live entertainment world means to us and it's left a huge, gaping hole. 
Click Here to Help Save Michigan Stages
It goes a little further too. With that industry...there's a of the stuff you don't see. Sure, you see the stars on the stage, but what about the lights, the sound and the stage? They too have a field of professionals working to make it happen. What about the service staff? The rely on slinging your favorite beer to make a living. How about the city's where the show's happen? Think of the impact a show large or small has on a town when people come in for dinner, buy some gas or maybe make a night out of it. The music industry is a huge economic driver, and it's hit hard.
In Michigan and around the country, long standing competitors have all had to join forces to try and get the attention of those in government who are in charge of helping in such emergencies. Where once they were competing to get the same act to play their stage, now they are all in it for survival and relying on each other and their collective fan base to get that red flag up and help save the stages.
Gary and Michelle Hanks operate 7 Steps Up in Spring Lake. They have been a great sponsor of our page in the past and we aske Michelle to spend a little time today to help explain the situation and help spread the word as to how fans of live entertainment can push their legislators to help fund this remarkably vital part of so much of all of our lives. Economically, socially, spiritually and creatively, we're all attached to live music. Take a listen to our talk with Michelle.
Take the time, write the letter, do your part to get the attention of those who can pass the bills to help maintain the lively hoods of those who are out front, or behind the scenes of the entertainment world. From the local civic theater to the biggest festivals there are, this is a group of people who give far more than they get day in and day out for the greater good of all of us and we thank Michelle for taking a few minutes today to help share the message of all that's needed and how we can all make a difference.
To learn more about Save Michigan Stages, click on the photo below.
