The pandemic has turned live music and entertainment on its head, like so many other sectors. Live music and entertainment venues at every level still don’t know what the future holds as businesses slowly begin to reopen.

Last year, promoters and fans turned to drive-in and virtual concerts as a creative way to keep live music alive. Comedians and other entertainers also had to turn to the internet amid shutdowns. Earlier this month, the California Department of Public Health released new guidelines for a number of industries. Los Angeles County currently sits in Tier 2 or the “red tier.” Movie theaters, live performance theatres have received some type of guidance for reopening. Concert venues remain closed. Today, as part of our weeklong series exploring how different sectors of the arts and entertainment industry are starting back up, we’ll talk about how local music and entertainment venues are coping and the challenges that lie ahead as owners and operators consider what reopening looks like. We also want to hear from you! Do you operate an entertainment venue? What are the challenges you’re facing and what do you imagine the future holds? Are you a musician, comedian or live entertainer? Tell us your experience by calling 866-893-5722. 

GUESTS:

Dave Brooks, senior director of live music at Billboard; he tweets @RealDaveBrooks

Derrick Pipkin, owner of Pip’s On La Brea, a restaurant in Mid-City that traditionally offers live music nightly

Jamie Flam, co-owner and co-artistic director of Dynasty Typewriter, a comedy, theater and entertainment venue located in West Lake; he tweets @jamieflam