LineCheck: A series of virtual conversations with Minnesota's music community
May 19, 2021
After a long year of shuttered venues, canceled gigs, civil unrest, and unearthed patterns of abuse, the Minnesota music scene has its eye on rebuilding — for 2021 and beyond. This June, join The Current for LineCheck, a series of virtual conversations with Minnesota's music community. We'll cover topics like the Minnesota music economy, mental health care for creatives, supporting safe music spaces, and activism through music. How do we make sure we're coming back even better than before? How do we make the music community a safe place for every artist and fan? How do we make Minnesota music thrive? Performances from a Minnesota musician will bookend each conversation.
LineCheck is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
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As performance spaces begin to reopen post-pandemic, what is the state of Minnesota's live music economy? We'll speak with venue operators about how they stayed afloat during the shutdown and how they're preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Plus, Minnesota was a leader in getting the Save Our Stages Act into the COVID-19 Relief Bill. Get a primer on this act and hear how it's impacted Minnesota's creative community. Watch the full discussion in the video player above.
Facilitator: Kristin Schwab
Panelists: Ashley Ryan of First Avenue, Sophia Eris of Auntie's, Molly Maher of Como Lakeside Pavilion
Performer: Charlie Parr
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The past year has been difficult for everyone, but artists have been hit especially hard, from loss of work and income to barriers to connecting with their own creative communities. We'll take stock of the emotional toll this year has taken, talk about how artists are faring now, and explore ways to move forward. We'll also explore the many resources available to artists. Watch the full discussion in the video player above.
Facilitator: Sarah Souder Johnson
Panelists: Annie Mack, Nazeem Jalees (Blood $moke Body), Davina Lozier (Davina & the Vagabonds)
Performer: Mary Bue
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As venues around the state start to reopen, how can operators use this opportunity to make their spaces more inclusive for artists and music fans of all identities? We'll explore standards that make venues accessible to every body, as well as codes of conduct that prioritize the safety of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Hear from experts about positive and practical changes that venues can consider to make their spaces safer.
Facilitator: Shawna Potter
Panelists: Kimmy Hull and Shannon Blowtorch of Sequeerity, rØ, Ryan Kroening of Events by Lady K
Performer: Mayda
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Songwriters and artists have often used their art to influence social change. As unrest broke out in the city of Minneapolis in the wake of George Floyd's murder, Minnesota musicians turned to their creative outlets as agents of change. We'll talk to artists about their activism through music and explore its impact on our community.
Facilitator: Anastasia Ellis
Panelists: Maria Isa, Muja Messiah, Nur-D
Performer: Sounds of Blackness