The Current’s LineCheck is a series of public forum events with Minnesota artists discussing various topics affecting the local art scene. To enjoy this episode of LineCheck, use the video player above. For a brief transcript of interview highlights, read on.

Live music is back, but despite vaccines and high hopes, COVID-19 is still infecting people and wreaking havoc on tour schedules and bottom lines. First Avenue General Manager Nate Kranz, Chair of Minnesota Independent Venue Alliance Shayna Milstein, and Gully Boys members Natalie Klemond and Mariah Mercedes tell Diane how they're navigating pandemic year three.

How you can support artists at shows

Natalie Klemond: Still wear a mask. Even if you feel stupid and other people aren't, you're keeping artists safe who are probably traveling from place to place and making themselves very vulnerable. Our immune systems are down, because we're traveling and our eating schedule [and] sleeping schedules [are] off. So out of the safety and care of the artists that are performing for you, make sure you're still being safe, because we are still in a pandemic. It's not over.

Mariah Mercedes: Buy merch, if the band has merch. Buy that up. We're glorified T-shirt salesmen, so that's always a good way to support. A lot of bands have tip jars, too. Just throw some bucks on Venmo or whatever.

Natalie Klemond: If you got a stable work-from-home job and you got a little money to spare, the people who are super affected by this could use some.

Nat Harvie performances

Duluthian musician Nat Harvie performed “No Ash” and “Waiting Song” from their 2022 album Married in Song.