The historic nightclub has reached its GoFundMe page goal, but managers are still uncertain of what the future holds for intimate venues amid the pandemic.
The Hollywood nightclub is famed for playing a pivotal role in the careers of music icons such as Elton John, Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, and many, many more. Now, after 60 years of an inimitable cultural scene, it’s facing the possibility that it may not be able to make it through extended COVID-19 closures.
In April, the general manager, Christine Karayan, and two other organizers started a second GoFundMe page, and although they’ve managed to surpass their target, they’re by no means in the clear. The funds are going towards paying 20 hourly employees that were laid off around the time the order went into place.
Governor Gavin Newsom has released a four-phase plan to reopen California with music venues and festivals last on the list of priorities. This means it could be a long road ahead—potentially, a year or more—for venues that rely on location-based experiences and with almost no alternative means of income to carry them through it.
“If we’re going to survive this thing—and that’s a big if,” Karayan said to the LA Times. “We’re going to need all the help we can get, from any direction we can get it.”
On top of the long journey ahead, upon opening, there would likely be changes to the number of people permitted in the venue which has obvious impacts on its financial sustainability.
“The more I think about it, it’s just completely futile. At least a big seated venue has space where they can keep people apart,” she said to the Times.
Being independent, the Troubadour also lacks the corporate sponsorship that could have potentially kept the business afloat until things returned to some level of normalcy.
Clearly, there is a strong desire amongst loyal fans to keep it open. Even musicians like Glass Animals—who were the last to play there—have called upon followers to help save it. The comments left by those that have donated also capture the venue’s profound legacy, recalling the countless memories they have of seeing once-in-a-lifetime performances.
To keep this local treasure around you can head to their GoFundMe page here.
Featured image: Rocor