Thalia Hall is a historic venue that is located in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. The iconic space is known for bringing a fun and vibrant spirit to its community.
Lights Up! had the pleasure to sit down with Bobby Ramirez, the Director of Music Operations at Thalia Hall, to hear his story of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic as a venue manager.
COVID-19 hit Thalia Hall pretty drastically. It put a significant hold on their live events, causing acts to cancel or reschedule shows that were supposed to take place during the past seven months. The pandemic ultimately caused the venue to lose a lot of its revenue streams and it is very daunting that they will not be able to reopen fully again until a vaccine is issued. Bobby is continuously thinking of practical ways to make the live show experience feel safe even after it has been deemed safe. He stated that when different government levels issue a recommended reduced capacity, he believes it might be safer to allow even smaller numbers. Thalia Hall has already been investing in plexiglass windows for its bar, gloves/masks for their crew members, and thermometers for temperature checks at the front door.
Bobby believes that the way crews are going to interact is going to change fundamentally. It will not be a great idea to have an internal crew handling all of the equipment of a touring band that has been in several different places. He believes that pairing crews into teams of two instead of everyone touching the equipment at the same time will allow more safety and containment. Thalia Hall had the opportunity to implement this system when Lollapalooza rented their space for live streams this past summer.
Although Thalia Hall is not open for the time being, Bobby and his team have been helping keep the music scene alive during a time where we cannot physically be at shows. Bobby stated that they have been co-promoting live streams that are produced by artists. These live streams are not performed at their space, but they have been jumping in as the Chicago market promoter for many live streams. In terms of live music, Thalia Hall hosts a small outdoor live music series called "Kickin' it Curbside," currently active in the Tack Room space, located on the venue's ground level. The Tack Room is where people can see live outdoor quality programming for free on Wednesdays and Sundays. It only makes sense to use it during these crazy pandemic times to continue providing that same type of vibrant concert spirit while maintaining a safe atmosphere.
Thalia Hall has some exciting things in the works for the next upcoming months. One idea that they are considering for the wintertime is reducing the capacity in the venue to provide fun small in-person experiences. This plan will be contingent on how infection rates will look like in Chicago and the rest of Illinois. Bobby also stated that they are planning to release some fun, new merchandise and will be toying around with the idea of virtual shows. Although virtual shows are a viable form of entertainment, Bobby strongly believes that nothing will ever top the magic of seeing shows in person. Venues have historically been the point of connection between a band and a live audience. They bring acts and get them out to the right fans in their market. Live streaming is just an extension of that.
Thalia Hall's most significant hardship due to the pandemic is placed on the staffers and crew members who work in the music venue and restaurant/bar. They are separate venues, but the entire building is dependent on the nightly influx of people coming through for shows. So, when there are no shows, it drastically affects the numbers they can bring into the restaurant. There is a GoFundMe to help alleviate the hardship placed on the employees. It is a fundraiser that they've been paying out to all of their hourly staffers for both the venue and the restaurant/bar properties located downstairs. The link to the GoFundMe is attached below.
Bobby stated that for venues like Thalia, and other independent venues across the country, one of the biggest things that can help is people writing to their elected representatives to support another stimulus package. The Save Our Stages Act is one grant program that helps performing-arts and music venues all around the nation. If people write to their elected representative in support of this grant program, many of these independent places that have been cultivators of music for so long will get at least a little bit more aid. The existence of venues such as Thalia Hall strictly depends on the presence and support of the people. It is important to help these spaces stay alive during these pandemic times to ensure that we can enjoy them long after.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thaliahallchicago
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thaliahallchicago/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThaliaHallChi
GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/thalia-duseks-employee-relief
