New York, NY (November 21, 2024) witnessed a significant event as the non-profit organization Live Music Society announced the recipients of its 2024 Toolbox grants. Founded during the pandemic, LMS has been dedicated to supporting small venues and listening rooms across the U.S. This year, an impressive $290,000 will be distributed among 34 venues, the highest number of recipients in a single round to date.

Empowering Small Venues for Musical Creativity

Grants Tailored to Practical Needs

The Live Music Society Toolbox grants are specifically designed to address the practical needs of small venues. These grants play a crucial role in helping these venues overcome short-term issues that can have a lasting positive impact on their health and growth. Projects funded in this round encompass a wide range of improvements, such as sound and lighting upgrades, accessibility enhancements, and the acquisition of equipment that enables training opportunities in live music production and stage lighting.For instance, Make.Shift Arts Space in Bellingham, WA, will receive a grant that allows them to upgrade their audio system and install LED lights, a control system, and wireless receivers. This upgrade will not only enhance the venue's performance capabilities but also provide more opportunities for artists and audiences alike.The Holland Project in Reno, NV, as the area's only all-ages independent space, will be able to offer expanded production and have more advanced tools for training in sound and lighting. This will enable them to nurture local talent and provide a platform for emerging artists to showcase their skills.

Impact on Volunteer-Run Venues

Groundworks in Tucson, AZ, a volunteer-run venue, will benefit from the grant by providing its volunteer crew with skills training to operate in the space. This not only empowers the volunteers but also ensures the smooth running of the venue, which in turn benefits the local music scene. With upgraded equipment, Tucson's music scene will thrive, offering more opportunities for musicians and music lovers.Kuumbwa Jazz in Santa Cruz, CA, and The Focal Point in St. Louis, MO, both marking 50th anniversaries, will use the grant for audio, video, and stage upgrades. These upgrades will help them maintain their status as cultural landmarks and continue to provide a platform for live music.Kilowatt in San Francisco, CA, celebrating 30 years, will also benefit from new sound equipment and enhanced seating. This will enhance the overall concert experience for audiences and contribute to the venue's longevity.X-Ray Arcade in Cudahy, WI, will make its main entrance ADA-compliant with a new ramp. This small but significant improvement will allow more people to enjoy live music comfortably and safely, making the venue more accessible to a wider audience.In Littleton, NH, The Loading Dock is addressing stage functionality by building a storage area for sound equipment and a drum riser. This will improve the efficiency of the venue and enhance the performance quality.

List of 2024 Toolbox Grantees

The full list of 2024 Toolbox grantees includes:Churchill School (Baker City, OR)Make.Shift Art Space (Bellingham, WA)ISSUE Project Room (Brooklyn, NY)Snug Harbor (Charlotte, NC)Rosa’s Lounge (Chicago, IL)X-Ray Arcade (Cudahy, WI)Lager House (Detroit, MI)Red Clay Music Foundry (Duluth, GA)Jamey’s House of Music (Lansdowne, PA)Lucia (Lawrence, KS)The Loading Dock (Littleton, NH)Siberia (New Orleans, LA)The Jazz Gallery (New York, NY)Silvana (New York, NY)The 5 Spot (Nashville, TN)The East Room (Nashville, TN)Ojai Underground Exchange (Ojai, CA)The Sound Room (Oakland, CA)The Apohadion Theater (Portland, ME)SPACE (Portland, ME)The Holland Project (Reno, NV)The Focal Point (St. Louis, MO)Jazz St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)Black Cat (San Francisco, CA)Brick & Mortar Music Hall (San Francisco, CA)El Rio, Your Dive (San Francisco, CA)Kilowatt (San Francisco, CA)Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club (San Francisco, CA)Kuumbwa Jazz (Santa Cruz, CA)Conor Byrne (Seattle, WA)Fremont Abbey (Seattle, WA)Groundworks (Tucson, AZ)The Pocket (Washington, DC)Rhizome DC (Washington, DC)