In a significant legal triumph, Music First has successfully claimed its rights against Longmont Social, a venue that neglected to compensate musical performers. The case took a decisive turn when Longmont Social missed the court's mediation session on April 2. Initially reported by Westword in February, this situation unfolded after Longmont Social prematurely ended a three-month contract involving Music First musicians scheduled to perform from October through December. Not only was the contract terminated early, but most of the musicians who performed during the contracted period were not paid. Becca Raccone, Executive Director of Music First, highlighted that more than a dozen musicians faced payment issues, with only one exception.

The conflict deepened as Michelle Greger, event coordinator for Longmont Social, denied any contractual or legal ties with Music First. According to Greger, Longmont Social and its owners never had a contract with Music First nor received any court documentation regarding legal matters. Instead, she suggested that Music First had an agreement with Adam Tuttle and Gourmet Ghost Charcuterie, operating as a third party at Longmont Social. However, Tuttle contradicted this claim, stating his company never had a third-party relationship with Longmont Social or a contract with Music First. Confirming this, Raccone stated that Music First never collaborated with Gourmet Ghost Charcuterie. Furthermore, Tuttle revealed that he served as the general manager of Longmont Social until January of this year, also pointing out that the company issued bounced checks to terminated employees who remain uncompensated.

Boulder County Courthouse confirmed Longmont Social's failure to attend the mediation session on April 2, leading Music First to file a judgment for collecting unpaid funds. This victory underscores the widespread issue of musicians not receiving payments from venues globally, a problem Music First aims to address. Raccone emphasized that musicians lack the ability to leave negative reviews on business pages when they are not compensated, similar to Music First's experience with Longmont Social. She warned that businesses might lie to protect their image rather than admit their wrongdoings, potentially ruining musicians' reputations and causing them to lose booking opportunities. Thus, musicians need a safe platform to share their experiences freely.

To support this initiative, musicians can join Music First for free by emailing [email removed]. Raccone plans to launch a platform enabling musicians to review venues based on their experiences, aiming to build a stronger foundation for musicians booking across the country. In addition to advocating for musicians' rights, Music First provides essential resources such as mental health services, legal assistance, and monthly classes to help musicians navigate the music industry. Over the last two years, Music First has invested over $30,000 directly into musicians' pockets, provided over $2,100 in mental health assistance, and fought venues on behalf of musicians, all while covering operational expenses with less than $3,000 in public donations.

Despite Longmont Social announcing new management and ownership on March 5, the venue continues to host live music performances without addressing these allegations beyond their initial statement. This case highlights the importance of protecting musicians' rights and fostering transparency within the music industry. Music First stands as a beacon of hope, ensuring musicians receive fair treatment and compensation for their work.