NEPA Scene Staff

Lackawanna County offers recovery grants to musicians and DJs affected by COVID-19

Lackawanna County offers recovery grants to musicians and DJs affected by COVID-19
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From a press release:

Many local musicians struggle to make ends meet as it is, so when COVID-19 hit last year, it dealt a crippling blow to their livelihoods. The economic collapse of the live music industry affected not only the musician themselves, but countless other professionals, including managers, sound technicians, stage crew, lighting directors, and more.

In an effort to effectively respond to this critical need, the Lackawanna County Commissioners and Department of Economic Development have established the Lackawanna County Music Re-Opening Act Grant with American Rescue Plan Act funds to assist musicians and DJs in recovering from the repercussions of the pandemic.

These funds can be utilized to help revitalize the local live music industry, alleviate COVID-19 revenue losses, pay eligible operating expenses, assist in the safe reopening of the county, and to bring back the much-needed benefits of local music.

Qualifying artists and must have been in operation as of Feb. 15, 2020, located in Lackawanna County, experienced financial hardship as a result of the pandemic, and currently performing.

Grants range from $10,000-$25,000, and grantees are asked to perform at the county’s upcoming “Give Back on the Mountain” Octoberfest at The Pavilion at Montage Mountain in Scranton on Saturday, Oct. 16 and Sunday, Oct. 17, an event that will allow the county to further support musicians and the local tourism industry.

The full program manual and application form can be read and downloaded here. For more information, email plned@lackawannacounty.org or call 570-963-6830.