Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 02/24/2022
(HOPEWELL, NJ) -- The New Jersey Independent Venue Association (NJIVA) continues to champion relief funding for NJ’s venues and promoters after learning the first round of State funding, the Community Stage Relief Grant, went largely ungranted and the industry, according to NJIVA’s recent survey, is still struggling.
Last month, NJIVA sent out a survey to New Jersey venues and promoters to determine the financial state of the industry in 2021, after reopening to the public. The survey asked questions regarding ticket and non-ticket income, labor costs, and demographics. Every respondent - which included nonprofit and for-profit organizations - reported an average 67% decrease in overall ticket sales in 2021 vs. 2019 (pre-pandemic), despite the average ticket sale price remaining comparable. Around 90% of respondents also reported an average 72% decrease in overall non-ticket revenue and an increase in their no-show rates. This occurred alongside an increase in overall labor costs for venues this past year.
80% of the survey’s respondents received relief funds from the federal Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) and 45% of them received the NJ Community Stage Grant to offset losses in 2020 when they were forced to close. But despite reopening in 2021, these venues’ losses continued.
“This data clearly shows our industry is still suffering the financial impacts of the pandemic,” says Sara Scully, NJIVA Associate and Hopewell Theater CEO.
NJIVA also received a report of which venues or promoters received the 2021 NJ Community Stage Grant for 2020. The organization did a deep dive to research who received the grant in order to determine how effective it was in providing relief to those hardest hit.
The good news was that data shows that recipients of this grant were diverse. 36% of grant recipients were women/minority-owned businesses and 36% were located in opportunity zones, as intended when the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) allocated an additional $10 million to the initial $7.5 million passed last year to aid for-profit venues.
The disappointing news was that a very small percentage of the State’s venues and promoters got the grant. 39 venues or promoters received the grant, when there are at least 130 for-profit venues or promoters in the state. Of the total $17.5 million allocated for this grant program, for for-profit venues and promoters, only $5,246,021 million was granted.
Given the extent to which venues and promoters are still struggling financially, NJIVA is currently looking to find out if the remaining nearly $12 million Community Stage Grant funding may be available with the NJEDA for a second round of much-needed funding.
NJIVA’s mission is to unify NJ’s diverse and proudly independent venue owners, operators, and presenters to foster mutual support and resource sharing, and advocate as a unified group for our shared priorities in order to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent venues, large and small.
Venues have played a crucial role in the development of NJ’s performing artists for over half a century by nurturing local, national, and international talent, and providing a platform for these artists to build their careers and develop.
NJ’s independent venues - both nonprofit and privately owned - provide thousands of jobs, as well as millions of dollars in salaries, revenues, charitable donations, and taxes. Therefore, it is critical to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of NJ independent venues.
Over twenty-five of NJ’s valued performing arts venues, presenters, and promoters are Associates of NJIVA: 1867 Sanctuary Arts and Culture Center, AM Productions, Anchor Rock Club, ArtPride New Jersey Foundation, Bananas Comedy Club, Bergen Performing Arts Center, Bird and Betty's, Boardwalk Showroom, The Clubhouse of Toms River, Count Basie Center for the Arts, Crossroads, Debonair Music Hall, Hopewell Theater, House of Independents, Hunterdon Media Partnership, K Street Group, Ledge Entertainment, Mayo Performing Arts Center, McCarter Theatre Center, Newark Symphony Hall, The Newton Theatre, Outpost in the Burbs, Palladin Tour & Travel, Roy's Hall, State Theatre New Jersey, and Wellmont Theater.
EVENT PREVIEWS
The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August
(NEWTON, NJ) -- BoDeans are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, in 2026. In honor of the anniversary, the band has a special tour planned which comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are an Oasis tribute band obsessed with recreating the raw energy, intensity and swagger of a real Oasis gig.
Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
Showboat Resorts Garden Pier hosts RE-WIND 69' Music Festival
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The inaugural RE-WIND 69' Music Festival at Showboat Resorts Garden Pier takes place August 14-16, 2026 - the anniversary weekend of the original Woodstock 1969 festival. This is a spectacular revival of a moment in American history when music united generations, healed communities, and sparked cultural change. For three unforgettable days, Atlantic City becomes a living time capsule, bringing the spirit of Woodstock and 1969 back to life through world-class recreations of the now legendary musical performances by a dynamic mix of New Jersey musicians along with national and international touring acts.
Widespread Panic to Play Three Nights at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Widespread Panic is taking over Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena for three nights from August 14-16, 2026 with shows at 8:00pm each night. The popular jam band has been together over three decades. Tickets are available for each show individually or as a 3-Day Pass.
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
FEATURED EVENTS
