An effort to save local stages

Live-performing music, as an industry, has seen significant hardship during the pandemic, considering what a gathering of this nature entails: a large crowd in close quarters with no option to reasonably expect someone’s ability to socially distance effectively.

“Ninety percent of venues are to be slated to close by 2021. That is a lot of work and a lot of the arts being jeopardized,” said Melissa Sgambati, a co-founder of VBTLive.

Sgambati pointed out that Revolution Bar & Music Hall is now permanently closed. She said 89 North Music Venue on North Ocean Avenue in Patchogue is an integral part of the music scene.

The organization will be hosting a live-broadcast virtual fundraising music event slated to be held at 89 North on Dec. 17. Tune in at 7 p.m. to support local musicians and venues like 89 North. Additionally, 89 North will be holding an art auction that will also be broadcasted.

The Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce is in the fold, too, when discussing the local music and arts scene.

“We are sharing the Alive After Five brand and helping grow the event,” said chamber president David Kennedy. “We are very proud that Patchogue has a really great group of local musicians who play around town and are obviously a big part of what makes Alive After Five so special.”

In addition to VBTLive, Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce and Alive After Five, other main sponsors of the event include Shuttersound Pictures, The Muse Exchange and the Law Office of Maria Scheuring.

Sgambati said that there will also be two pre-show events on Dec. 9 as well as Dec. 16. Performing artists remain to be determined. The promotional video will be premiering for the event tomorrow at 2 p.m. on vbtlive.org and again during the open mic.