WASHINGTON DC – The U.S. Senate heard testimony from the live event entertainment industry on Dec. 15, prior to the Dec. 20 agreement by Congress on a $900 billion rescue package to assist small businesses, the unemployed and others. Pictured here discussing the impact of the Covid shutdowns on artists, venues and supporting industries such as lighting, sound and transportation is Bandit Lites founder and chair Michael T. Strickland.
More details on the Dec. 15 hearing:
At 10 a.m. Dec. 15, 2020, Jerry Moran (R, Kansas), the chairman of the congressional Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection convened a hearing entitled, “Examining the Impact of Covid-19 on the Live Event Entertainment Industry.”
The hearing examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the live event entertainment industry and the challenges faced by artists and venues, as well as supporting industries such as lighting, sound and transportation. The hearing also explored proposals for legislative relief, unemployment compensation and healthcare subsidies.
Witnesses representing the live event industry included David Fay, president/CEO of The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts; Adam Hartke, owner of Cotillion and WAVE; Ron Laffitte, president of Patriot Management; Pete Pantuso, president/CEO American Bus Association; and Michael T. Strickland, founder and chair of Bandit Lites.
The hearing took place in the Russell Senate Office Building. Witness testimonies, opening statements and a video of the entire hearing are available at:
commerce.senate.gov/2020/12/examining-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-live-event-entertainment-industry
