Tommy Emmanuel to Host Live Streams in Support of Indie Venues
By Taylor Mims
Grammy-nominated guitarist Tommy Emmanuel has announced two live stream concerts in support of independent concert venues. On Aug. 15 and 29, Emmanuel will perform from live from Tunesmith Studio outside of Nashville with all proceeds benefitting The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia and The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, California respectively.
“Without some support, we are in danger of losing some of the independent venues that are a part of our culture and our local communities,” said Emmanuel in a release. “Most people don’t realize how many people the touring industry supports. It’s so much more than an artist onstage.”
The first event will begin at 8pm ET and feature support from Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley. The second show will start at 9pm ET and see an opening set from Andy McKee.
“When we do get back to touring, I want to make sure some of these places are still around for me to play, so I’ve tried to figure out a way to help these independent venues, especially the ones that have supported me throughout the years,” added Emmanuel. “We also wanted to create some sort of normality to the industry right now. That’s why we are going to have opening acts on these live streams and that I’m going to pay my team just like any other show.”
“The Birchmere is honored to be the first venue to have Tommy Emmanuel do a streaming concert for us,” said The Birchmere’s booking agent Michael Jaworek in a release. “Tommy has been one of our favorite and most valued artists to perform at the club in its 54-year existence. Tommy’s musical prowess as performer and composer is only exceeded by his kind and generous spirit.”
Tickets for both performances start at $15 and are on sale now.