PRESS RELEASE FROM NIVA
(September 18, 2024) – Today, the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) announces its newest member, Riot Fest, the iconic annual punk rock and alternative music festival on the eve of their festival this weekend. This partnership solidifies Riot Fest’s ongoing commitment to doing the hard work of keeping their festival independent in the midst of increasing industry consolidation in the face of publicly-traded, multinational conglomerates.
Riot Fest, the renowned three-day festival that takes place annually in Chicago, embodies what it means to be an independent music festival. With a strong focus on partnership with local government to create a world-class festival in a city center, community engagement, and artist support, the festival plays a crucial role in amplifying NIVA’s mission to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent venues, promoters, and festivals throughout the United States.
“Riot Fest is legendary. Their addition to NIVA’s member-driven community represents the organization’s core values and spotlights what an independent rock festival can be,” said Stephen Parker, Executive Director of NIVA. “NIVA is the collective voice of not just venues – but of festivals and promoters too. Riot Fest’s successful commitment to independence is a reminder of how much we need independent festivals across the nation to start, survive, and flourish.”
Riot Fest also will become certified Live Independent, proudly bearing the seal rolled out by NIVA last week to drive more fans to independent stages across the country, including independent festivals.
“NIVA aligns perfectly with the ethos of what we strive for with Riot Fest. Whether it’s the artists we present, our commitment to the Beyond The Fest initiative, or the unique experiences that only exist in Riot Land. We feel a steadfast kinship with the fiercely independent values that the members of NIVA share,” commented Riot Fest Talent Buyer Marc Solheim.
With over 90 performers, immersive experiences like RiotLand, a newly introduced interactive venue, and a stellar lineup including Fall Out Boy, Beck, Slayer, Pavement, St. Vincent, Rob Zombie, Bright Eyes, Sublime, The Offspring, Dr. Dog and more, Riot Fest 2024 will bring fans an unforgettable experience while supporting the essential work of NIVA.
For more information about the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and its mission please visit, https://www.nivassoc.org/.
ABOUT NIVA
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is the national trade association representing thousands of independent live entertainment venues, festivals, promoters, and more. NIVA works to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of live entertainment. NIVA empowers members and their teams with member benefits, advocacy on the state, local, and federal levels, an annual industry-leading conference, and more.
NIVA led the Save Our Stages campaign, culminating in landmark legislation in 2020 that established the $16.25 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, the largest arts investment in U.S. history.
NIVA is committed to equity in its support of independent stages. It seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.
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