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Nashville musicians, recovering from tornadoes, face COVID-19 cancellations

Now that Nashville’s music industry has weathered a literal storm, they’re facing tough times again with a stream of cancellations.

Popular live music venue The Basement East, in East Nashville, was severely damaged by a tornado on March 3, 2020.
Popular live music venue The Basement East, in East Nashville, was severely damaged by a tornado on March 3, 2020.
Rachel Iacavone

Nashville, Tennessee like much of the country, is under orders to stay at home. But the city is also dealing with the aftermath of a deadly tornado that struck in early March. Nashville’s musicians were just getting ready ready to start playing again after those tornadoes when COVID-19 precautions led to a stream of cancellations. With venues closed and honky-tonks quiet, the music industry is facing massive setbacks. The music industry in the Nashville area is worth roughly $10 billion a year. It includes roadies, lighting designers, stagehands, photographers — and as shows gets cancelled, they don’t get paid.

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