So, most of the shows scheduled for this week are cancelled, and for good reason.  For our local artist community, many of who depend on gigging for income are feeling the pinch. Let's do what we can to best support them.

If you are a MUSICIAN, check out:

• COVID-19 and Freelance Artists: Offers an aggregated list of FREE resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to artists of all disciplines.
• Think Local First DC: Supports the community through advocacy and education wants to know how COVID-19 has impacted your work in this 3-minute survey.
• Artist Relief Tree: This fundraiser is collecting donations from those  with the means to help artists who are impacted by the pandemic,  particularly freelance artists. They aim to be the bridge which ensures that as many artists as possible receive at least a little bit of help.  They are offering a one-off, first-come-first-served $250 “solidarity donation” for artists who apply and meet very basic criteria while funds are available.
• Sweet Relief - Covid-19 Fund: A donor-directed fund created to provide immediate assistance to musicians and music industry workers affected by the Coronavirus. 
• Backline: Connecting music industry professionals and their families with a trusted network of mental health and wellness resources.
• SheShreds: Compiled a list of resources for musicians and live music professionals, as well as ways fans can support artists right now.
• DC Music Review: Keep an eye on our page for updates as we work on opportunities for supporting the DMV music community.

For MUSIC LOVERS:

• BUY the music of your favorite local DMV bands!  Listen to it! If you are moved by a song, like what you hear, if something resonates, leave that artist a message on their social media pages to let them know.
• Shopping online? Look up your favorite local artists and see if they have merch for sale. 
• Be sure to "Like" your artists social media pages and look out to see if they are doing any Livestream shows. If so, offer a contribution to help support them during this trying time.
• Check out from of our exclusive DCMR webcasts from shows past here!

For EVERYONE:

Remember, as much as we love seeing live music and the music community, THIS IS NOT A SNOW DAY.  Social distancing (6 feet between you and someone else) is important in helping to FLATTEN THE CURVE, which is important in allowing our health care system to take care of everyone who needs medical care.
From the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. (Tips on how to make your own disinfectant from bleach, alcohol solutions, and other items located here.)
  
  
  IF YOU THINK YOU ARE SICK, call a doctor. If you are NOT in a high-risk category (elderly, those with specific underlying medical conditions), you may be asked to stay home, isolate, and take measures to prevent the virus from spreading. PLEASE VISIT THIS SITE if you think you are sick with COVID-19 (primary symptoms are fever, cough, shortness of breath.)

And with everything going on, let's be as kind and considerate as we can be to each other. If we can't get physically close, we can still be emotionally connected through music. 

In the profound words of Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia, "Let there be songs, to fill the air."