THE REAL WEIGHT OF COVID 19

Ok.

I know we are technically all in the same boat. So many folks I have been speaking to all feel like the rug was pulled out from under them and so many of us were unprepared. But why is it that I feel like some folks are in the rescue rowboat that Kate Winslet was in, and I feel like Leonardo DiCaprio watching Kate float to safety from the frigid, icy waters? As you all are aware, the music community has been hit hard, and this includes arts producers, performers, behind the scenes production companies. If you aren’t sure why we are freaking out so hard, let me explain this to you.

The gig economy was coming out of hibernation, and as soon as we peeked our noses out from our dens, we were surprised to find a man with a shovel filling our holes in. It feels like an avalanche. Many of you will likely have jobs to go back to once this all comes to a pass, but even with government support, it’s unclear whether or not our business, the one my husband has built from 2 speakers and a microphone, will make it out alive. We are suffocating under the weight of unknowns. Will our landlord of 10 years waive our rent? Will our customers ask for their deposits back for their cancelled events? Will they come back to us after things resume? Will they resume? Will the leasing companies defer the lease payments for our gear?

And the worst part? I am worried that my husband, my partner, my rock, will feel like he failed. The life of an entrepreneur is 24/7, one paycheque away from broke. He has invested everything of himself into the business, and the community knows how committed he is. He is very good at what he does, and I have the utmost faith in his ability. He feeds 5 of us. He makes sure we get what we need AND want. He supports my non-profitable adventure of being a musician. He sacrificed his own music for us. It’s nothing for me to go get a job—I always knew I would have to, but I don’t want him to change his entire trajectory and the trajectory of his staff.

We are trying not to make any rash decisions yet. We’re trying to not pull the plug and move it all into our garage. So, here’s what I am asking of you today. Please don’t’ ask small businesses for refunds. Please allow us the time to figure out the next steps for our business while we wait for government assistance. Please hire us for livestreaming, we have tvs for rent, we can figure something out. Want a family dance party? We can help with that. Help us keep the lights on.

www.calgaryshowservices.com