The flood of 2013 rocked the Lyons community, leaving creatives without steady income for a period of time. Now, COVID-19 closures and the stay-at-home order pose another threat to the livelihood of musicians and artists. With barrooms temporarily shuttered and galleries locked, one resident’s fundraising initiative is providing a brighter future for many who rely on steady gigs and art sales for income.
“When this pandemic hit and social distancing became our new reality, I realized our artist community would be hit again,” said Lyons-based realtor Laura Levy of Coldwell Banker, who has teemed up with Lyons Emergency Assistance Fund (LEAF) to create the COVID-19 Relief Fund for Lyons Artists & Musicians. “Not only would there be job loss, but working gig to gig and/or part time does not always fit the parameters of the relief programs that are available.”
Local musicians that depended on playing weddings at the Lyons Farmette and River Bend or smaller nightly shows at area eateries, have lost substantial revenue.
“I felt like this group could use a lot of assistance and I felt like they deserved a lot of love from our community,” Levy said. “After all, we tend to lean into our art and music during hard times to find comfort.”
Lyons-based musicians, such as Dechen Hawk, have already offered virtual performances via livestreams to keep spirits up, entertain and generate some monetary support.
“What I love most about the art community within Lyons is its resilience and spirit,” Levy said. “The beauty of this part of Colorado is already a strong attractant that makes you want to live here. But, Lyons tends to also attract really wonderful people over time. And those people really know how to work together when things are hard. They write songs, help their neighbors, create beautiful art installations around town, give back to their community. You can feel the love in this town even when we’re all physically distanced.”
Sunday, at 7 p.m., owner of butter bistro Bella La Crema, Shauna Lee Strecker — former Nashville recording artist — will be joined by upright bassist Eric Thorin for an intimate livestream. The performance can be viewed via 78 Music Club’s Facebook page, Levy’s business page and the fundraising page. Donations from the virtual tip jar will benefit the fund.
“We are working on other fundraising ideas,” Levy said. “I feel a sense of urgency to raise money quickly. The quicker we can get grants in the hands of people who can use them, the quicker that money can help their personal recovery during this time.”
Levy matched the first $3,000 raised. As of Thursday, nearly $7,500 had been raised.
“Our artists add so much to our culture and our communities,” Levy said. “What our artists create tend to be the things we remember and treasure over time. So, I hope we can support them the best way we can right now so that they can get back to doing what they do best.”
The grants aren’t limited to touring musicians, but will be applicable to a diverse range of visual artists as well.
“We have such a creative population of artists, painters, sculptors, stage designers, costume designers, quilters, photographers,” Levy said. “The list goes on.”
Levy has opened up a gift shop within her real estate office, Uniquely Lyons, dedicated to the mountain town’s art scene and distinct charm. While the brick-and-mortar location is temporarily closed, folks can purchase T-shirts online starting May 1. A portion of sales from the shirts — that pay homage to the musical roots of Lyons with guitars and a logo of “Nashville of the Rockies”— will go to the “Gig Grant” fund.
“I hope anyone reading this article who has ever enjoyed coming to Lyons for any reason feels compelled to donate a few dollars to help these artists,” Levy said. “We are a very small town and fundraising is challenging when you keep dipping from the same small pool.”
“I have lost all of my income,” said Danny Shafer, of Longmont, who resided in Lyons for years and still does the artist booking for Oskar Blues Grill & Brew on Main Street, along with five other venues throughout the Front Range. “I have worked in music for 30 years. My income changes monthly, as it does for many independent artists. I am a pro at getting by on just a little and working very hard for it. It’s work I am very lucky to have had. I do my best to keep the panic at bay. I hope everyone in the music business can use all the many skills they have acquired to get through this. We are creative. Let’s be creative. Let’s look out for each other.”
The COVID-19 Relief Fund for Lyons Artists & Musicians is hoping to initially raise a minimum of $25,000.
“We are in the beginning fundraising stage of this effort,” Levy said. “Shortly, we will finalize guidelines and grant amounts. Working artists who have been economically injured by the COVID-19 pandemic will fill out a short grant application. It will be a simple process that will be fully administered by LEAF.”
“I hope people aren’t shy to ask for help,” Shafer said. “I have applied for assistance through other music organizations and have received some support. I am grateful. A little goes a long way right now.”
