[22 Aug 2020]

The Jacaranda has been selected as one of the key venues to receive support from the government’s culture recovery fund as the UK’s live music scene begins the fightback to secure its place in the post-Covid future.

Announced last month by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, the fund was launched to secure some of the UK’s most iconic venues in the wake of a global lockdown that left the futures of many of the UK’s 900 independent performance spaces in severe doubt.

Now The Jacaranda, which has offered a stage to generations of young and emerging artists for more than 60 years, has become one of the first culturally important and historic institutions to be allocated government funding as part of a national effort to keep grass roots music alive as the industry struggles to come to terms with the new post-Covid environment.

Jacaranda Records Capomaestro Ray Mia said: “It’s about survival. Throughout the lockdown, we have stood by the venue and all its history, standing shoulder to shoulder with independent music venues and musicians across the country. From the special edition of the classic Blue Skies we recorded with Out of The Blue in support of the Music Venues Trust to throwing our entire roster behind lockdown initiatives like the Liverpool Digital Music Festival, we have not wavered in our belief that somehow, grass roots music would survive.

“Today, we’re super pleased to be getting back on our feet with a little help from our friends. It’s vital we start getting used to the new normal, and it’s so important to open our doors to live music once again because this is where the magic starts. We’re happy to receive whatever help venues can access to kick start the way ahead and, believe me, are going to put it to excellent use. Stay strong, and let the rebuilding commence…”

Photo by Kevin Scullion