Businesses across Chicago were forced to close their doors at the beginning of COVID-19 in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. While Mayor Lori Lightfoot has an optimistic outlook on some businesses reopening in June, music venues won\u2019t make the cut. Governor J.B. Pritzker\u2019s plan for reopening Illinois puts concerts in \u201cPhase 5,\u201d which won\u2019t happen until there\u2019s a vaccine, widespread treatment for the virus, or the number of new cases drops to zero.<\/p>\n
Performances are being canceled at independent venues like Schubas<\/a> and Thalia Hall<\/a>. These closures are affecting artists, consumers, and staff, especially those dependent on tipped wages. Some venues, like Empty Bottle<\/a>, have begun to stream live shows online. Until Chicago can host live music again, stream these sets by artists that were scheduled to perform in the city this summer.<\/p>\n