The National Independent Venue Association Presents SXSW Music Festival Panel: “Small Stages, Big Impact: Saving Indie Stages For Artists” on March 13, 2025
NIVA Also Shines a Light on Rising Talent with Two SXSW Official Showcases March 12: NIVA SoCo Stomp at C-Boy’s Heart and Soul and the Official Live List Showcase at Antone’s Nightclub
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Feb. 27, 2025—The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) will host the industry-focused SXSW panel Small Stages, Big Impact: Saving Indie Stages for Artists and two official SXSW parties to amplify the essential role of indie venues and the live independent entertainment industry.
Taking place March 13 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Austin Convention Center, NIVA’s SXSW panel will explore the challenges independent stages face and their essential role in nurturing new artists and fostering vibrant communities. Moderated by NIVA Executive Director Stephen Parker, the panel will feature industry experts Andre Perry, NIVA Board President and Executive Director of Hancher Auditorium & Office of Performing Arts and Engagement at the University of Iowa, Farbice Sergent, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Bandsintown, and Kiely Mosiman, music agent at Wasserman.
The discussion will also spotlight how Live Independent, a national program designed to support and sustain independent venues, elevate cultural havens and ensure a thriving future for live music. Panelists will explore how these spaces drive artistic innovation and community engagement while addressing the collaborative efforts needed to preserve them. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the evolving live music landscape and actionable strategies to safeguard these essential spaces.
NIVA will host a full day of music with two SXSW official music showcases on March 12. The day will start with a robust lineup of live music across two stages at C-Boy’s Heart & Soul third annual SoCo Stomp with the NIVA Day Party from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Live music continues into the night with NIVA’s Live List Official Showcase at Antone’s from 7:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m.; a special event celebrating The Live List, NIVA’s annual selection of emerging artists identified by independent venue professionals as must-see talent. The Live List spotlights rising stars who are building their careers at independent venues nationwide.
NIVA’s Live List official showcase at SXSW will feature a lineup of must-see emerging talent:
7:15 pm - Humbird
8:00 pm - Elizabeth Moen
9:00 pm - Social Cinema
10:00 pm - Tommy Newport
11:00 pm - Joe P
12:00 am - SNACKTIME
1:00 am - Wishy
Curated in partnership with Paste Magazine and the Blacklist, the Live List is a definitive source for fans to discover up-and-coming acts.
ABOUT NIVA
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is the national trade association representing thousands of independent live entertainment venues, festivals, promoters, and more. NIVA works to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of live entertainment. NIVA empowers members and their teams with member benefits, advocacy on the state, local, and federal levels, an annual industry-leading conference, and more.
NIVA led the Save Our Stages campaign, culminating in landmark legislation in 2020 that established the $16.25 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, the largest arts investment in U.S. history.
NIVA is committed to equity in its support of independent stages. It seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.
CONTACT
Lucky Break PR
Kris Ferraro, Kris@luckybreakpr.com
Mike Stommel, Mike@luckybreakpr.com
