'Band Together Washington' Virtual Concert Celebrates Live Music

WASHINGTON — Some of Washington's most iconic bands and performers are coming together for a massive virtual concert benefitting local independent music venues.

The event is called Band Together Washington and features headliner bands like Pearl Jam, Macklemore, Foo Fighters. It'll be hosted by Seattle icons Sir Mix-A-Lot and Rachel Flotard, and will also feature appearances from Washington natives Joel McHale and Rainn Wilson, among many other performers.

Band Together Washington will be streamed live starting 7:30 p.m. Thursday on Keep Music Live's website, Facebook and YouTube pages.

Though the show is free, organizers will be soliciting donations for Keep Music Live. Keep Music Live is a COVID-19 relief fundraising campaign designed to support small, independent music venues across Washington state — many of which are struggling to stay afloat due to pandemic safety restrictions.

According to Keep Music Live, in 51 King County music venues alone the first round of pandemic closures cancelled more than 2,100 events, canceling paid gigs for 17,000 musicians and laying off 650 staff members.

Donations to Keep Music Live have already funded one round of grants to support local venues. The organization says they hope to raise enough for a second round of grants later this spring.

RSPV for Band Together Washington, or learn more about their mission and how to donate by visiting Keep Music Live's website.