Photography by Danny Fulgencio
The Kessler Theater went to work this summer advocating for the Save Our Stages bill before Congress, which could pump
as much as $10 billion into the American live-music industry.
The pandemic economy is threatening some of the nation’s most longstanding live-music venues. The Troubadour in Los
Angeles resorted to crowd funding to keep the lights on. Threadgill’s in Austin closed after providing performance space for local musicians for some 60 years.
The Kessler and its sister theater, The Heights in Houston, are in better shape than some because they own their buildings and are well established.
The theater launched its Kessler Green series of outdoor concerts in late September, and a very limited number of tickets are sold. Indoor shows with limited seating were planned to begin in October.
An eight-point list of safety precautions, plus expectations for guests, was posted on its website.
The theater also asks patrons for a little grace, stating on its website that the health and safety of everyone involved is the top priority.
“Given the nature of our industry and the number of parties involved, there may still be changes to our shows,” the website states.
By the way, the Polyphonic Spree did release an album of cover songs, “We Hope It Finds You Well,” in September, although it was recorded in the studio and not live at the Kessler as planned.
“It’s a great record,” Kessler creative director Jeffrey Liles says.
