How did Winter Storm Fern affect Nashville's musical instruments?

Winter Storm Fern's freezing temperatures and humidity fluctuations caused damage to delicate wooden instruments, leading to cracks and finish peeling.

What financial challenges did Nashville music venues face after the storm?

Venues lost critical income due to prolonged power outages and closures, with some, like DRKMTTR Collective, facing existential threats and seeking donations.

How did the ice storm impact Nashville musicians' income?

Many professional musicians are freelancers who lost income due to canceled gigs and rescheduled performances caused by the storm.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Nashville Musicians Face Lingering Hardship After Winter Storm

Nashville Musicians Face Lingering Hardship After Winter Storm

10 Feb

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Summary

Instruments worth thousands damaged by extreme cold and humidity.
Venues face dire financial straits after prolonged power outages.
Musicians are freelancing and losing income due to canceled gigs.

Nashville Musicians Face Lingering Hardship After Winter Storm

Winter Storm Fern's impact on Nashville is extending beyond initial power outages, significantly affecting its music community. Musicians have faced extensive damage to instruments, with delicate wooden pieces like guitars and pianos susceptible to cracking and finish damage from freezing temperatures and humidity fluctuations.

Joe Denim, a singer-songwriter, personally protected his instruments by staying home for eight days to maintain generators. Similarly, Glen Pangle and Kira Small worked to keep their East Nashville piano bar, Sid Gold's Request Room, warm to protect their livelihood.

Beyond instrument damage, venues are experiencing severe financial distress. DRKMTTR Collective, a non-profit music venue, lost power for days, leading to critical closures and a plea for donations, which garnered over $14,000. The 5 Spot also faced dire financial circumstances, prompting the creation of a 'Support Pass' for future ticket purchases.