National Independent Talent Organization (NITO), the nonprofit organization comprised of over 1,000 independent talent agencies, management firms, associate artists and live touring entities fighting for crucial pandemic relief in Congress, is launching their first fundraising initiative - a Guitar and Stringed Instruments Auction. The auction, which launches today, December 3, and concludes Sunday, December 13, is open to the public and will help raise crucial funds for NITO’s continued efforts to ensure that the live touring industry has a united voice both in Washington D.C. and in a rapidly changing economy.
NITO has partnered with the premier auction site Charitybuzz to curate an impressive selection of guitars and stringed instruments from artists including George Benson, Leon Bridges, David Bromberg, Mike Doughty, Fall Out Boy, Steve Forbert, Tom Higgenson / Plain White T’s, Jack Johnson, Will Kimbrough, Mark Knopfler, Sonny Landreth, Tommy Lee, Nick Lowe, Steve Martin, J Mascis, John Mellencamp, Pat Metheny, Jim Miller, Thurston Moore, Graham Nash, Tim O’Brien, OK Go, John Petrucci, Bonnie Raitt, Nathaniel Rateliff, Bill Reynolds, Joe Satriani, Chris Smither, Los Straitjackets, Lars Ulrich, Steve Vai, Kurt Vile, The War On Drugs, and Weezer. Instruments from all donors listed will be available during the 10 day auction period.
“… These good people are an essential part of our local and international community. Without them the live music scene will collapse. The current pandemic is mercilessly putting our collective health and livelihoods in great jeopardy. NITO can make our voices heard in Congress and Washington. Please join me in lending your support.
- Joe Satriani
“Music is the lifeblood for many: music fans in front of the stage, those who work backstage, and the performers on the stage. NITO is fighting the fight for musicians and all those who make live music happen so everyone the world over may continue to enjoy the thrill and joy of hearing music in person.”
- Chris Smither
The entire live music industry urgently needs help. If Congress does not act now to pass COVID-19 relief, then that industry as we know it may not survive. The work Congress has done to respond to COVID-19 to date is appreciated, but unpassed legislation provides no relief. Please help NITO as we work to #SaveLiveMusic and the entire live music ecosystem by supporting the Save Our Stages Act, the RESTART Act, the extension of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and by encouraging Congressional leadership to include and pass a COVID-19 relief package before it’s too late.
It takes 30 seconds to help take action at nitolive.org
While small businesses hoped that a necessary bill would be finalized months ago, the status of a relief package remains unknown amidst yet another recess, and many are facing the crushing reality that their businesses may not survive long enough to return to contributing to their local economies, communities and cultures.
For more information and a full list of auction items, please visit charitybuzz.com/NITO
